Archive of Our Own

“I need a favour.”

Emily tried not to roll her eyes. Of course Jane wanted something. Honestly, she should have expected it when Jane invited her for lunch. Irritated with herself for not seeing this coming, Emily laid down her fork and mourned the particularly tasty rice bowl. She had a suspicion that it would soon taste like ash in her mouth. Glancing up, she spotted something unexpected in Jane’s expression - something uncertain and it startled Emily out of her mindset. “What’s going on, Jane?” she finally asked.

“Umm, well…” Jane’s hand drifted up, twirling a blonde strand around her finger as she spoke. It was a Jane tell that came out whenever the woman was feeling either very pleased with herself or very apprehensive about something. For once, Emily suspected it was the latter and not the former. “So I got accepted to the Cambridge writer’s program.”

“Oh Jane,” Emily responded, genuinely thrilled, “that’s fantastic news. Congrats! When do you head over to the U.K.?” 

Jane flushed, that luscious peaches and cream complexion turning an unbecoming shade of red, the kind that went all the way to her forehead and made her ears pink. Jane hated it when she blushed and Emily found it oddly endearing. It was the one thing she did that wasn’t classically pretty and in that strange way, made her just that little bit more adorable, even if Jane would deny that to the day she died.  

To be entirely honest, Emily and Jane were not particularly close friends. They had been roommates for a few years and once the boundaries were in place, they got along reasonably well. Neither was obsequious nor particularly invested in that sort of besties forever nonsense like their friends, Risa and Elena or Harmony and like everyone. Emily loved Harmony but it was only due to Harmony’s complete unwillingness to take notice of every roadblock she had put in her way. Jane and Emily were similar enough that along with Emily’s cousin, Olivia, they were able to snark and prickle at one another with little concern over hurt feelings. Jane could take it just about as well as she dished it, leaving them an odd sort of middle ground of friends who, to a degree, had one another’s back. 

“After Christmas. The problem is….my dad.”

Emily sat back heavily in her seat as that simple statement pulled the entire issue into sharp relief. “I take it that he doesn’t want to come?”

Jane shook her head, “No and since he is a family and not a romantic claim, he…he would have to apply on his own merits, which at his age…” She let her voice drift away as Emily nodded. 

“And so…” 

“Well..” Jane’s back straightened and her bright blue eyes glinted avariciously, “Here’s the idea. I’ll be gone for two years, which I understand you’ll be done with your Masters program in that same period of time. So, if you were to claim my dad, move into the house, then you’d have free food and lodging and all those amenities until you were done with your course. He’d do all the work of maintenance and all that, which he does now. He works, as you know, at the university so you wouldn’t need to financially provide for him or anything. Just…keep him for a bit.”

Emily considered this information. It, to her surprise, wasn’t a terrible idea. She had seen Jane’s house, it was enormous and there were several unused bedrooms and even a guest cottage, if she remembered correctly.  She could have a bedroom and a personal sitting room. It would save her a fortune in housing costs since rent in their small city was wildly expensive and she paid over two thousand a month for a tiny studio in a not particularly nice neighbourhood. Jane’s area was all stately mansions and mini-estates that were old enough to be elegant and not pretentious. Well, maybe a little pretentious.

“Jane…” she started before Jane held up her hands, halting Emily’s words in their tracks.

“Okay, okay, just listen. You were really nice to me when my mom left and withdrew her claim on my dad. Honestly, of all my friends, you were the best.”

Emily blinked at the compliment, utterly surprised that Jane even noticed her in that time period. Jane had been frazzled but they soon had her back in her family home, a domestic family claim settled on her dad and Jane was classy enough to pay out the rent until the notice period ended and Emily could move. Emily didn’t recall going above and beyond. Then again, Jane didn’t exactly have a long track record of decent friends. 

“And I really want this opportunity. I have applied for this program two years in a row now and I want to go so badly. But I cannot abandon my dad. I know there are services you can get but they will be mean and controlling and probably like…” Jane’s nose crinkled in pure disgust, “cage him or rent him out or something. I need you to do this for me. It is a huge commitment but you don’t have anyone currently and…”

Emily’s lips curled into a gentle smile, “It’s fine, Jane. I’ve only met your Dad a few times but I’m sure we can get along fine as housemates for two years. He’s old enough not to require much management from anyone. I could make it work.”

Jane bounced up from the table and flung her arms around Emily’s shoulders. What the actual hell, Emily thought to herself as her shoulders were squeezed by the bossy pint sized tyrant of their friend group. Fuck, she needed to talk to Elena and Risa about this.

“Thank you. You honestly don’t have to do anything with my dad. I mean…I barely do.” Jane assured her, laughing as she did so. The rest of the lunch was Emily listening while Jane relayed all the details of the program, her moving plans and how little and grotty bathrooms were in the U.K. rental market. Emily thought that might not be particularly true but at the same time her travel experience was minimal and she couldn’t say for certain. So she kept her thoughts to herself and let Jane talk, nodding agreeably and making the right noises at the right times to satisfy the other woman.

Giving notice at her apartment made her nervous. Jane, true to her word, took care of filling in the paperwork for the Intention to Claim and then the Final Claim documents. All Emily had to do was sign. She took the papers home and read them through several times before applying her signature. His signature was not technically required. Men were, as a rule, rarely required to sign such documents but there was a mechanism for them to dispute but they usually had to prove some sort of abusive behaviour or inability to provide. At this stage in her life, she was pretty sure Rowan Desrochers could probably use the latter against her and file to sever her Intent to Claim. Except with his daughter out of the country, his employment and even his right to live in his home would be jeopardised. Emily assumed that if the man had alternatives then he would never have agreed to this pseudo claim in the first place. 

As she did every year, Emily spent the days of Christmas with the rest of the girls. She didn’t have much family to speak of and what little there was had other places to be. Emily preferred holidays with Risa, Harmony and Elena if she was honest. Jane was busy but otherwise the girls were all together, just the way Emily liked it. Lily had a new partner as well, a rather sexy and curvy blonde named Cristiana, who apparently was one of the local doctors. Trust Lily to find a hot doctor in a small town. It absolutely figured. 

Lily’s claim on Jack Sampson had given them all a delightful vacation spot and he welcomed them happily, seeming to delight in their presence. Emily spent the holidays eating his delicious treats, snowshoeing around the property and even tried ice fishing, which was more fun than she expected. Jack was a good sport, even as they tried out some of the more spanky Christmas gifts they received. In fact, he seemed to savour all the attention. 

After the holidays, Emily returned to her now mostly boxed up apartment and finished her packing. The movers arrived on the 30th. It didn’t look like that much at all once it was all boxed up. Most of it was going into storage since there was no need for most of her kitchen things or furniture in Jane’s lovely family home. Jane had shown her two rooms at the back of the house, one that would easily be Emily’s office and sitting room with plush leather furniture, rich dark wood bookshelves and wallpapered walls. It looked luxurious and Emily was almost certain that the cost of the wallpaper in the room exceeded the value of her old car. The bedroom was bright, spacious and had a killer view of the grounds behind Jane’s house. Her bathroom had a gorgeous standalone tub built for two or three by the size of it and one of those showers with a rain showerhead. Emily had to admit she was quite impressed when Jane showed her the space. 

“Are you sure about this, Jane?” she had asked, soft and apprehensive. The paperwork had all gone through easy as pie. She now had a claim, a man she barely knew. Technically he was hers to do with what she willed. Except she willed precisely nothing. In fact, she hadn’t seen him in person throughout this entire process. Lily had assured her that her claim of Jack was the same - practically done before he even became aware of it. 

Jane flashed a grin up at her, “Are you kidding? This is such a huge favour. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. It is such a relief to know everything will be handled while I’m away. Plus, you can message me of course.”

“Sure.” Emily replied, although she had no intention of doing so. She handled her own shit, always had and always would. But if saying that made Jane feel better about letting Emily live in her house for the next two years then so be it.

She unpacked her books slowly, taking her time to really place things where she wanted them on the deep shelves of her new sitting room space. The tv was playing some cheesy Christmas movie where a workaholic finds her way back to her claim after a separation. She never used to watch such muck but Harmony loved these movies and had gotten Emily into them. Despite herself they had that happy-ever-after quality she kind of enjoyed. 

“Ahem.” It was just a quiet clearing of the throat but Emily nearly jumped to the ceiling. Fucking hell… She clutched her chest in some automatic response that later she would find embarrassing. 

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to scare you.”

Emily looked up and realised this was her claim. Legally, in every way, this man belonged to her. She hadn’t seen him in at least two or three years, not since before his claim with Jane’s mother had ended. Emily gulped as she looked him up and down. Oh. She hadn’t noticed before, not prone to really looking at men in claims and well, it seemed that Rowan Desrochers was quite handsome. 

Shit.

“It’s alright. I guess with the movie playing I didn’t hear you come in. I didn’t mean to jump like a scaredy cat.” Emily remarked, trying not to notice that he was taller than her. At almost 5’11, Emily often found herself the same height or taller than most men of her acquaintance. But Rowan was well over 6’ feet in her estimation, with soft blue eyes and silvered hair. She remembered him as old, with a beard and a reserved manner but honestly she couldn’t have picked him out of a lineup. Apparently somewhere in that dusty memory, she hadn’t noticed he was a complete fox.

“I just wanted to see how you were settling in, Miss.” he replied, “Is there anything I can do to help?”

“Oh you don’t need to bother with titles. I mean I know it’s proper but this isn’t like a real claim, is it?”

Emily regretted her words almost instantly as his face shuttered, grew instantly more reserved, and then he nodded, “Of course. My apologies. I didn’t mean to be forward. I’ll just…would you like some dinner? I could make something.” His reply was carefully polite and the openness that had existed only seconds ago was gone.

“That’s not necessary. I can feed myself. You don’t need to worry about me. I’m very self-sufficient.”

“Of course. As you wish. I’ll leave you to it then. Sorry to have disturbed you.” Rowan replied as he closed the door quietly behind him.

Should she call him back? Apologise? But what for - this was a practical arrangement. Two years of a paper claim in exchange for a beautiful place to live and no rent. She’d save a fortune, she kept telling herself, but she couldn’t rid herself of the notion that she had made an error. Emily shoved that thought away ruthlessly. She did not have the time to mollycoddle Jane’s father. 

The unpacking was easy enough and by the time she made her way to the kitchen, it was clear Rowan had been and gone again. The house seemed quiet. In the distance, if she muted everything, she could faintly hear a tv playing but frankly it was so much more peaceful than her old apartment that the noise was negligible. 

The routine fell into place easily enough. He kept the house clean, everywhere except her bedroom and bathroom, which Emily took care of herself. In the beginning she tried to keep all food separate but soon it became easier just to share staples and condiments. She cooked for herself. The little things were always appreciated though - as the snow fell the walkways, stairs and driveway were kept clear. She had her own spot in the garage and her own day of the week for the laundry room. 

Weeks passed and she did not see Jane’s father at all. She avoided calling him Rowan, even to herself, preferring to keep a rigid boundary between this man and herself. After all, this was a temporary situation for mutual benefit. She, for one, was benefitting. She loved her room. She loved the view every morning of crackling frost and snow covered trees while carefully ensconced in her bedroom. Hot coffee, freshly brewed, was a morning treat. He left out baking with little invitations to eat. Sometimes she couldn’t resist and would take some. She noticed those ones showed up more often in his baking rotation. She wondered if he was lonely and then chastised herself for caring. That was not the point of this deal after all and he was just a man. Then she felt another wave of guilt that she deliberately pushed away once again. 

It was a late winter snowfall that changed everything. The spring had warmed everything, melted the ice, turned it all to mush, when a cold snap hit while she was at school. It was dark by the time she left and her car was practically iced into its spot. With some creative effort, she chipped herself free and climbed behind the wheel. She took her time, driving slowly and sticking to the sidestreets, and while she was careful, she had no control over other drivers or the road conditions. She and the other driver both tried to stop at the four way intersection. Each of them watching the other in the dim pool of the streetlights as their cars slow motion slid toward one other as if by magnetic pull. The crash was thankfully so slow that it was more of a crumple of their bumpers than anything else. She climbed out and laughed as the other driver, who appeared to be a girl in her teens, looked terrified. 

