Naughty November

Chapter 4

FOUR

JOOLS

It’s easy to regret not staying at Devin’s, as the chorus of the sleepless city and noisy neighbours keeps me awake. It’s two a.m., and I’ve only managed to get snatches of sleep. Will Devin be home by now? I have no idea what time the kink club he works at closes. He could still be playing with a paying sub. I bite my lip. The thought turns me on instead of making me jealous.

If I’d stayed, I could have waited for him. I should have let myself get swept away in the moment, like I did in Amsterdam. Despite the years apart, Devin is never far from my thoughts. I want him, yet I let my head get in my way instead of listening to my heart.

It would be amazing to explore kink with him. He’s the entire reason I looked into it. Crazy, as I had no way of knowing if I’d ever see him again. But here we are, in the same city for longer than one night. He wants to help me explore my kinky side. I want him to guide and teach me. Yet I pulled away. I’m an idiot.

I roll over, turn the bedside light on, and retrieve the kink list he gave me. The club’s branding is all over it, along with dozens of suggestions to try in November. Each one has a tick box next to it. I scan the list, which is full of activities I’ve never heard of. I can’t decide whether I’d be interested if I don’t know what oviposition or human furniture are.

I fetch my laptop and a pen, snuggle under the quilt, and go through the list one by one, looking up everything I’m unfamiliar with. As Devin instructed, I cross out the things I wouldn’t feel comfortable doing and put stars next to the things I’m really interested in. It’s not the longest list in the world, but it’s a starting point.

I close my laptop, put it on the bed beside me, and stare at the list. I’m more awake than ever. My stomach flutters, and I’m jittery with excitement. My body is telling me I want to explore these things with Devin, however crazy that may be. By morning, I might have lost my nerve. I grab my phone.

Jools: I went through the list.

I hold my breath. He’s probably asleep. Or maybe he’s on the tube on his way home from The Library. Or he could still be there, deep in a scene with a sub. I shouldn’t expect an answer tonight.

My phone beeps. I jump, almost sending it flying across the room. My heart gallops as I read the message.

Devin: Send it to me.

Jools: I hope I didn’t wake you.

Devin: Nah, I’m at the club, just finishing up for the night.

It’s just past three. Long night. I take a photo of the list and send it to him.

Devin: Struggling to sleep?

Jools: Yes.

Devin: Want some company?

I forget to breathe for a second. I want to say ‘yes’, but…

Jools: I need to sleep.

Devin: Let me help.

I release a soft whine. I want that so much.

Jools: Okay.

Devin: Text me the address of your hotel. I’ll let you know when I get there so you can come down and meet me.

You can’t get through to the rooms without a key card. I text him the hotel’s name and address and then shower and brush my teeth because why not? Even if there wasn’t a ton of noise, I’m too wired to sleep, and doing something is better than doing nothing. I get dressed so I’m decent enough to meet Devin in the foyer. He texts me as I pull my T-shirt on.

I grab my key card and use the lift to get to the foyer. The lighting is dim, and there’s a sign on the reception desk saying to ring the bell if we need assistance. Devin looks amazing in a leather jacket and tight indigo jeans.

He pulls me into his arms. I dip my knees and tilt my face to make it easier for him to kiss me. It’s a possessive kiss, one that leaves me in no doubt that he wants me with every fibre of his being. I cling onto him, afraid my legs might give way from the power of the kiss.

He nuzzles my jaw. “Are you all right?”

“Tired.”

He brushes his thumb under my left eye. “Let’s see what we can do about that, okay?”

I rest my head on his shoulder. “Thank you.”

“Let me take care of you, Jools.”

I nod and lead him to my room.

“This is it.” I sit on the bed and lean on my hands.

He stands in the centre of the room, head cocked, expression thoughtful. It’s no quieter than when I texted him. Horns honk outside the window. Doors bang somewhere within the hotel. Voices drift through the walls.

“Forget New York. London should be nicknamed the city that never sleeps,” I say.

I need to find somewhere more permanent than a hotel room, but that can’t be the only reason to accept Devin’s move-in offer.

Devin strips to his underpants. The sight of him almost naked takes my breath away and revives memories of being with him in Amsterdam. He’s so beautiful. He takes my hand, pulls me to my feet and undresses me with tender care, his lips whispering over my skin in the wake of my clothes. I’ve never been undressed by a man before. Never been taken care of in this way. He guides me into bed and pulls me into his arms, with my head resting on his chest. The gentle thud of his heart and the soft puff of his breathing eclipse all the sounds that have been keeping me awake. I feel safe and warm in his arms.

He kisses my hair. “Better?”

“Yes.” I hug him to me.

“Get some sleep. We can talk in the morning.”

I let my heavy eyelids drift shut. “About the list?”

“The list. You. Me. Us. Everything.”

“Thank you for being here.”

“I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”