Because despite the appearances she puts forward to the world for her own reasons, Casey and I have been exclusive as far as sex goes.
Until now.
Until George.
She’ll frequently go out with other men, or make it look like she’s dating them, but that’s for political reasons or to help the guy out as his beard, or to make an introduction for someone in an innocuous way with a standing quid pro quo in place in case Casey ever needs an introduction—or, of course, as a return for a quid pro quo she struck with someone else.
But she’s never had sex with anyone else during the eleven years we’ve been together, and until George, neither had I. There’s no reason for us to lie to each other about it, because we have standing permission to sleep with others, if we want to, as long as we let the other person know about it in advance. And we have veto rights with each other.
Neither of us have exercised that option.
Until recently, George felt certain she slept around. Easy mistake to make, since he’s known her since college. It also proved to me that Ellen kept our secret for us. If she wouldn’t even tell her husband—herMaster—then no way she told anyone else.
I patiently wait for Casey to finish her workout, because in this situation it wouldn’t do me any good to be impatient, anyway. Casey will take as long as she takes, and it’s on her schedule,notmine.
This was also part of the deal I agreed to with her—that she’s totally in charge.
Of everything.
She helped me apply to college, and for scholarships, and helped me earn my degrees. She’s helped me with my career, first at the law firm and then in government. She’s introduced me to political operatives who’ve mentored me and taught me more than I could ever learn in any classroom. I am what and who I am now mostly due to her intercession and guidance.
She’s eventually going to help me achieve my revenge, too, but again that’s in her timeframe, not mine. It has to be a plan that won’t snag either of us—or now George—in its shadow.
It’s a long game I’m willing to play because I know Casey is a woman of her word, and a cunning tactician and long-term strategist.
Finally, I hear her pace slow as she enters her cool-down phase. Once she finishes, the machine stops and she steps off of it, walking over to me.
Her feet come into view and she stops immediately front of me. “Greeting, boy.”
I rest my head on the tops of her sneakers and cup the backs of her heels in my hands. “Good morning, Ma’am.”
“You’re late.”
“George was a little clingy, Ma’am. He woke up when I was trying to get out of bed. He didn’t want me to leave. I promised I’d be back this evening in time to take a shower and get ready with him.”
She softly snorts, but it sounds amused, not mean, and her hand scratches the top of my head much in the same way I rubbed George’s earlier. “He take care of you last night?”
I smile against her sneakers. “Yes, Ma’am.”
“Sit up.”
I do, knowing I’m still smiling as I do.
She studies me as she looks down into my face. “He beat you?”
“Boy, did he.”
She motions with her head. “Let me see.”
I stand and quickly strip.
She has a hell of a poker face, but I’m an expert in reading her. “Holy fuck,” she mutters, her eyes scanning my body. With a finger she motions for me to turn.
My smile widens when I hear her sharp intake of breath as she gets a look at my back and ass. I took a peek in the mirror in the bathroom over at George’s. I look like I had the crap beaten out of me.
My cock also gives an interested twitch. I doubt that she’s going to give me any relief this morning, although she might have me take care of her.
“Goddamn,” she finally says. “Did you safeword?”
