Protege(48)



Though he was a master Dom, he was not the type to hold a magnifying glass over an ant simply to watch it suffer, as he possessed very few sadistic tendencies. The idea of such cruelty on a defenseless creature actually left him with profuse guilt, beyond what a typical person might experience. But this also didn’t characterize him as soft.

He prided himself on being a gentle but stern dominant male. His pleasure stemmed from the mindf*ck involved in the D/s exchange, that beautiful struggle a sub faced when trying to surrender her ego in a display of absolute control as well as the challenge it put on the dominant figure to do his or her best while placing the submissive’s emotional needs at the top of all priorities.

Yes, he loved watching such a battle, because when done correctly with proper understanding and intense chemistry, there came a glorious moment when the struggle was handed over and the submissive entrusted the Dom with all the worry—a liberating and heady transaction. There was nothing equal to that honor in his book, and it was the driving force behind every sexual encounter he sought. Yet with Collette, it was different, as their encounters were mere puppetry.

It had been a long while since Jude had settled into the role of household Dom. The natural evolutions returned to him without a hitch. He recognized the moment today when his voice lowered and his expression changed, shifting the energy of the room and drawing his sub into her role as he let go of the gentle companion he’d been while conversing with her. And transformed into Sir.

It wasn’t always easy, navigating which side of the coin he wanted to show. While he got a rise when she addressed him as Sir, there was something potent about hearing her whisper Jude. He should push her to use Sir more often, as Jude was strictly reserved for personal relationships and this was business. But strangely, when she called him by name it had the effect of giving him an honored title, the simplicity somehow swapping significance with the formal.

His body swelled, his presence becoming greater as he accepted the role of dominant, a metamorphosis he’d only ever experienced when deep in a BDSM scene demonstrating a technique for others. But even then he recognized that the thrill had come from so many depending on his instruction.

How had she managed to take him on that Jekyll-to-Hyde ride with only the use of his name? Could her faith in his wisdom be that profound? It seemed too soon, regardless of how it flattered him.

The ease with which they flipped that switch—a switch that generally took months for couples to find—added to his restlessness. Though it benefited him that things were progressing quickly, it gave him pause. This rapid evolution was not entirely from his command. She had great command of herself, greater than he’d anticipated. Instinctively, he wanted to pick a fight to break the pull of chemistry arcing between them, but that was beneath him and would only derail their advancement.

The danger of such fluid connectivity was that it opened Pandora’s box. When a sub held on to her personality yet evoked the obedient will to please so seamlessly, it removed the need for bondage and took things to a completely psychological level. And psychology had always been his greatest temptation. The mind was indeed the most exciting place to play.

When the balance took shape, an equality developed, like two proportionately powerful magnets facing off, sliding against each other’s will without a single touch, filling voids that otherwise appeared to be only empty space, but the strength of push and pull was overwhelming for those involved. The power exchange was purely mental and eventually one would bend to the other’s will, not because he was stronger or bigger, but because it was right and surrendering to the natural current would free them both of the struggle.

As he glanced down at his pants, his body told him how much this chemistry was going to cost him. He’d just had her and was already contemplating taking the stairs to her room and waking her with his cock buried deep inside her. Primal need rode him hard as he battled with the lure to claim her and exercise his temporary entitlement.

Would she soften under his rightful—though temporary—authority, or would he see an internal scrimmage as she battled with her will to submit? Something told him she’d surprise him and he’d see a little of both, but the end result would be enchanting, planting them both in ecstasy.

“Shit.” Rejecting that temptation, he put the files Ezra had delivered away for safekeeping and decided to hit the gym a bit earlier than usual. He needed the extra time to burn off some steam.

***

Collette lowered herself to the floor, the tops of her feet pressing firmly into the carpet as her bottom rested on her heels and her hands settled on her parted knees. Jude examined her posture, seeing plenty of aspects he could correct, but not finding this the time to do so. There was a delicate dependence between them, one he intended to cherish and handle with care.

She had primped and prepared herself every day since arriving at Fernweh, and that deserved his acknowledgment. Being that this was her first experience with D/s and he was coming to care for her as an understudy, he wanted to set the bar high for those who followed. Collette, based on what she’d already displayed, deserved a caring Dom, someone who would not take her for granted or overlook her careful efforts.

“What a beautiful display you present me.” Just one compliment and her shoulders lifted closer to where they should be. “I love seeing you open to me, breasts high, knees spread.” Her waist tucked in and her chest lifted. His approach worked and he was glad he’d expressed an important part of presenting without the need to critique her early attempt. “You honor me, peach.”

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