Free Safeword: Davenport by Candace Blevins Page A

he blindfold her sooner than planned. After losing Bethany, he didn't believe he'd be gifted with complete submission a second time, and Dana's grace and acquiescence on the leash threatened to undo him.
    Maybe it would've been better to stick to sex and games, but she needed a refresher course to help her remember how to surrender. He'd designed the morning's activities with this in mind, and as he quietly walked the sensory dep device into the water, he realized he'd fallen head over heels for her already.
    Dana had fascinated him from day one—such gentle strength, so skilled at her profession, and her kind eyes that missed nothing. Backing off while they worked together was the right decision; but it'd been difficult, to not show how his feelings for her blossomed during their weekly meetings.
    He knew she was still emotionally fragile, and appreciated her honesty about her reluctance to engage in power exchange again. He wanted to protect his heart until she'd worked through her issues, but it was a little late for that—he'd just have to figure out how to keep her.
    Their kinks lined up well, and he knew she'd expect him to remain firm, without giving leeway on rules or punishments. Her eyes had reflected the respect Garnet had earned by providing what she needed, and he hoped to do the same, but in his own way.
    He paused before installing the last piece, his gaze seeking her out—her posture perfect, so far into her submission she was motionless as a statue. She'd already gone fathoms deeper than most women managed, and he was sure he could help her take the final steps towards transcendence.
    Taking a deep breath, he slid the Plexiglas in place, situated the remaining items on the pool's edge, and dove under the cool, clear water, hoping some laps would help center him. He had to get his thoughts under control before he could give her the authority she needed. Too much emotion right now would make her dominant personality want to resurface, and might scare her away. There'd be time for emotions later.
    Dana wasn't sure how long he allowed her to rest, but perhaps ten minutes had passed when she heard a splash and turned her head to see him swimming. He traversed the length of the pool twice, his freestyle form perfect, before walking up the steps like a god rising from the ocean, coming straight towards her.
    They held eye contact, her face angling higher as he neared. Dana's heartbeat stuttered and then picked up speed as he stood over her.
    "You mentioned deep sea diving so I assume you're comfortable in a snorkel?"
    She nodded and he walked behind her to help her up and unbuckle her cuffs, the cool air on her wrists a reminder of where the restraints had been. His loose blue bathing suit reminded her of her own nudity, and she looked at the grass, suddenly overwhelmed.
    He touched her back, his cool hand still damp. “You're performing beautifully, pet. Walk beside me, please."
    She fell into step alongside him as if it were second nature.
    Lined up on the edge of the pool were snorkel, diving mask, lube, condoms, and four butt plugs ranging from small to huge. A metal contraption rested underwater in the pool, and her insides tightened with fear.
    "Sunglasses off and get in—get your hair wet and get used to the water while I explain."
    She put her sunglasses beside the snorkel and noted the lube was oil based and the condoms a non-latex variety. Instead of using the steps, she put her hand on the edge of the pool and flipped her feet in. The water was refreshing and she ducked under a few seconds, tilting her head back so her hair flowed away from her face as she broke the surface.
    Zach continued talking as he walked around the corner to the steps and entered the normal way. “I've blacked out the goggles so they'll act as a blindfold—otherwise they're a standard diving mask, to insure you don't accidentally breathe through your nose. The stand you see was made to facilitate using the pool as a sensory