Chapter 5: Of First Dates & Old Girlfriends

The following morning, Kate stirred from her drug-induced slumber with a groan, feeling as if she’d been through a wringer. The ache in her body was unmistakable, but her mind remained blissfully blank of the events that had transpired last night when she’d returned home. Looking down between her legs, she felt none of the discomfort of having a dildo firmly shoved in each orifice and smiled widely at the thought of her sweet encounter with Cane being the reason she was now free of any subconscious need to pleasure herself without remembering the act in of itself. As she got up, familiar soreness gripped her but didn’t slow her down. She dialled Cane’s number on her smartphone to give him the good news.

The phone rang a couple of times before he picked up, his voice groggy with sleep. “Hey, Kate,” he murmured, his voice thick with exhaustion from the exertion of his climax from both exploiting her and then watching, admiring how Perry had done the same the night before. “How goes it?” he said casually, feigning ignorance of what he knew she’d found or, more precisely, didn’t find.

“Cane,” Kate’s voice was sweet, the hint of a smile playing on her lips. “Last night was amazing. I can’t wait to see you today.” She stretched, her muscles still singing from the exertion of the previous night, but she was blissfully unaware of one of its true causes. “I’m feeling so good; I think I might go visit you at the office later. What do you think?”

“I take it you got a good night’s sleep, then, no dildos or anything showed up, I gather?”

Her smile grew broader. “No, I didn’t need them. I had you.”, “You’re gonna’ make this old man blush again, Kate, but I think my “everything” is still too sore for that just yet”, he half-joked. “If you’re feeling as fine as you sound, don’t hesitate. We can catch a coffee or some cocoa, and if you’re feeling courageous, we can even share some time getting to know each other without the need for a hot sauna afterwards if you like”, he teased playfully, trying to keep the conversation on a light tone despite the gravity of what had transpired the night before.

“But in all seriousness, I’m happy that you’re happy, Kate, and if you don’t mind, I would very much like to meet you at work and talk about maybe having our official first date if that’s not too much pressure unless that’s not something you can see this turning into?” he asked evenly.

Kate’s heart fluttered at the thought of a date with Cane, the only person who had ever made her feel truly desired and in control of her own body. “No pressure at all,” she replied, her voice light and airy. “I’d love to see you at work, and maybe we can plan something for tonight. Just tell me when you’re free, and I’ll make sure to be there.”

“Don’t worry, get here when you can we open at nine, Perry can let you in if he asks, for now, you can tell him I’ve shown an interest in your art and the promise it could have for a new open gallery event we have coming up we wish to produce to catch the eye of more potential readers out there through artwork. We can always explain later if you feel more comfortable setting the terms, I don’t want to push you into anything you don’t think can handle”, he said with a sincere genuineness in his voice that made her want to hug him through the phone.

“I’ll be there at nine,” Kate assured Cane, her voice filled with excitement. “And I’ll tell Perry about the art idea. It’s perfect. Thank you for thinking of it.”

Cane chuckled. “It’s the least I can do for the woman who’s been turning my world upside down in the best possible way,” he said, his tone warm and affectionate. “I’ll see you soon.”

With a promise to meet at nine, Kate hung up and began her morning routine, her body still humming with the aftermath of the passionate night, making sure she took her contraception before anything else.

Arriving at the bookstore with her brother Perry, she was dressed in a simple white shirt and tight black skirt, with a hint of a gothic flair in her accessories. She wore a choker with a small pentacle, her hair was left down, and she had applied a light touch of makeup that accentuated her natural beauty. She felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as she saw Cane’s eyes light up when she walked in, his gaze lingering on her in a way that made her feel both exposed and desired as he welcomed her in and motioned to one of the tables set up around the reading area, offering to grab her a hot beverage before they sat down and talked.

