Page 71 of Undying Resilience

In Oliver’s room, I lay out all the ropes on his dresser. Nervousness curls in my belly as I turn to face him.

“Um. I’ve never done this before. Been... in control.”

“Never wanted to until now?”

“No, I have, I just...” I grimace. The last thing I want to do is bring up Adam and my family, but there are so many things from my past that are still affecting me.

“Just what, princess?” Oliver squeezes my hand reassuringly.

“Adam didn’t like that I wanted to be in control. I think I made him feel emasculated or whatever.”

“Well, Adam is a stupid fuck.”

I giggle. “He is. But I still have him in the back of my mind, you know? I’m afraid of getting shot down, or of doing a bad job and being a failure. I know it’s stupid. And I know the three of you would never be judgmental or impatient or make fun of me. But...”

“It’s the type of thing he would do,” Oliver finishes softly.

I nod. “It’s not that I don’t trust you. I just don’t know how to get past the anxiety.”

Oliver laughs. “I understand that better than most.”

“I know,” I murmur.

“Do you know what you need to feel comfortable? Is it reassurance? Because I won’t make fun of you. And, just to be clear, I’m not expecting you to dom in the way Ell does—or in the way Rhett does. I want to see how you take charge. And I’m here with you every step of the way while you figure that out.”

“I don’t want to call you names or be mean to you. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t like that.”

“You don’t have to do anything that’d make you uncomfortable, princess.”

“And I don’t want to take all my clothes off. I—I have something I’d like to wear.”

“Whatever you need,” he whispers, taking my hands in his.

Oliver’s tone is so gentle and reassuring that I can’t help but relax into him. After a quick kiss, I head into the bathroom and get changed. I’m nervous, but I’m also excited.

Before stepping back into the bedroom, I check myself in the mirror, admiring the dark red babydoll nightgown and matching panties I chose. It opens in the front, revealing my stomach and kissing the tops of my thighs. It makes me feel pretty and confident while still covering enough skin that I don’t feel overexposed.

Part of me thinks it’s silly that I don’t want to be completely naked in front of Oliver, but I can’t help the way I feel. I trust him—I trust all three of the guys. But I’m just not ready yet.

“Baby steps,” I whisper to myself. Then I open the door.

Oliver smiles when he sees me. He’s sitting on the edge of the bed, leaning back with his hands on the mattress. “Absolutely beautiful.”

I stifle the nervous giggles that threaten to overtake me. When Oliver stands and starts moving toward me, I blurt out, “Wait.”

He stops, backing up until his legs hit the bed. “Did you change your mind?”

I swallow hard. Shake my head.

“Okay. You know you can, right? You have all the power, princess.”

“I know,” I whisper.

He smiles, waiting patiently, and I realize he’s undone the top buttons on his shirt. His butterfly tattoo is just peeking through the opening, and it’s sexy as hell.

I almost laugh. This man—this hot-as-hell, strong, ruthless man is submitting to me. Me.

You have all the power, princess.