Page 80 of Strong and Wild
Would that be the worst thing?
Rhys is so different than I predicted he would be. He’s got this hard, quiet exterior, but on the inside, this man is so sweet and thoughtful. I cannot thank him enough for this unforgettable experience. He keeps brushing it off like it’s no big deal, but I know this couldn’t have been easy to organize.
After a morning of falconry, he takes me to lunch, my pick. I choose a cute little bistro on the corner. It’s warm and cozy in the space, a welcome respite from the chilly morning outdoors. The server brings by a few glasses and a carafe of water, and I fill our glasses.
“So...” he says.
“So...”
“I have a couple things I want to ask you about.”
“Hit me.” We’re approaching the soul-baring stage. I’m ready for whatever he wants to ask. I’m an open book for this man.
“YourFollowersaccount.”
“What about it?”
“Just wondering what the plan is there?”
He tenses up every timeFollowersis mentioned. It’s no secret he’s uncomfortable with me stripping for men on camera. Can’t say I blame him. It’s not easy to see other women fawning over him all the time either. I knew if we kept seeing each other that this conversation would happen eventually.
“Rhys, come out with it. The only way this will work is if we have open communication. I’ll tell you whatever you want, just ask me.”
He takes a sip of water and sits back, taking me in. Being under his scrutiny makes me feel subconscious. I tuck some of my hair behind my ear and wait patiently for him to speak.
“I met you on there. The attraction we have was built off those conversations. I guess I’m feeling a little jealous, maybe nervous. I don’t want you to do it again with someone else. I like you.”
Seriously? He’s worried I’ll meet someone else?
“What we have is different. It started early. We had a lot of private conversations on the side. I don’t have private conversations with anyone. The only time I talk with my subscribers is during the live feed in the group chat.”
He breaks eye contact and nods. His eyes fixed on the scenery outside the window.
“Do you trust me?”
“Yes...” He brings his gaze back to mine. “But I’m still uncomfortable with it. It’s one thing to have other men watch you naked and seeing you flirting with them—”
“But—”
“No, I understand. You’re doing it for the tips. It’s part of the gig. I get it. But I don’t have to like it.”
“The person I am online is not who I am. I don’t want you to view me and that person as the same. Queen of Tarts is a fake version of myself, she’s a role I play, catered to people who pay to view me as a sexual object. Do you remember the first time we chatted?”
“Yeah, you were weird.”
“Exactly. I have no idea why you kept talking to me.”
He smirks. “You know how much I love a challenge. I knew it was fake, but I wanted something they didn’t have. I think I knew you were mine even then.”
My heart has melted into a puddle. I hate I am causing him so much concern. I don’t want him to feel like what I have with him is anything even close to how I am with those other people.
“You should know...” This is scary to say in the light of day. “I would do things for you I would never do for any other man. Do you want me to shut down myFollowersaccount?” My live streams bring in more money than my bartending gig, it would be so hard to turn down, but I will if he asks me to.
He blows out a breath and looks out the window. “I mean, of course I do, but I would never ask that of you. It’s tied to your dream. I just wish there was another way.”
“Me too. It won’t always be like this. I just need some more time. Did I tell you I called someone about the property?”
“Your commercial space?”