Love and History Read online

  He nodded to people as he entered the English department. Her office wasn’t far, on the same floor but on the opposite end of the building. Finding Bridget’s office door ajar, he listened.

  “I can’t believe your students want to read those books!” Colleen Sheppard’s familiar cackle of laughter caught Scott off guard. He waited in the hall, listening to the conversation—it wasn’t his fault if they were talking loudly.

  “It’s true. They say because the author is English we should. Those Greyish books are not literature!” Bridget declared.

  Scott cracked a smile. The woman knew her work and had strong opinions. Her voice alone sent desire sparking in him.

  “They are popular,” Colleen said.

  “Then let the pop culture classes cover them. I have nothing against what people want to do privately or want to read for entertainment, but I won’t turn my classroom into a fan fiction forum,” Bridget replied.

  “The department head would never let you teach it anyway. I’ve got to go. Class time. Don’t let some annoying students distract you. Finish that paper and get it published. Your goal this year is tenure.” Colleen pulled the door wide.

  “My job is still teaching, but thank you for the reminder.”

  Colleen stepped into the hall and smiled at Scott. “Looking for someone, Dr. Kasten?”

  He felt out of place, and it seemed as if she knew what he wanted to do to her friend. Work and kink never mixed for him before, but he quickly regained his composure. “I just need a word with Dr. Sanger. Thanks.”

  Chapter Two

  Bridget had no idea what Scott wanted to talk about, but she ignored the flip of attraction she experienced as he walked into her office. When he closed the door, she grew a bit nervous.

  “Can I help you?” she asked politely.

  “Good for you, about the books. There’s erotic literature that’s much better.” He nodded to the chair.

  “Please, sit down. I’m sure I can find something to teach them a lesson about sensuality in literature. I didn’t think it’d be a subject you’d be interested in.”

  He couldn’t be there for that.

  She looked into his pale green eyes just to prove she could. No more submissive games, not that he’d play, but it was always her instinct when attracted to a man. Scott aroused something inside of her, though. He always had with that coal black hair trimmed short and his lean muscular form always hidden. He wore long-sleeve dress shirts year round. The rare days when he rolled up the sleeves made her itch for a glimpse of his naked body.

  Most considered him stuffy, and he kept to himself.

  The man of few words never rushed anything. Woman around the college agreed he was handsome enough but had pronounced him a secret momma’s boy or a closeted gay man. He never went after women or men that she’d heard of, and the literary romantic in her always wanted to know his story.

  Scott cleared his throat. “I’m interested in a lot of things; not just history.”

  “Such as?” she asked. He could be here over a million little things that were official and proper, but why not chat with him a little?

  “Blogs, for example.” His expression changed, and his eyes locked on hers.

  A chill hit her skin, and she shivered. The way he stared at her made her squirm in her chair. She’d never seen any signs from him that he was the BDSM type, but her mind never lingered on that private topic on campus. Her pussy tightened, but she grabbed her sweater off the back of her chair and tugged it on, hugging it to her body. The man turned her on, no debate about that.

  He let the silence hang, and she believed he’d wait her out indefinitely. “Blogs? Really? I know you do plenty of online classes, and I’m sure those are a useful part of the information.”

  “This blog isn’t related to teaching at all. I believe you’re familiar with it. Something called Masters Wanted?” The corners of his mouth turned up just a touch.

  She’d rarely seen him smile, but she wanted to. Did he know it was her? He couldn’t possibly. Grabbing her hair accessory off the collar of the worn wool sweater, she clipped her hair back and tried to ignore her pounding heartbeat. “I’ve not read it.”

  “You wrote it,” he replied.

  Instantly, it felt as if someone had set fire to her face. Her cheeks burned, and her eyes misted up in embarrassment. She grabbed her reusable water bottle and took a long drink. “I think your expertise is the history of Europe, military especially. Computer hacking isn’t—damn. Nelson?”

  Scott nodded. “Nelson. He’s a good hacker, a good friend and a good Dom.”