“It’s alright. I promise. Are you hurt?” Emily asked and took a step toward the young girl.

“Oh, oh I am so sorry. I’m not hurt though. My mom is going to be so upset. I…I just couldn’t stop. I tried everything…and…” The young woman replied and then looked to be on the verge of tears.  

Relieved, Emily walked with increasing confidence toward the girl and then her eyes flew wide as she felt the ground give way under her. She tried to catch herself and her hand slapped at the vehicle, sliding down and the now jagged metal sliced open her palm. Emily let out a bellow of pain and then her head slammed against the icy ground. She whimpered as her hand lifted to cup her head. 

“Oh…oh my gosh!” The girl screamed as the world grew hazy around the edges for Emily. “I’ll call for help!” 

Emily tried to say something, something smart, about 911 or that she was fine or… but she couldn’t think of whole words, much less get them out. The girl crouched next to her, covering her with a blanket. “The operator said to keep you warm. They will have someone here quick…I promise I’ll stay right here. Oh gosh, your hand is really bleeding bad. What’s your name… my name is…” Emily just heard words, letting them wash over her, oddly comforting despite the difficult situation. The poor girl was trying so hard. 

The girl, sensible enough despite the situation, handed over Emily’s purse to the paramedics and that was the last Emily saw of her crunched up car and the cherub faced girl. She wished she could remember the girl’s name. She did a good job in a shitty situation. The trip in the ambulance was a whirl of lights and sound. The paramedic poked at her, asked questions, but Emily had no answers for him. He brushed a hand over her palm and the dizziness swept over her again. Nausea rose in her throat. She closed her eyes and the next she opened them it was to the sweet face of an older woman with a comforting touch and a gentle, almost gravelly, voice. 

“Hello there. Emily? Emily Jacobs? I’m Dr. Alice Greer, I am the attending on duty tonight. Are you able to speak?”

“Yes, I …” Emily groaned as her head blossomed into pain. “Oh god that hurts.”

“You hit your head. Do you remember how it happened?” 

“I…I was in an accident. Just a slow motion fender bender. I got out to talk to the other driver.” Emily explained, her eyes watering from the explosion of pain in her skull, “My head. I hit it…I slipped and fell.” she explained, starting to stumble as the words became harder to form and her head pounded.

“Yes, I’m afraid you gave yourself quite the hard hit but what you are reporting matches what the other driver said. So that’s good. I have a CT lined up for you and your claim has already been called. He should be here any time.”

“I don’t have a…” Oh, oh fuck. She did though. She had Rowan. “Right.” she murmured, “Can I have anything for my head?” 

“I know you are in pain. As soon as you have gotten the CT we will get some medications in you to alleviate some of that.” the physician replied and Emily wanted to whimper. She was tough, of course she was, but this really hurt. “Hold tight, our best nurse from reconstructive surgery was available tonight so she’s gone up to get her preferred materials. You won’t even have a scar on that hand by the time she’s done. She’s one of our best. In the meantime I’m going to go check as to where we are on the list for the CT scan, okay?”

“Thank you Doctor.” Emily managed to get out, trying to force her focus on something, someone other than her aching head. Perhaps toward the pulse in her hand, or the twinge in her ankle, or the bizarre ache she felt knowing her ‘claim’ was on his way. They had almost no time together. What would he do faced with this situation? Would he come? Emily tried to imagine taking a taxi home alone. Everyone would know then that she was in some pathetic sham claim. For the first time since taking on this project, Emily felt a flicker of shame. 

Dr. Greer stepped away, heading for the door. “Rowan?” Emily heard the doctor exclaim in pleased surprise. Of course they’d know each other. Wasn’t that just fucking brilliant.

“Alice!” Rowan murmured, his voice still rich and sultry in that way only men of a certain age achieved. “I’m looking for my mistress, Emily Jacobs. “ 

“I was just with her, come with me. Her prognosis is good. You don’t need to worry. We do want to take her up for a precautionary CT before we release her but we suspect it is merely a concussion. I say merely but that can be serious. You remember from when Jane was young.”

“God, that girl was such a hellion. I swear she had at least three concussions. Are there any other injuries to worry about?”

“A laceration on one hand, looks worse than it is. I have my best nurse from reconstruction coming down to stitch it. And I believe that she may have sprained her ankle.” The Doctor explained. Emily wanted to object but a legal claim had full right to medical information about their Mistress. After all, they weren’t considered a separate legal person but an extension of her. There were noteworthy limited exceptions but in most respects she had the right to even overrule his medical autonomy. Emily still wanted to grumble however. She didn’t like this entire situation. 

“Mistress.” Rowan leaned over her bed, meeting her eyes and nodding, “It’s going to be okay. Dr. Greer is the best and we’ll have you home and in bed in no time.” he assured her quietly, taking her good hand in his, and holding it gently.

Tears welled as Rowan’s gentle assurances washed over her. He lifted her hand enveloped between his firm hands to his lips. What was he doing? Why this softness from him? She wanted to tug her hand away but before she could muster the strength, the nurse barrelled into the room, bringing a rush of bright energy and good cheer. “Hello there. Let’s have a look, hmmm?” The cloth was folded away and Rowan hissed between his teeth. 

“Is that you Rowan?” 

“Hello Margie. Thanks so much for taking care of my Mistress.”

“Honey, by the time I’m done, you won’t be able to tell anything happened here.” 

“Well Dr. Greer did say you were the best.” Rowan replied, smiling amiably as he did so. Emily felt a rush of irritation that he was managing her. The problem was that he was doing it so damned well. It made sense. He spent almost two decades as the claim of Sophia Desrochers before the woman severed the claim and of course, was Jane’s dad. Still, it was annoying and she tried to glare but doing so pulled at the muscles around her face and head, only making it ache all the more.

He didn’t leave and his ongoing solicitousness became increasingly comforting as exhaustion wore away Emily’s prickly edges. The nausea plagued her, finally causing her to throw up. He held the little basin and smoothed back her hair. Rowan spoke well, asked good questions, ones she wouldn’t have thought of, such as screens and her school work and if there was anything that could be done to expedite the healing. 

By early afternoon the next day, Emily was managed right into the passenger seat of Rowan’s SUV, a fancy Audi with those plush seats that made you want to melt right in. Emily had large sunglasses propped on her nose. Her hand was bandaged and her body ached everywhere but the meds had taken the edge off the pain in her ankle and head. 

“So what do you want more first? A good sleep or a good bath?” he asked as he directed his vehicle onto the road. 

The vision of her cosy bed swam to the fore but a bath? Oh god, but a bath sounded amazing. Then she looked down at her bandaged foot and hand and tried to figure out the logistics. “I’d love a bath but it might be a few days before I’m that coordinated. I shouldn’t get the stitches wet for one.” Emily complained, trying hard not to whine. Boy oh boy, did she want to whine. This was pure garbage.

Rowan shrugged, “I could help.” His voice was carefully casual, his eyes on the road. She watched him, suspicion making her frown. 

“Rowan.” she murmured, warning in her voice, “That’s not…”

“Things have changed, temporarily at least. Let me help for a few weeks. At least until the doctor gives you an all clear about your concussion. Are you really going to your specialist appointment on Thursday with messy hair?”

His voice was sceptical and she flushed brightly. She was a tiny bit vain about her hair and the idea of going to a doctor with dirty hair was a little horrifying. Emily considered, her eyes hidden behind the glasses as they were, gave away nothing. “I could ask my friends.”

“You could,” he conceded. 

Emily stared straight ahead, deliberately stubborn and refusing to engage further, even as he asked her what she would like to eat. Food made her feel nauseated still so she just shook her head and remained quiet. Finally, as they pulled into the drive, he tapped the garage door opener and she saw the empty spot where her little car should be. She knew it was just because she was tired and hadn’t eaten. She was in pain and on drugs, she would later justify to herself but it didn’t really matter. 

She burst into tears.  

Rowan parked and circled the vehicle. He lifted her out easily, cradling her against him as he carried her into the house. She wasn’t a small woman so the manner in which he did this shocked her into silence. Tears dried on her cheeks, her eyes closed and she let him carry her. He set her on the bed and then bent to take off her one boot, his hands careful and quick as he set it down neatly by the door. 

“May I help you undress, Emily?” he asked quietly. The temptation was strong. She didn’t want to wait for one of her friends to arrive. She wanted to feel clean again and then sleep for about a year or at least until she felt more like herself. 

“Yes…and a bath please.” she managed to say with a little dignity. Not a lot, but a little. It would do, at least under these circumstances. To his credit, Rowan did not gloat. He set to work. He had to be tired by this time as well but he gave no indication of it. His hands were calm and deft as he peeled off the layers of clothing. In almost no time at all, he had wrapped a plastic bag around her injured hand and taped it with some thin medical looking tape. He did the same with her bandaged foot. It was so remarkably competent she simply stared, begrudgingly impressed. She tried not to blush as he peeled off her bra and panties. However he did not make a show of it, just took care of it swiftly and before she could mutter a protest, he had her up in his arms again.

Any thought of objection or embarrassment flew out of her mind when she was seated in the warm water. “Oh god, that’s so nice.”

Rowan chuckled at her gasp of pleasure and murmured, “The lights in here are pretty dim, I think we can risk removing the sunglasses. Why don’t you soak for a minute while I get everything set up?” 

What could he possibly need to set up, Emily half wondered but honestly didn’t care enough to ask. Everything felt a little better now. She lolled her head against the rim of the tub and half watched as he puttered around her room. He seemed way too comfortable doing that. She should tell him to stop. It was annoying. 

Except it wasn’t. 

So saying that would be a lie. 

Uncomfortable with the direction of her thoughts, she closed her eyes and was almost asleep when she felt a touch to her shoulder. “I’m going to wash your hair now, we’ll take it nice and slow, okay? If it gets to be too much, we’ll stop and try again tomorrow. At least it’ll be rinsed out then.” 

“Okay.” she muttered sleepily, unable to rouse herself enough to be impressed or upset as he slid an arm around her shoulders and began to wash her hair. A whimper formed when he got too close to the bruise but he was cautious. She found herself watching him, enjoying the little frown between his brows as he concentrated and how very bright his eyes were. She liked the silvered grey of his close cropped hair and beard. She wondered if he’d look better without the beard. Different maybe but him looking better would not assist in her desire to keep him at a distance. Except right now, as he had his arm around her and was so carefully rinsing her hair and she felt warm and lightheaded, she couldn’t exactly remember why she wanted to keep him at arm’s length. 

He finished the bath with equal diligence. Using her body wash and a soft clean washcloth, he washed her all over, right down to her fingertips and toes of her uninjured foot. Emily let herself be pliant, let him control her movement and only assisted enough to allow him to finish his task. He lifted her again, seating her on the edge of the tub. He took the time to dry her off before wrapping a thick towel around her upper body. Cutting off the plastic, he used a damp cloth to wash her hand and then her foot. With great care, he combed out her hair although Emily couldn’t stop herself from hissing between her teeth as he tugged on one particularly tender spot.

“I’m sorry,” he murmured. 

“It’s okay. Can I go to bed now?” her voice felt tiny and a little ridiculous, entirely unlike her usual self. 

“Of course. Come…” he leaned in and picked her up, carrying her out the short distance into the bedroom once again. She could see now, in the dim light, what he had been up to while she had soaked. A bottle of ginger ale sat by the bedside table along with a sleeve of saltines. Her phone was plugged in, the duvet turned back and her personal things neatly arranged. She waited for that sense of intrusion and frustration at his high handed manner but it did not come. She curled up under the blankets, waiting as he tucked her in. 

