“Does that offer from a few days ago still stand?” I ask with hope.

  Her head tilts to the side. “Which offer?”

  “The one where, after this event, I’m all yours to do whatever you want with?”

  “Oh yes, it does. Tonight?” she asks with an eager expression.

  “Yes, please, baby. The anticipation will help me get through this event,” I say with a groan.

  “Not looking forward to it?” she asks sardonically.

  “I just can’t be arsed with all the small talk and polite chit-chat.”

  I’m happiest when I’m creating or spending time with the woman I love. The selling part of my job is my least favourite. Mel’s been an amazing help there, helping me set up the online shop and putting me in touch with a photographer to help show off my creations. And every now and again I do an event like this one, although this is the first time it’s been my own event and not shared with other artists.

  “I know. I’m sure it’ll go fast, though, and then I’ll get to have my wicked way with you,” she tells me. Her smile is as lascivious as I’ve ever seen it, which gets my dick hardening in my smart slacks as I imagine what she has in store for me later.

  “How about a quickie now?” I ask with a smirk, always pushing my luck.

  “No fucking way. I want you at my mercy for more than ten fucking minutes, boyo.” She looks at her watch with a grimace. “I need to check that the caterers are all set up. The doors open in twenty minutes. You should have a look around and double check you’re happy with all the placings.”

  “Yes, Ma’am,” I say softly, enjoying her chest puffing out at the title as she draws in a deep breath. She leans in for a kiss before turning and making her way to the caterers’ space behind the gallery.

  The gallery is full of chatter and there’s a good vibe in the room as I look around an hour later. There are the familiar faces of Cassidy, Tom and Jack, Abby, my mum, and Laura. Doug didn’t make an appearance, thank goodness. My mum seems to be a bit firmer with him these days, and Laura and I get to spend more time with her without him interfering. I don’t think Mum and I will ever be super close, but there’s more of an ease to our relationship now. Especially with me not being at home.

  Mel’s been busy making sure that everything is running smoothly behind the scenes and I’ve been making my best effort to chat with everyone that’s in attendance. The amount of sold stickers popping up next to my items is mind blowing. I’ve been working for months on pieces for this showing and the plan was to put them up for sale online after the event. But at this rate, there won’t be much left. Guess I’ll be putting in a few days in my studio next week to replenish the shop stock.

  A hand grasps my shoulder from behind and I turn around, ready to schmooze.

  “Hey,” Zack says as I face him. “It’s going well, huh?”

  “Hey, thanks for coming. Yeah, it really is. It’s all down to your mum. She’s organised it all.”

  “I know. She was bending my ear about it during the week. She was really nervous for you.”

  I’m taken aback. She’d hidden it well from me. “Really?”

  “Yeah, she wanted this to be a big success for you.” There’s a pause and I wait, sensing he has something else to say. “I know I was a bit of a dick when I found out about you two, but it’s obvious you make her happy, Alex. She was miserable when you were in Scotland. She missed you.”

  What do I say to that to that? We get on alright but our relationship changed when I came back from Scotland. For this to work, I had to give up our relationship as mates and take on one as the boyfriend of his mum. And it generally works. We chat when he’s around. Mel and I try to keep it PG when he’s staying at the house. He ended up taking the space above the garage that I’d stayed in and it works well for all of us. Mel is happy with him having a space he can stay in when he needs it, and Zack doesn’t have to share the house with us, which I know must be strange.

  “I missed her too. She makes me happy. I’m not sorry that we got together, Zack. I can’t be. She makes my life a million times better. But I do regret that we hurt you in the process.” I’ve got no idea if it’s the right thing to say, but a relief settles over me at the nod he gives me.

  “Just don’t fucking hurt her. She’s the best,” he tells me with a punch to my arm.

  “I’ll do everything in my power to make her as happy as possible,” I vow.

  “Good. Right, where’s the free booze?” he asks as he glances around the room.

  “Over there, knock yourself out,” I tell him with a grin.

  Epilogue - Part 2

  Mel

  Alex farewells the last couple of guests, seeing them out of the gallery entrance, before he shuts the door and flips the closed sign over. As he turns, I notice his chest rises and falls with a deep breath.

