"Trust me, you'll like this." Frankie's words echoed in my head as we walked across the threshold of Ace's. I'd never been prouder of my girl. My girl. The place was amazing. Everything you could think of that you'd need was here for every member.

She snuck me in the back door, so we didn't have to walk through the main floor.

"I'm the boss, so I can get away with it, but I don't like to bend the rules too often."

"The wrist bands help people figure out who's up for playing and who's only here to watch. People can wear masks if that makes them comfortable. Everyone is tested four times a year and we keep on top of background checks to make sure we know who's in the club."

"The things I've seen go on here have been nothing short of amazing, even more so because I've never actually done any of it. People just assume and I don't stop them from assuming, but it's always been interesting to watch. Killian makes fun and thinks it's only because I have a voyeur kink, but I'm making sure everyone is okay and following the rules."

"Thank you for showing me. You've got quite a setup here. State-of-the-art and your members are damn lucky to have someone who's so devoted to their well-being. I've been some places over the years and...let's say, Ace's is second to none." There were some places that bordered on a health hazard, but this was like an upscale members-only bar. She'd covered all the bases, but there were a few things I still wanted to see.

"Do I get an in-person tour?"

She checked the clock and the monitors. There weren't many people in the club since it was mid-week.

"Sure, let's go."

We walked from room to room. The area was deserted. I wondered if she cleared it just for me. Ethereal blue lighting filled some of the rooms. It was purple in others or green. We moved past one room, and my palms began to itch. I froze in the doorway as the lengths of rope were hung up along the far wall. Frankie stopped and turned back, realizing I hadn't followed her.

She stared past me into the room, her eyes riveted to the wall. The neatly looped cords of rope of every color lining the wall. She took a hesitant step past me into the room and I followed, running my finger along one of the bundles. The soft fibers of the rope were perfect. Smooth and pliable, like they'd been used hundreds of times to get them just the right side of comfortable. A small placard sat above the rope.

'Single Use Only. Once you use a rope, please leave it with your other play items in the changing area.'

Perfect. The perfect ropes for her. I ran my hands over the coils, letting the weight and texture sink in. I had my stash at home, but I'd put these up against those any day. I could see her shuddering breaths as she watched me with the rope. Her eyes drinking me in. It would be a real test of trust.

"If you were up for it, what do you think about maybe trying out some of the things you've always wondered about? Trying them here. You know this place. You know it's safe and secure. You've built it that way. Why not take advantage of what you've created?"

I hefted a freshly wrapped forty-foot rope. Testing the weight and running my fingers over it. My mind raced as design ideas filled my head. The perfect pattern, knot placement to make this the best she'd ever had...until our next time that is.

"We have it specially prepared, so it's extra soft," she said, softly with her hands clutched in front of her.

"I can tell. They feel amazing. Have you ever felt them along your skin before?"

She shook her head. Her eyes tracked the rope as it swung when I moved. I didn’t see fear in her eyes. If I had I would have backed off immediately. It was curiosity mixed with hesitation. "I only test them with my hands to make sure they're soft enough."

"You don't know what you're missing," I said, stepping closer. Taking it one step at a time, I approached her with the length of rope in my hands. Her eyes glued to the bright blue rope as it swung back and forth in my hand.

"How long have you been doing this?" she asked, not looking up at me.

"About five years."

"And you've tied up a lot of women?" She glanced up at me with a hint of hurt in her eyes. I hated that look there. But I wasn't going to lie to her. I'd tied other women up, but it was nothing compared to how it would be with her. No one else could compare to her.

"Not a lot. Some. I've taken a lot of courses, which is where I've practiced the most."

That seemed to pacify her a little.

"What do you say?" I asked, standing in front of her. She licked her lips, and her eyes met mine. Fear and uncertainty filled them, but there was something else there that gave me a glimmer of hope. Desire.

"Okay, I'll do it."