I stand on the balcony, my hands wrapped around the wrought-iron rails. The sun is setting low over the houses on the horizon, painting everything in watercolour purples and oranges and blues. It is a beautiful night.
You're not home yet, but you texted me fifteen minutes ago to tell me you were leaving work. You should be home any moment, and I've got a surprise for you.
I hear one of the cats mewl when the front door is hurriedly open, then shut. I turn, and through the thick pane of the glass door, I see you. You wave, like you always do, because this doesn't seem like an unusual night. I point at you and do a curling motion with my finger to get you to come over; for a brief second, I smirk at the thought of making you come with that same motion.
You drop your bags by the door, shedding your sweater and shoes and walking oh-so-obediently to me. I've had you for so long that you don't even bother protesting when I demand something of you.
I think you see the look in my eye, because you immediately lower your gaze to our feet on the balcony, your head bowed.
"Hello, baby girl," I mumble, carding my fingers through your golden hair and pressing a firm kiss to the back of your neck.
"Hello, Sir."
There's nothing else that needs to be said, because, after all, we're both in dom/sub space right now. Without even asking, that's how easy this has become. Almost like breathing.
I wind my fingers in your hair and start to pull you off the balcony, tugging just a little too hard when you're not going quickly enough. You whimper every time it hurts. We go to the bedroom, and I shut the door behind us to avoid the cats coming in and spoiling everything. You stand in a quiet submission while you wait for an order or a touch, still fixing your eyes hard on your bare feet.
"I got you a new collar," I say, reaching for the winding leather strip and its cool steel buckle. You seem to stiffen a little, hesitant, because we have so many collars that I know you love. "Look at this one, baby. It just screamed your name when I saw it."
Gingerly, you raise your eyes, zeroing in on the collar in my hands. It's black leather, like all of our favourites, and lined with silk. That's not what makes it stand out - it's the white roses studded in the leather every two centimetres, a piece that could not be better for you if I'd custom-ordered it myself. It has an accompanying leash, and I see your tongue meet your lip when you notice.
"It's beautiful, Sir."
"Manners?"
"Oh, um, thank you, Sir."
"Good girl," I croon, grabbing you by the hair again and forcing your head down so I can buckle the collar behind your neck. You gasp when I pull it just a little too tight, making your neck flush.
When the collar's fastened, I clip the leash to its shiny ring and jerk you forward to the bed. You look nervous.
"Baby, I love you," I mumble, beginning to unbutton your blouse. Your breasts rise in the purple lace of your bra, and I toss your blouse to the floor as I dive my face into your chest. It's incredibly comforting, and I sigh when I feel your heaving chest against my cheek. I reach behind you and unfasten the bra, letting it drop away.
Your nipples are hard and I can't help but push my lips against one, tugging between my teeth until I hear a gasp and feel one of your hands on my shoulder. I pause to wind your leash around my wrist, and begin again. The next time you touch me, I tug sharply on the leash.