“So, I would call you Ryder…”
“Any time outside of Venom. When we play…” I say, grazing the pad of my thumb over her bottom lip, “… you will call me Sir.”
“Why is that such a turn-on?” Her cheeks flush as her eyes find mine.
“For you? Or for me?”
“Both. If you’d put this contract in front of me four months ago, I would’ve declined immediately. A guy telling me to call him ‘Sir’ would be a deal breaker. And yet, here I am, with you, and I want to so bad it’s a physical ache in my chest. Like if Icouldn’tsubmit to you, I’d die.”
Her words are simultaneously thrilling and concerning. “Maybe we should slow this down. I told you, Aspen, you can’t make this decision for me. It has to be for you. If I’m removed from the equation, would you still want to pursue becoming a submissive?”
“No. I’m not going to lie to you. If it were anyone else, I’d say no. I would walk away. But can I speak openly?”
“Of course.” My heart sinks.
“It’s naïve of you to believe otherwise. What we have matters to mebecauseit’s you. I want to try this lifestyle because I want to give us a chance.”
“And if I said I could walk away from this for you? If I could be vanilla.”
“You can’t.”
“I know.” I slump back against my chair. “But I need to be with you, Aspen. The alternative is not an option.”
“Then I suggest you make peace with the fact that I’m willing to learn, and Iwantto submit to you under the right circumstances.”
“And when you decide you can’t do this? You’ll resent me.”
“Or I’ll spend the rest of my life at your side, loving every facet of you.” My pulse quickens.
“Do you really believe you can grow to love me, baby girl?” I hold my breath, afraid to hope. She already knows how I feel about her.
“No.” It’s a gut punch.
“I…”
“I’ve been trying to deny it since the first day your lips found mine, but it was as predictable as the tides. I want you in any way you’ll have me. I’m madly in love with you.”
Before she can say another word, I round the table, clasp her face in my hands, and search her eyes for permission that she freely gives. It’s not a frenzied kiss, charged with sexual tension. No, this one is deep, soul-destroying, and world-altering. I know in this moment that my life will never be the same again, and greedily, I’m going to let Aspen step into my world because the prospect of letting her walk out of my life isn’t an option. Does it make me the most selfish bastard on the planet? Yes. Can I give her up? No.
Our tongues caress, the soft scent of her perfume intoxicating my senses. “Say it again,” I whisper.
“I love you.”
“God, I’ll never tire of hearing that.”
“I love you, Sir.” My cock is rock-hard when she addresses me. “Where do I sign?”
I pull back, my hands still cupping her face, forcing her to meet my gaze. “Are you sure? This is the last time I’m going to ask because I’m a selfish man, and I want you to be mine. If you can’t do it, please, walk away now. I’m yours, Aspen.”
“I’m sure. I am yours. Give me the pen.” I do as I’m told, my hand trembling as I reach for it. Taking a steadying breath, I grab the contract and set it down in front of her. Without hesitation, she signs her name before holding it out for me to do the same.
I’ve never been nervous to sign a contract, but this today, there’s a gravity to it that I can’t deny. It’s the first time I’ve wanted forever, and this is step one.
When I finish signing and dating my copy, I pull Aspen into my arms. “You’re mine now, baby girl.”
“Just the way I want it, Sir. Now, take me to your playroom andshowme I’m yours.”
“You’re a bossy little sub.”
