Hendrix lifts a brow.“She’s so obedient that she’s completely abstaining tonight?”
“Dad… There’s no need to be so snarky.”
I meet my friend’s gaze.“We’re in a D/s relationship, Hendrix.That shouldn’t surprise you.It’s the only kind of relationship I’ve ever been in.Madison can make her own decisions, though.We have open discussions about everything.If she wants to drink, she may do so.She may even drink the entire bottle of scotch if she likes.Hell, I’ll hold her hair while she pukes.What I won’t do is dominate her when she’s in an altered state of mind.It’s her choice.”
Hendrix groans and takes another sip.I know what he’s thinking.He’s trying to find a hole in our relationship, something inappropriate or unsafe.Anything he can point to as evidence it’s a bad idea.He won’t find anything, though.I will never treat Madison as anything less than my queen.
I’m not kidding.I did discuss Madison’s options as far as drinking was concerned this afternoon.This meeting with her dad is stressful.I wouldn’t blame her if she’d wanted to do two shots before he arrived.I won’t stop her from drinking half a bottle of wine, either, if that’s what she decides.
What I did point out was that she will get a far more enjoyable and gratifying release after her father leaves if she waits for me to dominate her later than she’ll get from any amount of alcohol.So far, she’s choosing the inevitable promise of my palm, flogger, and a pair of handcuffs.They’re lying on the bed, waiting for her to enjoy.
We’re in new territory tonight.Madison and I have had the entire day to talk.We spent a lot of that time at the kitchen table, opposite ends of the couch, and two Adirondack chairs on the rooftop patio.
Hendrix’s arrival has changed our timeline.I hadn’t meant to rush her into saying she loved me.Nor had I meant to bring up the subject of marriage.Both of those topics were forced to the forefront this morning.We had no choice but to face them and discuss them.
As for our love, that’s a solid no-brainer.I’ll never go a day without telling her over and over how much I love her.Saying so lifts a weight from my chest while squeezing my heart at the same time.I love how she shivers when I whisper it in her ear, and I did so a dozen times today.
We were forced to talk about marriage, too.I’ve warned Madison that I will be putting an engagement ring on her finger in the near future.I want the world to see it and know she’s claimed.That doesn’t mean we have to rush down the aisle.I’d rather wait at least a year to give Madison time to be sure of her feelings.
I keep reminding myself how fucking young she is.And she keeps reminding me that she’s a mature adult.I can’t deny that.She’s mature beyond her years, but still… I won’t rush her on marriage.I will encourage her to take her time.
Hendrix sighs deeply.“You two are serious.”
“Yes, Dad,” Madison responds.“I love you, and I’m sorry this shocked you.There was never going to be an easy way for you to find out.But it’s what I want, and I hope you can come around and support me.Love me no matter what.I also don’t like the idea of your friendship with Myles ending over something neither he nor I had any control over.”
He glances at me and then back to her.“I’ll do my best.It’s going to take time.I love you, too, honey.I always will, no matter what.”
I feel the tension in Madison’s body ebb at her father’s words.Thank fuck.
Madison smiles.“I made your favorite dinner.”
“Swedish meatballs?”Hendrix asks.
“Yep.”
The man finally cracks a smile.“Trying to bribe me with food?”
“If it works.”
Hendrix shifts his gaze to me.“If you hurt my child…”
“You have my permission to hunt me down and kill me.I’ll hand you the gun,” I respond.
Chapter22
Three weeks later…
Madison
I’ve been on cloud nine all day.I’m so glad graduation is over, and I have my diploma.I don’t know what the hell I want to do next, but I don’t have to worry about that immediately.
Myles has declared that I should take the summer to consider my options.He has no intention of letting me slack off indefinitely.In fact, he has spreadsheets with the pros and cons of every possibility and then some.But he also insists I need time to focus on me.Onus.
I’m so relieved that the awkwardness with my father has waned over the past three weeks.He’s still not jovial about my relationship with Myles, but he’s stopped being an ass about it.He’s even smiled a few times, especially today.He’s proud of me, and I know he trusts me to make wise choices.
The three of us went to Silver’s for dinner, and it was lovely.I even had a glass of wine.Just one, though.We also went by the house I was living in with my friends.They were having a graduation party.At first, I worried my father and Myles would feel awkward, but all three of my roommates’ parents were there, so it wasn’t a drunken college party.
Kelsey took me aside and told me she was sorry for making fun of me for not sneaking out on my birthday.I could tell she genuinely felt bad.She even suggested we have lunch one day soon.