Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 89142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 89142 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 446(@200wpm)___ 357(@250wpm)___ 297(@300wpm)
While Godfrey, Erik, and Candy enjoy frequenting the lifestyle clubs in the area, Jane prefers to play at home. “I’m not really comfortable going to a club,” she says. “This part of me is private.”
Susan, another submissive, has a different perspective. “I like the club atmosphere. I go clubbing a lot at regular clubs, and I really love leather clubs. They’re a feast for the eyes.”
“Those who go to the lifestyle clubs usually have voyeuristic or exhibitionist tendencies, even if they’re very subtle,” Dr. Coats says. “It’s a chance to see and be seen. Be around others who share your fetishes. To see and hear things you won’t see and hear in your own home. It’s all very normal, as long as there is mutual consent all around.
“Participating in BDSM—whether you’re Dominant, submissive, or a little of each—puts you in a vulnerable position,” Coats continues. “Consent is essential, and you must choose your location wisely. Wherever you choose to play, you must feel safe. For some, that’s at home. For others, it’s at a club.”
But ask about the name or location of the club, and everyone becomes close-lipped. They take their confidentiality agreements seriously. But one informant told me, “Don’t be surprised if you see someone you know. Someone in the public eye. More people than you would think enjoy this naughtier side of sex.”
“Whether you choose to find a club or not, it’s important to remember that sex is good and it’s healthy for you,” Dr. Coats says. “However and with whomever you choose to engage, be free to acquiesce to your desires as long as there is mutual consent. And always remember to be safe.”
—Francesca Thomas for Lovely Magazine
Chapter Forty-Eight
Hunter
“So what do you think?” Frankie asks me that evening. “I know it’s short, but my boss wants to have a lot of insets and photos. Thank goodness I’m not the photographer on this assignment. I’ve told them all that no cameras are allowed in any of the clubs, so I imagine it’s going to be stock-photo city.”
“You didn’t use the book I gave you. You used a different one.”
“Of course I did. You asked me not to use anything I learned from you.”
She’s right. I’m angry, and I’m being short with her because of what happened at work today. I haven’t yet told Frankie of the most recent development. Not only do they have a bootleg copy of my novel, but now someone has decided to accuse me of frequenting a club where illegal activities occur.
This is Frankie’s time to shine, and she doesn’t need me being a downer.
“It’s brilliant,” I say. “Absolutely brilliant.”
A smile splits her face, and it is so beautiful. I need to remember beauty in this moment.
“Really? You think so?”
“Frankie, I never say anything except what I think. You should know that by now.”
“Thank you.” She kisses my lips lightly. “It means so much to me that you like it. I know you were against this article from the get-go, and I appreciate you not forcing me to choose between it and you.”
“I appreciate you not forcing me to choose between the club and you. I know that was difficult for you.”
“Not really. Not when I sucked it up and saw my discomfort for what it was. Me being a cranky whiner.” She laughs. “Mandy will tell you I was the spoiled brat of our family, and she’s not wrong in a lot of ways. I was the baby, and I was also the one who was popular at school while she was such a wallflower. When you live a life like that—a life of privilege—you start to feel entitled. I thought I had gotten over that a long time ago. I mean, I worked my way up to this job that I love, and I did it without any handouts or nepotism along the way. But I suppose old habits creep back in every once in a while.”
“You’re hardly a whiner, Frankie.”
“Not anymore. I’m determined. I don’t like ultimatums, which is why I wasn’t going to give you one.”
“No, you were going to break up with me instead.”
“Yes. Until I realized that just wasn’t possible. We’re in love, Hunter, and that means accepting each other for who we are. It also means putting someone else and their needs first.”
“That’s true. And we’ll notice that even more when we have kids—”
I stop abruptly.
“Kids?”
“In the future, Frankie. I’m not saying now.”
Indeed, I may not even have a job when all of this is over. As much as I hate touching the trust fund, I’ll do it if I must.
“You know what I’d like to do to celebrate my article?”
“What’s that, baby?”
That beautiful smile splits her face once more. “I think that’s the first time you’ve ever called me ‘baby.’”
It is, because it’s what I used to call Allison. I won’t say that to Frankie, but I never used it again with another woman, and I dislike endearments like “sweetheart” and “honey.” But now I know Allison was never the love of my life. We would’ve been happy together had she lived. I’ve no doubt about that. But she wasn’t my true soulmate.