“I knew it!” Sophia crowed triumphantly. “God, the sexual tension between you two could power a small city.”
Emily laughed despite herself, shaking her head. “Christ, Soph. You’re impossible.”
“That’s why you love me,” Sophia replied cheerfully. “Now, details. I want all the juicy bits.”
Emily huffed, fingers tightening on the steering wheel. “Fine, you nosy bitch. If you must know, I’ve never come so hard or so much in my entire life. Happy now?”
Sophia squealed, clapping her hands together. “Ecstatic! But seriously, Em, I’m thrilled for you. It’s about damn time you found someone who can keep up with you.”
A warmth bloomed in Emily’s chest, mixing with the lingering satisfaction from the night before. “Yeah, well… it’s not just the sex, you know? He’s… different.”
“Different how?” Sophia pressed, her tone softening.
Emily bit her lip, struggling to find the right words. “He’s intense, yeah, but also… gentle? Like, he pushes me, but always checks in. And fuck, Soph, the way he looks at me sometimes…”
She trailed off, lost in thought. Images flashed through her mind – Lucas’ dark eyes burning with desire, his strong hands cradling her face, the way his voice roughened when he called her ‘baby girl’.
Sophia’s knowing chuckle snapped her back to reality. “Oh honey, you’ve got it bad.”
“Shut up,” Emily grumbled, but there was no denying the truth in her friend’s words. She was falling, and falling hard.
Sophia’s expression turned serious. “So, are you still having doubts about the future?”
Emily sighed, her grip on the steering wheel loosening as she navigated a turn. “I’m not sure, to be honest. Part of me still feels like it’s too soon to commit to anything serious, you know?”
She chewed her lower lip, brow furrowing. “But then another part of me thinks it wouldn’t be that different from what we have now. We practically live in each other’s pockets already, I see him most days.”
The car fell silent for a moment as Emily wrestled with her conflicting emotions. She could feel Sophia’s patient gaze on her, waiting for more.
“It’s just…” Emily began, her voice barely above a whisper. “Every time I start to feel sure about the future, I see it again. Ryan, with his fucking jeans around his ankles, balls deep in his secretary.”
The image flashed unbidden in her mind, as vivid and painful as the day she’d walked in on them. Emily’s knuckles went white on the wheel, a familiar mixture of rage and hurt churning in her gut.
“Fuck,” she spat, blinking back the sudden sting of tears. “I thought I was over this shit.”
Sophia reached out, squeezing Emily’s shoulder. “Hey, it’s okay. That asshole did a number on you. It’s normal to have some baggage.”
Emily nodded, taking a deep breath. “I know. I just… I don’t want to let that prick ruin what I have with Lucas. He deserves better than that. I deserve better than that.”
Sophia squeezed Emily’s hand reassuringly, her warm hazel eyes full of understanding. “You’re right, you both do deserve better. And you’ll get there.” A mischievous glint suddenly appeared in her gaze. “So, speaking of deserving better… What’s it like being spanked?”
The question caught Emily so off guard that she snorted, laughter bubbling up from deep in her chest. It started as a giggle and quickly escalated into full-blown, tears-in-her-eyes cackling.
“Jesus Christ, Soph!” Emily gasped between fits of laughter. “Way to change the subject!”
As her giggles subsided, Emily found herself actually considering the question. Her cheeks flushed as she remembered the delicious sting of Lucas’ hand on her ass, the way it had sent shockwaves of pleasure through her entire body.
“It’s… intense,” she admitted, her voice low and slightly husky. “Like, you wouldn’t think pain could feel good, but holy shit. When it’s done right, it’s fucking incredible.”
Sophia’s eyebrows shot up, a wicked grin spreading across her face. “Damn, girl. Sounds like Lucas has awakened your inner kinky bitch.”
Emily rolled her eyes, but couldn’t keep the smile off her face. “Maybe. But two can play at that game. You should see what I can do with my tongue.”
“Emily Carter!” Sophia gasped in mock scandalization. “And here I thought you were such a nice girl.”
They both burst into laughter again, the earlier heaviness dissipating like morning mist. As their giggles faded, Emily felt a surge of gratitude for her best friend. Somehow, Sophia always knew exactly how to pull her out of her own head.
“Thanks, Soph,” Emily said softly. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Sophia winked. “Probably die of sexual frustration, since I’m the one that made you go talk to Lucas in the bar.”
Emily snorted again, shaking her head as she refocused on the road ahead. The weight of her past still lingered, but for now, at least, it felt a little lighter.
Emily drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, a mischievous glint in her eye. “So, Ms. Curious, what about you? Any secret fantasies you’ve been hiding?”
Sophia’s cheeks flushed pink. “I mean… maybe? It’s just… the idea of being completely at someone’s mercy, you know? Trusting them that much?” She shivered slightly. “It’s kinda hot.”
“Oh, it is,” Emily agreed, her mind flashing back to the feel of Lucas’ ropes against her skin. “But it’s also fucking terrifying at first. It’s got to be with someone you trust completely.”
Emily took a deep breath, her grip tightening on the steering wheel as she prepared to open up. “The first time we tried any kind of power play was… intense. Like, good in the moment, but afterward? I was completely overwhelmed and my brain went into overdrive.”
Sophia leaned in, her expression a mix of concern and curiosity. “What do you mean?”
“I couldn’t stop questioning everything,” Emily explained, her brow furrowing. “Was it okay to enjoy that? Did it make me weak? Was it derogatory? Was I betraying some kind of feminist ideal?” She let out a rueful laugh. “Fucking ridiculous, right?”
“Not at all,” Sophia said softly. “It’s a big deal, giving up control like that.”
Emily nodded, grateful for her friend’s understanding. “Yeah. And after Ryan… Well, trusting anyone felt impossible. But with Lucas…” She trailed off, a small smile playing on her lips.
“With Lucas?” Sophia prompted gently.
“With Lucas, it felt… safe,” Emily admitted. “Scary as hell, but safe. Like I could let go and he’d catch me, you know?”
Sophia grinned. “Sounds like you’ve got yourself a keeper.”
Emily rolled her eyes, but couldn’t hide her smile. “Maybe. If I can get my stupid brain to stop freaking out every five minutes.”
“Hey,” Sophia said, reaching over to squeeze Emily’s arm. “Your brain’s not stupid. It’s just trying to protect you. Give it time.”
Emily nodded, appreciating Sophia’s reassurance. She drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, considering her next words carefully.