As they took their seats, Dominique offered a knowing smile. “Grayson and Hayden confessed their little scheme regarding the auction.” She shook her head indulgently. “You boys are incorrigible. While the money goes to a worthy cause, I have to say, that was a very expensive way to get a date with a girl. We would have lent her to you for free, Jack.”
Jack laughed, a little embarrassed at how casually he’d hiked up the bidding to get what he’d wanted. He didn’t talk about his wealth, not quite believing it was really his.
He’d been given a very sizable investment portfolio to administer a few years back, and his pay and insanely generous bonuses were directly tied to its performance. He’d worked his ass off during the past two years, which had served to numb his grief somewhat, and had made him quite wealthy in the process.
To Dominique, he said, “It was well worth it. And that’s actually what I wanted to talk to you about. Things are moving into uncharted territory right now between Cleo and me. I’ve released her from the remainder of the auction contract.”
“Released her? I don’t understand.” Dominique frowned. “She’s displeased you in some way?”
“No, not at all,” Jack replied quickly. “Quite the opposite, in fact.” He leaned forward, putting his hands on his knees. “I’ll just come out and say it. I think I’m in love with Cleo. And maybe, just maybe, she might be in love with me.”
As he said those words aloud for the first time, his whole body flushed with heat and pleasure. After such a sad and difficult couple of years, his life had taken a dramatic turn. Now, he just had to seize the moment—and the girl.
Dominique’s eyes opened with surprise. “That’s wonderful news. But so sudden.” She placed a beautifully manicured hand lightly on Jack’s leg. “It’s usually the subs I have to counsel in this way, but could you be confusing the thrill of the D/s experience with love? I mean, it’s such an intense and unique situation. Getting our deep-seated needs met can sometimes feel like love, but it’s usually more about loving the experience.”
“I know,” Jack agreed. “And I’m very aware of that particular dynamic. But I honestly don’t think that’s what’s happening here. I don’t know if Hayden’s filled you in on our history, but Cleo and I have known each other for a number of years. Since before Annette died.”
As he said those last words, he automatically mentally girded himself for the piercing stab of pain they always caused in his heart. Yet, while the sadness lingered, the wild, incapacitating grief had finally subsided.
It’s good, Jack. It’s time to move on. She’s a sound one, is our Cleo.
The words echoed so clearly in his mind that for a moment Jack thought Dominique had spoken. But no, it was Annette’s voice, with its rich Mancunian accent she’d never quite shed, despite her many years in London.
Jack paused a moment, both startled and grateful for Annette’s blessing, even if it was something he’d conjured within himself.
Dominique, no doubt thinking he was choked up, patted his knee gently, her face creasing with concern. “I know you must miss her terribly.”
“No,” Jack blurted. “I mean, yes, of course. But it’s been nearly two years. I’ve come to a place of acceptance. I’m ready to start living again. I’ve been taking stock since I made the decision to fly over here. I assume Hayden told you I came expressly to see Cleo. We had some unfinished business, so to speak, that needed seeing to.”
“Unfinished business?”
“Yes. I, uh, I didn’t handle things so well when I came back to the London club last year. I was still grieving, I suppose, and I felt guilty and confused about my growing feelings for Cleo. So, I… I guess I kind of shut her out, emotionally speaking. I was aware she had some feelings for me, and I wasn’t ready to handle whatever might be happening between us at the time. I dealt with it by making sure to scene regularly with others, treating her as just another pleasure sub available for my amusement. When she left town so abruptly, without a word to me, I was forced to admit I’d been fooling myself. I’d taken the coward’s way out because I was afraid to love again. Her leaving really brought home to me how strong my feelings for her actually were.”
“Ah, this is all making sense now. I had a feeling when Cleo first got here that she’d been running from something, or someone. I questioned her about it, but she didn’t want to talk in specifics, saying only that someone had broken her heart without his even knowing he’d done it.”
A blade of remorse pierced Jack’s heart at these words. “Yeah,” he said miserably. “I really fucked things up. I tried reaching out with a letter to test the waters between us. I thought a real letter written by hand would have more impact than an email, but she never responded.”