When we released the students to practice in their groups, I pulled Cami aside. Lex joined us, his expression concerned.
“You’re at your breaking point,” I said quietly.
“I can handle it.”
“I know you can,” Lex said. “But you don’t have to. We can give you an out. Let you go take care of yourself in private, come back when you’re ready.”
She shook her head stubbornly. “No. You said after class. I’m making it to after class.”
“Cami.” I caught her chin, forcing her to look at me. “This isn’t about proving something. This is about taking care of yourself.”
“It is about proving something.” Her eyes were bright with unshed tears. “I need to know I can do this. That I can submit to what you give me, especially when it’s hard.”
The words hit me square in the chest. This wasn’t just about sexual frustration. This was about trust. About showing us she could handle what we were building together.
“Okay,” I said softly. “But the second it becomes too much, you tell us. Promise me.”
“I promise.”
Lex pressed a kiss to her forehead. “You’re doing so well. Better than you know.”
We moved into the afternoon session. Learning to read desire cues from multiple partners. “Whose turn is it?”
I watched Cami throughout, seeing the way she rocked when she stood still, the way her hands trembled when she thought no one was looking. But she participated when we called on her. Answered questions. Demonstrated concepts.
She was magnificent in her suffering. And it was killing me to watch, because believe it or not, she wasn’t the only one enduring this. I wanted her just as badly as she wanted us.
During a break, Lex pulled me aside. “We need to end this after the evening demo. She’s barely holding on.”
“I know. But she needs to feel like she made it. Like she succeeded.”
“She has succeeded. She’s been incredible.”
“Then we need to make sure she knows that.” I looked over at Cami, who was leaning against the wall, her eyes closed, that subtle rocking motion still present. “And we need to give her what she’s earned.”
The evening demonstration was designed to be playful. A scene showing competition, collaboration, and shared pleasure between partners. We’d planned it carefully, choreographed the touches and teasing.
But watching Cami now, I knew we needed to adjust.
“Change of plans,” I said quietly to Lex. “The demo tonight is about her. Showing her how much we appreciate what she’s given us.”
He nodded. “Agreed. But we keep it non-sexual. Save that for after—when we’re alone.”
“Absolutely.”
When evening arrived and the students reconvened, I could see exhaustion written across Cami’s face. But there was also determination. She was going to make it to the end, no matter what it cost her.
“Tonight’s demonstration is about playful pursuit in action,” I announced. “But it’s also about recognizing when your partner needs you to stop chasing and start catching.”
I gestured for Cami to join us in the center. She moved slowly, like every step required thought.
“Cami has been incredibly generous with us over the past few days,” Lex said, his hand gentle on her shoulder. “Letting us demonstrate, participating in exercises, being vulnerable in front of all of you. Tonight, we’re going to show you what it looks like when pursuit ends and claiming begins.”
Her eyes widened slightly.
“Nothing sexual,” I assured her quietly, just for her ears. “But we are going to claim you. Show them and you exactly who you belong to.”
I saw her swallow hard, saw the way her body swayed slightly toward me.
