Page 75 of Relentless Pursuit

“Selena was her name,” she continued. “She had a rough childhood, and her Dom was a recovering addict with a sordid past. Selena told me that most people got into BDSM because they were trying to fill a void or forget bad memories. Dominating or submitting was a form of control for them. It was a safe and sane environment.”

“Maybe that was true for her, but I’ve met many people through the years who were into the lifestyle, and while there were some dark people with dark pasts, I can’t say that all of them were damaged. I’m certainly not. I had a good childhood, I come from a stable family. I’ve gotten a great education, and I love my parents. I could say the same for you. I don’t think there is anything wrong with you.”

“I’m not ashamed of what we do. I don’t think we have to scream it from the rooftops, but everything is consensual. We’re both adults. Selena was wrong. Normal people can be kinky.”

“Selena was young. Her Dom was probably inexperienced. What happened to her?”

“She left school her junior year because her Dom got a job in California. She’s not on social media, so we lost touch. Since you and I have been together, I think of her often. She didn’t have the security I’ve found in you.”

“Their circumstances were different. I’m not a Dom. We dabble in the bedroom, but it doesn’t define us. Your curiosity and my experience may have brought us together, but we’re so much more.”

“That’s what I want Jack to understand.”

“It may be hard for him. He’s known me a long time. I don’t hide much from him.”

“I get when you were younger that guys talk about sex, but as an adult, I don’t see you sharing certain aspects of your life. You’re so private.”

“It’s not like I called him up after every conquest, but he is my accountant and he does know I own Sapphire. It didn’t take him long to figure out I was a client too.”

“Oh.”

“I’ll make him understand that things are different with you.”

“I hurt him.”

“We both did. We’ll make it right. I promise.”

“There’s something else,” she said. “It’s been on my mind since that night you took me into the spare bedroom.”

“What is it?”

“You mentioned your mentor.”

“Martin.”

“Yes, I’m interested in seeing Master M’s. Will you take me? I want to understand better. I want to see what you’ve seen. I want to know if I can take things to the next level.”

“I’ll call him tomorrow.” He kissed the side of her neck. “I’m sure he could set up a session for us to observe. If you’re comfortable after you meet him, maybe we can play at the club. Martin can observe us and offer some advice.”

“He’d watch us have sex?”

“If you wanted to take it that far, but there are other ways for him to see what we’re doing. I would never make you do anything you weren’t comfortable with. If you want to take things further, he’s very skilled in the lifestyle. He is an excellent teacher and could offer us some valid advice. He could show us more intricate bondage and safe ways to use suspension methods. We don’t have to take our clothes off for that. It would be more instructional.”

“Maybe after I meet him.”

“You’ll fall in love with him.” He held her close. “Everyone does.”

“If you trust him, then I trust him.”

“Thank you.” He cupped her chin in his hand and tilted her head so he had access to her lips. “We can have it all.”

“I believe that.” She kissed him. “I believe you.”

* * *

A few hours later,Julian made his way downstairs to rummage up some food while Kayla finished in the shower. She didn’t usually stay on Sunday nights, but he was going to ask her to anyway. He wanted her with him. Not just tonight but every night after.

As he looked in the refrigerator, trying to determine what they should eat, the intercom buzzed. It was the guard in the lobby.

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