Perry, seemingly oblivious to the tension between them, went about his business, setting up the new stock. Perry confirmed for himself that she’d clearly remembered nothing, even before they left the apartment; she’d been his regular big sister. He felt a mix of relief and excitement; the plan was coming together perfectly. As Kate chose her seat, Cane, ever the gentleman, withdrew her seat for her and helped slide it in as she sat down, leaning into her ear and whispering, “You look absolutely gorgeous today, Kate,”

Her cheeks flushed at the compliment, “Thank you,” she murmured as she sat down, trying to ignore the way her body reacted to his proximity. The smell of his cologne filled her nostrils as her pussy grew wet at the thought of what was to come. Cane returned with their drinks and sat opposite her, their knees brushing together beneath the table.

“So, dealers choice, what would you like to see yourself doing tonight, something casual, fun, maybe see a new movie? Get some comfort food?” he offered off the top of his head.

Kate’s eyes lit up at the mention of a movie, “I’ve been dying to see that new horror film that came out, but no one wants to go with me,” she said with a hopeful smile. “Done, as long as you promise to hold my hand throughout, I’m an old scaredy cat that way”, he joked, placing a hand over his heart in mock fear. Her response was a playful roll of her eyes, “You’re such a baby,” she teased. “But don’t worry, I’ll hold more than your hand”, she said with a seductive smirk that sent a bolt of electricity through Cane’s body.

“That makes sense”, he said truthfully “You already have my thoughts, it’s only fair my heart should follow” he leaned in closer and kissed her softly on the cheek, pulling away before it could be misconstrued by any stray glances, but the act was not lost on Kate. She blushed a deeper shade of red, feeling her heart race in her chest. She took a sip of her drink, trying to calm herself.

“Be steady, my heart”, she said to herself, her voice barely a whisper. The simple act of his lips on her cheek had sent waves of anticipation crashing through her body. She took a deep breath, trying to compose herself, as she felt his hand rest gently on hers, giving it a reassuring squeeze.

“The only thing you have to worry about tonight is me screaming so loud in fear they boot us out of the theatre”, he said, unable to hold back a warm-hearted chuckle. “Apart from that, you are the single most divine creation on this green and gorgeous earth, and you should take it easy knowing there are plenty of more aches and pains coming, but all good ones and all of them will hopefully help you grow”, he said with a knowing smile that made Kate’s pulse quicken. She felt a strange thrill at the thought of what new experiences he had planned for her.

“For now, let us talk strategy, what movie are we watching, and should I bring my brown pants?” he joked with a deadpan look on his face that made her laugh genuinely. It was a strange and thrilling sensation, feeling so alive and desired in the middle of the day, surrounded by books and her oblivious brother.

When they’d finally settled on time and place, she was thankful for the privacy of the theatre as the darkness loomed over them throughout the screening, not because she was embarrassed to be seen with him but because she could have him all to herself, even if it was just in the shadows and with the occasional whispered sweet nothings into her ear that made her shiver. The horror film had done its job, but not in the way anyone else in the theatre would’ve guessed. The fear on Kate’s face was genuine, but it was the anticipation of what would come later that had her heart racing, not the on-screen monsters.

After the film, Cane suggested they grab some ice cream from the nearby parlour to “calm their nerves”. The cold sweetness was a stark contrast to the heat building in Kate’s core as they sat in the dimly lit booth, their legs brushing against each other beneath the table. Cane’s hand found its way to hers, his thumb tracing gentle circles on her palm, sending shivers down her spine. She could feel his eyes on her, watching every move she made, every reaction she had to his touch. It was thrilling and terrifying in the best way possible.

“You think maybe we should take it easy tonight since you have work tomorrow?” he asked, knowing she must be at least a little sore and achy yet.

Kate bit her bottom lip, “I don’t know, I’m feeling pretty adventurous,” she replied, her eyes sparkling with mischief. Cane couldn’t help but smile at her spirit; she was like a kitten with a taste for the wild side of the street. “So long as you wake up tomorrow feeling like you did this morning, I’m all for it. My only ask is that you take advantage of some of this time you have with your brother before your parents get back and generate some fond memories all around, I feel like I’m being a bit selfish, like I’m stealing fire from the gods or something”, he said with a wink that sent Kate’s thoughts spiralling into a delightful blend of innocence and filth. “Or we could take it easy, get to know each other, I only know your last name because you’re related to Perry, after all, and I’d like to know more for whenever the occasion will come when I introduce you as my girlfriend if you don’t mind I should do that?” he asked genuinely curious.

