Chapter 12

Lily and I are sitting on the balcony of my penthouse apartment, enjoying a glass of red wine and watching the twinkling lights of the city below us. The sun is just setting, casting an orange glow across the horizon. I take a sip of the sweet liquid, savoring its flavor as it slides down my throat.

This is my chance to be open and honest about who I am to her. Does it scare me she might run for the hills? Yes, but the things I want to do in the bedroom aren't everyone's cup of tea, and I'm not one that is going to force someone into doing things they don't want to do.

Seeing a woman as eager to try new things as I am will get me hard every single time. I want a woman that is going to trust me to know her limits. She needs to take pleasure in me taking control as much as I get pleasure from seeing her willing to do whatever I desire. Nothing is more fucking sexy than that.

"You know," I say, turning to Lily with a soft smile, "some people consider me ‘dominant'. But I don't like to label myself."

Her eyebrows furrow in confusion, and I can see the curiosity in her.

There are so many things that I dream about doing with the right person and if Lily is willing to go down this road with me, all of my sexual desires are going to be fulfilled. I take another sip of wine and explain further.

"What I mean is, I like to be in control," I say, my voice low and serious. "But it's not about control for its own sake—it's about making sure that you and I both get as much pleasure out of every encounter that we can. There are so many ways to explore, so many things that can heighten pleasure. And I want to explore them with you."

Lily's cheeks flush, and a smile spreads across her face. She takes a sip of her wine and looks out at the city, her eyes twinkling in the fading light.

"I think I'd like that," she murmurs.

"I will never force you to do something you don't want, but you have to be honest and verbal with me," I reply.

We both sit back in our chairs, content to sit simply in the moment, and watch the city lights sparkle below us. I take a deep breath and inhale the sweet smell of the night, feeling the warmth of Lily's hand in mine and satisfying knowing that we can explore each other in a new way. We take our time, enjoying the stillness and the intimate connection that we share.

As the sun continues to set and the stars twinkle, I feel my words carrying with them a newfound power. I look into Lily's eyes, my gaze full of meaning.

"This is what I want," I tell her. "The chance for you to explore and discover pleasure with me, to find new and exciting ways to make our sex extraordinary. I never want you to get bored in the bedroom ever. The biggest thing about this is honesty and setting rules. There is a difference between you screaming no because it's intense and screaming no because it hurts. Do you know the difference?"

Lily's eyes widen, and I can see the fire of excitement and anticipation in her gaze.

"No," she says. "Can you show me?"

I smile in response, feeling my heart swell with joy. I have found a kindred spirit, someone who is as eager to explore and discover as I am. Taking her hand, I pull her up from her seat and lead her back inside, my thoughts already drifting to what we might discover in the days, weeks, and months to come.