  “Ready?” he asks as he strides towards me. I nod. “Did you bring the car?”

  “No, I caught a cab. You’re taking me home on the bike,” I tell him.

  His mouth spreads in a grin. He loves it when I’m his backpack.

  “Can we go? Is there anything else to do?” he checks.

  “We’re free to go. The caterers are all packed up and the gallery owner is here to set the alarm.” I take his hand in mine and tug him towards the back entrance where his bike is parked. I grab my jacket and the spare helmet I remembered to bring with me on the way out.

  “Huh, planned it this way, did you, baby?” he asks.

  “Sure did, boyo. And for the rest of the night, it’s ma’am to you.” It’s hard to hold back the smugness that rolls over me at the blush rising in his cheeks. He gives me a respectful nod as he takes the helmet from me so I can pull my jacket on.

  He swings his leg over the bike, pulling his own helmet on but keeping the visor up.

  His gaze turns smoky as I tug my skirt up my thighs to allow room to straddle the bike before I climb up behind him. I’m definitely showing more leg than I would have a couple of years ago, but his appraising look reminds me to do the things that bring me joy. He’s definitely number one on that list.

  I wrap my arms around his middle and breathe in the scent of his leather jacket before he passes my helmet back. Once it’s secure, he gives my hand a squeeze and I tap his thigh with the ‘ready’ signal we’ve established over time. The bike hums to life between my thighs and I draw in a deep breath as he pulls away and heads towards home. He puts his foot down once we’re on the main road and I lean in enjoying being close to him after spending the evening mostly watching him from afar.

  I can’t even put into words the love I feel for this man. How much my heart swelled with pride tonight as he made his way around the room, answering questions about his work. It was pretty much a sellout, and I know he wasn’t expecting that. I’d made sure the guest list included the people that I know adore his work and would be sure to buy. Alex Campbell is a name in the ceramics industry now and his work is highly sought after. I love the pieces he’s made for me which I’ve placed around our home, showing them off to any visitors that come calling.

  He’d usually go the long way home from anywhere if we’re on the bike together, but he must be impatient for what I have planned because it’s not long before we pull up on the driveway. He steadies the bike as I climb down and take my helmet off. I leave my skirt ruched up around my thighs and enjoy the way his gaze smoulders as he looks me up and down once he’s removed his helmet.

  “Come on.” I turn and head to the door to unlock it before placing my helmet in its cubby hole on the way past. We stand close in the hallway, unzipping our jackets and removing our shoes. His well-worn leather jacket over the smart shirt and slacks he chose for the event is a hot combination. I step up so our toes touch and place my hand on his chest, above his heart.

  I’ve really stepped into the role of a switch over the last year since he came back. I love it when I submit to him, letting him take charge and doing whatever he wants to me. There’s beauty in surrender, especially when it comes from a place of complete trust and love.

  But nights like these, where I step into a power I didn’t even know I held until I met him, are special. There’s an energy flowing through my veins, knowing he’s willing to be at my complete mercy.

  “Let’s go upstairs,” I tell him in a low whisper. I go first, enjoying the sensation of his gaze burning into my thighs and rear. When we reach the bedroom, I step towards the bed, perching on the edge. He stands in front of me, familiar with how this works now and patiently awaits my command. “Strip.”

  He unbuttons his shirt slowly, easing it from where it’s tucked into his slacks. After taking it off, he places it on the end of the bed before undoing his trousers and easing them down his legs. His stiff cock is evident in his boxers and I lick my lips at the thought of drawing him into my mouth and blowing his mind.

  He stands close to me as he eases the underwear down his thighs, his pierced cock pointing proudly skywards. Once he’s completely bare, I take my time looking at him.

  “You’re so fucking beautiful,” I choke out, overwhelmed by everything that’s happened tonight. “I love you.”

  His gaze pierces mine with its intensity. “I can’t even begin to say how much I love you, Melody. I don’t have the right words. You’re everything to me. Let me worship you.”