“Thank you.” she murmured as he clicked off the light. He must have replaced the bulb. It was much dimmer than it used to be. His thoughtfulness was not particularly a surprise. Her response on the other hand was very much a surprise - she liked it, so very much.. She couldn’t think more about it today. It was too much and her head ached.

His hand brushed over her cheek, “Get some rest, Mistress. I’ll be back in a couple hours to check on you.”

She opened her mouth to protest that she wasn’t his mistress, not really, but she couldn’t muster a lick of energy. Later, later she would find the ability to reestablish the boundaries between them. 

The morning came all too quickly. She was just starting to wake up when she heard a light tap at the door. “Yes?” she managed to call out. 

The door pushed open and there stood Rowan with a tray and the most delicious smelling coffee. She hadn’t eaten last night and that coffee smelled like heaven. He set down the tray on her dresser and then shifted the mug to her nightstand. “Okay, so I know you prefer to move independently, so I have a set of crutches being delivered in about an hour. Your friend, Risa, stopped by to give me this log in information so you can attend classes via zoom. Not ideal but then you won’t miss out on anything until you get the all clear from the doctor.” He set the paper by the coffee mug.

“What about screens?”

“I think if we turn down the brightness, it should be okay. We can also set it to record so you can actually look at images later and for now, you can just listen.”

“That’s a good idea.” Emily muttered a little begrudgingly.

“All your friend’s ideas, I assure you. It has been a very long time since I was last in school. We still have a couple hours until your first class, at least according to your friend’s notes. Do you want some help with the bathroom?” Rowan was so very calm that until that moment, Emily had completely forgotten she was totally naked here and he had tucked her into bed the night before. 

Ah fuck it.

Emily nodded and reached for his arm, “Yes please.” He scooped her around her waist and lowered his shoulder so that she could use him as balance. Hopping to the bathroom was an exercise in complete stupidity and she’d be grateful for the crutches, when they arrived. She also really wished he didn’t smell so good. Fucking men, she snarled to herself.

She managed to get away with no additional bath for two more days but the Thursday doctor appointment was coming up and she knew she was far too vain to allow herself to go to that appointment with unshaved legs, messy hair and feeling sticky and unclean. A wipe down with a washcloth was just not cutting it. 

Since she couldn’t go anywhere, Rowan had taken to keeping her company for all meals and doing most of his work online. He did something in accounting for the University’s finance department but she actually wasn’t sure of the details. It allowed him to spend most of his day on the computer and completing something or other to do with proposals? She really wasn’t confident at all in this information. She didn’t think it really mattered in the beginning and to ask again now would be embarrassing. 

He didn’t bat an eyelash when she asked for a bath but there was a small smile, just the quirk of his lips, when she asked him to shave her legs. He unwound the bandage from her ankle and set it aside. A fresh bandage roll sat beside the old one on the bathroom counter and Emily wondered briefly if he had bought that intentionally or if he already had that level of first aid kit in house. Both options were possible and she wasn’t sure how she felt about either. 

The bath ran, filling the tub, as she stripped off her clothing. Rowan had a small set of something that she couldn’t quite identify at this distance. He had his back to her as he set out things on a small tray. She wondered briefly what that was for but wasn’t bold enough at this moment to ask. “Would you like me to shave your pussy as well?” 

No. 

Obviously the answer was no. 

It was a dumb question.

Except that’s not what she said. Instead she replied, “That would be nice. Thank you.” What the actual fuck was wrong with her, Emily scolded herself. More things went on the tray from the kit. He picked up the tray and the legs fell and that’s when her brain put together that it was actually a small table, designed to go next to the tub. “What’s all that for?”

“Do you trust me?”

Emily paused, considered and then finally said, “About as much as I trust anyone I guess.” 

“Then just let me take care of you. Do you need a hand into the tub?” Rowan replied. 

“I can do it.” Emily was obstinate to the last as she climbed into the tub and then awkwardly banged her sprained ankle against the side. She hissed and grumbled as she took a seat, glaring at him as if he had caused the injury with his male-ness in her space. She frowned as he picked up another washcloth and began to apply bodywash to it but he said nothing. What was most irritating was that although she was still sore and had an egg shaped bruise on her head and overall felt like the worst version of herself, he was still handsome and all silver-foxy in an irritatingly sexy way. He also seemed to be enjoying himself. Now she knew she was just being a grump and it was probably unfair but she just couldn’t seem to help himself. 

He washed her hair first, taking his time to gently massage her scalp and work around the bruise. Working in the conditioner into her long strands, Rowan ran his fingers through the length and then rinsed out the excess before letting her lean back against the tub surround. She watched him as he worked, intent on his task. Finally, he seated himself on the end of the tub, lifted her foot from the water and placed it on his lap. He massaged the limb, working in some lotion or oil or something. She frowned, went to ask a question but then decided against it. Shaving cream followed and then he picked up the razor. The strokes were smooth and even, moving around her ankle up to her knee and back again. It was almost mesmerising, the stroke, the swish in a small basin of water, then another careful stroke. He let her leg sink back under the water before reaching for the other. He did the same with her injured leg, being extremely gentle with the swelling, as he completed the task. Then his eyes swept up, slow and careful, before he settled on her face. 

“Ready for the next part, Emily?” 

He rarely used her name and the way he said it felt like a title. Unable to resist, she lifted a hand and brushed it over his cheek, stroking the man’s beard as she nodded, “Yes, you may proceed.”

“Thank you,” Rowan replied as he reached down to unplug the tub and let the water run. She slipped her arms around his shoulders and let him guide her out of the tub, seating her on the edge. She made his shirt wet and she had to bite back her tongue to stop herself from ordering him to just take it off. He nudged her thighs apart and Emily let him do it while watching his bright eyes darken to almost a midnight shade of blue.

He applied the oil first, his fingers dancing over her skin, tugging at the strands between her thighs. The shaving cream followed and Emily was well aware her pussy was growing hot, fluid building in her centre. She watched as he picked up the razor and began to apply it with exaggerated care. He leaned in and her hand slipped forward to rest on his shoulder, curling around the nape of his neck. The temptation to lean in and kiss him was strong but she resisted, leaning back against the tiled wall, cool on her hot skin. Rowan set down the razor at last, reaching for a clean washcloth to wipe her core.

“What’s that?” she asked softly as he reached for another small container. 

“Balm. Make sure you don’t get the itches afterwards.” Rowan explained softly.

“Oh…” 

His fingertips trailed over her core, before he reached out and dipped them under the running water. He recapped the containers and set everything on the small tray. “I…I should comb out your hair or it’ll dry tangled.” he whispered but his fingertips teased over her pussy again. Her eyes clashed with his as one of his long fingers slid into her core. Her hand tightened around his neck, whimpering softly as he added a second finger. In and out those fingers moved, a slick wet sound accompanying the movement. His thumb circled over her clit as he trailed another hand down her abdomen, his fingers pressing against her skin, freshly shaved and hypersensitive. 

Emily’s gasp filled the bathroom as she came, shuddering hard as she did so. Leaning forward, she rested her forehead against his for a few seconds, their breath mingling, before she finally sat back. Looking down, she reached down and wrapped her hand around his wrist, drawing his fingers out from her dripping cunt. She tugged it up, higher and higher, until she tapped his fingers against his lips. His mouth opened and he ran his tongue over his fingers, tasting her. She watched as he licked them clean. Finally he let his hand fall to his lap and watched her.

She sat up, shuddering almost as if she came back to herself. “Oh I…will you wrap my ankle?”

“Of course, Emily.” 

Okay, she really needed him to stop saying her name like that. It was too much, he was too much. She nodded appreciatively as he rose to his feet, crossed to the sink to wash his hands. He put away a few things before reaching for the bandage wrap. He walked over to kneel by Emily’s feet. Rewrapping her ankle took him a few minutes and Emily took that time to steady herself and regain her wits. Afterwards, Rowan helped her back to her bedroom so she could put up her foot again. 

“I’ll comb out my hair. Thank you though. I appreciate it.” Emily said, desperate now to regain some distance between them.

“Of course Emily. Enjoy the rest of your evening. If you need anything from me, please feel free to text.” Rowan replied quietly. She could almost taste his disappointment but she pushed away any guilt she felt as a result. Emily felt that she had slipped too far and the boundaries were muddy. After he gathered the supplies he had provided, Emily sat on her bed and finished her post bath routine. She raked the comb through her hair, tugging too hard, using it to almost punish herself for her stupidity. 

The next day, the doctor’s appointment went well. She had made Rowan stay in the waiting room, a statement he accepted gracefully even though she knew damn well he would rather have come in with her. The stitches in her hand were removed and true to Dr. Greer’s word there was surprisingly little scarring and likely to be less over time. Fortunately, she had not severed any nerves or tendons in her hand. She was cleared to return to classes but not recommended she drive until her ankle had additional time to heal. 

Walking out into the waiting room, carefully on her crutches, Emily hated how absolutely relieved she felt to find Rowan waiting for her. “So it seems I still need your chauffeur services but…” she held up her hand and nodded at it, “You’re off hair washing duties.” 

“I’m glad your hand is better but I will admit I don’t mind the hair washing.” 

“Oh stop it.” she teased lightly, smiling as she did so. “I hope you don’t mind still driving me to school.”

“My absolute pleasure.” Rowan replied as he tugged open the door and held it for her to slip through. 

The next few weeks, Emily worked hard at her physio, hoping she would be cleared to drive again. Her little car, fully repaired, was back in the garage, sitting there idle. She offered to reimburse Rowan but he wouldn’t hear of it. The guilt poked at her, especially as he continued to be so kind while she shut him further and further out of her personal life, determined to return to their more cordial but distant relationship as mere housemates. 

The days stretched into weeks until she got a visit from an unexpected pair - Lily and her Jack. She wrapped her arms around the man as he stepped through the door, depositing soft kisses on his easily reddening cheeks. Although if Emily were entirely honest, she preferred seeing the other set a bright red. 

“How are you, Lily?” Emily greeted warmly as the three seated themselves in the living room. Rowan served coffee and freshly made scones, sitting with them as they chatted. Perhaps she should have been more troubled by it but he was just so amiable and the two men were chatting quite amiably as Lily caught her up on her gorgeous new girlfriend, her semi-remote job and the work she and Jack were doing to his property. Apparently they were building another small cottage as sort of a personal dungeon, which Emily was very much looking forward to seeing. 

“May I ask how you all met?” Rowan asked with some interest, making Lily burst into laughter and blush.

“Oh gosh, I’m not sure we should tell you since Jane was there too!” Lily replied between giggles. 

“Well your daughter is an excellent young Mistress, I will say that much.” Jack replied with a nod.

“That’s good to hear but seriously…how did this all begin? If I may?”

Jack looked at Lily, who nodded, giving Jack permission to speak. He started quietly, a light flush on his cheek, “A friend of mine asked me for a favour - to lend my cottage to six young ladies whose rental cancelled on them last minute. Some plumbing issue with their first choice. Anyway, I agreed. They arrived and I…I haven’t spent time with women in so long that I’m afraid my manners weren’t what they should have been.”

“Oh?”

Lily cut in, “He insisted on using our first names, he did not offer to serve, and when he asked us to do things…he declined. Politely but still…it was all very upsetting. We just wanted a little service, a little care, and well..he offered none.” Her friend reached out and touched his hand. “But we taught him a lesson, didn’t we?” It always surprised Emily that Lily had ended up with this man as her claim, given that her primary sexual interest was other women. Still, no one could deny the intense bond between them and it made Emily happy to see her friend so happy. The hot girlfriend was also helping. 

Rowan laughed, nodding encouragingly, “How so?”

“Well it started with Mistress Lily but it certainly didn’t end there. I got a few sharp lessons, delivered by many of the young ladies… Straight from the moment of lesson onward…”

“Oh god, do you remember how you put his sunscreen on that first time, E?” Lily teased. Emily laughed in response. 