  Blinking, she pushed away the embarrassment and fear. If he could be so relaxed about it, she’d do the same. “Is he your Dom?”

  Scott smiled a real smile, and it melted her fear away. Still, she waited on the edge of her office chair for an answer.

  “No, he’s not my Dom. He knows I share his preference and like submissive women. We both belong to the group where you posted the link. I had no idea.” Scott looked at her.

  A Dom? Suddenly, she didn’t want to meet his gaze, but he wasn’t her Master. He could be feeling her out for Nelson. Scott’s friend was nice and brilliant, but he didn’t make her want to be bad. “I should go over there, and give Nelson a piece of my mind. He had no right hacking my post.”

  “You know nothing is secret out there. I lurk, but I know better. Nelson won’t betray you to anyone,” he said.

  She pointed a finger at Scott. “He told you! You read it? It’ll be all over campus in a day.”

  “No, it won’t. Nelson was surprised and sympathetic. You deserve better. But it was a rather risky rant, given the traceability of technology.”

  “I know. One bad date too many. I’ve tried for too long. I simply can’t trust someone who won’t respect my boundaries, and yet I can’t deny my nature in the bedroom.”

  “You’re direct and outgoing. Many Doms like a challenge,” Scott said.

  “I like a challenge, as well, in that area. That doesn’t mean a Dom should push someone to break their limits. All kink, no conversation.”

  “The real challenge is to respect the limits and keep things interesting. Creativity is underrated,” he said.

  She studied him silently for a moment. “I never thought of you or Nelson as creative types.”

  “Not here. I know that Nelson was out of line hacking your IP address. But your blog was passionate. He wanted to find out where you were. You mentioned New England, and he’s gotten around a bit.”

  “I’m sure.” She rubbed her forehead. “I appreciate the thoughts behind it, but Nelson just doesn’t do anything for me. I’m sure he’s very good and experienced, but there has to be a certain type of chemistry. I’m sure you understand; you wouldn’t take just any submissive. He’s more like a brother I go to when my computer crashes.”

  “I completely agree. That’s why he brought the blog to me. It wasn’t to tease you or reveal your information. He doesn’t need the dean knowing he likes tying women up any more than I do.”

  “Good. We’ll all keep each other’s secrets. And I’ll know there are two nice Doms around. I guess you’re telling me not to give up hope?” Her body hummed with the knowledge that he might want her, but her brain rejected the idea. Just yesterday, she’d given up.

  “If that’s all you want to hear, that’s fine. I wasn’t looking for anything either. I don’t date at work. I’ve observed that you don’t seem to either.”

  “No, I never thought it was a good idea. Certainly not before I get tenure, but I’d always thought I’d meet the right man before now. I like my life, but I’m tired of trying so hard with the wrong men,” she confessed.

  “I know exactly how you feel.”

  “I’m working on a paper. I’m very close to sending it off. Hopefully, it’ll help me secure tenure this year.”

  She noticed he’d let her change the subject. Maybe he didn’t want to play with her.

  “I’m free for anothe
r hour. If you are, why don’t we grab an early lunch?” he asked.

  She kept her seat as he stood. “We can’t talk about this stuff in the cafeteria. I’m not sure what you’re up to.”

  Slowly, he walked around the side of her desk. “We can talk about anything at lunch. Those books, history. As far as what I’m up to… Nelson thinks he’s a matchmaker. He’s a friend of mine and knows me better than most people. I don’t ignore the advice of my friends.”

  “So he’s not at all interested in me. It’s you?”

  “Is that okay?” he asked.

  Warmth rushed over her. She didn’t need to reject a good guy like Nelson because she’d always want his friend more. Scott wanted her! He was a good guy. He’d walked Colleen to her car when she’d worked late. He never let the elderly admin in his department carry heavy things. For eight years, she’d seen him be a quietly helpful and strong nice man. He’d never made a move in her direction.

  She wanted to say something special, but nothing clever came to mind so she nodded. “Very okay.”

