Personal Geography Read Online Free PDF Page A

listen.”
    “You know what I mean.”
    I’ve never had anyone make a stipulation like this before. He wants to talk to me? That’s usually pretty far down on the list of what the men I play with want to do. There’s always a few words exchanged when I first meet someone, but I’m already in character because the contracts have been signed. I don’t blink when I introduce myself as Kit because I am Kit. Mr. Ardmore, however, has been very specific that we’re to have our conversation prior to the contract going into effect. His acuity makes me uncomfortable.
    “I do,” says Rey. “I can’t say I wasn’t surprised, but perhaps our friend Mr. Ardmore is feeling skittish. It’s not every day something like this falls in your lap. Maybe he wants to make sure you’re doing this of your own free will.”
    “It’s not like you’re getting paid.” Rey’s never been paid for anything where I’ve been concerned, not even my extensive training. And not from the lack of an offer on my part.
    “Although I bet I could make a pretty penny off of you.”
    “I’m sure you could.”
    Truth be told, I should be paying Rey for this. I know how well compensated he is by his clients, even for introductions not nearly as involved and convoluted as this. I can’t imagine the time and energy this takes. Good thing Matty’s such a peach.
    “You could cancel if it bothers you. But from what I know about this guy, I’m inclined to think it’s for chivalrous reasons. You may want to give him the benefit of the doubt. Not to mention I don’t think I’d be able to find you someone else. This deal was a bit of an eleventh-hour miracle.”
    “I know. What am I even supposed to say to the guy?”
    “I’m sure he’ll tell you.”
    “No, he won’t. He won’t be my Dom yet, Rey!”
    He’s trying hard not to laugh. No doubt if he gave in, his Sazerac would go all over the crisp white linens covering our table. Out his mouth or out his nose is anyone’s guess. Rey is an enthusiastic laugher, and more than one article of my clothing has fallen victim to his friendly fire.
    “And what precisely is so funny about this?”
    Rey swallows and tries valiantly to contain his grin. “You do understand that, for most people, talking would not be the alarming part of this contract.”
    “Yes.”
    “Even for people like us, this shouldn’t be such an issue. What are you afraid of?”
    He’s hit the nail on the head. I’m afraid. I can stand being rejected as a submissive; that’s like an actress not getting a callback. We’re going in a different direction. I like knife play, you don’t, que sera, sera . That makes sense to me. But being rejected for being myself is a lot harder to take, and I avoid it at all costs. It’s one of the many reasons I do what I do.
    “What if he doesn’t like me?” I can’t meet Rey’s eyes.
    “Then he’s a fucking moron, and it’s better you find out before he fucks you.”
    “True.”
    “But he doesn’t seem like an idiot to me, and while my track record’s not perfect, it’s pretty damn good. So what do you say?”
    I pause for a millisecond, but like I told Rey, I need this. Badly. “Can we go over these soft limits?”
    “Ixnay on the Wartenberg wheel and the hot wax?”
    “Got it in one.”

Chapter Three
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    “M s. Burke?… Ms. Burke?”
    Goddammit. Can the woman not give me an ounce of peace? I’m in the fucking shower for god’s sake.
    “Yes, Lucy?” I shout above the spray, feeling ridiculous.
    “Mr. Valentine buzzed and said he wants to see you five minutes ago,” she offers nervously.
    “Tell him unless he’d like to see me naked and wet he can wait five more.”
    “Y-yes, Ms. Burke.”
    I can’t decide whether to laugh—I would give up one of my quarterly bonuses to watch her say that verbatim to Jack—or berate myself. That was mean. While I don’t feel guilty about giving Lucy a hard time when she’s earned it, this is not one of those times. I’m a