“It’s not?” I hate the sound of disappointment in my voice. Where the hell did that come from?

“Is that a problem?” His mouth curves into a slight grin as if he’s just read my mind and liked what he saw.

I straighten my spine. “Of course not.”

“For you, and what we hope to accomplish together, I would recommend six sessions. It’s enough for me to give you the time and attention you deserve, but not so much time together that…” He trails off, losing some of his self-assuredness for the first time this evening.

“Not so much time together that, what?” I ask.

“I don’t like to do more sessions than that because women tend to get attached to me.”

I laugh despite his serious expression. There’s no way I’ll get attached to him. I’m still trying to wrap my head around how being with a Dom will work, even for this short period, and have no interest in pursuing that lifestyle long term.

“You can take some time to think about it. I know for some it’s expensive—”

“I want to do it,” I blurt.

“Okay then. I’ll e-mail you the nondisclosure documents, a few local clinics that offer STD testing, and the pricing sheet for my services.”

“I understand.” Nothing worthwhile is free, and I’m prepared to pay for his help. I can tell in our one short conversation that he is the real deal. As nice as it is to have a savings account, the money is doing me no good just sitting there. This is about me taking charge of my life and going after what I want. And right now, I want this unabashed man to teach me what he knows.

“I want you to make a list of all the sexual things you’ve wanted to try, but never been brave enough to ask for.”

“I—okay.” The idea of the task makes me a little uncomfortable, but maybe that’s the idea. I’m here to grow. To learn.

“We need to delve into your past. Specifically, have you ever pleasured yourself? If so, how, when, the frequency, et cetera. I will need you to describe in detail a couple of fantasies. I want to understand your wants and desires, Brielle. It’s the only way I can help you.”

I take a deep breath. I understand now, watching him, he doesn’t just want inside my body, he wants inside my head. It’s a big leap of faith on my part.

“All right,” I whisper.

He leans closer, his mouth twitching with a smile. “Do you touch yourself?”

My breath lodges in my throat. He wants me to answer now? I thought he meant later—through the anonymity of e-mail. “S-sometimes.”

“With a toy or with your fingers in your pussy?” He leans closer, close enough that I can smell his expensive cologne.

I had a toy, but it broke from overuse. Somehow, I’m sure that would only make him laugh. “With my fingers,” I whisper.

He reaches across the table and lifts my hand, studying it. Soulful jazz floats through the air, creating a sexy atmospheric pressure all around us as the gorgeous singer’s voice flirts with us from across the room. Hot and bothered in a way I’ve never experienced, I realize I’m flushed and warm from head to toe.

“You have small, delicate fingers.” His finger glides along my index and middle fingers, inspecting me and tickling my skin with his light touch. “It will feel much different when I fuck you with my hand, but you’ll tell me everything you like and how to make you come. Won’t you, Brielle?”

I swallow. “Yes.” My voice is a tiny whisper, and I know my cheeks are bright red.

“And what about limits? Is there anything you’d rather not try?”

He’s right; I have to take control of my life, my sex life included, if I want to succeed. I’m determined to be confident in this exchange.

My eyes meet his. “Oral sex.”

He makes a small sound of surprise in his throat. “Tell me why.”

“My gag reflex—” I stop myself. I don’t want to sound like an idiot to someone who’s obviously much more sexually experienced than me. I don’t want him to know that I gagged and sputtered like an idiot the first and last time I tried it. “It’s just not something I enjoy.”

He leans close, his voice dropping low, and his entire presence dominates every inch of my personal space. My inner muscles clench.

“I can teach you how to suck cock like a fucking pro. How to deep-throat so well that no man will ever leave your bed. Would you like that, Brielle, my cock buried deep in your throat while my voice coaches you through? My thick shaft pumping in and out of your mouth while my hands massage your throat until you relax and take me?”

Between my thighs grows damp, and I drop my gaze from his to the table. It’s too intense between us. God, we’ve only just met. Surely he understands I can’t go from zero to dirty talk in thirty minutes? The best I can do is to mumble unintelligible replies.

I nod. “I could try, if you wanted me to.”

His mouth curls into a devilish grin. “Are you wet, peach?” he asks, out of the blue.

Dear God, it’s like this man can read my mind. I need a better poker face if I hope to survive my encounters with him.

As I look down, averting my eyes, I hear him chuckle softly. My reticence is the only answer he needs.

Chapter Five

Hale

Her responses have all been perfect in their delicate submission. The slight dip of her chin, the lowering of her eyes, the pink flush of her cheeks at my vulgar language. Things are going better than anticipated, and I’m a happy man at the moment, though my expression remains cool and neutral, so as not to give anything away.