“I remember he certainly didn’t object. I didn’t know it was possible for a man to get that hard, be that bruised and cry all at the same time.”

Jack blushed again, making them all laugh. The stories continued, some slipping in even about Jane but Rowan gave no hint he objected. He seemed to appreciate that his daughter was a good Mistress who took care of the men under her control. They seemed to settle in for a long chat but then the two had dinner reservations and left just as the sun started to set. 

Emily watched as Lily was assisted into the car by Jack. She was behind the wheel of course but the man was always so attentive. Hard to believe her friend had only met the man the summer prior because their relationship seemed older and deeper somehow than less than a year’s acquaintance, Emily mused as she gathered up their coffee cups. 

Rowan was rattling around the kitchen, the sharp sound of silverware colliding and coffee cups clinking together. “Leave them there. I’ll get to them.” he snapped. 

To date, he had never spoken to her like that. Short and clipped, the tone was poorly hidden anger and frustration. Emily stared, shocked at Rowan’s behaviour, and the desire to call him out, give him some discipline, warred with her intention not to treat him as a claim, over whom she had such authority. As it was, her hand was better and she was back to attending classes in person. The time of crisis was well past and she had retreated to her comfortable sanctuary and been carefully separating her life from his once again.

She set down the dishes on the counter next to him, eyes sweeping over the rigid tension in his body and the abruptness of his movements as he scrubbed the silverware to the point of near violence. Given that they had been having pleasant conversation with Lily and Jack scarcely thirty minutes ago, she was startled by the abrupt change in his demeanour. Her hand brushed his shoulder and he flinched - from her! 

“What is going on with you?” Emily questioned quietly, worried now by his reactions.

Rowan shook his head, as if rejecting the question, and remained silent.

“Rowan?” Her voice was sharp. Men did not speak to her this way and Rowan certainly never had before.

“If I thought you’d give a fuck, I’d…” he clipped off the sentence without finishing the thought. 

“That’s it. What the hell is going on with you!” It wasn’t a question any longer. It was a demand.

“Fine… fine…” He pulled his hands from the soapy water and picked up a tea towel with a quick snapping movement, as he spun around to face her. “What did he do that I didn’t?”

“What?” Emily stepped back, almost suffocated by the wave of anger radiating from Rowan.

He shrugged, a disdainful movement, as he replied, “I thought maybe you didn’t like older men. But he’s only a few years younger than I am. I thought maybe you didn’t like service or discipline games. That this wasn’t what you enjoyed. But Jack got to serve you, he got punished by you, regularly, for weeks. All those fucking funny stories …hahaha…sunscreen all over…she tied me up…she made me kneel and fed me by hand…oh so fucking amusing … bullshit. All the tiny bathing suits and the lotion and…So what does he have that I don’t…because I have had to beg for scraps and the minute you could cut me out again, I get fucking nothing.”

Emily’s mouth opened and closed as these words washed over her, “It…it was different. It was j..just a summer vacation. It was not the same at all.” She stammered out. She never stammered. This was insane. What the hell was happening?

“Different huh? How? Tell me. I need to know what that guy has that I don’t. Why did he deserve to sleep in your fucking bed… did you fuck him? Did he? Fucking hell…look at your face. He did too, didn’t he? I bet he got to eat you out too. Fuck.” 

Her face was burning and her hands clenched at her side as she replied, “That’s enough! You do not get to speak to me that way! You are just a favour, for a friend, that’s it. I don’t want anything more from you. I don’t want to see your face or deal with your whiny bullshit. I am not obliged to fuck you, or punish you, or let you… let you serve me! Got it! Playing with Jack was a fun time on vacation. You’re just a fucking obligation. Nothing more.”

His face paled, all colour leaching from his skin, and his shoulders dropped as he stared at her. She couldn’t think of a single thing to say and she certainly didn’t want to deal with the spiral of guilt that swirled in her belly. Turning on her heel, Emily marched from the kitchen and headed for her room. The desire to slam the door behind her was strong but also felt childish. She tossed herself onto the bed and smacked her pillows in a state of anger. Stupid fucking men! She didn’t need to deal with their childish bullshit and petty temper tantrums. It was none of Rowan’s business what she did with Lily’s Jack. 

By the time she ventured from the room, the entire place was scrubbed clean. She popped her head into the garage and noted that his SUV was gone and only her little car sat there. It had been scrubbed clean and gleamed as it always did. She wondered when Rowan had time to do that. Emily sighed, regretting some of the sharpness of her words. She hadn’t meant to hurt the man after all. 

It was late that night when she heard the faint sound of the garage door opening again. Only then could she relax enough to sleep. He was home. Tomorrow he’d be back to coffee and muffins and they could return to just quietly co-existing with one another again. She slept. The next morning, after she was ready for classes, she heard a faint tap at her bedroom door. 

Emily tugged it open just as she reached for her bookbag. “Hey Rowan.”

“Good morning. May I speak with you for just a minute? I won’t take long.”

She wanted to say no, that she was running late, that she had classes but he knew her schedule so he’d know it was a lie. Fuck, she thought morosely, not really wanting to deal with a needy, emotional male first thing in the morning.

“Sure.” she replied.

“Thank you. I wanted to apologise for my behaviour yesterday. I was completely out of line and I had no right to speak to you that way.”

“Oh well, yeah sure, of course. Apology accepted.” Emily was relieved. This seemed much better than her usual way of dealing with conflict - pretend it wasn’t happening and that all was normal until it almost felt that way.

“You are being far more gracious than I deserve. I appreciate it. I assure you that I will respect and honour your wishes from this point onward, as I should have been the entire time.”

“Right.” Emily nodded, not entirely sure what Rowan meant but she nodded in acknowledgement of his words, “Great. Good. Thank you.”

“Have a good day, Emily and good luck on your presentation tomorrow.” 

“Thanks!” Her reply was bright and cheerful but she had to wonder why he didn’t think they’d see one another between now and then. She closed her bedroom door behind her and headed for the garage, not prepared to address all the feelings that arose from Rowan’s apologetic words and assurances. Perhaps later on tonight they could talk again, over evening hot chocolate and smooth things out properly between them. After all, she didn’t hate the man. He was actually quite lovely. She just didn’t want him as her claim. 

She didn’t get to talk to him later. 

In fact, Rowan became a ghost. After the disagreement and subsequent apology, he tended to stay out until late night most days. At some point, usually while she was at classes or working at the school library, he would clean the house and organise things. As the snow melted, he took care of the yard and made certain everything was neatly organised. It really was a beautiful home and it still gave Emily a rush of delight whenever she came home or admired the view from her bedroom window. Coffee was still made each morning but it seemed to be his only true concession, the last holdback, of his service oriented inclinations. There was no longer any baking and since he rarely made food at home at all any longer it seemed, the kitchen was stocked with only the basics she tended to use. 

The days ticked by and soon midterms and presentations were over. With blissful relief and no small amount of stress all at once, Emily realised that she was in the final stretch of the semester. She invited Elena over to work on a group project after classes. Her friend hadn’t come over since shortly after her accident. Hard to believe all the things that had changed over the last few months. 

“Gosh, I just love this place.” Elena murmured as she tucked her socked feet under her and settled her laptop on her thigh. “I can’t believe how lucky Jane was to grow up here. So how are things with her dad? Oh, did he make more muffins?”

Emily shook her head, “Since I’m better now we don’t really have much to do with one another. Sorry, no muffins.”

“What?”

The surprise in Elena’s voice caught Emily off guard and made her feel defensive. “Yeah, you know, this is just an arrangement. I mean don’t tell people that. But yeah, free rent and he gets the security of a claim.”

“But,” Elena looked around as if trying to make sense of something, “he was so lovely when you were hurt. I thought he really cared about…” Her voice trailed away as she realised she was trampling on Emily’s feelings.

“It wasn’t like that, Elena.” Emily replied crisply.

“Right, okay.” her friend fell silent for a few minutes and then set down her laptop on the coffee table, “I’m going to go make myself a cup of tea.”

“Oh, I should have offered.” 

“It’s fine,” Elena’s hands fluttered as she waved away the concern, “I can do it. I remember where things are.” 

Emily watched as the petite brunette disappeared from the room and out into the hall. She pulled out her own laptop and opened the power point she had been working on. Entering the information she and Elena had been working on for weeks now was easy enough but required some concentration to make it look nice. She was on the third page and busy adjusting the graphic when the door opened again. 

“Hey,” Elena greeted as she passed an envelope to Emily, “this was left on the kitchen counter for you.” Her friend settled back into her spot and set her mug of tea on the low table. She was quickly back to work, tapping away at her keyboard as she edited their presentation footnotes and reference materials. 

Emily flipped open the manila envelope and pulled out the contents. It was a set of permission forms, one for attending at the brothel and another for him to open a bank account in his name. A third thin page gave him permission to transfer his vehicle into his own name. She forgot that she had access to his accounts and that his SUV was actually in her name. Blushing, she signed two of the three but hesitated when it came to the brothel form. It was embarrassing to think someone might know he was spending time with women who got paid to take care of men in terms of discipline and sex. It was usually reserved for the men claimed by military officers or whose women were unwell or suffering from debilitating conditions. Men who were just single were not generally permitted. After all, they should be out trying to pursue a proper woman to claim them. Unsure how to feel about it, she left the form unsigned. She’d talk to him later about it.

“Are you okay, Emily?” Elena questioned, causing her head to jerk up and frown at her friend.

“Yeah I just…do you remember in the summer when we played with Lily’s Jack?”

Elena’s eyes flashed in amusement, “Oh yes. That was so fun. I hope she’ll let us play with him again a bit. He can do amazing things with his tongue.”

“True…” Emily murmured.

“What’s wrong?”

Her back straightened and she replied, “I think I hurt Rowan’s feelings.”

Elena looked at her quizzically. “That’s not like you. You are usually circumspect with your words.”

Emily sighed, “I know but… he got kind of affectionate I guess, when I got hurt he was very attentive.”

Her friend nodded knowingly, as if unsurprised by Rowan’s service oriented inclinations. “Okay. But he’s nice and quite handsome, assuming you don’t mind that he’s a bit older.”

“No, that’s not it. It is that, well, this was just a favour, and…”

Elena groaned, “Please don’t tell me you said that to him.”

Her cheeks flamed to a rosy pink, “Well, it’s true.”

“Oh god, Emily, how awful for the man to hear that he did all that for you when you were injured and he was so kind and sweet with you and you just told him he was nothing more than a burden or some sort of bargained condition. Tolerate me for a year kind of stuff. I would absolutely want to die. How did this all come up anyway?”

Emily stared at her laptop screen for several long minutes, not moving, her computer switching to screen saver mode before she looked up again and said, “Lily visited and her and Jack were telling stories about how we all met him, how he and Lily became connected. I guess we got a bit carried away telling stories about the month we spent at his cottage.”

“Poor Rowan.” Elena whispered, “The man hears all about how everything worked out for someone else and he didn’t even hardly get a thank you.”

“I said thank you!” Emily bristled instantly, feeling more defensive by the second. She wished she hadn’t opened her big mouth. 

“And then told him he was a burden.” 

“Well I didn’t mean it like that.” 

Elena’s brows raised slightly, “Didn’t you?” 

“You know what Elena. Fuck off. It isn’t exactly like you are cleaning up in the romance department either! I don’t see any men wearing your claim collar or…”

Her friend started packing up. “I don’t have to listen to this.” she cut in as she pushed to her feet. “You know I think you are being very rude to Rowan. We all saw with Jack and Mark how good it is for older men to get some consistent attention. You have a golden opportunity here to give him that and meet your own needs at the same time. Instead you are treating a nice man like garbage. I wish Jane asked me for this favour. I’d have a great time banging Rowan for two years while he spoiled me.” 

“Well she didn’t, did she? She asked me.” Emily snapped.