  * * * *

  Scott hadn’t planned on inviting Bridget to dinner, but he’d never been the type to meander around a decision. They needed to be alone where they could speak frankly and sort it out. The limits, the potential and the desire to enter into a Dom/sub relationship.

  The memory of her blushing and how her entire body had been at attention for him when they’d spoken in her office fed his need. She was submissive, and if she was ready to turn down Nelson, Scott had to believe she wasn’t desperate but knew what she wanted.

  Apparently, she seriously wanted him. Good! He didn’t want a sub who’d settle for anyone so long as her limits were respected. That was a basic necessity, but not a good match. At lunch, they’d discussed where they came from and their interests outside of work. Small talk wasn’t his area, but she made it easy.

  Nelson had quizzed Scott all afternoon, but Scott wasn’t planning on any actual play tonight. The woman knew her mind, and she might want to proceed slowly. Still, he’d pulled out his basic accessories in the bedroom and made sure things were neat. His phone buzzed, and he hoped it wasn’t her canceling.

  There were two messages. One text was from Nelson informing Scott that if he hurt Bridget in a bad way that Scott would answer to his friend. Nelson even acted like her brother. Scott didn’t want to compete with Nelson anyway. The hacker was more personable. The other text was from Bridget saying she’d gotten stuck at work in a meeting about her paper. She’d have to come straight from campus.

  He replied, telling it was fine and dinner would be ready. No doubt she’d planned to change for him. If he got beneath her clothes tonight, he wouldn’t judge her undergarments. He liked her, and the fact that she wanted to be on time pleased him.

  Fifteen minutes later, the doorbell rang. He checked her out through the peephole and caught her smoothing her hair nervously. The ice had to be broken soon, or they’d both crack. It felt so different to know someone then discover an entirely new layer of mutual desire. The idea of her on her knees and naked for him had plagued him all day.

  He opened the door. “Come in. Was your meeting good?”

  “Yes, I think so.” She shrugged off her wool coat, and he took it. “Thank you.”

  “No problem. I made chili. I’m not the best cook, but usually, I don’t screw that up. Sit down.” He gestured to the small square table.

  “It smells great. I spent summers with my grandmother so I got the cooking boot camp. All I wanted to do was read, but it’s a handy skill. Do you need help?” She paused before sitting.

  “Nope. Anything special to drink?” he asked.

  “Water is perfect.” She sipped from the glass he set out and sat down.

  He filled two big bowls and joined her. “You’ll have to cook for me one night.”

  “Absolutely. A little pasta, chicken and some sauce and I can do anything. I think my grandmother thought I’d be feeding an army.” She took a bit and savored it. “It’s very good.”

  “I’m glad you approve.” He ate and watched her.

  She added oyster crackers then finished the entire bowl. When she set her napkin on the table and sat back, sipping her water, the mood changed. Scott realized he’d been staring at her, but it didn’t seem to bother her at all.

  “So you’re into dominating women? I never would’ve guessed.” She leaned down and grabbed a tin of mints from her purse.

  After she popped one, he extended a hand. She gave him a mint and smiled.

  “I never expected to hear what Nelson told me today either. It changes a lot of things, if we want it to.” He cleared the table and sat back down. “You’re sure you want to talk about it?”

  “I blogged about it. We could talk about it even if you weren’t interested in me. You caught me off guard at work, but I’m not ashamed.” She smiled at him.

  “So what are these limits?” he asked.

  Her back straightened a bit. “No clubs or dungeons or house parties.”

  “So nothing in public? Your office?” he asked.

  “That’s not public. I’m not a prude, but we are there to work. My career means a lot to me. I won’t play sex bunny on campus and miss my meetings, deadlines or classes,” she said firmly.

  “Good. If I wanted someone like that, I wouldn’t be talking to you.” He leaned on the counter, deliberately giving her breathing room. “In private, sexual limits?”

  She licked her lips. “No sharing. I can’t please more than one. No needles, cutting, knives or anything with blood.”

  He nodded. “Good, you wouldn’t get it here.”