“Girlfriend?” Kate’s eyes went wide; she’d never thought about it that way before, but the idea of being Cane’s girlfriend filled her with a warmth she hadn’t felt in years. “I ... I would love that,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Cane’s heart skipped a beat at her words; his plan was working, and she was falling for him. “Okay, so tell me about yourself, whatever and whoever “Kate” is, no detail is too mundane or taboo here”, he said, “and I’ll do the same”, he offered with a genuine smile.

They talked for hours, sharing stories of their pasts, their hopes, and their fears. Kate felt like she could tell Cane anything, and she did. She spoke of her struggles with anxiety and the way her art had become her escape, her love for the macabre and the twisted beauty she saw in the darkest of places. Cane listened intently, nodding and smiling, sharing his own stories of growing up in a small town and his travels to escape it before it came back full circle. They laughed and joked, their connection growing stronger with every shared secret.

They strolled through the city as they continued talking, somehow, whether by design or subconscious urge, they’d both found themselves at her doorstep. The time was currently 9:30 PM, and the sky was a deep velvet blue, the stars shone down like tiny white diamonds scattered across the vast black fabric of the night sky. The street lamps cast a warm glow upon them as they stood awkwardly in the dim light, the air thick with the promise of something more than friendship.

“How do you want to handle this? Do you think you could handle a good night’s sleep without me?” he teased, his voice low and seductive. Kate felt a pang of desire mixed with a hint of sadness at the thought of not feeling Cane’s touch that night. She searched his eyes, looking for any sign of a double meaning or a hidden agenda, but all she saw was genuine concern. “If you tell me right now that you need me, that you’re not strong enough, I’ll take your word even though I know you’re stronger than you give yourself credit for. If you decide to live up to that strength I know you have within you, I’ll accept it wholly and wish you a good night’s sleep, Kate, with a gentle reminder that even if no one can promise you tomorrow, I can still promise I’ll love you then and every day after if you’ll allow this old man his peace of mind by saying that?”

Her heart swelled with emotion, and she leaned in to kiss him deeply, feeling his hand cup her cheek as he returned the kiss with a passion that left her breathless. “I’ll be okay,” she murmured against his lips. “But I’ll miss you.”

“I feel like I’ve been missing you my entire life”, he said, “it’s only now I’ve been granted the grace to know why,” he said as he kissed her again. His hands wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer to him. She felt his erection pressing against her stomach, and she knew he wasn’t lying. He wanted her, needed her, and she needed him. “But with grace unfortunately comes wisdom”, he chuckled lightly”, and my “wisdom,” tells me we will both regret being twice as sore tomorrow as we already are today, although I admit it is so utterly tempting,” he said as he looked into her eyes with a smouldering intensity that could have melted the polar ice caps.

They stood there for a moment, their bodies entwined, their breaths mingling in the cool night air. Kate felt a mix of love, lust, and something else she couldn’t quite put her finger on. It was as if she was on the edge of a cliff, ready to jump into the abyss of the unknown. But she knew Cane would be there to catch her.

“What say you, lady of the dawn, will you drag this old fool kicking and screaming into the light or allow him to lick his wounds so he may yet fight another day?” he said half dramatically, half-jokingly. Kate giggled the sound of music to his ears. “Okay, you win, I’ll save the rest of my strength for when we can really go all out,” she said with a playful pout. Cane kissed the tip of her nose. “Good girl,” he murmured, his voice filled with affection and admiration. “Let me know if you have any particular ideas for roleplays you might want to explore when we meet up again in more intimate settings. I want to give you something to dream about,” he said with a look that made Kate’s cheeks flush.

“But don’t worry, I’m always gentle, it’s the wild woman I share myself with that should worry you, she seems like she enjoys her control over me just a little “too” much,” he said half jokingly, half seductively, as he held her close.