“That’s cause Jane is enough of a bitch that she probably didn’t want to know her dad was getting some damned attention for once. She treats him shitty and manages to find someone to be even meaner.”

Emily jumped to her feet, wincing as her ankle was still tender, “I am not mean!”

“You know damn well that it is bad for men to be left ignored like this. You’re right here and if you don’t want to let him be your claim properly, even if, even if … it is just temporary, then you should lend him out.”

“I promised Jane I wouldn’t do that.” she replied heatedly.

“Of course Jane would do that to him. God, you think you’re better but you’re just as self-centred as she is. Peas in the same pod.” Elena returned before slamming the door behind her. Emily threw herself back into her couch and let out a half scream of frustration. The front door slammed in the distance and she knew Elena was gone. Fuck, she couldn’t believe Elena, literally the nicest person she knew, would be such an asshole about this.

Emily tried to focus on her work but her mind buzzed with Elena’s words. She judged Jane heavily. Was she really just like her? That cut deeply. Did the rest of the girls think that too? These thoughts plagued her and she really needed to concentrate on getting through her Masters program so she was well positioned to get a job. The last thing she needed was this drama. She was frustrated, annoyed and a little horny. And the worst part of all was the solution to two of these issues was just on the other side of the house, equally unhappy. 

It took another day or two before she and Elena made up. Neither one of them had enough friends to blow a friendship on a stupid argument, especially one that would cleave their friend group in half. The topic of Jane’s father was simply laid to rest and no longer discussed between them, although Elena did raise the question of whether the man would be invited to the cottage in the upcoming summer.

The idea bothered Emily more than she liked to admit. After all, she should not mind sharing and this way with at least three men there they could have some real fun. Jane wasn’t going to make it this year but Lily’s hot doctor girlfriend would be, making it quite the occasion. Leaving Rowan home alone for a month seemed unfair. Was she jealous? Surely not. After all she could have him, if she wanted. 

Did she want him?

Finally Emily couldn’t take it anymore. She waited until she knew he was home, tucked in his set of rooms, which oddly enough she had never seen. She tapped on his door and heard a rustling on the other side as the man replied, “Just one second, please.”  When he finally tugged it open, his shirt had clearly been hastily thrown on, given that it was misbuttoned and his feet were bare. Had he been naked? Why was that idea so titillating?

“Emily? Is everything alright? Did you message me?” The man reached for his phone and flipped it over, checking for some notification.

“No, no I didn’t. I wanted to talk with you.”

“Of course, is something wrong?”

Emily couldn’t resist any longer, she reached out and started rebuttoning his shirt, smoothing it out with her hands. 

“Please.” he whispered, his hand coming up to curl around her wrist.

“Is there something wrong?”

“I’ve been good. I’ve done what you wanted. Please don’t torture me.” 

He was begging and for the first time she truly appreciated that Elena was right. She was being mean. Of course it was her right to refuse her attention, to ignore him, because he was hers to do with what she willed, but still, she hadn’t meant to be cruel. Emily leaned forward and brushed her lips over his. The noise he made sent a rush through her. It was a cross between a groan and a whimper, desperately needy and longing all at once. 

Emily broke the kiss and stepped back, reaching up to unpin her light brown hair with its artful golden highlights. It tumbled around her shoulders as she instructed, “Knees. Now.”

“What?” Rowan’s reply was more astonishment than disobedience as it was accompanied by the movement itself. He knelt before her, hands at his side, his eyes on her, waiting for her next words. 

“I’ve changed my mind. I would like to alter the arrangement. I know what I want but I also need to know what you want, what you need from me. Keeping in mind that this will be a relatively short arrangement, just another nineteen months or so. But…”

“But?” he questioned, his voice a husky whisper. She could almost taste his uncertainty and his desire. 

“I miss your company…” She tugged open the door and smiled at him over her shoulder, “And no one else has ever shaved my pussy as well as you. So make that list. We can talk about it tomorrow.” 

Flush with victory and turned on herself, her hand plunged between her thighs as soon as she closed the door to her bedroom. He let herself fall across her bed as her fingers circled over her clit, rubbing harder, faster, the look in Rowan’s eyes haunting her as she came, the release flooding over her. That night she slept better than she had in weeks.

The morning rose quickly enough and it was the first truly warm day of spring. She pulled on her favourite yoga leggings and a long tank before pushing her feet into a set of flats. She often envied her friends for their more voluptuous curves. She loved the way they filled out their clothes and how sexy they looked. She was drawn more in a straight line, lean and tall. She liked her legs best of all since they were strong looking despite how skinny she was. It was pure genetics and she had little to do with it. But it did pay off, a little anyway, in the warmer weather when she could easily go without a bra and never had to deal with issues her more petite and curvy friends dealt with regularly in the summer heat. 

She walked into the kitchen to find a small plate of baked goods, wrapped carefully, with a tumbler of coffee right next to it. Apparently apple muffins were back on the menu. She grabbed an extra one for Elena and then picked up the envelope. Tugging out the sliver of paper, she unfolded it and seated herself before she began reading.

Emily,

Thank you for the invitation to participate in renegotiating the boundaries between us. I wish to begin by recognizing that this is a temporary arrangement and that your scholastic success is the priority. 

As for terms, I will divide it into two categories, things that feel like needs and things that are strong wants but if you choose not to provide them or believe I have asked for too much, they can be refused and I will accept this boundary as firm and final.

Want - to call you Mistress or Miss or another title of your preference.

Need - to cook for you at least three times a week (whichever meal is desirable to you for that week - breakfast or dinner being when you are home most often but I could also pack lunches for you if you like).

Want - to eat a meal with you at least once a week. 

Need - to be incorporated into your personal grooming routine at least once in a while. Shaving, hair washing, bathing.

Want - to be incorporated into that routine consistently every week.

Need - one evening out with you at least once a month. Theatre, movies, dinner, events, school things, any kind of activity as long as we go out together.

Want - to sleep beside you after our night out. Sex or similar entirely up to you of course, but just to sleep beside you would be incredible.

Need - one session of discipline with you every month, not to occur on the going out night. 

Want - as much discipline as you are prepared to provide subject to my safeword and personal limits of course.

Need - to serve a meal to you and your friends once a month or as often as you wish, which can count as one of my meals for the week of course.

Want - to make sure you and your friends feel welcome in every part of the house and don’t feel compelled to remain in your private rooms.

Need - as many service oriented tasks as you are willing to provide me. I am currently restricted to house cleaning outside your private rooms, the yardwork and maintaining your car. I would prefer more. As many as you wish to give to me. Laundry? Cleaning your private rooms? Preparing your lunches for when you go to your classes? Picking up and dropping off things? Anything that makes you feel satisfied or happy to have someone else take care of for you, please. We could set up a mutual calendar where you can ask for me to complete tasks or anything else you need. It doesn’t need to be pre-planned.

Want - sexual contact, in whatever form you deem appropriate.

Need - to join you for some period of time (a week preferably but I would accept a weekend) when you go on vacation to the summer cottage with your friends.

Want - to spend the entire period of time there with you and friends. Despite my outburst, I did like Jack and his Mistress. I like your other friends as well. It would be very satisfying to assist in serving them for a lengthy period of time.

Need - to not be reminded of the short duration of this arrangement. We both know this to be a fact but I don’t need a constant reminder of it. I would like the chance, for a little while, to just enjoy it.

Want - time with you. Any time, whatever time I can get. To belong to you.

Thank you again for your consideration.

Sincerely, Rowan.

Emily reread the letter about a dozen times before folding it up again and tucking it into her backpack. She needed to get to classes but she was looking forward to the end of day now, when she could come home again to speak to Rowan and lay their boundaries in place. The sense of doing something right, of sorting this out and arriving at the correct conclusion was strong, almost making her lightheaded in pleasure and relief. 

The day was long and tedious and by the time she got home, her long hair was swept up into a messy bun and she felt sticky and tired. She opened the door from the garage and was immediately confronted with a waft of yummy scents. “Rowan?” she called out as she stepped into the kitchen. 

He looked up and smiled and she couldn’t help but smile back. Seeing him so pleased, truly pleased, for the first time since she had moved in was almost intoxicating. She chucked her bag into a low chair and sent a small prayer to the Goddess above that tomorrow was Saturday and she was not obliged to work or go to any classes. She should study but she could do that with her legs wrapped around this handsome man. 

She crossed into the kitchen and moved into his arms easily. He welcomed her, not just accepting the hug but gratefully welcoming it. His happiness radiated from him and washed over her. His hands slid up and down her back. “Dinner is in the crockpot and is ready when you are.” he started and then whispered, “May I call you Mistress?”

Her smile was broad, “Yes. Yes you can. Do you need to watch anything in the kitchen?”

“No, Mistress.”

She pulled back, out of his arms but folded her hand over his. “Then come. Let’s have a bath and talk about your list.” The rightness of it was almost overwhelming. Why had she denied herself and her natural inclinations so long? She was foolish and just hurting herself and him in some misguided notion. Elena was right. This was so much better. She pushed open her bedroom door and tugged Rowan along with her. Once through the door, she released his hand to reach up and started to strip off her clothing. 

“Go run the tub, Rowan.”

He practically tripped over himself as he hurried to the washroom, struggling to tear his eyes from her rapidly bared flesh. Once her clothing was in the hamper, she perched in the doorway and watched as the older man took care of preparing the bath. He glanced up and couldn’t keep the lust from his eyes as he admired her. Unable to resist, Emily preened for the man, deliberately arching her back and showing off the length of her legs. 

“Knees.” she stated and he sank to them gracefully. She was a little impressed, she had to admit. She sauntered to him, enjoying the way his eyes devoured her. “Such a good boy.”

“Mistress.” It was a groaned word, almost a plea. 

“Yes, Rowan?” she teased, tracing her fingertips along his jaw before cupping his chin and drawing him close to her, until his skin brushed against her abdomen. She bent forward and pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Now stand up and take everything off.  I want to see all of you.”

His knees trembled slightly as he rose to his feet, reluctant to move away from her but she enjoyed how he could not take his eyes from her. The tub was over half full so she reached down and flicked off the taps. She had one more thing to do before they got to bath time. He was taller than her, and also made of lean muscle. He wasn’t ripped in the way of pretty college boys but he was fit with a dusting of dark blonde and silvered hair on his chest trailing down to his groin. He was well groomed and she suspected he had showered before she had arrived home. She placed her hands on his shoulders and traced them down to his hand and then back up again. She repeated that pattern on his chest, pressing gently on his hips before sliding up again. Finally she leaned in and murmured, “Turn around.” 

He turned slowly, his breathing was hard now, almost panting as he did so. She always liked the way a man’s back looked, that play of muscle, that taper, down to the curve of the butt, was incredibly appealing to her. “Bend forward, Rowan.”

“Yes, Mistress.” 

He rested on his elbows at first but she tapped one with a fingertip and he folded them away, letting his chest come to rest on the granite countertop. “There we go. That’s a good boy.” Emily praised as she reached into a low cabinet to withdraw a slim folio. She hadn’t used these recently but they were a rather fancy collection she had received many years ago when she graduated from her Training School. She unfolded the clasp and popped open the lid to reveal the range of plugs, shiny and nestled into the velvet lined case. There were additional accessories to allow chains to be attached to a collar or cock ring. Rowan’s eyes widened and his gaze flashed to hers. 

“Now Rowan, what is your safeword?” she asked solicitously as she traced her fingertips over the pretty, shiny treasures and then reached into the cabinet again to withdraw a bottle of lubricant.

“Poppyseed, Mistress.” he replied, his hushed voice almost loud in the quiet bathroom.

“Do you need to use this word?” 

His swallow was audible but he met her eyes as he replied, “No, Mistress.” 

“I would like to plug you. Then we will get into the bath to discuss your correspondence and requests further. Once we are both pleased with the arrangement, and after bathtime, we will eat dinner. Are you comfortable with this proposal?”

“Yes, Mistress.”

