35

The next morning, Isis woke to the sound of loud music coming from another room. She looked around, noticing she was alone in Gage’s bed. Someone had placed her silk robe from her suitcase neatly across her. She figured it was Gage telling her she could put it on.

Following the sound of loud music and a rattle of pots and pans clanging from the kitchen, she found her way down the hall. When Isis reached the kitchen doorway she stood leaning against the frame with her arms crossed, watching the surprising scene before her. She giggled seeing Gage acting silly while dancing around the kitchen, his perfectly sculpted backside wiggling back and forth in his low-hung pajama pants. He was blaring Metallica and singing along, tapping the spatula on the stove like a drumstick.

Gage turned, seeing her while continuing the little rock concert in his head. Singing at the top of his voice, he gave her a wink. He went over to take Isis’s hand and kiss it, still singing. Spinning her around, pinning her back to his hard chest, he kissed her neck. This was the Gage she wished he still was, loving and playful. The image she pictured from all the stories she had heard about him in the past.

She giggled as he tickled her sides.

Over the loud music, he yelled, “Morning, beautiful! Hungry?”

She smiled and nodded yes. Gage went to turn down the radio and headed back to the stove, where a delicious aroma that filled the house was coming from.

“Eggs and bacon?” he asked.

Isis walked over, laying her head on his bicep. “Sounds good. You seem cheerful this morning.”

“Why shouldn’t I be? I woke up with you in my arms. I could get used to that; you know. And you haven’t had an attitude with me in a couple of days. Not to mention I had a pretty fun time last night.” He put his arm around her waist, kissing the top of her head. “Hope I wasn’t too rough last night. I get a little carried away sometimes.”

“Can I speak freely today?” she asked.

“Yes. You don’t have to do that all the time, baby.”

She pulled away and sat in a chair by the kitchen island, watching as he moved around the kitchen with ease. Watching him work away at breakfast she said, “I didn’t know you could cook.”

“I love to cook. Slade from Retribution taught me. I may not be a chef, but I can cook a mean steak and I love making breakfast. It’s relaxing.”

“Can I ask you something?” she questioned Gage with a hint of reluctance.

“Sure. I figured you’d have questions after the last couple of days.” He continued cooking, humming a tune.

“Are there other things like that? I mean... pain?” She sounded worried and was afraid that saying too much would push him away. “I bruise easily. I don’t want to have people thinking I’m being abused. I also don’t think I could take anything too rough. I didn’t even think it would turn me on by spanking. But… I was. It was so erotic. That’s never happened to me before. None of that has ever happened to me, but I was always a little curious.”

Gage put the eggs and bacon on her plate and handed them to her with an understanding smile. “Isis, listen. I don’t want to hurt you, ever. I wouldn’t do anything you’re not okay with. I probably should have told you about a safe word. It’s just as much about you being happy as it is about me. Last night you did more than I expected. You’re pretty vocal sexually. I like to know you’re enjoying it. Last night was just a tiny part of the dominant lifestyle. I know it’s not for everyone.”

“I can see that. It‘s just different from what I am used to.”

“A few women I dated were totally against spanking. Only one woman was okay with it. It wasn’t sexy when we did it. It never ended up being sexy at all, as a matter of fact. Just punishment. She was a bitch. For her, it was a way to get free shopping sprees and money.”

“So, there’ve been other women. How many?” Isis rested her arm on the island and leaned her head into her hand. She needed to know more and learn about this life.

“Three. I only slept with one. It freaked the other two out. They never got past me explaining it. You listened and haven’t judged me.”

“Well, I’m curious. Does that mean you want a genuine relationship at some point?” she asked, eating her bacon.

“I do. I didn’t with the others. It was only about sex and domination with them because I was trying to learn about this lifestyle. They were not in the wrestling industry, and we had little in common. I had just gotten divorced and was exploring new things. I now know this lifestyle doesn’t work if it’s just about sex. You should be in a relationship of trust. It may not be the ideal relationship, and I can’t promise you that right now. You may feel like I don’t care for you, but I do. It’s more personal with you because we have a life outside together. Maybe that will be what makes it work.”

“If we can stop fighting, you mean. I don’t enjoy fighting with you.”

“Me either.“ Gage shrugged. “Ya know, when we are in a calm place and being yourself, I see what I want. You have a kind heart. I know sometimes I make you feel bad. When you open your smart mouth I start rethinking things,” he teased while grabbing a piece of her bacon and ate it, laughing.

“You’re a total jerk, you know that? Good thing you’re so dang sexy. Your hot body blinds me from seeing how much of an asshole you really are.” She nudged him with her shoulder with a giggle.

“Hey! I will let that one pass. Next time you’re in trouble.” He snickered as he started eating his breakfast.

