Skye:Yes, Sir.Already on my second bottle.
The "Sir" makes something in my chest tighten, even in a mundane text.I shouldn't be this fixated on her.I've had subs before, beautiful and willing, but something about Skye is different.How she challenges me even as she submits.The way she craves giving up control, yet fights the vulnerability that comes after.The stubborn pride in her eyes even when she's bound and begging.
Running a hand over my face, I try to center myself.I need to get back to work, but I’ll send one more message first.
Me:Good girl.I'll see you tonight at the club.
Setting my phone aside, I try to refocus on my work, but it's increasingly difficult to concentrate.The proposal is important.Establishing a formal BDSM education program will not only provide crucial safety information to students but also help destigmatize what we do.After years of watching people stumble into the lifestyle without proper guidance and then making dangerous mistakes along the way, this program could make a real difference.It's just as important to Carter as it is for me, and I don't want to let him down.
Yet all I can think about is Skye.The way her breath catches when I first touch her, and how her body trembles when I push her to her limits.When she lets herself be completely vulnerable with me, I like the absolute trust in her eyes.
My phone rings pulling me from my thoughts.Hunter.
"What's up?"I answer, leaning back in my chair.
"Just checking in.You coming to the club tonight?"His voice is casual, but I know him well enough to hear the undercurrent of concern.
"Yes.Why?"
"Mase mentioned some concerning surveillance around the perimeter.Nothing concrete, but he's beefing up security and wanted me to let the inner circle know."
My jaw tightens."Someone's watching the club?"
"Possibly.Could be paparazzi hoping for another scoop after that auction bullshit, could be law enforcement, could be nothing.But Mase doesn't get twitchy over nothing."
He's right about that.Mase has instincts honed from years in a world where letting your guard down gets you killed.
"I'll keep an eye out," I tell him."Thanks for the heads-up."
"No problem.Also," his tone shifts, becoming lighter, "heard you've been spending time with someone new.Everyone at the club is talking about the mysterious woman who's got Gage Owens breaking his rules."
I roll my eyes, though he can't see it."Since when do you listen to gossip?"
"Since it involves one of my best friends suddenly getting sloppy.You've always been careful, Gage.Private.Now you're more public, meeting in the main area?That's not your usual MO."
He's right, and it irritates me."Just want to keep her comfortable."
"And you just...gave her what she wanted?Without negotiation?Without making her earn it?"Hunter's voice holds genuine surprise."Damn, she must be something special."
"We're just playing," I say too quickly."It's just for the summer."
"Uh-huh," Hunter sounds unconvinced."Well, enjoy your 'just playing.'See you tonight."
I hang up with Hunter's words echoing in my mind.He's right to be concerned.I've built my reputation, both at the club and in academia, on careful control.On never letting my desires overrule my judgment.On maintaining pristine boundaries.
Yet with Skye, those boundaries are already blurring.
I check the time and realize I need to head to campus for a department meeting before our scene tonight.Gathering my papers, I try to refocus on work, on the persona of Professor Owens, respected academic and department head.
Not Gage, the Dom who can't stop thinking about a woman who's gotten under his skin after just a few nights.
The club is quieter than usual for a weeknight.Security is indeed tighter.I notice three unfamiliar faces checking perimeters, their casual clothing not quite concealing their military bearing.Mase's guys, no doubt.Jax is working tonight, mixing drinks with practiced efficiency.
"The usual?"he asks when he spots me.
"Thanks," I reply, settling onto a barstool to wait for Skye.
Jax slides a whiskey neat across the counter."Haven't seen you around much lately, Professor."