  “No real whips.” Her cheeks were bright red.

  He moved closer to see if it’d calm her. “Meaning spanking with the hand, paddle and flogger are all okay?”

  “Very okay. Belts are fine too, if you know how to handle them. No buckles.” She shook her head.

  “No breaking the skin. Noted.” He sat down and watched her eyelids flutter as she thought. “Anything else? Likes? Dislikes?”

  She sat back. “No choking. Nothing around my neck. I panic.”

  “I never understood the thrill in choking someone.” He couldn’t believe how on the same page they were. He wasn’t leading her but he sure as hell agreed with her.

  She held up a finger. “Anything going anal gets lubed first.”

  “Deal. What do you like?” he asked.

  From head to toe, she stiffened. “You want a list?”

  “Maybe. Masters have hurt you, and I don’t want to do that. I won’t break the rules, but make no mistake, I’ll discipline you when you’re bad.”

  Her smile returned. “I hope so. I love being spanked, tied up, blindfolded and sexually teased. Role-playing is fun too. I…”

  “Say it,” he said.

  “I need to be kissed. Maybe, I shouldn’t share this now, but one Dom, the one who was truly good, he loved to spank me but never kissed me. I don’t know why. He didn’t like to talk either.”

  He walked around the table and held her as she shivered. She wanted affection, but who didn’t? “You had to leave him if he didn’t give you what you needed.”

  “I enjoyed the sex and the teasing. For a while, it was enough. He’s the only one who ever slipped.”

  “Slipped?” he asked.

  “The rest of the Doms, I left. Some weren’t right and others tried to push me. Some tried very hard to corner me and show me why going beyond my limits was good. Some demanded it. I refused and got away unscathed. This one Dom, he never meant to break the rules. He slipped with a riding crop and went much harder than intended. He broke the skin. I didn’t need stitches or anything, but I didn’t like it. I couldn’t go back.”

  Scott cupped her slender face in his hands and kissed her softly on the mouth. “I won’t slip. I’d drop the toy first. I swear nothing sharp ever.”

  She nodded. “Thank you. You really haven’t found a willing submissive?”

  Now w
asn’t the time to tell her his gory details. She’d left out the details of what the sinister Doms had wanted from her. He’d rather be rejected as the Dom who didn’t fit her needs than because his personal crap getting in the way. “I think right now we should see if we’re sexually compatible. If that doesn’t work, the rest of this won’t matter.”

  “You’re right.” She leaned in and kissed him hard. His chest tightened as blood rushed lower. The woman knew how to kiss, and her soft moans only fueled his desire. Letting her take her fill, he teased her with his tongue.

  When she sat back, there was a sparkle in her blue eyes he’d never seen before.

  “What would please you now, Sir?”

  The fact that she wasn’t a newbie who needed hand holding or instructions turned him on even more. She’d slipped right into it.

  “Sir? Not Master? Your blog said Masters Wanted.”

  A cautious smile crossed her lips. “That title needs to be earned. I’ve never called anyone that. Only my forever Dom will get that title.”

  Even in submission, she’d handed him a challenge, and this one, he wasn’t sure he could meet. Forever was a long time. “Let’s get started then. Stand up, and slowly, take off your clothes.”

  Chapter Three

  Standing slowly, she eased off her sweater and folded it neatly. The look in his eyes aroused her further. He’d listened, and he wasn’t just nodding like a bobble head. She believed he meant it.

  She unbuttoned her skirt and slid it down to the floor. Stepping out of her pumps, she regretted wearing boring cotton cream and paisley panties. They did match her bra but were bikini cut, if it helped. “I have lace and satin at home.”

  “I have nothing against cotton.” He slid his hand from the top of her thigh-high nylons up to her hip and momentarily slipped a finger under the material.

  Carefully folding the skirt, she fought the seductive fog he was putting off. She worked free her tiny blouse buttons then slipped it off and set it atop the skirt.

  “All of it, Sir?”

  He stood and nodded.