Chapter 2

The shimmering ruby liquid in Laurie’s wine glass had almost been depleted, while the ice cubes in Maverick’s whiskey had dissolved into a cool puddle. The soft, flickering glow of the restaurant’s candles danced across the table, casting a romantic haze over the couple. The smooth notes of Cafe del Sol’s jazz filled the air as Laurie reached for Maverick’s hand delicately. He hesitated, unsure of what this sudden change in Laurie meant. Gazing at her with questioning eyes, she responded with a seductive smile and nibbled on her bottom lip.

“I’ve been reading some erotic novels that my friend Veronica gave me for my birthday,” Laurie confessed. Maverick’s eyebrow raised in surprise as he carefully considered his response. “Oh really? And what are these books about?” With a sip of her wine, Laurie mustered up the courage to reveal the contents of these stories to him. “They’re about relationships, but not your typical love stories. They delve into power and desire, with lovers taking command of the bedroom.” Maverick paused, his eyes widening as he processed Laurie’s revelation. He wasn’t accustomed to discussing such explicit topics, but the earnestness in her gaze pulled him in. Leaning in slightly, he encouraged her to continue with a gentle nod. Laurie took a deep breath, steeling herself before delving into her thoughts. “I’ve been thinking about us, Maverick, about the dynamic between us and the power struggle that comes with it. I want more from our relationship,” she confessed, her voice trembling slightly with vulnerability and desire.

Maverick’s jaw dropped in shock, his mind racing to process the words that spilled from Laurie’s lips. This was a side of her he had never seen before, a side that both terrified and aroused him. “You mean ... you want me to dominate you?” he asked, unable to hide the hunger in his voice. A smirk tugged at the corners of his lips as he imagined how he could fulfill her desires. Laurie met his gaze head-on, her eyes blazing with determination. “Yes, Maverick. I want to surrender to you completely, to give myself over to your control and explore all my darkest fantasies. I long for you to own and possess me, body and soul, and I want to let go and be yours.” Her words sent a shiver down his spine as she laid bare her deepest desires for him.

Maverick’s breath caught in his throat as he imagined taking control of the bedroom and seeing Laurie completely lost in her pleasure. After a moment of silence, he couldn’t contain his curiosity. “I never knew you had these desires, Laurie,” he admitted. Her cheeks flushed with a mix of excitement and guilt. “I’m sorry if it disappoints you,” she whispered. He shook his head, still processing everything. “No, it’s just ... unexpected.”

They continued to discuss and agreed to explore this newfound aspect of their relationship when they were both sober, allowing them to fully experience and understand each other’s desires. They then spent the evening enjoying dinner and each other’s company. As they laughed and flirted, Laurie couldn’t help but hope that Maverick was feeling the same intimate connection between them. Time seemed to slip away as they talked, and eventually, the night ended with them partaking in their usual activities. A great birthday for Laurie as she drifted off to sleep in Maverick’s arms.