Kate blushed, “I’ll keep that in mind,” she whispered, feeling a thrill run through her body at the thought of the power she had over him. “Goodnight, Cane,” she said, breaking away from his embrace with a reluctant sigh. “I’ll let you know if this “wild woman” as you call her gets any ideas,” she added with a mischievous smile.

“That’s all I ask”, he called after her, noting the seductive swish of her thighs and the gentle swing of her hips as she turned her head to look back at him with an expression of pure temptation. He watched her until she disappeared into the apartment building, then with a sigh, he turned to leave, his thoughts racing with the images of their past encounters and the promise of what was to come.

Tonight, he thought, he’d have to tell Perry to take it easy. To rest up, regroup his strength. He’d already talked to him at the store in a private moment, commending him on his foresight and his exploration of the pill’s previously hidden effects. He’d noticed how the younger man looked like he’d put himself through a stringent ordeal, having watched through the MKVs the night before and confirming what he’d expected to see the morning after. He’d advise him that there was no reason to turn pleasure into pain in this way if they could avoid it and that, surprisingly, his sister made recovery look easy. Perry, he hoped, would naturally trust his unfailing judgement and agree on both counts to only act on his signal to sync their efforts.

When Kate entered through the door, she seemed to float into the apartment, her mind a whirlwind of emotions. The excitement of their shared secrets and the anticipation of their future encounters made her feel alive in a way she hadn’t felt in a long time. She was eager to escape to her room and revel in her thoughts as she met Perry in the kitchen on her way to her room; he casually said hi and asked if she’d enjoyed herself on her date. She’d told him she was going out, just not with whom at the time.

“Yeah, it was nice,” Kate replied with a forced casualness, hoping her flushed cheeks and rapid heartbeat weren’t giving her away. “How was work?” she asked, trying to change the subject.

“Oh, you know, same old, same old, how’d open gallery event go? It’s coming up soon. Did he have any recommendations?” he said as he idly flicked through his Smartphone, feigning disinterest. Kate felt a thrill of excitement at the thought of their secret, knowing that she had something over him that he didn’t know about.

“I showed him some photos I took on my phone of my canvasses and said anything I chose would really do to fit the event but that ultimately it was up to me,” she said, having brought up the subject in real conversation with her and finding she’d loved it.

Perry nodded, “Yep. There’s gonna be quite a few artists showing up, either he would have told you, or I would have,” he said, his voice even and unassuming.

“Yeah, tell him I’ve got some good idea about what I’m going to exhibit,” Kate said, her mind already racing with the possibilities of what Cane had in store for her in the coming days.

That night, they received a message from their parents via direct messaging, stating that their sibling had died and funeral arrangements had been made as early as the next morning, which was not shocking in of itself, as obvious foresight allowed them to prepare along with all the family members present there, that had been available to attend. More than likely, they’d make it back later that afternoon. It was Wednesday already, the whole ordeal since late last Friday had taken five days or so to conclude, a lifetime of suffering packed into a handful of days. It made them both pause respectfully. Kate, feeling the absence of Cane’s comforting presence, was tempted to call him up so that they could plan another date for tomorrow after work. Something simple they could both do to focus their minds solely on each other’s presence without the need for any complicated acts of love. What she needed, she realized, was just him, no strings, no games, just the gentle touch of his hand, the sound of his voice, and the safety of his arms.

When she called him to let him know of the final passing of her relative, it was like he knew instinctively what she wanted and needed from him as he offered to spend the day with her after work, allowing time for her and her brother to grieve privately before they caught up later on. He recommended a simple walk where they could reflect on their lives and focus on the best parts that drove them on in each other’s company. He advised they should start that walk in the park, where people, children and even grandparents from all walks of life seemed to be invigorated by the very thing she seemed to need right now, a simple reminder that even though life had its dark moments, they could only be summoned by the loss of something great, something meaningful now noticed maybe even more clearly in its absence than ever before.

These words of comfort from Cane soothed Kate’s weary soul, and she eagerly agreed to the plan.

