Free Love and Language by Cheryl Dragon Page A

coffee.
    Jane shook her head. “So you knew, and you played like it was all innocent?”
    “I dropped a few hints for you to tell me. Are things better with you and Ben?” she asked.
    “He wants me to tell him everything. He’s basically made it an ultimatum.”
    Bridget’s eyebrow rose. “That seems extreme.”
    “Well. I couldn’t tell him during play.”
    “What is so bad? I’m sorry. It’s none of my business. You know, if you were abused that doesn’t make you a sub. Ben isn’t new at this. He can handle it.” She nodded.
    Talking made Jane feel better, but her relationship still hung in the balance. “I know. I’ve done the research, and he’s certainly not my first Dom. It just never meshed before.”
    “Meshed?” Bridget repeated. “I need some clarification. What didn’t mesh?”
    Jane took a drink of her tea then a deep breath. “Before, Doms only wanted to play. I never had one who wanted it all. No relationships beyond sex. I knew I wanted more with someone, but before in big cities, it never happened. What I said I wanted on the blog, I want it with Ben and it almost seems possible.”
    “But you never dated someone you were playing with?” she asked.
    “No. I lived in big cities, and I could go to clubs. I’d play in private rooms, not the public areas. I love it here, but there’s no anonymity.”
    “That’s really lonely. The social stuff the group does is fun.” Bridget smiled.
    “I still can’t believe your guy is… I had no idea.” Bridget, her guy, Nelson and Ben. Jane definitely wasn’t alone.
    “Me either until I started that blog. He didn’t want to be public, either. Slowly, I got him to be more social. There are safe places to talk and let both sides of your life mesh. Just hanging out with people who understand is freeing.” Bridget pulled back her sweater. “I’m not collared. Nothing extreme. It’s just my sex life that’s kinky.”
    Jane actually felt a little better knowing she wasn’t totally alone, even if it didn’t work with Ben. “I love him. It’s insane.”
    “Not really. It’s scary when it’s right, but he’s no stranger. There’s no rush to get married. Just tell him the whole truth.” Bridget checked her watch. “Sorry, I’ve got a class. You’re okay?”
    Jane nodded. “Thanks, I feel better.”
    “Okay, text or call me if you need to talk. I love test day. They work, and I’m flipping through wedding magazines.” She left with a smile.
    * * * *
    Noon came around, and she stared at the door. She should’ve gone to him instead of telling him to come here, but he shared an office. If the other guy was back, then her office had more privacy.
    At two minutes after twelve, he knocked. She got up and opened it. It felt silly, but she wanted to be closer to him with no desk in between them.
    “Hi, how’d it go?” she asked.
    He looked good as he walked in. Confident and calm. “Fine. They’ll meet and let me know this afternoon. Right now, you’re the one who needs to do the talking.”
    He sat and set his cell phone on the desk.
    “Still mad? I’m sorry about last night. I should’ve asked you to stay. I do have a stubborn streak. The truth isn’t very interesting.” She sat down and fidgeted with the papers on her desk.
    “Do I need to tie your hands to the chair?” he asked.
    “Might help.” She chuckled until she saw the real threat in his eyes. He’d do it. “No. I’m fine.”
    “Tell me about your family. Growing up,” he said.
    She frowned for a second. “That’s not really all that it’s about.”
    “Humor me,” he said.
    She shrugged. “Really it’s such a boring story. My dad left my mom when I was about seven. He didn’t like being tied down with a kid. Mom started dating and drinking. I tried to stay in my room when her boyfriends were around until she married one.”
    “If he touched you—” Ben cut off his threat.
    His wanting to defend her was sweet. “He tried once. I screamed and