“Well, you took a girl’s bacon. You know they say that’s started wars, right? Anyone could get grouchy when someone takes their bacon. They said Napoleon Bonaparte was a nice guy until someone stole his bacon. Then he became a dictator all because he was hungry.” She grabbed one of his and licked it.

“I don’t think that’s accurate historical knowledge,” he laughed.

“You’re just not reading the right books.”

“Brat.” Gage chuckled. “Isis, research about BDSM and read up on what a submissive and Dominant is. Email me things you think you would and wouldn’t do. There are a few non-negotiable things, and we can discuss that later. But this is about compromise, so I’m open to listening to any concerns you have.”

“All right, what things are you set on?”

“For example, if I’m having a bad day and just need a release or the middle of the night, I may just feel the need for you. I don’t want you to feel violated, and I would do nothing without your permission. I want you to know my need for you is my safe place. If that ever becomes something that makes you feel scared, I need to know immediately. We must trust each other. I’ve never forced myself on a woman, and I never will. Communication is key.” He rubbed her back and kissed her cheek. “We can talk about things I want to do together. If you have ideas, you can tell me those things too. I liked your wrestling ring idea. I think you might be into a little PDA, my goddess.”

“How did this all start?” she asked seriously.

“After being with Summer for a while, I got sick of her bossy attitude. She wanted to be the head of the family. I had sexual things I liked, but she didn’t have an interest in it. She was more about me having a title belt for publicity and wanted me to be her fast ticket to fame. Summer wasn’t very into sex unless it was all about her. In the two years of marriage, she never once initiated sex or did things to please me. Last night, when you wanted to pleasure me, I was a little surprised. I miss that mutual intimacy.”

“So, do you think she didn’t like sex?”

Gage chuckled. “Oh, she did. A lot. I later found out she liked sex with other men just fine. She liked the taboo of cheating. When we met, her dad didn’t know about us. He hated me. He used to work for Davis in the corporate office and thought his daughter was too good to date a wrestler. I guess she liked to feel like she was doing something she shouldn’t. Everyone has their kink, I suppose. Her thing was dabbling in the forbidden fruits, so to say.”

“Sounds like she had daddy issues.” Isis rolled her eyes.

Summer was never one of her favorite people. The woman seemed vapid and self-centered.

“Now you mention it, she did. Outside of the bedroom, it was just exhausting having someone nagging at me all the time. She forced me to be Twelve Inch Gage, the celebrity wrestler, even at home. Sometimes, I just want to come home and be Gage Stone.”

“So how did you discover you liked domination?”

“I was watching a movie once. Not porn. Just a movie. It looked interesting, so I started reading up about Dominant and submissive relationships. I have no interest in gag balls and leather suits. After my divorce, I tried it a few times with a girl I was seeing. Truth is, I got a little caught up in this ego trip and it carried into my character in Justice. When you came around, I saw this beautiful woman I wanted, and I tested you. It got too far out of hand.”

“You manipulated me to get what you want. All for your fetish?” Isis seemed irritated at the notion.

Gage turned to her, worried he messed this up. “No, I just hoped you would let me explore this with you. I noticed a few things you’ve said to me. I need to know something, and I want an answer.”

“Okay, I’ll try,” she said with curiosity.

“Are you in love with me? You said that night at the gym all you wanted was for me to love you. I don’t know if it was just the emotions, or you wanted me to?” Gage took a drink of his juice.

She looked down, fidgeting with her hands. “I... how do I answer that?”

“Truthfully.” He turned to face her, taking her hands in his.

She looked up to meet his gaze. “Yes.”

“You need to know I am not ready for that. We just began to explore this. Love is something I don’t know if I’m ready for. I swore to myself to stay away from it. I know you don’t want to hear that, but I have to be honest.”

“This thing is all about sex and control. Do you think you could ever try to love me?” She felt like her heart would break if he refused to try.

“Baby, when I love you, I won’t have to try. I don’t even know what it is I am feeling right now. I’ve never felt the way I feel about you with anyone. If you can submit yourself to me, I can explore learning how to love again with you. Truth is, I may never.” He gave a soft, comforting smile. “I am glad you do, though. It shows you’re more willing to give us a try.”

“All in, right?” She got up and wrapped her arms around him, cuddling into his neck. “Gage, you can’t stop me from telling you I love you. Now you know, I won’t hold back. That wasn’t easy for me to admit. I have for so long and I needed to let it out. I won’t pressure you. I won’t say it in public. Just sometimes, when you hold me, I need to say it.”

“That’s fine. Just please don’t be hurt if I don’t say it back. I don’t do love. Ever.” He tried to be honest, even if the revelation hurt her.

“Gage,” she said, caressing his face. “I’m going to make you love me. That is one thing you can’t make me submit about.”

Isis kissed his cheek while getting up to put away her plate. He knew he could love her. He was afraid he already did.