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Cass took Rebecca’s sudden quietness as a sign that Cass had said something to offend her wife. “T-that’s – I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

Rebecca patted Cassidy’s arms so she would release her grip from around Rebecca’s waist. “I know what you meant, baby.” She straddled Cassidy’s lap and wrapped her arms around Cassidy’s neck. “I must say, Rebecca allowed herself to fall for you much quicker than Mistress did. Though, she was also twenty years younger in her mind.”

Cass smiled up at Rebecca. “I’m glad you’re not twenty years younger. I think dating an older woman is fucking hot.”

Rebecca bent her head and bit Cassidy’s bottom lip hard enough to cause a yelp. “That’s for calling me an older woman.” She dipped her head again and licked Cassidy’s lip before kissing her gently. “That’s for implying I’m hot.”

Cass poked her tongue out to lick the sore area, smiling the entire time. Rebecca’s playfulness and discomfort about her age were really good signs. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Have I ever said no to you?”

Cass pursed her lips. Was she going to give a smart-ass answer and risk being punished? Hell, yeah, she was. “I can think of a few times. Need me to list them for you?”

Rebecca’s eyebrows shot up. “You’re feeling a bit cheeky, aren’t you?”

Heh. Cass’s hands snaked down to grab a handful of Rebecca’s ass and squeezed. “Now I am,” she grinned.

“What is your question, Cassidy?” Rebecca playfully tugged on Cassidy’s hair yet still pushed her ass back into Cassidy’s touch.

“Is Mistress… gone? I mean, I know that becoming Mistress helped with undoing everything Samantha did to you. But with this second chance, do you… need her anymore?”

Rebecca thought about what Cassidy said about being just a sub to her. “Do you want Mistress to go away?”

“No! I mean, uh,” Cass blew out a breath. “I love what we have, babe, but I don’t want to make you be someone you’re not. If this tumor and everything that’s happened has changed something within you…”

“Baby, Mistress is a part of me. I think she always has been. And as long as you feel safe with her, she’ll always be with us.” Rebecca pushed Cassidy’s long bangs out of her face. “I’m no longer afraid of giving in to Mistress, you know. Having this memory of being a sub so fresh in my mind, I think I understand more what it means to be a dominant and the balance of control for each.”

“Another silver lining?”

“There will never be a silver lining for what Samantha did to me. But it was certainly a learning experience. So, as long as you want Mistress, Cassidy, you have her.”

“Forever,” Cass said immediately. “I want you both forever. Just please keep calling me Cassidy.” She cupped Rebecca’s face in her hands. “Cass sounded wrong coming from you, and I didn’t like it.”

Rebecca scrunched her face. “Yeah, that felt odd coming out of my mouth. Why didn’t you introduce yourself as Cassidy?”

Cass shrugged. “I don’t know. But I’m kinda glad I didn’t because hearing you say it while coming in my mouth was fucking incredible.”

Rebecca’s nostrils flared as arousal coursed through her body. “We have a lot of missed time to make up for, Cassidy. Shall we get started?”

“Fuck yeah, we shall.” Cass scooted up, making sure to keep a firm grip on Rebecca’s ass. “Better hang on, darlin’.”

“Darlin’?

Cass grinned. “Sounded good in my head.” She stood, loving how Rebecca wrapped her legs around her waist. Cass paused, peering up into Rebecca’s silver eyes. They were dark with arousal and clearer than they had been in a long time. “Are we good, baby?”

“We’re better than good. We’re Rebecca and Cassidy. Now, I have a question. Where the hell is my dog?”

Rebecca stood in her office, gazing out the window and avoiding the crowd that was amassing in her house. This was precisely why she told Cassidy she wanted the “Welcome back, Rebecca” party at their home—so that when she felt overwhelmed, she could hide. Rebecca loved her friends dearly, but holy hell, there were a lot of them, and Rebecca was still trying to find her groove. Well, she and Cassidy had undoubtedly found their groove—multiple times. But Rebecca was taking her time with everything else. She should have taken more time with this get-together. Yet, she knew as soon as Aunt Wills began letting everyone know Rebecca’s memory was back, this little party was inevitable. They all meant well, and the mutual love between everyone in the group is why Rebecca agreed to it less than a week later.

She could hear the bustle of people outside her office door. Ellie, Blaise, and Eve were preparing dishes in Rebecca’s kitchen. Cassidy, Mo, Grayson, and Hunter were out on the deck grilling. Lainey, Patty, and Aunt Wills were on kid duty — including keeping the bigger kids occupied and out of the way. Even Mocha was in on the fun, barking and playing with Bella, who did an excellent job at dog-sitting. And Rebecca… was hiding. The good news was they were the most understanding friends anyone could have. This meant that Rebecca could hole up in her office for as long as she needed to without judgment. Yeah, she loved her friends dearly. Even…

“Hey, babe?”

Rebecca looked back over her shoulder and smiled at her wife. “Hey.”

“You okay?” Cass walked over to Rebecca and wrapped her arms around her.

“Yeah, just…”