She suspected it would be. Rowan was not the masochist that some men she knew happened to be. He liked to serve and he liked to be of use, in whatever form that took for Emily. She picked up the smallest of the plugs, about the size of her pinky finger in length and just a little wider around. The base was flared quite dramatically, almost making the insertion part look more ominous in comparison. She applied the lubricant liberally, stroking it with her hand, making sure Rowan could see everything. “Hold yourself open for me, Rowan.” she instructed as she shifted to stand behind him. “You can look in the mirror to see what a silly slutty man you are for me. Holding open your asscheeks and waiting to get filled up. I love plugging men. I love pegging them. But first let's get you used to the sensation, hmm? How long has it been since you were last filled up?” 

“Years, Mistress. More than I…I don’t know. Too long.”

Rowan was open mouthed now as though he had opened the door to something utterly unexpected. He looked enthralled, shocked and completely turned on. She cupped his cock, stroking it gently before toying with his balls for a few seconds. Finally she traced a lubed fingertip over his puckered rear passage. “Far too long. Now bear down a little.” She pressed the tip of the plug against the entrance and nudged forward, slow but ruthless. She almost reached the end when she paused, fucked him with it, rocking it in and out of Rowan’s body, before finally allowing the edge to slide in. She nestled the base into place, a sort of funny little metal slash against all that pristine flesh. Rowan was shaking as Emily calmly washed her hands and tucked away the plug kit and lubricant into the shelf again, leaving the man bent over the counter and trembling. His hands fluttered every so slightly at his side. 

“There you go. Doesn’t that feel better?” she soothed quietly as she brushed her hand over his shoulder. “Now stand up and get into the tub. We still have a lot to talk about.”

Rowan was barely able to hold himself upright, his knees were shaking so badly. “Yes, Mistress.” he managed to get out between deep breaths. He crossed the small space and slid into the tub. Emily watched and then followed, resting her back against his chest as the water, now lapping at her breasts, warmed her slightly chilled skin. 

“Is this what you were looking for?” she asked him.

“So much more than I dreamed, Mistress.” His reply was soft and sincere. It practically radiated from him.

“You say that now but I’ve been told I have a strong arm.”

He shuddered against her but another change in pressure, brushing against her ass indicated his rising interest in the idea. “So let’s start simple. Title is a yes. Also going to the summer cottage. I see no reason I would leave you behind. You obviously should come and serve. I understand that we are to be there for all of July. I trust you can make that work?”

“Yes, I can do that.” he replied quietly as he reached for a clean washcloth and her body wash. 

“Any evening bathing I do, you are to join me. Shaving, hair washing, all of it.”

“Pedicures?” he whispered, almost pleading. She laughed. Who begged to give someone a pedicure? Silly men.

“Of course.” 

“Thank you, Mistress.” 

“Whenever I am home for the evening, we can have dinner together. I’ll let you know if I won’t make it home for dinner by lunch, barring emergencies of course.”

“Every night?”

“Well, I do have Wednesday movie night with the girls so probably not Wednesdays unless we can cancel for some reason. Oh and not tonight but next Friday, the girls are coming over for dinner. Make a particular fuss about Elena. She was the one who really made me realise the mistake I was making.”

“Mistake?” Rowan asked as he ran the cloth over her shoulders. Emily sat forward a little so he could wash her back. 

“That I was being unkind to you and myself for reasons that made no sense.”

Rowan chuckled at that, “I like the idea that not letting me serve you was you being mean to yourself. Elena is officially my favourite of your friends.”

Emily laughed back, her hands slipping under the water to tickle his thighs gently, making him laugh and wiggle more. “She said if Jane had asked her, she would have let you spoil her and given you all the good sex. She said I was mean.”

“A little perhaps but I like you, just as you are. So strong. You’ve worked for everything you have and are a very good friend. Jane chose you because she knew you wouldn’t let her down. Said you had the most intense sense of honour in anyone she had ever met.”

Emily blinked, turning to look at him over her shoulder, “Really?”

“Really.” Rowan confirmed.

Emily sat back again, letting Rowan’s hands continue on their cleaning path as she considered Jane’s comments, “I think that might be the best compliment she ever gave me.”

Rowan laughed and pinched her side just a little, making her giggle. 

“Okay so, once a month we go out? It can be more in the summer but one fancy outing is probably about my total going out time during the school year.” 

“I promise, it will be a nice night out. You’ll have fun.” he pledged quietly.

“I’m sure I will.” To her surprise she meant it. Knowing that in fact Rowan would do all he could to ensure she enjoyed an evening out, doing something that required dressing up and going somewhere. “Besides you just want to show me off a little, I think?”

“You are not wrong. A stunningly gorgeous woman on my arm, yes I will make every man and woman I know be just that tiny bit envious. But mostly I want to go out with you. To be your public claim for the night. I want that so much.”  Rowan shared.

“As for discipline, I’d rather not put a specific frame on it. It will happen, probably a bit more frequently than you’ll like. It is a good stress relief and exams and final presentations are coming up.”

“Then I will be happy to be your stress relief and to know it is all for a good cause. What about sleeping?”

“Friday night through Sunday night, you sleep in my bed. Other days too if I ask but those three nights, you sleep with me.”

“Three?”

Emily turned and cupped Rowan’s face before tugging him into a soft kiss, just a dusting of her lips over his. Then she murmured, “Yes. Just plan on them. The rest we can play by ear.”

“This is more than I dreamed.” 

“Good. Now wash my hair.” 

Rowan set to the task eagerly and as much as she wished there was time for things like shaving her legs and her pussy (both of which he did very well), she was too hungry to delay any longer. Of course, she didn’t allow him to put on any clothing. That would be silly, since it was their evening together. He was, however, allowed to put on an apron in the kitchen. She wasn’t a complete monster after all. Emily wore a pretty nightgown that danced around her knees, the charming pale pink fabric covered in small strawberries. 

The meal was delicious but she had to admit her attention was primarily on him. Letting go of the barriers she had set so firmly into place released all the tension she carried within. She savoured watching him move, enjoying his lean strength, the play of his muscle as sat beside her. They ate together, discussing options for their first outing together, which she advised him could be the night after her second to last exam. She had almost a week to her next and last one, which meant she would have time to regroup and focus. She turned the planning of it over to him, right down to what she would wear. She could tell he was thrilled, as much as he was by the idea of having the girls over for dinner the following weekend. He asked a surprising number of questions about her friends, their food preferences and any allergies or restrictions. She managed to relay the information without too much difficulty and without managing to laugh at his incredible enthusiasm. 

He puttered in the kitchen, washing the dishes and putting away the food as Emily watched, enjoying the scenery so to speak. Finally she reached out a hand and caught his arm. “That’s enough, Rowan. Finish what you are doing and come to my bedroom. I’ll be waiting. Make me wait too long and you’ll be a sorry man.”

Emily sauntered off to her bedroom and she had barely dipped into her chest of implements and toys when the door opened again. Rowan stepped through and set down two glass tumblers of water. “Just in case.” he murmured as if excusing himself for his boldness. He was no longer wearing his apron and the man’s cock, thick and heavy, lay against his lean thigh. 

“How would you like me, Mistress?” 

“So many delightful options but I think a classic is in order. A caning, over the end of the bed, hmmm?” Emily picked up the carved wooden implement while shaped like a real cane was clearly designed for discipline games. She then laid a thick throw blanket over the padded footboard of her bed. She could have done this in his room or the living room but she wanted the intimacy of it in hers instead. Rowan laid himself in position. She smoothed his hands back, nudging them at the base of his spine. She pressed her foot between his, nudging them apart that much further, causing the muscle in his thigh to strain slightly.

“Mistress,” he groaned, “Please.”

“How long has it been, Rowan?”

“Since my claim ended, actually a year or two before that.” 

“Too long,” she murmured, sympathetic as she pressed a finger into one firm asscheek. He groaned as she tapped on the end of the plug, turning it slightly, before stepping back. His hands clenched together, the gentle flex of his muscles as she bent forward, letting her long hair brush over his skin. “It’s alright, Rowan. You are mine now. Just relax and feel it.”

She stepped back, folded both hands around the cane handle and swung. The man cried out when the implement met flesh, jerking against the bed. Another blow followed, again and again. He moaned quietly as, after the tenth stroke, Emily set down the cane and touched his shoulder. His eyes opened, unshed tears made his eyes a brighter shade of blue. 

“You did so well. Good boy.” she praised as she trailed her hand down his arm, over his entwined hands and then dipped lower once again to apply a hard spank to his ass with her bare, open hand. He groaned, his eyes fixed on hers, as she did it a half dozen times on each cheek of his firm ass. She applied a few more hard spanks to his sit spots, just to bring home the point. Tears started to run, streaking down his face, now made rosy as a consequence of her thorough attention. She rubbed his ass gently and then leaned in to press a kiss to the corner of his mouth.

“Get on the bed. Head on the pillows. On your back, if you please?” Emily instructed firmly. 

“Yes, Mistress,” His voice was broken, choking on soft sobs as he crawled upward and onto the bed.

“That’s a good boy. “Don’t you look gorgeous with stripes? I shall have to apply them regularly.” 

He shuddered at her words but there was no hint of distress and no objection registered. Instead she only felt a wave of gratitude from the man. Rowan groaned as he rolled onto his back, his hips rising and falling before they settled into place. 

“So long, hmm, handsome man?” Emily murmured as she straddled him, revealing with the press of her sex against him that she was not wearing any underwear beneath her berry covered nightie. She flattened her hands on his chest and leaned over the man, dusting a soft kiss over her lips. 

“Mistress, you are killing me.”

Emily smirked and pressed another kiss to his lips, deeper this time, tasting him. She slowly sat up, and dragged herself lower. Wrapping her hand around his cock, she directed it into her core. Slowly she lowered herself until she could take no more, until he was seated deeply in her. 

“Oh fuuuucccckkkk,” Emily whispered as she sat back, looking at him. She watched the emotions play over his face, watching his blue eyes blaze with desire. He stared at her as though she were magical. She arched her back and wiggled her hips, drawing him in that little further deeper. Then she began to move, flexing her thighs, raising herself up, then lowering again, bouncing on him, riding him. It took a minute to find her rhythm but once she had, it felt extraordinary. God, when was the last time she fucked someone? Jack last summer, a couple of one night stands in the fall, that hot guy at Christmas she banged a few times after meeting him at a Christmas party. And still, she spent months living with Rowan and not fucking him or anyone else. She was a damned idiot, she judged herself. 

Rowan’s hands slid forward and wrapped around her thighs. Emily laughed, overcome with the delicious pleasure of her power over this man. She claimed one of his hands and pushed it between her thighs, directing him to her clit. He took the hint, circling over the bundle of nerves, as she rode him. 

She came first, gasping as she collapsed over him, rolling onto her back, legs wrapped around his waist as she did so, pulling him with her. “Go ahead and finish, Rowan.” 

He didn’t need telling twice as his hands came up to lay flat against the bedding. His lips found hers, tasting her, as he fucked into her. She wrapped her limbs around him and as his body spasmed against her, she felt a shimmer of her orgasm run through her, like a body memory. She could feel his heat in her, slick and sticky. He collapsed on her, his body pressing on her, his cheek to her chest. Emily traced her fingertips up and down his back in a leisurely caress. 

“Thank you, Mistress.” he whispered, barely audible, over the race of their heartbeats and the blood rushing in her ears. 

“That was some damn great sex, now I really wish I hadn’t wasted so much damn time.” 

~ 

Each night was a new game and she found him an excellent means of stress relief. Not just the sex or discipline but the companionship. Meals were made and lunches were left for her each morning. She looked forward to the evening, which was no longer shrouded in the quiet of her bedroom but rather curled up with him in the living room, or at the dinner table. They played games, not all of them were sex related, although many of them were. She found just letting her head rest on his chest while she read was quite delightful, especially if his ass was stuffed with a nice fat plug and there were a few tidy stripes on his ass, even if they were from a day or two before. 