The following day, she went through the motions of attending her job, her boss noticing the obvious dip in her normal enthusiasm, chalking it up to her relative finally passing, having informed him that although she had no desire to attend the funeral, unable to face the relative in question, and what her cancerous disease had made her suffer, for obvious reasons. But at the same time, she reasoned she couldn’t stay idle at home, finally relenting to let her continue to finish her work day, but telling her firmly if he noticed the natural, continuous decline in her spirits reach an unhealthy degree that he’d march her home himself. Too many people he’d known growing up had tried to drown their sorrows through either addiction or denial and never succeeded. Kate was thankful she had such a sympathetic ear and, said so, trudged through the day ahead until she hit the eight-hour mark and punched out.

Cane surprised her by waiting just within eyeshot of her workplace, having closed up slightly early for today, in part to meet her, but also in part to let Perry off in particular at least half an hour earlier along with the rest of the staff. He gave them a simple cause: the bereavement of a friend’s family member and the need to provide them the comfort they needed. They understood knowing their boss to be a caring man through and through, appreciating even the smallest incentive to leave early and appreciate their own lives with a lighter perspective upon hearing the relative’s passing had been confirmed.

Kate’s first reaction when she saw him there, as he crossed the street to meet her, was simple relief. Cane’s presence was like a balm to her soul at that moment, a comfort in the storm of her thoughts. He looked at her with a concerned expression, taking in her face which was paler than usual along with her red-rimmed eyes. “You okay?” he asked gently, reaching out to take her hand with his.

She took it eagerly as they walked hand in hand to the park, her heart feeling lighter with each step they took. The sun was beginning to crest at its apex, casting a warm, sharp glow over the city. The park was filled with the sounds of children playing and couples laughing, a stark contrast to the heaviness that had settled in Kate’s heart. They found a quiet spot beneath a large willow tree, and Kate sank down onto the soft grass, her legs curling up to her chest.

Cane took a seat beside her, his long legs stretching out under him. For the first time in a long while, he saw her as the kid she really was and told her so, reminding her this feeling she had wouldn’t last. That it was just a healthy reminder that she was a good person, caring about people other than herself. However much that might hurt right now.

Kate nodded, sniffling a little as she leaned her head against his shoulder. His arm automatically wrapped around her, pulling her into a warm embrace. The comfort was overwhelming, and she found herself tearing up all over again.

“You’re going to be okay,” Cane whispered into her hair, his voice a soothing balm. “You’re stronger than you think, probably stronger than anyone truly knows.”

“The sad thing is very few people realize that it takes a great deal of strength to hold on, to endure, but it takes even a greater amount to let go and face that loss that follows until it finally resolves. If you’re not sure, wait until your parents arrive and really look at how openly they deal with their sorrow. When you lose someone nearer your age group, a toll sounds in you, Kate, a sincere reminder and a promise that not all men are made equal. Some fall from this world sooner than others but are no less cherished. I can count on one hand people I grew up with that still cherish the simple pleasures of life as a result of their longevity”, he said, eyeing her with warm affection in his tone as he indicated in a subtle, perceptive way that she was his little mote of life in the darkness, his spark of life he treasured clearly above all. “But at the same time, I don’t want to make you feel beholden or like you need to live up to some unattainable expectation. I just want you, Kate, faults and all. And even if this relationship, for whatever reason, doesn’t last for very long, I’ll count myself lucky to have discovered such a unique individual as you”, he finished, looking at her with a seriousness that was as surprising as it was heartwarming.

Kate took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of Cane’s cologne and the faint scent of the grass beneath them. She felt a knot in her throat loosen as she looked up at him, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. “Thank you,” she murmured, her voice thick with emotion. “You have no idea how much I needed to hear that.”

“Also, has anyone ever told you you’re a hopeless romantic?” she said a slight smile playing on her lips as she leaned into him more, her hand reaching up to cup his cheek, the warmth of his skin a stark contrast to the cool afternoon air.

