Chapter 15

Jim stood outside Doug’s apartment, his heart pounding heavily in his chest. The autumn air was thick with humidity, and the noise of the city buzzed around him, but all he could focus on was the door in front of him. He had never been to Doug’s place before, and the unfamiliarity added to his nerves. He took a deep breath, trying to steady himself before knocking.

Doug opened the door a few moments later. His tall, muscular frame filled the doorway, his dark eyes assessing Jim with a mixture of curiosity and something else—a hint of anticipation, perhaps. Doug stepped aside, motioning for Jim to enter without a word.

The apartment was sparsely furnished but clean. A large bookcase lined one wall, filled with an eclectic mix of literature and art. Jim noticed a few items that hinted at Doug’s kinkier side—a flogger casually draped over a chair, a set of handcuffs on a side table. The sight sent a shiver down his spine, a mix of trepidation and excitement.

“Sit down,” Doug commanded, pointing to a sofa in the living room. Jim complied, lowering himself onto the cushions, feeling the weight of his body settle. Doug sat across from him, his gaze steady and intense.

“So, what brings you here, Jim?” Doug asked, his voice low and measured.

Jim took a deep breath, organizing his thoughts. “I wanted to talk about Kris. She made it clear that she doesn’t want to be pulled in two directions, and I need to make sure that you and I are on the same page.”

Doug leaned back, a small smile playing on his lips. “Interesting. So, this is about ensuring Kris’s happiness, not just fighting over her?”

Jim nodded. “Yes. We both love her, and she deserves to be happy. Whatever it takes to keep her happy, I’m willing to do.”

Doug considered this for a moment. “And what are you willing to do, Jim? How far are you willing to go?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with implication. Jim swallowed hard, his mind racing.

Jim took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves as he sat across from Doug in the dimly lit apartment. The air was thick with tension, and Jim could feel the weight of Doug’s gaze bearing down on him. He had come here determined to assert some control, to lay out his own terms for the complex relationship they were about to embark on. But Doug’s dominating presence made it clear that this wasn’t going to be a conversation; it was going to be a lecture.

“Doug, I think it’s important that we discuss this as equals,” Jim began, his voice wavering slightly. “Kris is important to both of us, and I want to make sure we’re on the same page.”

Doug leaned back in his chair, his muscular frame making the furniture seem small in comparison. His eyes narrowed as he listened, and then he held up a hand, a silent command for Jim to stop talking.

“Jim, let me explain something to you,” Doug said, his voice deep and commanding. “In this relationship, there are no equals. I am the dominant sexual partner, and Kris is submissive to me. You are submissive to Kris, which means you are submissive to me by extension. Your ideas about how this relationship will proceed are irrelevant. You need to accept your place and stop fighting it.”

Jim bit his tongue, his heart pounding in his chest. He was used to being submissive to Kris, finding a strange comfort in giving up control to someone he loved and trusted. But the idea of submitting to Doug was different, more challenging. Doug’s dominance was not gentle or reassuring; it was demanding and unyielding.

Doug continued, his voice firm and unwavering. “I understand this is new for you, Jim. But if you want to be a part of Kris’s life, you need to understand your role. You need to embrace your submissiveness, not just to Kris, but to me as well. It’s the only way this can work.”

Jim shifted uncomfortably in his seat, trying to process Doug’s words. He had always seen himself as adventurous and open to new experiences, but this was pushing his boundaries in a way he hadn’t anticipated. Yet, despite the discomfort, there was a part of him that was intrigued, that craved the release of control, the freedom that came with submission.

“I have something that might help put things into perspective,” Doug said, standing up and walking over to a shelf. He retrieved a USB drive and returned to his seat. “This is a video that Kris and I made. It will give you a better understanding of our dynamic and what will be expected of you. There is a second video with your name on it that you should watch last.”

Jim hesitated for a moment before accepting the USB drive. He looked down at it, feeling a mix of curiosity and trepidation. He knew that watching the video would mean taking another step into this world, another step towards accepting his place in this unconventional relationship.

“Watch it,” Doug commanded, his voice leaving no room for argument. “And think about what it means to be a part of this. Think about what you’re willing to sacrifice for Kris’s happiness.”

Jim nodded, his fingers tightening around the USB drive. He knew that Doug was right; if he wanted to remain a part of Kris’s life, he needed to accept the terms of this relationship. He needed to embrace his submissive role, not just to Kris, but to Doug as well.

As Jim left Doug’s apartment, the weight of the USB drive in his pocket felt like a tangible reminder of the decision he was about to make. He walked back to his car, lost in thought. The sun was setting, casting long shadows across the city, a fitting metaphor for the shadows of doubt and uncertainty that lingered in his mind.

Back at his own house, Jim poured himself a drink and sat down at his computer. He took a deep breath and inserted the USB drive, bracing himself for what he was about to see. The screen flickered to life, and there was Kris, her eyes shining with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Behind her, Doug stood tall and dominant, his hands rested confidently on her shoulders.