Page 37 of Wicked Queen

“That he wouldn’t be able to let it go,” I said. How had I not seen it?

“My guess is that he’s been training you without even knowing it himself. Pushing the line. Testing your limits.”

“I let him…he…” It felt wrong to tell her what we’d shared, like I was betraying a confidence. Alexander had finally shown me that part of himself.

“You don’t have to tell me what he did. I can guess.” Her mouth twisted as if recalling a memory, and shivers broke out over me. I had to remind myself that this wasn’t about her shared past with Alexander. It was about my future with him. “But you can tell me how you felt when he did it.”

“Nothing,” I said in a low voice, “and everything. It was like everything went blank and there was only this connection between him and I. I was more aware of him than I was of myself.”

Her lips pressed together while she listened. When I finished, she said, “That’s called subspace. Everything goes blank and you’re…”

“Free,” I said. “Is that why you do it?”

“I’m not going into details—unless you want them, you kinky bitch.” It wasn’t evasion, but I decided to respect it. Georgia didn’t have to explain her preferences to me.

“It wasn’t just sex, though,” I continued. “I mean, I heard what you said about it not being about sex.”

“It’s different, but a lot of people enjoy sex as part of it. Considering the number of times I’ve had to pretend not to hear you two going at it, I imagine you will.”

I ignored this comment. “What else? Do we need things?”

“You’ll need a safe word.”

The heat on my cheeks kicked up a few degrees. “We have one of those.”

“I see what he likes about you,” she said, laughing at my blush. “I wonder if the rest of you turns that red.”

“Who’s the kinky bitch now? Do we need other stuff?”

“Do you want me to take you shopping?” she asked flatly. “I’m discreet, but there’s no way you’re going to be able to walk into a shop and buy a whip without winding up on the cover of every tabloid in the world.”

“Good point.” I chewed on my lip.

“I’ll see what I can do. Get you a starter kit. Consider it a baby present.”

“That will definitely be the most unique one I receive,” I said.

“I don’t do pacifiers and prams,” she said. “You don’t really need much. I’m sure he’ll take care of that.”

“I want to show him that I want this,” I confided to her. “He thinks I’m doing it for him. After, he apologized.”

“That’s his own head messing with him. Alexander never had anyone love him for who he is,” Georgia said with odd insight. “You’ll have to give him—”

“A little rope?”

“That’s a start.” Something like a giggle escaped her but she hid it. “I have to admit that I’m a little jealous.”

“Should I not talk about this with you?”

“I’m not going to steal your husband. Don’t get all hormonal on me, but I’ve seen what that man can do.” She sighed as if it was a fond memory. She’d told me once that he’d left scars.

“I haven’t,” I said quietly.

“You will.”

I couldn’t tell if that was a threat or a promise. Georgia started the car and headed toward Buckingham. There was a lot to process, but, strangely, one point stuck out more than most. “I think we’re in danger of becoming friends.”

Georgia’s eyes never left the road. “I wouldn’t buy matching bracelets just yet.”