Maam And Bear Ch 02

5 o'clock came faster than he thought and more to the point she was there ready for him.

Firstly she noted he arrived exactly one minute early, which she liked. Too early interfered with her need for control; too late just pissed her off. She has never liked waiting. She could tell he wanted an invitation in, but that wasn't on her agenda and she easily stepped outside and closed the door before he could get even a glance inside.

As they approached the car she could feel his hand on the small of her back, and it felt good. Funny how much it felt good, and she made a mental note to look at his hands more closely. He opened the car door for her, and again that was something she liked. Respect for one, but also it showed protection. Not that she couldn't take care of herself, but it was important to her, that he saw her safely into the vehicle before himself.

He watched her closely as he closed the door behind her. Body language told him much and hers was just oozing a quiet confidence. She knew where she was going and with all respect, he was happy to let her point the way, as it was so new and novel, with more than just a little excitement.

Having seated himself in the car, he turned to her respectfully and asked.

"Will Ma'am be dining in or out tonight" Having said this, he pulled his forelock and genuinely smiled, adding,

"Your wish is my command, I believe" and then sat waiting for her response.

She laughed deeply at his query because yes, she did have plans.

"Take us to the nearest good quality market as we are dining at home tonight. I like a man who can cook and, I have a taste for something prepared by you. My kitchen is complete with tools of the trade and you can show me how caring you are, in preparing my dinner."

At the market he marveled at the food items she chose and with bags in hand, they returned to her place.

She opens the front door, turns on the light and she hears him take in a slight breath. Her living area is an array of sensual paintings of women in various positions of pleasure. He gazes around, mouth slightly open. Then he notices the flogger and handcuffs hanging as decorations in between the paintings and his face flushes.

She's watching him take in her space, her eyes dark and smiling with an impish grin.

"Oh, I didn't mention that I paint as a hobby, among other things."

After quite a long pause, as he continues to look from item to item, she adds

"Are you going to just stand there, or are you going to come in?"

She was at home, in her territory, and the look on his face was priceless.

Looking around as he crossed the threshold was a visceral experience. The paintings captured the eye and lay siege to his heart. All are completed by the same hand. His breathing shortened, he knew each one was real, a person, an event, its essence captured on canvas. Already reeling from the artwork, suddenly the fixtures drew a fresh and alarming significance. They were mentioned in many of these pieces, used as restraint or positioning of the subjects exquisitely captured in more than just an artist's... eye.

Be still my heart he thought. Then perhaps a little darker, the lines from a Dracula movie blazed across his mind.

"Abandon all hope, ye who enter here".

Recognition came next. This, was the "Oh Shit" moment often spoken of in business. That point where you know things are going to irrevocably change and your instincts say run. Run fast, run hard, and don't look back. Yes, he nodded in response to this insight but merely internalized an "oh dear." Mind you he was considering looking back toward the door when she caught his eye and for just a second held it. Fear soothed away, the fight or flight response mellowed to a pleasant zing, and all hesitation, instead, fled out the door leaving him very happy with his choices.

He drew another breath watching her turn away and lead him deeper into her apartment. Finding his courage he spoke up.

"This place must go over big when you bring people here."

"Oh no" she replied without turning "I rarely bring anybody here and never above the ground floor."

That gave him pause, and remembering to breathe summoned the courage to keep moving forward.

Internally he was spinning. Damn, this place smelt so good and there was a subtle taste that sent his tongue in search of more.

She had noted the many side plays swirling around him as he entered her domain. She thought she had almost lost him at one point, but no he had quietened to her mental touch. This gave her a real thrill as he was open to her emotional sendings and this confirmed he was the one she had waited for these many years.

With a deeply satisfied sigh, she continued to walk into her home finally calling him to come through into the kitchen and place all their purchases on the marble island central within the workspace.

She let him stand and look through into the dining room and further to the lounge beyond, while she went and poured herself a large glass of wine. This done she took a seat on one of the stools on the dining room side of the island and waited till he returned his gaze to her which she then firmly captured.

Staring deeply into his eyes she felt the confirming tug of desire, trust, and the abandonment of control. She had fully recognized this, the instant they met, but getting in the hook and planting that hook deep enough to land him had been the challenge. Here before she was a keeper. No toying or date night fling was being offered here because she was in a mood. This was real, full, and for keeps.

With total certainty, she acknowledged he was staying for a long long time and would only leave with her ring firmly fitted around his finger. The first to come upstairs and share her bed in a decade or more. With that in her heart, she further vowed he would never be truly apart from her ever. Progressively she would draw him emotionally within until he was her fully devoted partner. A willing lover bound, having given himself fully into her trustful care.