Page 100 of Love Lessons

Because you’re beautiful. Because I love you. She never said it back, but he was patient. Because you’re fierce and strong and you make me happy.

He’d meant to give her a command. Something to rebel against. But he found himself spilling out his feelings instead.

Because I’m so proud of you for finding a way to handle this difficult situation that supported your students without going against your principles.

She rolled her eyes. Whatever.

He still couldn’t explain it, but these were the moments when he felt closest to her. She’d been a charming adult all evening and they’d had enjoyable discussions with their friends. In most parts of their lives, he depended on her intelligence, confidence, and maturity just as much as she depended on him.

But he felt tingles down his spine when she gave him the vulnerability and trust of her disobedience, too.

He crowded into her space until she was standing with her back against the door. He wasn’t touching her, but he was so close that he could feel her rapid breaths on his cheek. Are you talking back to me?

He watched the longing and indecision as she decided how to answer. However she replied would give him his cues for the rest of the evening.

No, Daddy, she said sweetly. She gave him her signature seductive look which had become a bit of a code between them. She wanted to be naughty but mostly good tonight. She would probably be compliant and needy and a bit adoring.

That’s good, because I have a special reward for you.

She jumped on her toes, her sleek black dress rippling with her movements. What is it?

I think you’ll have to come with me to find out.

She raced ahead of him into the bedroom, bouncing onto his bed. She looked disarrayed and radiant, her dress twisted and her hair fanning out around her.

No shoes on the bed!

She kicked her thin, black slippers onto the floor without otherwise moving. One almost hit his arm as it went flying past.

Be careful, Danger. You’ll be picking those up later.

She giggled.

It’s a good thing I’m more interested in giving you your reward right now.

Please, Daddy!

He pulled a large, almost rectangular, wrapped package out of his closet. She quickly sat up on the bed, legs inelegantly crossed with her knees out, to accept it.

This is a real present! For me?

She went to shake it and he grabbed it quickly. Don’t shake it. And it’s all yours, but I think we’ll both enjoy it.

Thank you, Daddy. She leaned forward to give him a swift kiss.

Don’t you want to open it first?

She tore into the paper. Inside was a rather unsexy black plastic box with the look of an industrial toolkit. She opened the latch under the handle and then spread it open on the bed.

He could see her mind working as she tried to make sense of the electrical cord, the wide, black handle, and the assorted glass tubes and metal accessories. She touched the largest glass ball and ran her finger down the thin tube that extended out from it until she reached the metal-tipped end.

Is this… she looked down at the kit again, a violet wand?

He nodded.

She looked back at the various wires and parts, awe on her face, before turning back to him. I’ve never seen one turned off and disassembled. How did you know that I wanted this?

Danger, it’s the only thing on that kink checklist you sent me that was penciled in by hand and had two stars by it. Why did you think I had so many questions about it when we were going over your limits again?