Viv

I don’t want a repeat of Cardiff, so I whisper in Rhys’ ear the morning after he made love to me for most of the night. I’m sore, and I want more. I’m loving how used my pussy feels, but my mouth is feeling neglected.

“I want you in my mouth.”

“What?” he asks, coming awake, and looking at me like I’m crazy.

“Let me suck you off, and come down my throat.”

“I-I can’t do that.”

“Oh. Okay.” It’s not, but I promised to be patient with him.

“Anything but that. I just can’t.”

“I should get ready for work anyway.”

“I left with those women from the club, because they blew me really good, and I wanted more with them. It’s my fault for leaving, and getting myself into that situation. I’ve let go of the blame for what happened to me in that warehouse, but I can’t let go of this. Of knowing I went there with them because they sucked my dick.”

“I’m not them, but I know you need time to remember that.”

“I don’t need to remember you’re not them, but the thought of you sucking on me freaks me out. It’s giving up complete control, and I’m just not there yet. You have no idea how badly I want it, but I know I’ll lose it if you do it right now.”

“I’ll be here when you are ready,” I tell him, kissing his cheek.

“Can I shower with you?”

“Only if you promise to help me wash up. All over,” I tell him, slipping out of bed. “After you bend me over one of the big benches inside the shower, of course.”

“I don’t need it from behind, Viv,” he says, holding my gaze so I know he means it.

“Which is why I want you to do it. I hated it before, because you weren’t there with me. It’s going to be different this time.”

“Yeah, it is. I promise.”

He keeps his word, pulling my hair, pinching my nipples, and sucking more hickeys onto the back of my neck as I brace myself on the wall. My knees are on the bench, and he says my name frequently as he works us both into a frenzy.

After, he washes every inch of me, dropping to his knees when he gets to my legs. He gives me one of his patented smirks with a hint of dimple, before licking me to another orgasm while soaping up my legs. I wish I could give him the same, but that’s not my decision to make, and I have to honor his wishes.

“I’m not sure how I’m going to function at work today.” I tell him honestly, pulling on a pair of dark jeans, and a black and white top that drapes low on my back.

“You? I had to stand here and watch you put little sticky things on your nipples, because you’re going braless today. I’m going to be accidentally coding ‘tits’ all day.”

“No one forced you to watch.”

“And no one told you you couldn’t,” he says, turning my face to his. “You can look, and touch. You have permission to do anything, except what we talked about. I might get a little startled if you climb onto my cock while I’m sleeping, but you’re allowed.”

“Same. I mean, I don’t have a cock, but you can slide yours inside my pussy whenever you want.”

“And now, I have to have you again,” he says, unbuckling his belt.

“You’re insatiable.”

“Is that a problem?”

“Definitely not,” I tell him, as he pushes me against the wall. “I’m just thinking I should switch to a skirt today.”

“Good idea.”

Rhys

Things are back to normal at the office, or as normal as they can be when two people who are in love with each other are pointedly ignoring one another. I’ve never seen two people function so well together, while also keeping their distance. X and Seri have it down to a science, and I’m honestly impressed.

My C&C tablet buzzes, and I look down to see a message from the Security desk, telling me my father is here to see me. I have no desire to see him, but I know he’ll cause a scene if I don’t, so I message them that I’m on my way down. Grabbing my jacket from my chair, I button it, straighten my tie, and step into the elevator.

“There you are, Rhys. This woman wouldn’t let me go up to your office.”

“We have security procedures for a reason, Father. You should’ve told me you’d be stopping by.”

“Can’t I surprise you?”

“No.”

“You need to watch your tone with me, young man.”

I roll my eyes, and move us towards one of the empty seating areas in the main lobby. “What do you want?”

“You listen here, Rhys. I’m done protecting you, so you better fall in line.”

“Protecting me? You’ve never protected me. Or Rhieve.”

“Your sister is another matter, and one I’m not in the mood to discuss with you right now.”

“Well, please tell me what it is you want to discuss, so I can get back to work.”

“Playing your little computer games isn’t work,” he scoffs. I refrain from reminding him that our entire family business depends on computers, because I just want him gone. When I don’t speak up, he continues. “The Sloans are throwing a party on Saturday, and I’m told you haven’t RSVP’d yet. You will be there, with a suitable date on your arm.”

