Page 73 of The Deals We Make

But even as panic battles with anticipation and excitement, I don’t say another word.

22

VEX

There is nothing hotter than a woman battling her demons to do as you ask.

As I stroke the top of Calista’s head, a tactile praise for dropping to her knees, I can only imagine what those demons are.

I’m guessing no one tells her what to do in that job of hers.

And I’m guessing the reason she’s single is because she’s never trusted a man enough to rely on him. But I’ll show her I can bear the weight.

But if she wants me as much as I want her, she’s going to have to learn.

When I see little goose bumps ripple over her skin, I glance over at the thermostat to make sure it’s excitement and not cold causing them.

In the drawer are some extra supplies I need. The rope scissors are a must. I practice my craft on a mannequin I keep in the closet, but when it comes to tying up a human being, anything can happen. A knot too tight, a woman who refuses to say her safe word, a panic attack… Rope scissors can cut rope work off in seconds.

I also grab a large clip and reach for her ponytail. I tug on it, pulling her head back, and place my mouth to hers, kissing her until she moans against my lips.

My cock throbs against my jeans, but this isn’t about me. Carefully, I wrap her hair up, so it won’t get caught in anything I’m about to do.

I take a moment to light some candles and dim the lights.

Then, I slip my Henley over my head but leave my jeans on.

At least, for now.

As I’ve got work to do.

I take her hand and encourage her to stand. “Kneel on the platform.”

It’s padded and won’t be hard on her knees but allows me to walk around her as I need to.

I reach for some red rope from the wall that is perfect for a beginner. While she’ll definitely feel what I’m doing, I don’t want to abrade her skin with some of the rougher ropes I have.

I find the center of the length and stand behind her as I place the rope over her head.

When she glances at me over her shoulder, wide eyes and a lower lip gripped between two teeth tell me she’s nervous. I smile and stroke her cheek, so she knows I see her.

I create an overhand knot behind her neck to create a loop of rope. As I do, I take in how soft and smooth her shoulders are, how long her neck is. Never really paid attention before.

I move to stand in front of her and create a second knot, just below her collarbone. When I’m done, I stroke my fingers along the top of her shoulders and wink at her when she looks up at me.

I see the whisper of a nervous smile touch the corner of her lips.

I wouldn’t define myself as a Dom in the same way Halo would. It’s not as much of a compulsion for me as it is for him, asa method of control. I certainly don’t enjoy spanking or paddling a woman. But I love the drama of creating a scene, of being with a woman who hands her body and orgasm to me completely.

And I sure as fuck love the patience Shibari requires.

More, I love the aesthetic when it’s done.

I love the flow of the rope through my fingers as I pull it all through the knot I just created by her sternum. A rope dress requires several of these knots down her body. By her rib cage, in line with her belly button, and the final knot, often called a happy knot, that lines up with Calista’s clit.

I deliberately allow my fingers to brush over her clit as I do so.

Calista gasps and sighs as I touch her.