Page 34 of Below the Surface
“Yeah. I understand, but that’s Cam’s decision. You know as well as I do it’s a bad idea—a potentially damaging idea—to push someone who isn’t ready.”
Caleb looks towards the kitchen.
“Let them be for a few minutes,” I advise him.
“Do you think Cam will ever be open to it?” Caleb wonders aloud.
I shrug. “I don’t know.”
“And you?”
“I don’t know,” I reply.
“It looks good on you, Piper.”
My brow crinkles with confusion.
“Being happy,” he says.
I smile. “It feels even better.”
Six
CAMERON
I cautiously enter the kitchen, feeling a surge of both fear and excitement coursing through my body. The desire to ask Piper if we can leave this event and head home overwhelms me. The tension between Kelsey and Piper was palpable when I walked into the hallway. It made me feel like a voyeuristic novice—an interloper in their realm of dominance and submission. Kelsey’s behavior usually makes me anxious, causing me to distance myself from exploring her lifestyle. When Piper ordered Kelsey to acknowledge her as Mistress Trinity, I felt a sudden change within me. Watching Piper, feeling her presence fill the small space, captivated me. A swirling concoction of fear and curiosity swept through me as I considered what it would feel like to submit to Mistress Trinity—if Piper would ever reveal that part of herself to me.
I find an empty stool and carefully position myself on it. The moment the seat connects with my backside, a surge of desire courses through me. I lift my martini to my lips, the smooth surface of the glass against my mouth providing a moment ofcalm. Piper always prioritizes my pleasure, even if it means embracing a subtle element of pain. Thoughts of Piper consume me, and I’m overwhelmed by the urge to satisfy her desires.
“Cam?”
Kelsey’s voice calls for my attention. As I lift my gaze from my martini glass, I see her standing over me, her eyes filled with regret.
“Look,” Kelsey says. “I’m sorry. I didn’t intend to make you uncomfortable.”
Unsure of how to respond to Kelsey’s apology, I decide to be forthright. “But that isn’t entirely true,” I say.
“Cam. No. I admit I push sometimes. That’s because I want you to give yourself a chance.”
“You mean you want me to give your community a chance.” I sigh. “I love you, Kels. It isn’t me who you upset tonight.”
Kelsey’s expression is one of complete astonishment as she gazes at me.
“Do you think I don’t know who Piper is?”
“I—”
“I know who sheis. I’m also aware of what she’s done and what she needs, Kelsey.Youset us up—or maybe it would be more accurate to say you helped us connect. We haven’t been together long,” I admit. “But I love her, and I know she loves me. I’m sure there are many things we haven’t told each other—yet.”
“Cam.”
“Let me finish.”
I’m usually not one to address conflicts with someone in a public setting. And to be honest, I rarely assert myself with those closest to me. In my professional life, I have no trouble being direct, but with personal relationships, I shy away from confrontation. Piper has helped me learn how to share my feelings without guilt. I had many misconceptions about dominant and submissive dynamics. Piper has taught me givingin to desires and letting someone take control requires strength and trust. I trust Piper completely. More importantly, I’ve learned to trust myself. I’m getting better at pushing through discomfort to express my emotions. It’s a work in progress—just like me—but I like the progress I’ve made. I can see from the way Kelsey is gnawing on her lower lip that my directness surprises her.
“I’m not afraid to share anything with Piper,” I say. “And I’m confident she knows she can tell me anything—ask me for anything. Just as I can make any request of her. That doesn’t mean I have to agree to all her requests or her to mine. That seems to be something you don’t understand. I know you love me. We’ve been best friends forever, but I’m not sure you respect me.”
Kelsey stares at me for a few seconds. “That’s not true,” she says.