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“Is that where you’re from? Asheville?”
Lainey shook her head. “No. I’m originally from Jacksonville. My family is still there. Now I live in New Bern. Not exactly a thriving BDSM metropolis,” she added with a rueful laugh. “Anyway, Courtney goes to the Asheville clubs all the time. She found out I like to read BDSM romance novels, and when I visit, we always hit a few clubs.”
“And…?” Cooper urged.
“And I’m not going to lie. I’m super intrigued with the whole thing. She’s the one who turned me on to this job opportunity. At first, I was just thinking it’s a typical resort with a bit of a kink. You know, like that Club Med on steroids, maybe. But then I got here and…wow. The whole place is dedicated to the lifestyle. It’s drenched in it.”
Cooper smiled at the imagery.
“I’ve been so busy working with Abbie to get the fitness program going that I haven’t had much time to really delve into it for myself,” Lainey continued. “But we’ve got things going pretty well now, and I’m thinking about signing up for some BDSM-oriented classes during my down time. Not that I’m actually a sub or anything like that,” she added quickly, her eyes sliding away from his.
“Are you sure about that?” Cooper asked softly.
She looked back at him. “Yes,” she instantly retorted. And then, a beat later, “No. I’m not sure of anything at this point,” she admitted with a small, embarrassed laugh that made him want to kiss her. “All I know is, I’m fascinated with the whole concept of erotic pain. It just seems so…so intense, you know?” She hugged herself, a small shudder moving through her frame. “I have no idea if I could even do it. I’m not sure I even want to. I mean, who wants to get hurt on purpose? I don’t get that.”
Cooper started to reply, but Lainey rushed on.
“But I can see that people like Abbie and Kendra—they don’t experience it as pain, exactly. Or, maybe they do, but they don’t process that pain as something negative. And that woman just now…” She trailed off with a sigh. Coming back to herself, she snorted and tossed her hair with a laugh. “Listen to me. You must think I’m such a wannabe. It’s pathetic, right?”
“Not at all,” Cooper assured her sincerely. “The scene can be a lot to take in, especially if you’ve never had direct experience. BDSM is incredibly intense and rewarding, no matter where on the D/s spectrum you lie. If you’re hardwired for it, that is.”
“Hardwired?”
“Yeah. BDSM isn’t for everyone. Just because you like to read those erotic romance novels, that doesn’t necessarily make you a Domme or sub. I think it’s something you’re born with. I was watching you just now at that station, Lainey. Your reactions weren’t those of a vanilla spectator. Nor were they the reactions of a Dominant. I believe you’re a natural submissive. And I think, if you take a minute to quiet all that noise in your head, you already know that, too.”
She stared at him for a long moment. He resisted the strong urge to push her for a response—an admission. Instead, he waited.
Finally, she said, “Maybe.”
Cooper smiled. “Maybe is a good place to start. I have an idea. How about we try something simple at first? No impact play. Just a little sensory play?”
“I’m sorry. Can you define those terms? I mean, I think I get it, but…”
“Yes, of course. Impact play is anything related to erotic pain—like spanking, whips, canes, paddles—anything that can leave marks, welts, that kind of thing. Sensory play involves stimulating or depriving the senses. Stuff like playing with temperature, like ice cubes or hot wax, or tickling with feathers or pinwheels. Blindfolding is another example, and of course, bondage. We would only go as far as you’re comfortable.” He chuckled, adding, “Well, maybe just a little past that, since you’ve told me you love a challenge.”
“Um,” she hedged. “I don’t know… Don’t I need a safeword or something?”
“We can use the island safeword—red light,” he replied, pleased she hadn’t refused outright. “Not that you’ll need it. I believe in talking—communicating during a scene. Especially with someone you’re just getting to know. I’ll check in with you every step of the way. If something doesn’t feel right, you tell me that. I’ll listen, and I’ll adjust accordingly. That work for you?”
She didn’t reply immediately.
He held his breath, startled at just how much he wanted this.
“Okay. Yeah, I guess,” she finally said. She looked around the large space. “Where would we go?”
He smiled, doing a silent fist-pump in his head. “I saw a couple of empty stations on our way back here. There was one with a bondage table that would be just right, if it’s still available.”
She narrowed her eyes at him, stiffening. “I’m not getting naked. Just so you know.”