Tonight was the night of their first outing. She had turned over control to Rowan. She arrived home to find a garment bag on her door and a set of shopping bags on the bed. She took her time getting ready, styling her hair in long loose ringlets that tumbled around her shoulders and then pinned up one side to show off the sparkly earrings she almost never wore. The makeup almost felt too much but then she opened the bag to find a sweeping dress in a dark golden colour that made her briefly think that perhaps she put on too little for such a flashy dress. Perhaps she had underestimated him when he said that he wanted to show her off. The shoes were a strappy pair in a subtle nude shade that made her best feature, in her opinion, stand out all the more as they made her long legs look epically so. Then she reached into her drawer to pull out her contribution to the night’s events. She wandered out of the bedroom, heels clicking on the hardwood, with her purse in one hand and the contribution in the other. 

“Wow.” she heard him murmur and turned to catch the look in his eyes. “You look gorgeous, Mistress.” 

“Perhaps I should credit your good taste Rowan,” Emily replied, laughing as she did so. Her ego was well stroked by this handsome man and she just couldn’t seem to stop herself from revelling in it. 

“What’s that?” he asked, his gaze slipping to what was in her hand. 

Emily set the strap and its thick rubber accessory on the end table near the door. Her brow arched and her smile turned just a little wicked, “For when we get home. I just thought I would add a little…anticipation to the evening.”

“Mistress…” he breathed the word, the title floating over her as he spoke it with such humble submission. Her will flexed, hard and yet gentle, within her. Her hand reached up to touch his cheek.

“Are you ready to go?”

“Yes, Mistress.” he replied with a low groan, his eyes flicking between her and the strap. She turned and opened the door to the garage. Soon she was ensconced in the passenger seat of his vehicle. Before spending time with him, she rarely allowed others to drive, preferring always to be in control, but she could let that go, just a little with Rowan. He managed her through the strength of his submission, a dynamic she had never quite considered before, and which she found satisfying. 

The entrance to the theatre was lit with glittering chandeliers and Emily slipped her arm through his, letting him rest his hand on her forearm as they walked into the building. She had never been to an event like this before. Her budget had never allowed her to go to such things and an opera was something entirely new. 

“I’ve never done this before.”

“It’s a funny one so I thought you might enjoy it. If you don't, we can leave at intermission.” Rowan offered quietly. Reaching up a hand, she brushed her fingertips over his beard, close cropped and silver-tipped. She had enjoyed the friction between her thighs more than once and his tongue was good for many things that were not persuading her to step outside her comfort zone.

“I’m sure I will enjoy it.” Emily replied and then her back snapped straight when she heard another woman call out her claim’s name. Rowan’s gaze, once so fixed on her, fell to the carpet as he turned. Before he could speak, Emily couldn’t seem to stop herself. 

“Hello? Are you acquainted with my claim?” she asked, dipping her words in honey so polite was her reply. The other woman was clearly Jane’s mother. The woman looked exactly like Jane if you added about 20 or 25 well preserved years. Sophia Desrochers was a gorgeous woman at any age.

“I would say so dear. Although I must say, it is a little tragic to see someone as young as yourself entangled with…an old man.”

Another woman leaned forward, equally stunning, her skin almost luminescent as she regarded her friend and then Emily. She spoke before Emily had the chance, “I do believe it’s called Daddy Issues. She’ll be gone in a couple of years.” The women laughed. “But good for Rowan. I’m happy for you. Both of you. After all, one has to play around a bit before you finally settle on something…worth keeping.”

Emily stared as these women traded barbs cloaked in kind words and gentle praise. No wonder Jane was such a bitch sometimes if these were the women she knew. Emily pledged to herself to be kinder to her friend in the future. Her eyes flashed between the two women before she turned to Rowan, who still had his eyes turned down. 

“Oh if you are waiting for him to answer,” Sophia interjected, “he won’t… he knows that men should only speak when spoken to, isn’t that right, Rowan?”

“Yes, Miss Desrochers.” he replied and Emily was astonished as to the quiet tone and the utter lack of emotion. Fortunately she was good at hiding her own thoughts. Her arm folded around Rowan’s and she reached up to touch his cheek again, his beard brushing against the still sensitive new skin of her palm.  His eyes flashed to hers and she felt his body relax. She lost all interest in the older women and their cutting remarks. 

Emily smiled and nodded, “Shall we go to our seats now?”

“Yes Mistress.” 

Ah there he was again. This man who managed her in his own way and was not this careful creature that Sophia Desrochers had trained. Was he his real self with her? Or was this another mask he wore in order to get through his life? How exhausting that would be. She folded her hand into his. The box seat was private, only one other couple at the end of the row. Emily looked out at the audience, marvelling at the grandness of the theatre and the elegance of everyone’s attire for the evening. 

Rowan was quiet beside her for a long time and then finally he turned to her and whispered, “Thank you.”

“Did she know you? At all?” Emily asked, curious now.

He laughed, a soft sound as he shook his head, “She made her expectations clear when we met. She was fresh from Training School and she…moulded me. I suppose I didn’t know who I really was until after she left me. It was…more of a shock than a heartbreak. A life unravelled but in another way I got to find myself a bit. I had my daughter and I have no regrets about getting to be her father.” 

Emily recalled how worried Jane was when her father ended up alone. The house was technically Jane’s - some inheritance from her paternal grandmother, who had no daughters but had a granddaughter she adored. Rowan’s words cast new light on Jane’s actions. They thought she had been mean, not trying to get her father another proper claim. Instead, Jane let him heal and let him discover himself. She gave the man the freedom he hadn’t been granted since he was in his early 20s, younger than Emily was right now. It was hard to imagine. 

“When you are with me, are you playing a role or…”

“Before, yes. Now, no, this time with you is a gift, please don’t think otherwise.” Rowan murmured, reassuring the concerns that tickled Emily’s mind. 

Leaning in, she dusted a kiss over his cheek and whispered, “I’m still going to peg you when we get home.”

“I look forward to it, Mistress.”

The opera was enjoyable and not understanding the words didn’t seem to matter when the actors conveyed both the humour and the emotion so well. She found herself glancing over at him, almost enjoying his pleasure in the show as much as she enjoyed it for herself. Her attachment was growing but this was a problem for another day. She simply didn’t have the time to think about it right now, nor did she want to sabotage the fun they were having together, as she so often wont to do.

He slipped a folded shawl around her shoulders, guarding her against the late spring evening chill as they walked out of the theatre. Emily found herself babbling about the costumes and asking questions about certain scenes that she hadn’t quite understood. Finally as they climbed into the SUV, Rowan turned to her and murmured, “You did enjoy yourself?”

“Oh yes!” Emily enthused, “I may have to do some reading. When is the next one?”

“This autumn. We can go again if you like.”

Emily dipped her head forward and pressed her lips to his, tenderly at first and soon her kisses grew heated and demanding, pressing him back against the seat cushion. Her fingertips ran down his chest, and cupped his cock through his suit trousers. 

“Emily. Mistress…” he groaned, the words a soft plea but she couldn’t tell for what - to stop or to continue. So she applied another long kiss, drawing him tighter against her, her legs straddling his thigh. 

“Technically we have a dinner reservation.” he whispered against her lips.

“Cancel it.” Emily demanded, “After…after we can raid the cupboards you keep so well stocked. I’m sure we can find something to forage.” 

“Then I need you to get into your own seat so I can calm down enough to drive.” 

Emily hesitated and Rowan laughed, tipping his head forward to dust another kiss over her full mouth. 

“Fine.” she muttered, shifting over the console again to plunk herself begrudgingly into her own seat. She clicked the belt into place and thought of all the fun things she could do with him soon enough. As he drove, she reached low enough to slowly start raising the skirt of her dress.

The SUV swerved slightly. “Mistress…” he muttered, sounding almost scandalised, “I’m trying to get us home safely.”

“Good boy.” Emily replied, as she propped one bent knee onto the dashboard and let the skirt slide up to show the pink and well groomed, thanks to him, folds of her sex as she tugged her panties to the side. She dipped her fingertips between and then circled them up and over her clit. She groaned, just a soft sigh of sound as she toyed with herself. Rowan’s hands tightened and relaxed on the wheel and she could distinctly make out his cock straining against the zipper of his well cut trousers. She plunged one finger into her pussy and withdrew it. She reached out her hand and traced it over his lips.

She laughed as his hand shot up, capturing her wrist and holding her in position. He sucked on her finger, hot tongue flicking over her skin as if trying to lick away every drop of her sticky self. “Naughty.” she whispered but she didn’t fight his hold or the gentle wash of his tongue. He held her there until he turned onto their street, until the garage door opened and only then, with evident reluctance did he release her.

Emily slipped from the car without waiting for the man, leaving him hurrying after her into the house. She walked to the living room and stopped in front of the padded ottoman. She could hear him behind her and just as he stepped through the door, she unzipped the dress and let it slide off her shoulders and fell into a puddle on the floor. She hadn’t bothered with a bra but the panties were a mere wisp of lace with a thong back, threaded between her cheeks. 

“Are you ready to play, Rowan?” she asked as she stepped out of the dress, heels clicking on the hardwood as she approached. She lifted a hand to caress his cheek. His bright eyes met hers and he nodded as he replied.

“Yes, Mistress.”

“Good boy.” She folded her hand into his and guided him forward. Once he was standing where she wanted him, proximate to the ottoman, she began undressing him. He let out a soft groan as she took on the task of stripping the man. After all, this was usually his work to do. She tossed each item onto the sofa, ignoring them in favour of stroking over his skin. 

He was breathing softly as he watched her finish his task. Finally she shoved his boxers down his thighs, letting them puddle on the floor. “There you go…. Beautiful.” she whispered as she palmed his thick cock, gently tracing her fingers along the length of it. Her lips found his, a lingering kiss as he nearly melted against her. 

“Oh Mistress.” He whispered as she broke the kiss. 

“Take off my underwear.” she instructed. Rowan didn’t hesitate, leaning forward to slide his thumbs over the delicate waistband and began to tug her underwear down. He slipped to his knees as he drew her panties down low enough to puddle around her ankles. She stepped out of them and nodded. “Good job. Stay there.” 

Moving around the furniture, she collected the strap and reached into a low drawer to withdraw a bottle of lube. She had been working on stretching out Rowan for the last few weeks so she knew he was ready for this and she certainly was. She stepped into the strap and slid the short stubby end into her pussy, savouring the sensation against her sensitive sex. The clasps snapped into place easily. 

“Oh my god.” 

Her smile grew at Rowan’s expression of awe. “Are you ready?”

“Yes, Mistress.

“Good boy.” She replied as she sauntered over to him and offered up the bottle of lube. Bending forward, she dusted a kiss over his forehead and then stretched up again. “Put on the lube. Be as generous as you feel you deserve.” 

His breathing picked up again, his eyes, usually so bright, had darkened to a rich, almost navy, blue. His lips were parted, his eyes flicking up to her and then back to his task. He stroked the lube over the attached phallus, almost tugging in an effort to coat it thoroughly. 

“Satisfied?” Emily whispered, hand reaching forward to stroke over his beard. 

“Yes, Mistress.” 

“Good boy. Turn around, chest down. You can use the ottoman if you prefer or it is easier on your body.” She instructed, her tone brooking no argument.

He hesitated, his eyes directed up to her, his breathing hard.

“Rowan?” she questioned, “do you need to use your word?”

“No… just…thank you.”

“You say that now,” Emily teased, “Now turn around.”

His chest pressed to the top of the ottoman, the leather dipping under him but firm enough to hold in position. His thighs parted, his knees pressing to the short legs of the furniture. Emily slid her hand down his back, enjoying the play of the muscle, the warmth of him as she sank to her knees behind him. He gasped as she reached low enough to toy with the weight of his balls, enjoying the soft noises he made as a result of her touches. 

