Total pages in book: 75
Estimated words: 77016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 385(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77016 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 385(@200wpm)___ 308(@250wpm)___ 257(@300wpm)
“Yes, she seems to.”
Doc drums his fingers lightly against the armrest of his chair. “Maybe Skye needs something from you that isn’t part of the Dominant and submissive dynamic.”
“I need to help her face her demons.”
“Without using your lifestyle as a crutch or an escape,” Doc adds. “And what else?”
Realization hits me like a punch in the gut. “I need to let her help me face mine, too.”
Doc offers a slight smile. “Exactly, Braden. Being vulnerable with one another might be the one thing you both need.”
I lean back into the recliner, my mind churning over the idea. It’s not something I’ve ever allowed. I’ve always maintained control, not just in the bedroom, but in every aspect of my life. To release that control, to this woman…
It’s not something I’ve ever contemplated.
But the other night…
The sex…
The touching…
The lovemaking…
It was satisfying in a way I’ve never imagined.
Because it was Skye. Skye, who I love. Her strength and independence, her feisty spirit and sharp intellect, her bold heart. And yes, her stubbornness. She matches my dominance with a determination that’s uniquely hers.
“Thanks, Doc.”
“Always glad to help.” Doc stands.
“See you next time,” I say.
And as I leave, my heart feels lighter than it has in a long, long time.
Chapter Twenty-One
Before and after one week of Susie skincare. My skin is more even-toned and it feels great! #sponsored. #susiegirl #anyonecanbeasusiegirl #susieglow
Skye looks fresh as sunshine in her latest post for Susie Girl. Apparently no longer being in a relationship with me hasn’t hurt her following, and I’m ecstatic about that.
Frankly, I feel Skye’s talents are more suited to her ultimate goal of taking photos for National Geographic, but influencing is an excellent start. It gets her name out in the world, and it also shows her gifts as a photographer.
After a harrowing week of business, I finally return to Boston on Saturday—the day Skye was originally supposed to return from Kansas.
We’ve spoken on the phone every day, just checking in. Yesterday, though, she told me she needs to talk to me about something important, so she invited me over to her place for dinner tonight.
Is she going to answer my question about why she wants me to bind her neck?
I don’t know.
She’s mentioned that she’s continued therapy with a friend of hers from high school who opened a practice in Liberty. They’ve been meeting over Zoom since she’s been home.
If she is honest with me tonight, I need to choose whether I’ll be honest with her.
I will be.
Eventually.
But perhaps not tonight. Though who knows? Perhaps I’ll be inspired by what she shares with me.
I’m on my way to her place when I notice a post on her Instagram that I missed earlier.
Picked up this beautiful bottle of Beaujolais-Villages for a special dinner tonight. There’s something about its bright, fruity notes of cherry and raspberry that feels perfect for a cozy evening in with someone special. The best part? It’s light, smooth, and pairs effortlessly with just about anything—whether it’s a homemade meal or takeout from our favorite spot. Here’s to good wine, great company, and the moments that make life a little sweeter.
#BeaujolaisVillages #WineAndDine #SipAndSavor #GoodWineGoodTimes #SpecialMoments #WineLove
It’s not a sponsored post. She’s been doing just as many regular posts lately, which is something Addie never did. If Addie wasn’t being paid, she was reluctant to post. Skye seems to be looking at this whole thing differently, and better, in my opinion. To be a success, she needs to be a friend to her audience, not just an advertiser. Show them she’s human. The same as they are. She’s becoming excellent at this game.
My PR person takes care of my social media accounts, but she insists that I have them, even though I couldn’t care less. I rarely post myself. And I only scroll through Instagram when I have extra time, which is always at a premium for me.
Until, that is, I met Skye. Now I read all her posts religiously.
This time I even comment with a heart emoji.
I’m supposed to meet her at seven, but I’m early.
I’m never early. I’m unusually precise most of the time. It’s in my nature. Sometimes I keep people waiting if it’s to my advantage. The only time I ever arrive anywhere early is if I have a chance to see the conference room before a big negotiation. I like to walk the room, get to know it, make it mine.
Own the room.
But meeting a woman?
I’m never early.
Until now.
I knock on the door.
Skye opens the door slowly.
“Skye,” I say. She’s wearing an apron, and her hair is pulled back in a messy ponytail. An adorable smudge of flour decorates her nose.
“You’re early,” she says.
“I know.”
“Well, come on in. I was just going to hop in the shower.”
A shower?
Skye naked? Water dripping over her luscious curves? Early just got a whole lot better.