“Yes, I will.”

“Who?”

“You’ll see when I get there.”

“Why must you always be so difficult?”

“Because it’s more fun.”

“This isn’t a game, Rhys.”

“No, it’s not. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have work to do. I believe you know where the door out is.”

He’s still sputtering when I swipe my badge to go through security, winking at Jyn on my way to the elevator. That felt better than it probably should’ve, but I’m not sorry for finally standing up for myself. It’s been a long time coming.

I have a session with Maura soon, so I head there instead of back to my desk. It’s comforting on this floor, which is the point of it, but it still amazes me every time I’m sitting on one of the comfy couches. How can I feel comforted when I’m about to bare my soul, and spill my darkest secrets? I’ll have to ask Rhieve one day, because it’s got to be Society magic.

“Come on in, Rhys,” Maura says, right on time, as she always is.

I stand, and follow her, but can’t contain myself long enough to sit down. “I made love to Viv last night,” I blurt out as soon as the door closes.

“And?” she asks, gesturing to the chair I ignore, as I pace.

“It was perfect.”

“No panic attacks?”

“Not last night, but I almost had one this morning,” I admit.

“Go on.”

“She woke me up, and told me she wanted to um…you know.”

She smiles. “Yes, I think I do.” She would, since we’ve talked about it before.

“I turned her down, and I know she was disappointed, but she still had sex with me again in the shower. And I did—you know—to her.”

“You did it to her, yet told her she couldn’t do it to you? Do you think that’s okay?”

“No, but I just can’t.”

“We’ve already talked about you being blameless at the warehouse, but I know you’re still stuck on the club.”

“Yes.”

“Have you talked to Viv about going there with you? You told me before you thought you needed to have that act happen there to let you know it was okay again.”

“I can’t ask her to suck me off in a sex club.”

“Why not?”

“Seriously?”

“I’m your doctor, so I would hope you’d know I was serious when I talk to you about getting better.”

“I’m afraid she’ll say no, and then what do I do?”

“You won’t know until you ask her.”

“We’re going to a gala thrown by her parents this weekend,” I tell her, diverting from the topic I don’t want to talk about any longer.

“Together?”

“Of course.”

“That’s going to be interesting. Is her ex-husband going to be there?”

“Yep. My parents too. Dear old dad paid me a visit before I came up here.”

“How did that go?”

I shrug. “For him, it went pretty badly. For me, it was more fun than I’ve had without Viv in a long time.”

“Don’t think I missed you adding Viv’s name in there.”

“It’s the truth. I have so much fun with her.”

“Are you ready for the fallout you’re going to receive?”

“Yes. I can take whatever they want to say.”

“And she’s okay with it as well?”

“Definitely. She’s wearing a black dress, which she’s never done before, and I gave her the shoes I bought for her.”

“I’m pleased to see you getting back to yourself, or rather, figuring out who you want to be now. We’re not going to stop meeting, but we can cut down our sessions if you’d like.”

“No,” I tell her honestly. “I don’t think I’m ready for that yet.”

We spend the rest of the session talking more about Viv, and when we walk out, I’m surprised to find her waiting for me. She stands and hugs Maura, before taking my hand.

“Rhieve said your dad dropped by, and I wanted to make sure you were okay.”

“I am, but I like that you wanted to check on me. Do you want to grab lunch?”

“Sure. Did you want to join us Maura?”

“No thank you, but I appreciate the offer.”

She disappears back into her office, and I lead Viv to the elevator bank. “That was nice of you to ask her.”

“She’s the third most important person in your life right now, and I want her to know I appreciate her.”

“Third?” I ask, secretly glad Viv knows she’s first.

“Me, Rhieve, and then her. Unless there’s a different order, or someone I need to add?”

“You rightfully put yourself first, and yes, Rhieve is second. Nate’s definitely top five, but no other woman’s on that list.”

“You’re first for me too,” she says, quietly. “In case you didn’t know.”

I do know it, but I’ll never tire of hearing her say it. “It’s where I’ve always wanted to be, and I’ll fight anyone who tries to take my place.”

“No chance of that.”

Good, because while I can fight now, I’m still happier to be her lover than I ever would be as a fighter. If someone comes for her on Saturday, I’ll take them down without a thought, but I’d rather leave that to Reina.