Page 70 of Ascension

Me: Down boy.

Amiyah: Imiss you, Mistress.

My heart swelled at her admission.

James: Speaking of… I wanted to tell y’all something. Amiyah’s birthday is coming up…and.

I straightened in my chair, curiosity piqued.

Me: Oh? Should I be concerned or intrigued?

Amiyah: Wait. What are you up to, James?

A pause. Then the following message popped up, long enough that I could almost picture him typing with that crooked grin of his.

James: Pack a bag, both of you. I already booked the hotel. We’re going to NYC for Comic Con.

For a second, I blinked at the screen, certain I’d read it wrong, but a smile eased on my face. Then Amiyah’s reply came through, all caps and chaos.

Amiyah: ARE YOU SERIOUS?!

Amiyah: Comic Con?

Amiyah: IN NEW YORK?!

Her excitement bled through every word. I could almost hear the breathless disbelief in her voice, see the way her eyes would light up.

James: Yeah, baby. I figured it’s your birthday, and you’ve been talking about going for years around the office to anyone who would listen, and it felt like it was time to make it happen. It’s also the perfect time for a couple’s getaway.

Me: Mr. Carter, it makes my pussy wet when you’re a good boy without my having to tell you. It makes my mouth water knowing that you love to submit and aim to please not just me but also the woman that makes my heart skip a beat. I’ll be sure to reward you with all the pleasurable pain your body can handle.

James: Thank you, Mistress.

James: Oh, and Amiyah, I’m giving you complete control over our costumes.

I could feel the wicked grin in that message.

Amiyah: Mmm… complete control, huh? You sure about that?

James: Positive. I’m not scared of a little cosplay.

Me: You should be.

Amiyah: Oh, you definitely should be.

I laughed softly, the sound echoing through my penthouse. Talking to my loves, even through text, offered me a sense of relief I hadn’t felt since Sr. Placed his bullshit on my shoulders. This, them, was grounding me in a way I hadn’t expected.

Me: Fine, but if you have me walking through Manhattan in spandex, Amiyah, I’ll find creative ways to make you regret it.

Amiyah: Promises, promises.

James: See? Y’all already plotting. This trip gonna be chaos.

Me: You started it.

James: And I’ll finish it.

I set the phone down, smiling to myself. The warmth between us was easy, natural, threaded with laughter and something more profound that none of us was quite ready to name.