“Please… oh god.” he begged as she traced her fingers over his puckered entrance.

“You make such pretty sounds, Rowan. I like it when you beg. Do you like being my whiny mess?” Emily taunted.

His thighs shook in response and the noises increased, soft grunts, desperate and needy. “Oh you are a good boy, aren’t you?” The head of the dildo she was using was just a little bit larger than Rowan’s most recently used plug. She watched as his hands clutched at the side of the ottoman, steading himself as she pressed forward, working into him slowly. Her hands stroked his back and down over his hips to his thighs.

“Good boy, such a good boy. Deep breath and just bear down a little, hmmm? That’s right… oh yes, there we go. Oh you are taking this so well.” Emily kept up the gentle compliments, making Rowan sigh, whine and gasp, until at last she could start to shift forward, moving until she had bottomed out, so to speak. Then she remained still, savouring the sensation of it - the intoxicating, possessive claim of him. 

“Mistress,” Rowan whispered, just a gentle plea, as his breathing remained hard, almost needy and desperate. 

“How do you feel?”

“Full…if…”

“Yes?”

“Just a little to the left, Mistress.” he begged. Emily’s responding smile was broad as she slightly shifted her position, dipping her hip so that it would hit that particular spot with just a little more pressure. “Oh fuck, fuck…oh fuck…” Rowan ground out and his limbs trembled. Well, wasn’t that interesting?

“Did Mistress find the good spot?” Emily taunted.

“Yes, yes oh please Mistress.” He wasn’t coherent and his words were more mumbles than anything containing significant thought or structure. Men were honestly too much fun. Why on earth did she deny herself this more months? Pegging silly men was among the best stress relievers in the world, at least in her humble opinion.

She started to move, gentle sliding back and then in again, making sure to drop her hip just so to hit that spot once again. Sure enough, Rowan’s hands seized on the edges of the ottoman. Her hands wrapped around his hips as she used the other side of the dildo to work her clit, to savour the delicious pressure as she fucked into him. 

Emily trailed her hand down from Rowan’s hip to wrap around his cock. She stroked it, slowly at first and then in time to her ruthless fucking of the older man. He whined, begging without words for permission to release. “Not yet, my darling man. Not yet. This feels too good. I need to enjoy it a bit longer,” she instructed.

His breathing took on a panting quality. His limbs trembled and she felt steeped in her power over him, through him, in him. He was hers, for as long as she wished, he knew it and so did she. This was her divine right as a woman and he as her claimed supplicant. All things were right in her world at this exact moment. She squeezed his cock and then stroked him again, harder this time. His soft pitched whimpers took on a keening quality until finally, mercifully, she whispered, “Cum for me, Rowan. Be my dirty little boy.”

It didn’t take him long to let it go, to let his body release in shuddering, jerking motions until he almost collapsed down onto the ottoman, all limbs slack as he used the furniture to keep himself in position since he had no muscles left. Emily pulled out of him and then slowly unclasped the strap and removed it from her body. Rowan could clean it later. She slipped her arms around his chest and pulled him back until he was curled up against her, her back to the sofa, his arms loosely around her, his eyes foggy and distant. 

“It’s alright, Rowan. I have you. You’re safe. Mistress is here.” she soothed with gentle strokes down his now flushed face, tickling his beard with little scratches meant to soothe. She had never had anyone subspace on her without pain involved. She had been so careful not to hurt him. Had she? When he was out of this space, they’d have to talk about it. For now, she held him until at least some muscle returned to his body. Then she guided him through and into her bedroom. He curled around her, head on her shoulder, his lips curled in sweet repose. Emily kissed him and held him until she was confident he was sleeping soundly. Only then did she get up to do her nightly ablutions and creep back in to curl up with him. She felt infinite and grounded all at once. It was a delightful feeling and one she had never quite achieved before. 

~

The remainder of the semester went well. Her last exam was difficult but she had studied hard and felt confident she had achieved her goal of a good grade and a good understanding of the material. At the end of the day, the latter was the most important. Emily was vying for a career, not just a pretty transcript after all. Since the night of the opera, Emily had been unwilling to sleep alone. Rowan was delighted to concede to her request, transitioning to primarily staying with her and sleeping alone only when she was staying up very late studying or had gone out with the girls. She felt oddly bereft those nights but tried hard not to feel childish about it. 

June passed in a dizzy haze as she wrapped up her current work project for her part time job while Rowan was heavily involved in submitting final reports and the financial portions of grant proposals for various programs. Apparently June was always his busy month, made more so by the fact he had booked off all of July to spend with her.

Soon, the house was ready to be locked up, house-sitter/plant-waterer booked and the vehicle was now loaded up with food and luggage. Emily had made a point of showing Rowan all the tiny articles of clothing she tended to wear at the summer cottage. Sundresses so short they barely came to her upper thighs, string bikinis, tiny crop tops and short-shorts designed to make the most of her lean figure and height. Rowan bought more sunscreen, making her laugh. 

“Here?” 

“Yup this is where Elena and Risa live.” Emily confirmed as she texted her friends that they were waiting. This year the car pool was a little different since Lily and Cristiana had been at the cottage for months now and Harmony was going to be a few days late because her work required her to remain in town for an event on July 4th. She would drive up later with Mark Kopin, who was also coming up to serve again this year for the month of July. Six women and three men made the ratio far more reasonable this year. 

“And you’re sure you are comfortable with sharing?” Rowan asked quietly.

“At the cottage, yes. But the rest of the time, when we are home, no, I would prefer just me. As long as you are okay with that?”

“Absolutely, Mistress. Besides, I still owe Miss Elena for her good advice.” 

Emily laughed at his reply, knowing there was some truth to it. She had been having fun with Rowan and was still sorry it took her months to get her head on straight about it. Jane had called on the weekend and even advised her that she hoped Emily would help out her dad with some good care and submission but didn’t want to impose that obligation on her. It was downright considerate and to be fair, living with Rowan had cast Jane in a new light. Jane was a better daughter than Emily had ever given her credit for, not constraining her father, letting him find himself, and encouraging him to heal. Emily turned to run her hand over Rowan’s cheek just as she heard a tap on the window. 

“You better go help them.”

“Yes Mistress.” Rowan replied as he opened the driver side door and climbed out to help stow everyone’s bags. Emily followed suit.

Elena hugged Rowan and then Emily before climbing into the back seat. Risa hugged her and gave Rowan a quick kiss on the cheek before following Elena’s lead. “Ohhh this car is nice. Thanks for driving us, Rowan.” Risa said.

“You are welcome, Miss Risa. I understand you are the one who usually takes care of the playlists.”

“That’s me.” The two quickly set up the bluetooth connection while Elena and Emily exchanged bemused looks. They didn’t bother with the stop in town this time since Rowan had a cooler full of perishables of all kinds. He was also a little apprehensive since this territory was notorious for requiring cages, something Rowan was not enthusiastic about in any sense, although they had brought a temporary one with them, just in case Rowan had to go into town for shopping or an event. It was quite different from the one that required minor surgery for installation and could not be slept in like the permanent ones could be. 

“Oh wow.” Rowan murmured as they pulled off the road and along the private road to the cottage.

“I know,” Elena enthused, “isn’t it beautiful? Lily is so lucky to live up here most of the year.”

“Absolutely, Miss Elena.” he confirmed quietly. 

As they parked, Rowan shooed the women away and said that he would be bringing in all the luggage. Elena folded her arm into Emily’s and met her eyes, “So are you sure about this?”

“About what?”

“Sharing Rowan for a month.”

Emily nodded, “I am. Be nice to him though, please. He isn’t the masochist that Lily’s claim is.”

“Humiliation?”

She shook her head, “A little but he is very service oriented though.” Leaning in a little closer, “And ask him to shave your pussy. It is amazing.”

“Damn…now I wish I hadn’t splashed out on that wax!” Risa chimed in, making all three girls laugh just as the door burst open. Lily appeared and threw her arms around the girls in warm hugs. 

“Where’s the hot girlfriend?” Risa asked as they each reclaimed the rooms they had before, with a strange sense of homecoming. Technically with Lily and Cristiana sharing a room there was a free room so Rowan put his luggage and the empty cases in there once he had unpacked each of the girls. He and Jack had everything organised in the kitchen in short order.

“Playtime?” Elena questioned as Rowan poured them all drinks to celebrate their arrival. Jack was setting out some sliced fruit and fresh pastries to tide them over for dinner in a few hours.

“Ohh yes, what shall we do with them?” Emily replied, grinning mischievously. Jack blushed as he always did when faced with the avaricious girls. Surely, he should start getting used to them by now. Rowan looked intrigued, willing to go along. Apparently Sophia Desrochers would take other lovers but he was never permitted to participate. Most of the time, he was sent to a guest room and left alone. Since that claim ended, Emily was his first Mistress of any duration. So playing with others, especially a collection of young women in their twenties was novel. 

“Well let’s start with the basics,” Lily suggested, “Jack…how long until you need to start dinner?”

“Two, two and half hours or so, Mistress,” Jack replied. 

Rowan set out the tray on the table and placed a light cover over it. There was a small tub of ice in the centre to help keep things cool. He placed the drink in Emily’s hand. Leaning up, she dusted a kiss over his lips. “Are you alright?” she murmured.

“I am so excited to be here, I just don’t want to get it wrong I guess.” 

“Trust me, you were made for this,” Emily assured him and then turned to look at Elena. “Elena hun, I was telling Rowan how you were a big part of the reason I rethought things. So I think it is only fair if you play with him first, if you’d like that.”

Elena bounced over, soft dark hair around her shoulders, her sundress so light in colour you could see the tawny brown of her nipples. “Really? Well I don’t think I did anything extraordinary but I would love to play with Rowan. Do you want to play too?”

“Nope… all yours. His safeword is poppyseed and do keep in mind he’s not quite the painslut as our dear Jack.”

“Hey!” she heard the other man protest to everyone’s laughter. Elena folded her hand into Rowan’s and the two disappeared up the stairs. Emily stripped down to her swimsuit, picked up her drink and array of treats on a small sideplate. 

“I’m going to be outside for a bit. Jack… if you wouldn’t mind helping me with my sunscreen.”

“Yes Mistress Emily.”

Funny how Jack used generic Mistress for all of them while Rowan tended to use Mistress for her and Miss for everyone else. It was a small difference but she found his tendency to make these distinctions rather charming.

She enjoyed her sunscreen application, and teasing Lily’s darling Jack at the same time. He really was a satisfactory size and shape but she noted that Rowan was just a little thicker, just the way she liked it. The man’s cock fit nicely and she was still coming down from the delicious high of orgasm and managing to refocus on her book when she noted that her drink was swapped out for a fresh one. Glancing up she saw Rowan, wearing nothing so obviously Elena had sent him out like that.

“Did you remember sunscreen?” she asked, a touch of scold in her tone.

Rowan nodded, “Miss Elena applied it.” He crouched near her but Emily slid over on the broad two-person sun lounger and patted it. It was sturdy enough for Jack to fuck her on it, it was sturdy enough for Rowan to lay next to her.

“How was it?”

“It’s a bit of a headtrip I’ve got to admit it, Mistress. I didn’t… We never played games like this. Everything was always quite, strict I guess, serious. It is so strange to know that you had given me permission to just enjoy something new, knowing I would return to you.”

Emily stroked his cheek, enjoying the bristle of his beard against her palm and fingertips as she always did. He leaned in and kissed her and she could taste Elena’s residual sweetness on him. “The next month is going to be one hell of an adventure for you then.”

“Life with you is always an adventure.”

“You show me new things too.” 

Rowan grinned and then nodded, leaning in to claim another gentle kiss, “Then we are good for each other.”

“Remind me to send Jane a thank you card,” she joked. 

“Oh please don’t talk about my daughter to me while I’m naked and thinking about licking your pussy.”

Emily burst into laughter. Oh yes, this was going to be a fun summer vacation.