He leans in, eyes gentle.
“I won’t lie to you. It might hurt at first, just for a few seconds, while your body adjusts to letting him in. But after that?” He smiles, eyes glinting with something tender. “After that, if it’s done right… There’s so much pleasure waiting for you.”
Something flutters in my chest, shaky and real.
“And you’re allowed to feel everything,” he says. “Shy, scared, excited, nervous, even unsure. It’s your first time, not a checklist. Just be honest. With yourself. And with him.”
I breathe out slowly, trying to hold on to the words like they’re oxygen.
“Don’t stay silent,” He continues gently. “If it hurts, say so. If something feels off, speak up. If it’s too much, let him know. And if it feels good… say that too. Let him know. That’s part of the trust.”
My chest feels too full, like there’s too much emotion and nowhere to put it. I let out a small, shaky breath and nod, the corners of my lips lifting into the tiniest smile.
Tyler cups my cheek, his thumb warm against my skin.
“When it’s the right time, Lucas—you’ll know. And if it doesn’t go perfectly the first time, that’s okay. It’s not supposed to be a damn porn scene. You’re not acting. You’re living in your body. So let yourself feel. Let yourself be.”
“Thank you,” I sign.
His smile is soft and proud, the kind that wraps around my heart and squeezes.
“Anytime,” he murmurs.
Then, with zero warning, his tone shifts.
“Now, let’s get a ridiculous pizza takeout with his fancy Amex card,” he says, already grabbing his phone. “Then we’re going shopping. You’re gonna need the good lube. And a douche bottle. Because if you think I’m letting you step into that battlefield unequipped, you clearly don’t know who I am.”
I blink, signing quickly, “I’m not using his card.”
He throws his hands to his head like a scandalized princess.
“Oh, woe is me! My best friend refuses to spoil me with his hot, intimidating sugar daddy’s card.”
I roll my eyes and slap his thigh.
“He’s not my sugar daddy.”
He pouts dramatically, and I bite my lip, torn between guilt and amusement. I hesitate… then sigh deeply.
“Wanna try that sushi place I told you about?”I sign, giving him a wicked grin
His eyes light up.
“Say less,” he squeals.
Later that day, we came home with more than just sushi—and yes, we used Alex’s Amex.
***
I sit hunched over my laptop, the soft glow of the screen reflecting in my glasses. The Blackwood University transfer portal blinks back at me—Application and Payment: Complete.My fingers hover uselessly over the trackpad, and I let out a long, anxious sigh.
I’ve already submitted applications to the Safer Schools. More affordable. Less intimidating. And they’ll probably accept me too, maybe even offer a little help. But Blackwood… this one’s different.
It’s the dream.
Also, the most expensive school on my list.
They don’t offer financial aid to transfer students, and I knew that going in. But there’s a scholarship I’m applying for soon—partial, not nearly enough to cover everything, but maybe enough to help me breathe. Maybe I could scrape the rest together. Somehow. I’m used to doing things the hard way.