  “Ask nicely,” I demand. He drops to his knees at my feet, his hands rest on his thighs and he dips his head in submission.

  “Please, Ma’am, let me worship you.” His voice is raspy and low, causing a shiver to run through me.

  “I’ll allow it,” I tell him. I stand, reaching up under my skirt to pull my underwear down my legs, kicking them to the side, before I tip his chin upwards. “Show me how much you love me. Don’t stop until I’ve come all over your face.”

  His hands come up to my thighs, pushing my skirt even higher, baring me to him. He leans forward and draws in a deep breath as he lets out a low moan.

  “You smell delicious,” he whispers just before his mouth makes contact. He covers my mound in kisses before moving lower. He grips my thigh, bringing it up to rest on his shoulder and opening me up for him. He dives in like he’s ravenous, tonguing my already slick pussy in sheer enjoyment. I hold on to his shoulders and ease a hand into his hair as he devours me. His tongue circles my clit and I let out a gasp as he plunges a finger into me, rubbing at my G-spot, making my eyes roll back in my head.

  “Fuck, Alex,” I moan, a mass of sensation. He knows how to drive me wild, whether it be folding me in half and railing me into next week or taking his time and working me up into a frenzy. I’ll never tire of all the ways we come together and come undone.

  My orgasm builds quickly, intensified by the sight of him on his knees. It never gets old. My legs quake and a long moan escapes my lips as my pussy quivers with its release. I pant, trying to catch my breath as he takes one last long lick, lapping up all of my juices and smacking his lips in delight. He gently sets my foot back on the ground, smoothing his hand up over my calf to help steady me. I close my eyes for a moment, seeking my equilibrium.

  When I open them, he’s staring up at me with adoration on his face. “Thank you,” he whispers, then adds, “Ma’am.” My hand grips his chin and I grant him the reward of my contented cat-got-the-cream smile.

  “You did good,” I tell him. “Onto the bed now. I’m going to ride your cock.” I step back to give him room, but he still brushes as much of his body against mine as possible when he rises to his feet and moves past me to lie in the middle of the king-size bed. My tongue flicks out to lick my lips as I look my fill.

  He watches on through lowered lashes as I remove my blouse and skirt and then unclip my bra and ease each of the stockings down my legs before I climb beside him. I straddle his legs at the knees and enjoy the small knit of his brows at the odd position. Good, I want to take him by surprise. I lower my head and lick his cock from base to tip in one smooth movement. His hands grip the bedcovers at his sides—he knows he has to wait for permission to touch me. But I just need to drive him a little bit wild first.

  I take the head of him into my mouth, hollowing my cheeks with the suction. The low groan that escapes him makes my pussy clench. But she’s just had hers. She can wait.

  I kiss my way down his shaft as I shift to settle between his legs. The position gives me better access to draw one of his balls into my mouth to suck. He whimpers. I give him all my attention, using my tongue to swirl patterns as I suck before switching to the other one.

  “Please, please, can I touch you?” he begs.

  I release his ball with a pop and he shudders.

  “In a moment.” I like making him wait. It drives him crazy.

  “Please, I need…” His voice trails off as I go back to sucking the head of his cock, teasing his piercing with my tongue before taking him deep in the back of my throat with a hum. I trail my fingers up his thighs and reach down to stroke his taint. His hips lift from the bed as he arches his back.

  Careful not to let this power play make me lose my head, I ease back from his cock and lift my head to watch him. He stares at me, his eyes burning with intense need. Just how I like him.

  “Ready?” I ask in my more dominant tone.

  “Yesssss, please,” he hisses out as I continue to massage his taint. I give his cock a kiss before I move up his body to straddle his hips.

  I rise up to notch his hard cock at my entrance. I’ve been on birth control for months now, but it still feels novel to have him bare inside me, filling me with his cum.

  I sink down slowly and our moans almost harmonise. Fuck, he stretches me so good. The piercing at the head of his cock stroking my insides as I take him deep. When I’m seated completely, I pause.

