“So, tell me what you thought of your visit to the island,” he prompted, glancing up at me every so often as he worked.
Wow. The island. That seemed like such a long time ago. However, it was still fresh in my mind, so I didn’t mind discussing it.
“It was interesting. A little awkward at first. Meeting Master and Sir’s parents and all.”
Master Parker grinned. “Good people, though, huh?”
“Absolutely,” I said with a matching smile. “They made me feel welcome. Have you met them?”
“Of course.” He smiled. “Many times. They’re also members of the club.”
The same club Master and Sir were members of? That seemed like it could get a little awkward at times. Perhaps they exchanged schedules? Made sure they weren’t there when their parents were? That was what I would’ve done anyway.
“And what about the festivities?” Master Parker continued. “What’d you think of those?”
“Very…educational.”
Another smile tilted his perfect mouth.
“And the club? What were your thoughts on it?”
“I liked it. A little more intense than I think I’d expected.”
“No, more like the island was more subdued,” he clarified.
“There was certainly a stark difference in play,” I admitted. “But I did enjoy the club. Hopefully I’ll get the chance to go back there one day.”
“So, you’re going to pursue this submissive thing?”
I knew what he was saying without saying it. He meant, if I was no longer with the four of them, would I still be interested.
“Yes. It’s something that makes me happy. I feel complete for the first time in my life.”
He nodded, as though that was an acceptable response.
While he worked, tossing everything into a wok, the conversation continued. We chatted about everything from college to our first jobs, even a little about his relationship with Ben; however, I could tell he was holding back where that topic was concerned.
“We actually met at a club,” he informed me. “It wasn’t long after his divorce and he was following his desires, something his ex hadn’t been interested in.”
“Was he a Dominant when you met him?”
“He’s always been a switch, but I’d never officially topped a man before him. Sure, I’d had some casual encounters with men, having accepted my bisexuality in my mid-twenties. But nothing in the D/s realm.” Master Parker smiled. “He was my first and only.”
Aww. That was so sweet.
“When did things get serious between you two?”
Master Parker paused what he was doing to look at me.
Figuring I’d overstepped by asking something so personal, I was about to apologize when he smiled. “It wasn’t until recently that we began pursuing things on a more consistent level.”
I waited, hoping he would continue. Unfortunately, he didn’t.
“While I finish this up, why don’t you put your clothes on and set the table.”
Feeling as though he didn’t want to continue sharing with me, my heart lurched, but I managed a pleasant, “Yes, Master Parker,” before doing as he asked.
When I returned, he was finishing up with the meal, so I set the table as he’d requested. Several minutes later, we sat down at the table. We ate in comfortable silence, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that I’d said something wrong.
After placing my fork down, I waited until he looked at me before I spoke. “I’m sorry if I offended you in some way.”
Master Parker frowned. “You didn’t offend me.”
“I…I was just curious about your life with Ben. The two of you seem happy. I didn’t mean to overstep.”
He stared at me for a moment, then pointed at my plate. “Finish eating. Then we’ll take a bath. It’s getting late and we both have to be up early.”
I still couldn’t shake the feeling that he was trying to buy some time, but I grabbed my fork and did as he requested.
Thirty-Nine
OKAY, SO MY TIME WITH Master Parker wasn’t going quite the way I’d anticipated.
Last night, after we finished dinner, he sent me into the bathroom to start the bath. While I did that, he cleaned up the kitchen, then joined me. We soaked for what felt like hours, talking about very little. I was too hesitant to ask the real questions, so we kept things superficial, mostly about work. Any time I tried to venture down a more personal path—such as his parents or where he grew up—I was met with a stony resolve. Eventually I gave up.
After that, he took me to his bed, curled up around me, and we went to sleep.
That was it.
It was weird but somewhat comforting. I was used to Master Parker wanting sex from me during most of our interactions. I guess that was what threw me off balance. I wondered if it was strange since I’d spent the past two weeks with Sir. I didn’t know, but it sort of made sense.
Of course, I knew I wasn’t going to get any answers unless I asked questions; however, I was confused. It wasn’t that I only wanted him for sex, anyway. I simply thought that was what the arrangement was.
