Page 11 of Minha Dona

“Your supervisor sounds like a smart woman. You decide when we start.”

Juliana nodded. “Not yet. Let’s talk and enjoy the wine first.”

“You see… joyful. You’re a natural.”

Chapter 4

Eventually they took their wine through to Helena’s bedroom, a large, tastefully decorated room that occupied one corner of her apartment, floor-to-ceiling windows on two walls looking out over the city. Helena’s bed was king-sized, the sheets a dark grey that she’d chosen because they looked sophisticated. The room was lit by the two bedside lamps, dimmed low to create a suitably sophisticated atmosphere, one where you could see each other easily but didn’t feel like you were on display.

“Where do you want me?” Helena asked, standing in the middle of the room, giving Juliana the space to direct.

Juliana took a breath, composing herself. Helena could see her centring herself, accessing the confidence they’d been working on, squaring her shoulders, meeting Helena’s eyes.

“Sit on the edge of the bed. Back straight, eyes ahead.”

Helena obeyed, sitting and looking up at Juliana. The height difference in this position put Juliana above her, which she knew was deliberate… they’d discussed how physical positioning affected the psychological dynamic.

Juliana walked over and stood in front of Helena, close. She reached out and tilted Helena’s chin up with one finger, a move Helena had taught her. “Look at me.”

Helena looked. Juliana’s eyes were bright with a mix of desire and determination. She was so earnest in her effort, so obviously pleased each time she got something right, it was genuinely thrilling to teach her.

“Take off your top,” Juliana said. “Slowly.”

Helena reached for her top and pulled it over her head, letting it drop to the floor. She was wearing a simple black bra underneath.

“Good.” Juliana’s voice wavered slightly on the word and she caught it, firming up immediately. “Now stand up. Turn around.”

Helena stood and turned, her back to Juliana. She felt Juliana’s hands on her shoulders, tentative to start with, then firmer when Helena didn’t correct her. Her fingers brushed down Helena’s back, barely touching at all.

“You can be more confident with your touch,” Helena said over her shoulder. “I won’t break. When you touch me, touch me like you own the space you’re touching. Touch me like you own me.”

She felt Juliana adjust, her hands pressed more firmly against Helena’s skin, tracing the shape of her hips. “Like this?”

“Better. Much better.” Helena closed her eyes and let herself feel it. Juliana’s touch was different from most people she’d been with, filled with curiosity that was its own form of pleasure to receive. Every touch was a question to herself: what is this like? How will Helena react?

“Take off your bra,” Juliana instructed.

As she undid her bra and let it fall, Helena said, “Good, make me responsible for my surrender. Make me obey.”

“Turn back around.”

Helena turned. Juliana’s eyes dropped to her breasts and she didn’t try to hide her appreciation. Helena liked that she wasn’t shy about her desire, but found herself liking something more, how Juliana was looking at her as if Helena was hers.

“You’re staring,” Helena teased gently.

“I’m admiring,” Juliana corrected, finding her confidence. “There’s a difference. And right now I’m in charge, so I get to admire as long as I want.”

Helena laughed. “Good answer. See? You’re a natural when you stop overthinking.”

“I have a good teacher.” Juliana stepped forward and kissed Helena, and that was where the lesson ended and the real dominance and submission began, because Juliana’s kiss was good, not asking for permission, claiming Helena. Her hands went to Helena’s waist and pulled her closer, and Helena let herself be pulled, let herself sink into the feeling of Juliana taking the initiative and the control.

“The rest of your clothes,” Juliana whispered against her lips. “All of them. Now.”

Helena obeyed, stepping out of her trousers and underwear, standing naked in front of Juliana who was herself still fully dressed. The power imbalance was deliberate, the clothed dominant, the naked submissive. Simple but effective, Juliana had been paying attention.

Juliana trailed her fingertips over Helena’s body, her touch firmer than before, touching Helena like she had every right to… Helena nearly praised her for taking on board the lesson but she held her tongue. Juliana knew she’d listened and learned, and there was something in her demeanour now that told Helena that feedback wasn’t wanted.

“Lie across the bed, on your front.”