Ethan’s eyes widened. “How?”
“After you left and I realized you didn’t have your phone, I called Frank for help.” My eyes watered at their kindness. “He and Mamma immediately came to your apartment. When I told them what my mother said, Frank figures that they hired a PI to find me, which led them to you.” I bent low and rested my face on his hip. “I’m the one who’s sorry, baby. She said those things because she blames you for me leaving the church.”
“Did Frank suggest calling Gabby?” Ethan asked.
“Yes, and she knew where you’d come.” I pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Being with your family is like being in an alternate reality where love abounds everywhere. She was at work and left to come and get me within ten minutes.”
Ethan’s smile didn’t last long. “When the Dom and I talked through the scene, I told him that I wanted him to use the bullwhip and give me all he had. He refused at first, skeptical of my motivation. I told him that I liked to challenge myself.Still unsure, he asked what other Doms I’d played with. When I mentioned a couple of names, he agreed.”
I winced at the marks on his back. “What made you stop?”
“You,” he said, and met my gaze. “I wanted to punish myself for something that was in the past. But under his whip, I finally realized that if I keep harboring guilt over something I can’t change then how do I move forward with you? The simple answer was, I can’t.”
With his admission, I let my tears fall because they were a display of my joy. “I’m so proud of you, baby. I want so much to move forward with you. We have each other and a surrogate family that loves you so much.”
“We do,” he agreed. “But we have to go, Jude. Master Liam has to do the cleanup routine before he vacates the room.”
“Yeah, he told me.” I stood, leaving room for Ethan to maneuver himself so he was in an uptight position. “I’m glad to see that he treated the lacerations.”
Ethan put on his socks and work boots. I handed him his shirt that was on a nearby hook. After he eased the piece of clothing over his back, he took my hands and said, “Jude, you need to know something.”
“Confession time, baby?”
“Yes. I want to do scenes again, but for the right reason. I’ve already decided I’ll talk to Hawk and try and explain the pain dynamic. If he still won’t let me spar there then I’ll quit. We don’t have time to talk about it now, but I felt I had to say something. In case you?—”
I inhaled his next words in my mouth when I kissed him hard. Then I said, “Don’t even say what I think you were going to.” Gesturing with my chin to beyond the room we were in, I continued, “I liked what I saw out there, Ethan. Gabby got me in by saying that I had an interest in joining. And I definitely want to have a conversation about it.”
Ethan twisted the band on my wrist. “I’ll set up a time to talk to Master Beckett. I’m sure Gabby mentioned that he and his wife are the owners.”
“Mm, she did.” I held out my hands and pulled him to his feet. “Can I say again how proud I am of you.”
But it was Ethan who grabbed my nape and smashed his lips to mine in a messy, dirty kiss that had drool leaking out the corner of my mouth. “Thank you for coming after me.”
I was surprised to see Liam and Gabby still in conversation. Close conversation. Which made me curious if she was bi or pansexual. When we neared them, Liam got up and said to Ethan, “If you give me your phone, I’ll put in my digits. I’d love to have an opportunity to finish our scene.”
Patting his pockets, Ethan said, “Shit, sorry, I forgot it at home.”
“Here,” I said to Liam. “Put them in mine.”
“Master Liam,” Ethan said. “Jude is interested in learning the art of impact play. If you’re available, maybe you can get together.”
“I’d like the opportunity, Jude. I’ve mentored several Doms that are members here at Hard Limit. I’m happy to give you references.”
“Ethan was saying how much he trusts Master Beckett,” I said, remembering to add his honorific.
The Dom winked at me. “Fast learner. Once you’re a member, the titles will come easy. Like a Dom’s endearment or nickname for their submissive. And vice versa. Ethan, may I ask how you refer to Jude?”
“Well, since we’re not in a contract, calling him,Babbocame very easy. In Italian that would be the same as Father, since I feel Jude has already taken on the role of caretaker and dominant in subtle ways.”
“Respect your feelings, Ethan. I sent a text to Beckett to ask about you before I agreed to play. He had only positive things to say. You proved that in spades by calling red. I look forward to our next meeting.”
Ethan bowed his head. “Thank you, Master Liam. But I think I’d like to leave now. I’m fried.” Then he turned to me. “Are you ready,Babbo?”
“Yes, baby. I am.”
“Gabby,” Ethan said, “do you want to come over? You’re not going back to work, right?”
“No, but thanks,” Gabby replied breezily. “And yes, I’m not going back to work. I’m going to hang out here for a while.” She gave Liam a coy smile. “Maybe Master Liam will buy me a drink.”
