“I know,” he says, as I release his leg and move toward the other. “But that’s what I want. I don’t want to settle for less.”
“You’ll find someone,” I say, feeling a hint of disappointment at the thought.
Heaving a sigh, he looks up at me. And just like that, the tension is back. He must feel it too, because he immediately says, “Let’s make a deal to always be open with each other. Whatever you’re feeling, you have to tell me. I don’t want to do anything to hurt you or Hunter.”
“Me neither,” I add.
“So we have to communicate everything. No matter how awkward or painful it is.” There is such sincerity in his eyes.
“I know.”
“Deal?” he asks.
“Deal,” I reply.
Rule #14: Some people need to be tied up.
Hunter
Drake, Isabel, and I are gathered around a table in the back of the Crescent City Kink Club in the middle of a rope bondage workshop. The instructor is a beautiful woman named Silla, tall and slender with a soft voice and a beaming bright smile. It’s hard to focus on what she’s teaching us and the dozen other couples and groups here to learn when she levels those dazzling hazel eyes on us.
Drake is having the same problem. I can tell by the way his eyes cascade down her body, licking his lips as his gaze settles on the shimmering dark flesh busting out of her thin white bra.
“Will you two pay attention, please?” Isabel whispers.
Drake and I both chuckle, hiding our shameless smiles, as Silla instructs us to pick up the long black rope. Each of us holds a strand as she walks us through some basic knots. Isabel picks it up easily while Drake and I fumble, causing more unintentional knots than what we’re supposed to be creating.
Things between us have been surprisingly comfortable today. When they both came back from the gym this morning, they were wearing smiles and joking like they used to. They were both worried about nothing. It’s still us. This changes nothing.
I don’t want to rush things, but last night was so incredible that I can’t wait to do it again. I need to see those two together as badly as I need Isabel for myself. We haven’t even had sex today, which means I’m still a pent-up mess from last night.
“Now, I’d like for you to pick one person in your group to be the rigger and another to be the submissive.” And when Drake and I stare at her blankly, she continues with a playful grin. “The rigger will be the person doing the tying. The submissive will be the one being tied up.”
We look in unison at Isabel, who immediately shakes her head.
“Not it,” she chirps. “I got tied up last time. I think one of you should try it tonight.”
“Well, Drake got to tie you up last time. Isn’t it my turn?” I ask.
“Nope. Why don’t you tie him up tonight?”
My cheeks heat with a flush as I widen my gaze at her. Is she doing this on purpose?
When I look at Drake, he looks a little too comfortable for my taste. “I don’t think we have much of a choice…unless you’re open to being the submissive tonight?” Then he actually fucking winks at me, and I have to force my face not to give away the way my insides are exploding.
“Nice try,” I mutter as I grab the rope.
“Come on. Be honest. You’ve always wanted to tie me up, haven’t you?”
“To shut you up, yes, I have.”
He chuckles just as Silla gives us our next instructions. “The submissive should be in as little clothing as possible, so the ropes lay against the skin to get the full effect. This is entirely up to you how much you choose to take off.”
Drake is grinning now, and I’m struggling to keep my composure. Why was this so easy last night? Why all of a sudden am I nervous as fuck, especially as I see Drake peel off his tight T-shirt, revealing his hairless chest and chiseled abs?
Damn, that construction job of his does him good.
Then, he unbuttons his pants with his bright blue eyes on my face, and I avert my gaze as he drops his jeans to the floor, so he’s standing in front of me in nothing but his tight black boxers, which leave nothing to the imagination.
“I’m ready, Sir,” he says in a teasing tone, and I bite back a laugh.
“Knock it off,” I snap.
“Now I’m going to show you a basic box tie,” she says, demonstrating on her partner how to place his forearms stacked behind him, which Drake does to mirror his actions. Isabel watches from the side with a mischievous smile on her face.