5. Ryan

Chapter 5

The city lights cast fleeting patterns on Michela's face as we drive, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. I give her fingers a gentle squeeze, offering a reassuring smile.

"We're almost there," I say calmly, glancing at her. "Are you sure about this?"

She nods, a mix of curiosity and apprehension in her eyes. "Yeah, just a little nervous. My overactive imagination is on overdrive, and I have no idea what to expect, but I trust you."

The Sterling Rope is not just any club; it's exclusive and deeply private. You don't simply walk in—you're invited, vetted, and trusted. The building, tucked away in a nondescript part of town, doesn't reveal its true nature from the outside. We pull up to the entrance, and I park the car. The anticipation in the air is palpable.

"Ready?" I ask, turning to her.

"As ready as I'll ever be," she says, giving a small, brave smile.

We step out into the cool night, and I lead her to the back door. I scan my watch against the black plate on the wall, and the heavy metal door opens. The back door security, a familiar presence, nods at me.

"Evening, Ryan. Playing tonight?"

"Yes, James. This is Michela." His eyebrow shoots up to his hairline, and I realize I managed to shock the unflappable fucker.

"Welcome, Michela," he states while typing on the iPad behind the counter, checking to make sure my kitten has been approved. After a few seconds, he walks back over to us and smiles while opening the door to allow us inside. "Enjoy your evening."

The moment we step through, the atmosphere changes. The interior of The Sterling Rope exudes elegance and sophistication—a far cry from the rough, gritty images most might conjure when they think of a BDSM club. The decor is rich and tasteful: deep velvet sofas, soft lighting, and art pieces that evoke both passion and restraint.

Michela's eyes widen as she takes it all in. "This is… wow."

I smile, feeling a flutter of pride. "It's a special place, that's for sure. Let's find a spot where we can sit and talk."

I guide her to a corner of the exhibition room where the lighting is slightly dimmer, affording us some privacy. A few familiar faces nod in acknowledgment as we pass. We settle into a plush sofa, and I pour us both a glass of water from the carafe on the nearby table.

"Is it always like… this?" she asks, her voice hushed, as though she's afraid to disturb the delicate balance of the room.

"It is," I reply. "Respect and atmosphere are everything here. Everyone adheres to strict codes of conduct."

She nods, soaking in the information. "So, what exactly do you do here?"

I lean back, taking a sip of my water. "I'm one of the security specialists who walk around making sure things don't get out of control. I ensure that all activities are consensual and safe, and I help to make sure everyone follows the strict rules. It's about creating a trusting, respectful environment where people can explore their boundaries."

A couple on the far side of the room begins a slow, deliberate rope demonstration, their movements synchronized and precise. Michela watches, fascination apparent in her eyes.

"It's beautiful," she murmurs.

"It is. And it's all about trust," I explain. "Every knot, every movement—it all comes down to the connection between the couple involved." Working here has taught me a lot, but I've never wanted to try it out. No woman has ever tempted me, and I'm pretty sure it's because my heart always knew it belonged to Michela. As I picture her in the sensuous poses happening across the room, my pulse skyrockets while my fucking cock grows painfully hard.

She turns to look at me, her eyes searching mine. "Thank you for sharing this with me."

I reach for her hand and bring it to my mouth. A shiver runs through her as I run my tongue along her soft skin. "You don't have to do anything you're not comfortable with. Whatever happens or doesn't happen tonight depends on you."

She swallows, holding my gaze. As I watch, the emotion shining from her eyes shifts from fear to desire, and she sighs. "Okay."

I order us drinks and pull her against my side. "Why don't we relax and have a drink and see where things go?"

"I'd like that." She melts against me.

As the evening unfolds, we talk, laugh, and fall into comfortable silences, observing the scenes around us. Michela's initial nervousness gives way to curiosity and understanding. Seeing her embrace this new experience makes me realize just how fucking perfect she is.

"What do you think?" I ask her softly, brushing a stray hair behind her ear.

"I think I want to try this with you one day," she says, her smile curious. She signals toward the woman suspended by ropes in the middle of the exhibition room. "But could we start off slowly? You know, in the beginners' room until I get more experience?"

I already figured she was a goddamn virgin with Lorenzo's goons always watching her. No other man has been crazy enough to take on her brother—except me.

Hearing her confirm my suspicion sends all the blood in my body straight to my cock. "You're so goddamn perfect."

"Before you say that, I have a confession." She bites her juicy bottom lip. "I took the job here in Silver Spoon Falls because you're here." My little kitten stares bravely into my eyes. "I've been in love with you for as long as I can remember." I blink several times, completely shocked at her admission. "You weren't coming back to New York, so I came to you. I didn't tell you this when you told me you love me because I was in shock. I needed time to process everything."

Knowing she's been in love with me for years makes me regret all the wasted time. "And now you're ready to believe me?"

"I do believe you." She looks up, her eyes meeting mine with an intensity I've never seen from him before. "And I want us more than anything in the world."

"I'm the luckiest motherfucker in the world." I drag her close and cover her lips with mine. As our tongues tangle, I pour everything I feel for her into my kiss. When I pull back, I lay my forehead against hers. "I love you, too, kitten, and I thank my lucky stars you had more courage than I did. I knew something was missing, but I was too goddamn stubborn and afraid to figure out what it was. Until you came strolling back into my life, I wasn't truly living. I was just treading water."

"Wow." She lays her head against my shoulder. "Please pinch me because I'm pretty sure I'm dreaming."

"Don't worry, you aren't dreaming. This couldn't be any more real," I assure her.

In this exclusive, elegant corner of the world, surrounded by the quiet hum of subdued conversation and the soft gleam of candlelight, I know we're taking a significant step together. The night stretches ahead, full of promise and discovery, and for a moment, everything feels perfectly aligned.