  “Open your legs,” I command, drawing mine inside his as he spreads them. “Now lift your knees.” His face flushes as he raises his knees towards his chest. His ankles coming up around my hips. My pussy is clamped snugly around his thick cock and I have all the power in this position. It took us a good few goes to figure out this position after reading about it in a book, but I love having complete control. He’s totally at my mercy. I grin down at him. “I’m going to fuck you now.”

  I lower down to brace my hands either side of his head while I start to shift my hips. I have to build up slowly, as it’s far too easy for his cock to slip out of me at this angle. But it works so well for me because as I fuck him, his shaft rubs the inside of my walls, making my eyes roll back in pleasure.

  “You can touch me,” I tell him softly. That’s all the orders he needs. His hands come up to my breasts, cupping them, and his fingers pluck at my nipples. From there, he strokes his hands down my back to squeeze my cheeks. It’s like he wants to touch everywhere at once.

  I ride him slowly and gradually build up pace. Our bodies are so in tune with each other, but there’s still that electric feeling, like it’s all brand new. I’m caging him with my arms beside his head and effectively pinning him down with my hips.

  The power play combined with his cock and piercing rubbing inside me in all the right places has me panting with need. I close my eyes, riding him, fucking him, and exalting in being in charge. I gasp his name as the pleasure builds to a peak and I tumble over the edge. I collapse onto his chest, his arms coming around me. He kisses my forehead as we try to catch our breath, both of us covered in a thin sheen of sweat.

  “Just give me a minute and then it’s your turn.” I pant, shivering from the aftershocks of my orgasm.

  “You really are a goddess in that position.” He rasps and his cock twitches where it’s resting just at my entrance.

  I ease up, so he can lower his legs down to the bed and I can straddle him in the more conventional sense. I shift downwards, drawing him back inside me.

  “Ready to come?” I ask with a wink.

  He groans as I lower down onto him. “Always. Please.” He’s so pretty when he begs.

  My previous orgasm is still so fresh that my pussy is slick with desire. I slide up and down his cock easily as I bounce.

  “Be a good boy and bend your knees, Alex. You have permission to fuck me now.”

  He does as I order, his thighs coming up behind me, giving him room and the power to thrust up from underneath me. He grips my hips and thrusts as deep as he can from the inclined position. Our pants sync up and I let out a low moan as he stretches me with his engorged cock. He’s ready to let go.

  “You can come,” I tell him.

  I reach down to rub at my sensitive clit, wanting to come at the same time he does. His eyes darken as he watches me stroke myself. He lets out a low, deep growl and sparks fly as we come apart at the same time. His cock pulses within me as I shudder out my orgasm while his cum floods me with warmth.

  For the second time, I collapse on top of him, listening to the thunder of his heartbeat while we gradually calm down from the exertion.

  “Fuck, Mel. That was amazing,” he says once his breath is more steady. I lift from his chest to grin at him.

  “Did you have a good night, Alex?”

  “I did.”

  “I’m glad.” Nerves well up inside me. I’ve planned this moment for weeks but now we’re here, I hesitate for a moment. I give him a watery smile as I climb off the bed.

  “Where are you going?” he asks. “I’m not done with you.”

  “I’m not going far.” I take a gulp and I lower to my knees on the floor, clenching my thighs so his cum doesn’t drip out. His frown intensifies as he turns to sit on the edge of the bed. Our positions reversed from earlier tonight. “Alex, I…” I have to pause, sucking in air to try and hold the tears that suddenly threaten to spill at bay. The emotions suddenly claw at me and my usual calm demeanour is crumbling.

  “Melody, what’s wrong?” His face is creased with concern and the adoration that I hope is mirrored on my own.

  “Nothing is wrong.” I reach to grasp his hands and the connection settles me. I’m ready. “I’m so fucking grateful every day that you knocked on my door that night. That you showed me how to live unapologetically, to not worry about the judgement of others. It broke my heart to let you go, but I had to know. I had to make sure I wasn’t being selfish with my love for you.” His hands squeeze mine tightly as it’s his turn to gulp down air. “And it gave me a chance to catch my breath and settle into this new version where I do what I want. You coming back to me felt like a miracle. And this last year, spending it with you has been such a gift.”