Chapter
Twelve
Fox
Five minutes of aftercare, that’s what she’s supposed to get. With the mask back where it belongs, I tend to her needs. I unhook her from the table, wrap her up in a blanket, and turn the lights down as low as they can go before removing her eye covering.
She blinks a few times as her eyes adjust to the change of light. We walk toward the couch, her eyes hazy and peaceful with a little smirk. I grab her water from the cabinet and join her. She takes a long sip, droplets clinging to her lips, and I fight the urge to wipe them away with my tongue.
She snuggles into my arms, humming a little song I don’t recognize. Any tension or nervous energy she had has melted away. Now she’s satisfied and perfect.
This is nice.
Aftercare isn’t supposed to be clinical, but I usually don’t have feelings one way or another. Yet, she nuzzles into my chest while I wrap my arms around her waist, interlocking our fingers.
“How are you feeling, Kitten? Does anything hurt?”
She gives a sleepy sigh. “I’m good. Thank you.”
I want to press my lips to the back of her head because it feels right, but the mask is a constant barrier.
She squeezes my hand and whispers, “Was I okay?”
How could she ever doubt herself? “You were magnificent.”
“I’m sorry if I get you into any trouble.” She somehow nuzzles even closer, like she’s trying to dig her way into my soul with a blunt shovel.
“The no-touching rule is mine, not the club’s.” My breathing slows as I sink deeper into the couch cushions, relaxing with her weight against me.
I’m calm, and what hits me is the lack of guilt. I should feel guilt, or at least disappointment in myself for straying so far off my path, and be crushed by shame and remorse. I choose, instead, to focus on the overall niceness of the moment.
I’m sure the regret will come crashing in later.
Does she want to do this again? Do I?
It’s better to give her the option than to make her ask. She’s already insecure enough. “I’m free next week.” Truth is, I don’t have anyone on the schedule for a month.
She lifts her head and twists around. Her big green eyes are bright and happy. “Really?”
“If there are more things you want to explore, I could make it happen.”
She shimmies, almost vibrating with excitement. I’d better stop before I launch into another session, and the room still needs to be cleaned.
“Yes, please.” She pushes herself up to my face level and kisses my cheek. I wish I could feel it.
“Come on, Kitten, let’s go get your stuff.”
She groans, sinking back into me. “But I’m so comfortable.” Half pout, half sigh. She’s right. I am too.
“Five more minutes.”
We lie there in a familiar silence, listening to each other breathe, until my muscles are so relaxed I might fall asleep. I nudge her shoulder and she exhales. It’s a slow process getting her dressed. It means the moment is over, and I’m not ready to slip back into reality. We walk together through the hallway. Kitten steps into the locker room to grab her purse while I head to the lobby. Normally I’m not in here, and Jade the receptionist gives me a weird glance.
“Fox?”
I lean on the glass case filled with merch and other items. “I’m adding my guest to my account.”
Before she can respond, Dimitri pokes his head out of the office and smiles wildly. “Because he liiiiikes her,” he teases, his accent making it sound ridiculous.
