Edge of Surrender

Chapter 14

Mason Graves

The room was filled with an awkward silence as Sere stood up, her movements hesitant, as if she were contemplating whether to stay or leave. I couldn’t deny the lingering desire for her to remain, and a part of me wondered if she felt the same. There was an unspoken tension between us, one that neither of us seemed willing to address.

Before I could say anything, the silence was abruptly shattered by the ringing of my phone. I exhaled sharply, pulling it out of my pocket and glancing at the caller ID. It was Alex.

I quickly answered, sensing the urgency in his call. “Alex?”

“Mr. Graves, there’s something you need to know,” Alex’s voice was firm, but I detected a note of unease beneath his professionalism.

I took a deep breath, already preparing for whatever news he had to deliver. “What is it?”

“The deal with Mr. Wilson is slipping through our fingers. He’s flying back tomorrow evening, and if we don’t act now, the contract will be signed with the other company.”

Tension surged through me as I processed the information. There wasn’t much time. “Arrange a meeting with Mr. Wilson as soon as possible. I need to talk to him before he leaves.”

“Yes, sir.”

I ended the call, slipping my phone back into my pocket. The weight of business decisions pressed against my mind, but at this moment, my focus was divided. Sere was still here. Still watching me.

She was seated on the couch now, her fingers moving over her phone screen, her brows slightly furrowed. Was she texting someone?

I leaned forward, my gaze locked onto her. “Do you want to go?” I asked, my voice calm, but there was a hopefulness laced within my words. I wasn’t ready for her to leave just yet.

Sere hesitated, her grip on her phone tightening. “I don’t know… We don’t have anything to talk about now, so maybe it’s better if I do.”

I studied her carefully. She was holding back. Holding something inside that she wasn’t ready to voice.

“Sere, I have an idea that might help us figure things out,” I suggested, my tone unreadable.

She glanced at me with cautious curiosity. “What idea?”

“A session,” I stated simply.

Her breath hitched slightly. “What type of session?”

“One that might help you decide your answer,” I replied, my gaze steady.

She exhaled, looking away for a brief moment before returning her attention to me. “After leaving you, I never looked back. I don’t know what to do. I’m already in a state of confusion, and I can’t give you an answer right now.”

I nodded, appreciating her honesty. “To get out of confusion, sometimes you need to embrace it first. Suppressing desires isn’t the solution. You’re already here, Sere. If you give in to this moment, maybe it will help you find clarity.”

She swallowed, uncertainty flickering across her features. “I don’t want to suppress it… I just—” She trailed off, unable to complete the thought.

“Sere,” I said, my voice lower, steadier, “I told you before—without your consent, I won’t do anything. So I’m asking. If you want it, we can go upstairs now. If you don’t, I’ll drop you off at your apartment. The choice is entirely yours.”

Her fingers trembled slightly as she rested them on her lap. Then, finally, she looked up at me, her eyes shining with something unspoken. “What do you want?”

I took a deep breath, my honesty slipping through. “I want to. After you, there was no other submissive. I never went to the playroom again. I’d like to have a session with you.”

Her lips parted slightly, and for a moment, I thought she was about to refuse. But instead, she sighed. “Fine. If it will help me think… then I’ll go.”

A slow smile spread across my lips. I rose from my seat and held out my hand. She took it.

As we entered the playroom, I felt the change in her instantly.

Her breath caught. Her eyes widened slightly, flickering across the dimly lit space. The playroom had remained untouched since she left. The scent of leather and polished wood filled the air, mingling with the faint trace of her perfume.

She stepped forward slowly, her fingers grazing the dark wooden frame of the St. Andrew’s cross, her gaze flickering toward the neatly arranged collection of silk ropes, cuffs, and floggers that lined the walls.

Her body tensed.

I knew what was happening.

The memories. The overwhelming rush of emotions.

The way her chest rose and fell told me everything.

“Sere,” I said gently.

She turned to me, her lips parted as if she were about to say something, but no words came out.

She lifted her hand, pressing it lightly against the black leather bench, her touch hesitant. I watched the way her fingers traced over the familiar surface, as if testing if the past was still real.

“It feels the same,” she murmured.

Her voice was quiet, barely above a whisper.

I took a step closer, my fingers skimming down her arm. “Does it?”

She nodded, swallowing hard. “Yeah… but also different.”

I tilted my head. “Different how?”

She hesitated, then finally looked up at me.

“I thought I’d never be here again,” she admitted. “But now that I am… it’s like… I don’t know. Like something was missing this whole time.”

My fingers brushed against her wrist, my grip firm but not forceful. “Maybe it was.”

A silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken words.

Then, she exhaled, her shoulders relaxing slightly.

“Do you remember the safe word?” I asked softly.

She nodded.

“Sere, give me a verbal response.”

“Yes, Sir,” she replied automatically before catching herself. A small smile ghosted my lips.

I had missed hearing that from her.

But sensing her hesitation, I spoke softly. “You don’t have to call me ‘Sir’ until you’re sure. You can call me by my name.”

She exhaled. “Okay.”

“What is the safe word?” I prompted.

Her voice was clear. “Crescent.”

I nodded, appreciating her composure. “Good. Remember, your comfort is my priority.”

She gave me another nod, her expression steady, yet I could sense the anticipation humming beneath her skin.

I reached for her skirt, fingers grazing the fabric. “Are you ready, Sere?” I whispered, pressing my lips against her earlobe.

She nodded.

I unzipped her skirt, letting it slide down her legs. The silky fabric pooled around her feet. My hands moved to her small heels, slipping them off carefully. Then, I loosened the tie in her hair, watching as her dark locks cascaded freely around her shoulders.

“Raise your hands,” I instructed.

She obeyed without hesitation, arms rising above her head.

I took my time removing her top, the slow drag of the material against her skin drawing out a shiver from her. I relished in her softness, the warmth of her skin beneath my fingertips.

When her bra fell to the floor, I couldn’t help but take in the sight before me. Her breasts were perfect—round and firm, with taut, rosy n*****s begging for attention.

I reached out, tracing a slow circle around one peak with my index finger. Her breath hitched.

“Mason…” she murmured.

I silenced her with a finger to her lips. “Shh… No talking. Right now, just feel.”

She exhaled shakily, her body already responding.

Cupping her breasts, I kneaded them gently, my thumbs teasing her sensitive peaks. Her soft moans filled the room, adding to the electric tension between us.

“I see how beautiful your body is already,” I murmured against her skin. “Don’t you want it to get tattooed by me?”

Her brows furrowed slightly, but before she could reply, I pressed a kiss to her shoulder.

“Mason, I—”

I silenced her again with a firm touch. “Shh… Since you need time to think, let’s avoid pain tonight. Let’s just focus on pleasure.”

I guided her to the bed, my hands firm yet gentle as I positioned her at the edge.

“Lie down with your front up,” I commanded, my voice thick with desire.

She obeyed, stretching out beneath me.

The night was just beginning.