“Once or twice, but I just chalked it up to my rugged Patrick Bauchau good looks”, he said, recalling how she mentioned it in his penthouse as he played off it with a slight grin, his thumb stroking her cheek gently. “But I’d rather you tell me what you need, Kate, because I’m not here to guess or play games, I’m here for you.” His voice was sincere, and Kate felt warmth spread through her chest.

They sat in silence for a while, watching the world go by, their hearts beating in sync with the rhythm of the city. The occasional whisper of the wind rustling the leaves above them was a gentle reminder of the life that went on despite their turmoil. It was a comforting sound, a reminder that no matter how dark things got, there was always something beautiful to hold onto.

When Kate finally felt confident enough, she stood up on slightly numb legs, “I think I’m ready to go home, Perry’s alone, and despite how close to his chest he plays it sometimes, I think he would like his big sister around for this”, she said with a sad smile.

Cane agreed with a gentle nod “Would you mind if I walked you home then?” he asked tentatively.

“I’d like that,” Kate said, her voice a little stronger now. He reached out his hand for hers, and she took it gratefully. He kissed her softly on her head, saying, “See, strong and caring” he said “No wonder you’re so precious to me, how could you not be?” he said as he held her close, giving her the space she needed but the support she craved.

They left the park, their footsteps echoing on the sidewalk lightly as they walked back to Kate’s apartment. The air was crisp and cool, a perfect match for the emotional chill that had gripped Kate’s heart. Cane didn’t let go of her hand, his touch a grounding force in the tumult of her thoughts. When they reached her building, Kate turned to face him, her eyes searching his. “Thank you for being here,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

“My pleasure”, he said, but before he could utter another word, Cane heard his name called out from a voice he hadn’t heard in years, pulling him back into his memories as strongly as he tried to ground himself back in the present “Barbara...”, was all he could say out loud before he turned and saw her face, his voice was choked with emotion. Kate looked on in alarm, not just because of the instant effect it was having on him as he froze as if he was seeing a ghost from his past, but because she recognized her too; it was her mother...

Unwanted thoughts and questions flooded her already crowded head, riddled with the grief she’d almost settled with after such an emotional day. Cane noticed this and took the first step towards calming her nerves by saying, “It’s good to see you, especially knowing now from Kate’s obvious recognition that you’re clearly her mother”, he began. “And despite how we ended our relationship, I know now I couldn’t be more happy for you, you’ve raised an excellent daughter and a brilliant son, and from what they’ve shared with me, you’ve attended a funeral today. May I ask, was it your sister Silvia?” he said, his concern honest and open.

Kate’s mother, standing against her father for support, simply said, “Yes, it was Silvia,” her voice cracked a little with sadness. “But how did you know?” she asked, her curiosity piqued. Kane confided that often it was the way of things, that he’d had a bad feeling in his gut nagging at him about her childhood asthma that he presumed followed her into adulthood. He’d guessed it was somehow connected to her cancerous state of health now that he saw her and connected all the dots. Kate’s mother, upon hearing this, nodded sadly, confirming his suspicion.

“I’ll leave you and your family to grieve privately then. On a personal note, Barbara, don’t blame yourself, I wouldn’t, A lot of people perceive they should be punished for past sins or actions collected during their lives that they should be held accountable for them, especially when bad or even worse things befall the people they love instead. This is not true. The truth is you could never have done anything to anyone, not even to me, to deserve it in our shared history, no matter how much you might want to blame yourself for how we ended things. From what I can see, you turned your life around and made a spectacular daughter that is every inch her mother’s child and a son who adores you, all of you”, he said, gesturing to both Kate and her father who seemed just as entranced by his speech, like a priest giving a sermon except it felt infinitely more intimate and relatable to their lives.

Kate’s mother looked at Cane with a mix of confusion and disbelief. Her eyes searched his, looking for any sign of spite or anger, but all she found was genuine care and compassion. She felt a weight lifted from her shoulders that she didn’t realize had been there. She had always feared that Cane would hold a grudge against her for the way she had ended their relationship, but his words suggested otherwise.