Page 71 of His to Possess

I pick up my phone and open the message thread with Lilah. I’d been teasing her about her film choice for the morning—some gory slasher she insisted was actually a multi-layered and deep cinematic masterpiece. Not exactly what most people would enjoy over their porridge to start the day.

I’m glad she’s taking a morning to veg out and watch movies, though. She deserves to have a chill day, to do exactly what she wants to for once. I still don’t know the whole story about what happened prior to her entering that auction, but I’m getting a better picture. One thing is obvious—my girl hasn’t had much time to relax in a long time.

I debate texting her, wanting to check in but also not wanting to interrupt her movie time. She makes the choice unnecessary though as a message comes through while I’m still holding the phone.

Lilah:Harper Cain just called me. She wondered if I’d like to have lunch with her and her friends Emma and Rebecca.

A warm feeling spreads through my chest at the idea. Rebecca and Emma are both subs at Club Wyld. I know Harper best out of the three, of course, since she’s engaged to Nate, but Rebecca and her Dom Luke are also good friends of mine. I don’t know Emma as well, but I’m sure she’s also right around Lilah’s age. I like the idea of her making friends with these girls, being comfortable with other people in the lifestyle.

Me:What did you say?

Lilah:I told her it sounded fun but I wanted to check with you first.

The warmth intensifies, satisfaction washing over me. Immediately, I hit her contact number. She picks up on the first ring and I speak before she can utter a word.

“You wanted to check with me?”

“Um, yes? I mean…it seemed like I should.”

I grin at the nervous, uncertain note in her voice. I do so like keeping her on her toes.

“I’m pleased that you did,” I assure her. “Very pleased.”

Her voice sounds a little breathless. “You are?”

“Mmm,” I murmur, lowering my voice to a velvety purr. “That shows respect, love. Obedience. And I like that very much.”

I can practically hear her blushing through the phone. “Does that mean…” she clears her throat. “I mean…”

“What?” I press. “You can ask me anything, love. Don’t be nervous.”

“I guess I just don’t understand how this works,” she says, sounding uncertain. “The whole…you know. Submissive thing.”

“What part has you confused?”

“Am I supposed to be submissive all the time?” she asks. “Or is it just…uh. A sexy times thing?”

“Sexy times?” I burst out, a bark of laughter following. God, she’s adorable.

“Philip,” she snaps. “You know what I mean.”

I force the amusement from my voice. “No, love. I don’t expect you to be submissive all the time. I like that you’re independent and strong. Your fire, your sassiness—those things turn me on.”

“You like me sassy, huh?” she asks, sounding way too pleased about that confession. Damn—I probably should have kept that to myself. Now she’s going to go out of her way to make me crazy.

“The point, love, is that I don’t expect you to turn into some mindless drone twenty-four-seven.” I lower my voice. “But that doesn’t mean I don’t enjoy it when you show me hints of that submissive side outside of the playroom.”

“Oh,” she says, and damn, I wish we were video chatting right now. I want to see her gorgeous face, see if her eyes are getting wide, if her chest is rising faster. The mere discussion of playrooms and submission has me hard as hell for her. Is she turned on, too?

“I think it would be good for you to spend the afternoon with the girls,” I tell her. “I’m sure they could answer any questions you might have about how this whole thing works.”

“Okay,” she says, sounding a little nervous about the prospect. So innocent, my girl.

“Only if you want to,” I tell her. “You can always just ask me anything you want to know. But if there’s anything you want to get a sub’s perspective on, those girls can help.”

“That’s a good idea.”

I lean back in my chair. “So, where are you going to eat?”