For years we saw each other around but barely spoke. I daresay we developed a petty rivalry because it was better than feeling awkward whenever we were near each other. Hard to believe we’ve been together for two years now. Every day I wake up beside him thinking I’m pretty damn lucky, and yet it feels like forever already.
Ian’s made it clear that he wants to marry me. Maybe not tomorrow, but sometime in the nearish future. Probably before we hit our fifth anniversary in our mid-30s. I’ve turned down his proposal every time, however. I’m not ready. Getting married would change our relationship, no matter what he thinks. Plus, people would treat me differently. Not him, though, and that’s something I need to make peace with first before agreeing to marry him.
Yet when we’re together like this, during our downtime on a trip halfway across the world, I get to pretend that nobody is judging us. Nobody knows me. Nobody knows him. All they’d see are two people in love.
And lust. Because Ian wouldn’t be Ian unless he was grabbing my breasts and thrusting between my legs, even with our clothes on.
Isn’t it ridiculous how some guys can make you feel like the only person in the whole damn world? Even at my level of wealth and privilege, I’m not used to men being so absorbed with me months, years into our relationships. Sure, they think I’m their devilish princess (or queen, if I’m really into dating submissive men at the moment) for a while. They might even think of no one but me. Yet don’t most men get ornery? Their eyes start to wander? Okay, so I don’t care if my guy looks at other women. Touching? That’s the fastest way to get your shit out of my place, whether of your own volition or not!
I’ve always felt secure with Ian since we’ve realized what we want from each other. He can make jokes about seeing other women and I can make off-hand comments about seeing my harem of men on the side. Sometimes he makes jokes about his own male harem to see if I’m paying attention. (I usually am.) I know that I can stop by his place unannounced and be instantly comfortable. I’ve never resented him stopping by my place unannounced. We basically live together, but with separate addresses, if that makes sense.
The whole world knows we’re as serious as it gets… and the whole world is counting down to this wedding we haven’t even planned.
“Your mind is wandering,” Ian growls against my jaw. “I must not be doing a good job at this boyfriend thing. Gotta step it up so you start paying attention to me.”
I grab his head and pull his lips atop mine. There. Does that answer whether or not I’m paying attention, Mr. Mathers?
Things are heating up to both of our benefits, and I’m 100% ready to tear off my panties and get going. Too bad someone knocks on my fucking door.
Really? Again? Another interruption? How many can one girl take?
“Once again,” Ian says, doubling-down staying on top of me. “Ignore it. We’re busy.”
I have no doubt that my boyfriend will continue to have sex with me while someone knocks at my door. Who the fuck is it, though? I didn’t order room service. I wasn’t expecting anyone to drop by. It couldn’t be Valerie looking for Ian. That left either a courier or…
One of our wonderful hosts.
“Shit,” Ian mutters as I push him off and head to the door, hands smoothing down my clothes. At least he hadn’t ripped them off yet. He’s acquired a few more manners since we started dating a couple years ago. I don’t even have to use my safe word to get him to realize that, no, I really don’t want to have sex while someone is pounding on my front door while he thinks he’s getting the back.
I plaster a smile on my face as I open the door. Sure enough, there’s Ms. Isoya, the middle-aged woman who was more than happy to set us up in separate rooms in her hotel.
I know at some point she said she lived in the top floor of her building, but I wasn’t expecting to see her show up wearing a stylish Chinese silk robe wrapped around her toned body. If I didn’t know any better, I’d think Ms. Isoya was stopping by for something else, if you know what I mean. (Save me.)
“Guudo ebeningu!” I understand her fine after I have some time to think about it, but that is one thick accent she courts. From now on, I’ll spare you. “I trust that everything is… ah… how do you say… ah! Satisfactory?”
“Yes.” I purse my lips. Here’s hoping she doesn’t see the man lounging on the bed behind me. “Everything is fantastic here, Ms. Isoya.”
“Good! Good! Well, if you need anything, be sure to ring the front desk. I’ve left standing orders that whatever you desire is yours tonight. If we don’t have it, my night auditor will find it for you in this neighborhood.”