Page 8 of Pretending with the Mountain Man
Malik sets down his sandwich and leans back in his chair. "The BDSM world, Melody. Club Crimson isn't just a wellness retreat. It's the premier private kink club in the region. I'm part of the security team there."
My heart rate kicks up. "Oh."
"Does that make you uncomfortable?"
I think about the commanding way he moved through Forbidden Chains, the natural authority in his stance, the control he exudes without effort.
"No," I say softly. "It doesn't make me uncomfortable."
His eyes darken slightly. "Interesting. Are you in that realm?"
"I've never..." I start, then stop, unsure how to continue.
"Never what?" His voice drops lower.
"Been to a real club. Like Club Crimson." I look down at my barely touched sandwich. "I was curious about Forbidden Chains. Wanted to see what it was like."
"Why?" The single word holds weight, like he's asking far more than it seems.
I gather my courage and meet his gaze. "Because I've always been interested. In that world. But never knew how to explore it safely."
Malik goes very still, his eyes never leaving mine. "That's not something to jump into lightly. Especially not at a place like Forbidden Chains."
"I know." I twist my napkin in my lap. "I didn't plan to participate. Just observe."
He leans forward, arms resting on the table. "Observation is participation in its own way. You put yourself in a vulnerable position tonight."
"Is that why you're angry?"
"I'm not angry." But the tension in his jaw suggests otherwise. "I'm concerned. Those environments require trust,experience, and clear communication. Walking in alone was dangerous."
I bristle at his tone. "I'm not a child, Malik. I can make my own decisions."
"Yes, you can. And tonight, you decided to claim me as your fiancé when you felt threatened." His words hit their mark. "What does that tell you about your instincts?"
The question is both challenging and intimate at the same time.
"That I trust you," I admit finally.
His expression softens. "You shouldn’t. Trust is earned, Melody. I'd rather earn yours than have it given blindly."
"How do we do that?" The question comes out more breathless than I intended.
Malik stands, taking our plates to the sink. "Time. Honesty. Boundaries."
I follow him, leaning against the counter as he rinses the dishes. "And if I want to learn more? About the lifestyle?"
His movements pause momentarily. "Then you find someone experienced. Someone who respects your limits and puts your safety first."
"Someone like you?" The words escape before I can stop them.
Malik turns to face me, close enough that I have to tilt my head back to meet his eyes. "That would be a very bad idea."
"Why?" I challenge, heart racing.
"Need I state the obvious? You're Sage's best friend." His voice drops to a rumble that I feel in my bones. "Because you're vulnerable right now. Because I'm old enough to be your father."
"Those sound like excuses." I don't recognize this bold version of myself, but something about him pulls it out of me.
