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CHAPTER FORTY-NINE

James stared down at the woman kneeling at his feet.

His heart wavered between conflicting desires. Losing her was a thought he couldn't bear, yet he yearned for more than what they had before. The weight of his emotions threatened to choke him, but he knew he had to find the right words.

He couldn't help but notice the rapid flutter of her pulse in her neck and the slight tremor in her hands.

Silence hung heavy in the air, causing Laura's throat to work as she swallowed, her emotions laid bare for him to see. Her eyes glistened with unshed tears as she met his gaze, searching for any sign of acceptance or rejection. The seconds stretched into eternity.

She stretched out her hand tentatively.

A glimmer of hope appeared on her beautiful face when James curled his large fingers around her cold little hand.

James gazed into Laura's eyes, searching for the depth of her desires and the meaning behind her request. “What would being my sub mean to you, Laura?” he asked, not daring to hope.

Laura's breath hitched, and she bit her lips as she gathered her thoughts. She met his gaze, her eyes shining with compelling vulnerability. “I would like to go back to what we had before all the mess happened,” she replied. “Being together most nights, but having our own places. Our privacy. Spending time together, both in the presence of others and in intimate moments. Going to the club and munches as a united front, embracing the lifestyle we both cherish.” Laura peeked at him under her lashes.

James's heart swelled and a warm sensation filled the emptiness inside his chest. He pulled her gently to her feet, his strong arms enveloping her in a protective embrace. “Honey, I long for you and I miss you,” he confessed, his voice filled with raw honesty. “But I want more than just a casual arrangement. I want a genuine relationship with you, one that goes beyond the boundaries of BDSM. I understand your reservations. I know a permanent relationship scares you and you’re not ready for a declaration of love. But you’re right, maybe it’s a good idea to step back, find our footing, and see where it leads when we’re not being bombarded by…” He waved his free hand, summing up the events of the last couple months, then dropped it and smiled. “I’ll agree to your request and your terms for now.”

Laura let out an audible sigh of relief. Her features relaxed as a weight lifted off her shoulders. Her eyes remained locked with his. James held up his index finger and continued, “But I ask that you also be open to the possibility of a deeper commitment, to consider a more serious relationship, both vanilla and BDSM, because that’s what I want and that’s not going to change. I can go slow and respect your boundaries, but please don’t say yes now if you are never going to see a future with me.”

Laura's gaze softened, her nod conveying her willingness to explore the possibilities. His heart leaping with joy, their lips met in a passionate union that spoke of the unspoken promises they held for each other.

Home!

Warmth and relief rushed through his body as his lips met Laura's, their bodies coming together in a perfect fit. The kiss spoke of longing, desire, and a promise of something deeper. Breaking away slightly, he gazed into Laura's eyes, searching for the unspoken connection between them. The mix of vulnerability, trust, and anticipation pleased him. The deep desire to submit made his blood heat and his hope soar. His dominant nature roared to life.

Without breaking their gaze, James spoke in a low, commanding voice, “Well, then, let's address the issue of your communication failures and running away.” He paused for emphasis and the weight of his words hung in the air. “Again.”

Laura nodded in understanding, her expression reflecting her contrition.

James ordered. “Over my knee, sub.”

Laura obediently positioned herself, offering herself to him in a submissive posture. As he gently caressed her buttocks, James's voice carried a hint of both reprimand and affection. “You’re also being punished for trying to handle the loan shark by yourself.”

He landed the first firm blow and relished the sting in his hand and the red mark on her creamy-white globe, as he began the disciplinary action. He wasn’t going to drag this out. They needed plenty of time for make-up sex.

Much later, James and Laura sat together at the breakfast table. They’d emptied their plates but their hearts were full.

With the threats of Jake, John Smith and Donatelli out of the way, James and Laura slipped back into an easy routine. It was almost like their break hadn’t happened. They spent as much time as possible together, but still lived in their own places.

Sometimes it was just the two of them, but they also hung out with their friends and Laura’s family. James loved spending time with the children and Tim seemed especially happy to have a father-figure in their midst.

Of course, Chris, Dan and Beatrice were also a big part of their strange family. Little Abby was over the moon to have a grandmother-figure and two new uncles in her life.

With April’s warmer weather, they decided on a hike. As they finished their meal, James noticed Laura’s lips curved in a fond smile.

James’s eyes met hers. He couldn't resist the urge to delve deeper into her thoughts. “You look happy. What are you thinking about?”

Laura's smile widened, her hand reaching out to intertwine her fingers with his. The touch sent a jolt of warmth through James's veins, fueling his own happiness. “You, and yes, I am happy,” she replied. “You make me happy. ”

James looked at her intently. After his unfortunate slip of ‘I love you,’ he had thought it many times, but hadn’t voiced it again. James knew in his core that he not only loved Laura, but he also held an immense sense of pride in her. The way she had navigated the challenges they faced, particularly with Jake, had left him in awe. He cherished every aspect of her being – the loving aunt, the doting daughter, the sweet submissive, the smart professional and the passionate lover. He was convinced she loved him back, but he wasn’t the one who needed to be convinced. He was ready for a real commitment, but knew it wasn’t the right time to raise the issue.

Instead, he cleaned the table as Laura got ready for church.

As James washed the dishes, his mind wandered to the journey they had and the future that lay ahead of them. He knew he loved her, had known it for some time now, but he also recognized the importance of timing and patience. The last thing he wanted was to rush her or put unnecessary pressure on their relationship. They had come so far, overcoming obstacles, and finding their way back to each other, and he was determined to honor the natural progression of their relationship.

He loved having Laura in his life. She was more than just a partner; she was his confidante, his lover, and his best friend. He admired her strength, her resilience, and the way she embraced every aspect of herself. From her nurturing role as an aunt to the unwavering devotion she showed as his submissive, Laura's heart overflowed with love and compassion.

As the clatter of dishes subsided, James dried his hands and watched as Laura finished getting ready for church. The sunlight streamed through the window, casting a warm glow on her features, and he couldn't help but marvel at her beauty. She exuded a radiance that touched not only his heart but the hearts of those around her.