Chapter 38

Jack

I watched Juno as she chatted with Alma and Eve. Dinner was done, and everyone was chilling. They were talking about going shopping together after they'd discovered Juno didn't have something they thought she should have.

All through dinner, I'd been tense, aware she didn't seem herself, more subdued. I got the impression she'd not told me everything about what had happened earlier and was trying to put some kind of brave face on it.

"You're not yourself," Kai said as he plonked down beside me. "What's got you so serious?"

"I keep wondering if I'm screwing this up," I replied without hesitating.

"Screwing it up? Already? I'm pretty sure it hasn't even been twenty-four hours yet. You can't be doing that badly." Kai smiled at me, and I couldn't help but smirk back.

It was obvious I'd bedded her last night, and I appreciated him not being obvious about it. It didn't make it any easier to figure Juno out, however.

"Alma said she panicked in the crowd and seemed to react badly to all the shouting." Kai glanced my way as he spoke. "Wasn't used to it like some of the other girls around us."

"Yeah, I should have known she would. She's a tough cookie in some respects, but she's been through a lot. I feel like I should have hung back and made sure she was okay. Or at least have left Mick behind to help her."

"So say sorry to her and make sure you do better when we leave here tonight. Looks like there's a bunch gathering outside now."

I sighed. Most of the time, I was used to being famous and everything it came with, but on nights like tonight, I just wished I was a normal person out for dinner in a normal way. It sucked to always have to rush from one place to the next.

Before I could dwell on it for too long, Alma came over.

"I'm exhausted, and I think you all probably need a bit more sleep before tomorrow. We should get ready to go," she said.

"You're right, my dear. As always." Kai finished his drink and gave me a pointed look. It was still a little early, but the look in Alma's eyes made it clear she wanted to take her man home for more than just some sleep.

I grinned to myself as they walked away. They'd been together a long time, but it was great to see them still very much in love with each other.

Wishing I'd found myself someone as steady and devoted as Alma, I also got to my feet and finished my drink. Almost as if she'd sensed the change in mood, Juno was by my side before I could put the glass down, her jacket in her hands.

"Time to go," I said as I put my own jacket on.

"Eve said there's a crowd outside again," she replied as she copied my actions.

I almost winced at the hint of fear in her voice, the pitch just a fraction higher. I was an idiot for not knowing how frightened she would be. It had scared me the first few times, and I still didn't like it or feel comfortable with it after all this time.

I pulled her into a hug immediately and lifted her chin until our eyes met.

"It'll be all right this time. I promise. Mick and Gary are going to take us both out together, and I'm going to be right behind you, guiding you after Mick."

She nodded, her eyes wide but her jaw setting in determination.

"That's my girl," I said, slipping back but keeping a good grip on her hands.

I didn't let go of her as we made our way back down the stairs and waited by the staff door. A waiter came through only a few seconds later and opened the door for us.

Leading Juno through the restaurant, I got Mick's attention, the bodyguard having come in. He lingered by the door, Gary coming in after helping Kai and Alma to their car.

"Just a moment, boss. They're still bringing your car around," Mick said, moving his fingers to an earpiece as if he was also being talked to.

I nodded and shifted Juno so she stood in front of me.

"We're going out together," I said a moment later, discussing with Mick and Gary how best to do it.

They both agreed that having her right after Mick would be best, and then Gary right after me. Gary tried to suggest getting one of Ed's bodyguards to go between Juno and me, but I refused and wrapped my arms tighter around her waist.

"We're going together," I reiterated, making sure my voice was as determined as I felt.

The guards nodded, and then Mick gave the go-ahead.

A waitress came up to open the door for us, and then, before Juno could freeze again, I gently nudged her toward the door after Mick. The bodyguard didn't lean back for her, but he was built with a wide enough frame that he'd naturally clear a space for her to follow, and I'd be forcing it to stay clear as I came up right behind her.

The crowds screamed my name as we emerged, but Juno kept going, her body shaking against me but taking hurried steps and pushing through as we did.

Thankfully, the fans weren't quite so pushy, and the sidewalk wasn't as wide, so we were soon through, the driver already standing by the open door. Juno ducked under his arm and slipped into the car, and I easily followed.

Immediately, I went to her side and pulled her into a hug again. Her breathing was rapid, and she continued to shake, but she was otherwise okay.

She leaned into me, but it was clear she was trying to pull herself together.

"You can be scared," I said. "It's not a pleasant experience."

"I know," she replied, not looking at me. "But it shouldn't be quite this bad."

"You've been through a lot, but I'd like to make you feel safer. If you'll let me. I want…"

"To be my dominant," she finished for me.

"Yes. I think. I still don't understand everything it means. You make me feel protective of you. As if I want to claim you and keep you safe."

She took a few more slow, gentle breaths and slid a little closer so she was more upright.

"The dominants and submissives I usually write about, and Hunter and Ella, are all about being there for each other. Love and acceptance, protection and obedience. Trust and safety."

"Is that what you want?" I asked, a part of me barely daring to breathe as I asked it.

"I think so. I… In the stories, it's simpler in so many ways, but the submissive wants to please her dom. She wants to make him happy and meet his needs. And she often doesn't want to make all the decisions. Some only want that in the bedroom, others want it in every area of life."

"And what does the dom want?" I had some ideas, but I wanted to hear her opinion.

"To feel in control. To protect. The dom practically worships the ground the submissive walks on as much as she endeavors to give him everything he wants and needs and to please him. And then the dom rewards the sub for doing a good job. Some punish submissives for behavior they don't want, but I think I like that less." Juno lowered her gaze again, and I quickly lifted her chin back up.

"So the dom feels in control and has his needs and desires met, and the sub is kept safe and happy, the dom taking care of her."

"Mostly. It's a little more complicated, but that's the basic premise. In a lot of ways, they're just words used to describe a relationship where one partner does most of the decision-making and provides safe boundaries for the other to be themselves. And in return, they can expect to enjoy that control."

As she spoke, my cock hardened.

That was exactly what I wanted.