"Yes. But I don't know if I’d do it with just anyone. I have... preconceptions about BDSM."
"Why?"
"You know why. Because of what happened with that man years ago." I clear my throat with my hand in front of my mouth so as not to betray my anxiety. "I created this whole scenario in my head that the environment is violent, that everyone is like a black latex cult." I smile and shake my head. " Knowing I met someone, had sex, and she used those techniques with me... it’s strange."
"Does it block you, or break a paradigm?"
"A little of both. I’m determined to learn more. More than I did at the time. I'll talk to Kelsey and ask for some ideas. She’s frighteningly reliable, and I think I trust her because of her history with my family."
"It makes sense that you feel trustworthy. As for BDSM, you can read, find some podcasts, research what turned you on,"she puts her pen aside and looks at me."It's common for people with great decision-making skills to accept reverse roles in the sexual environment. And it's not wrong. Sexual taboo was invented as a way to control womenand There’s nothing wrong with it."
"Homework?" I arch an eyebrow.
"This time, I didn't even have to prompt you. Next session, tell me how you’re handling these shifting paradigms. I’ll be away for the holidays, so I’ll see you in January."
"No problem. See you in January." I close the laptop and check my watch that past 2:00 PM. A cryptic message from Sarki flashes: We need to talk at the end of the day. I sigh; if she isn't saying what it’s about, it’s serious.
I spend a few hours reading about BDSM. It’s fascinating how much a past murder trial can dampen one’s curiosity. Then, my phone rings. Kelsey’s sleepy voice immediately calms my thoughts.
"How was the meeting?"
"Boring. I hate men who think I’m naive. They promised me the moon in exchange for legal backing."
"Anything that could compromise you?"
"Unlikely, but possible. My father had his 'arrangements' before the Supreme Court. I’m following the same blueprint."
"I like you bossy,"she draws out the words, and a shiver races down my spine.
"I thought you preferred me obedient."
"Knowing you rule the world out there but obey me in bed? That’s the most exciting part of this, Megan. You in those suits, making people tremble, only to moan while I hit you... damn."
"You could have video-called," I whisper, glancing in the mirror. I’ve swapped my blouse for one of Peter’s old sweatshirts and nothing but panties underneath. "I’d get myself off for you."
The video call light pings immediately. "Hi..."
"You look even more delicious like that,"Kelsey says, her eyes devouring me. My hair is in a messy bun."I didn't realize how much I needed to see you until the camera turned on."
"It must be late there. I don't want to bother you"
"No, you're not. Besides, you look stunning in a sweatshirt. I need to tell you how boring my day was."
"I thought you were in 'domination school.' How could that be boring?"
She laughs, resting her chin on her hand."I’m still in India. My tutor is in Amsterdam. For now, I’m just stuck in meetings about 'cables of the future.'"
"I forgot about the time zone. How was the investment crowd?"
"The students are brilliant. The politicians and businessmen? Exhausting. One of my teams tried to explain why they should buy something I already told them to buy. They wanted to pass it off as their own idea."
"Classic. And the 'cool' part?"
"I visited a university today that generates energy from ocean waves. I’ll send you a video later. But back to the subject... if you want to learn more about BDSM..."
"I was actually going to ask you. How does one even start? Is there training?"
"A lot of people lie to beginners,"she says, her voice dropping into a deep, mock-serious tone."I’m experienced, Ms. Woods, we don't need a safe word. Trust me."
