I barely closed my eyes that night.6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVx7y8wFZ1c
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN8WBRTc2fL
All I could think about was my alarm set to go off at six the next morning.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhThbmWl1T
Everything in that bathroom replayed in my head.
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How I kneeled in front of her-the soft caress her hand drew against my cheek, or her hands running softly through my curls.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡspgNXmFNOi
It completely contrasted when she bent me over the sink—which she unironically mentioned doing when I first met her at that bar.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF6GkMjxHXf
It wasn't an empty threat.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uLgRk4UjI
The NDA was all I could think about, all night and morning, wondering what the other paperwork consisted of.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfju0jsuyIX
I knew we were just hooking up, so maybe she just wanted to ensure it stayed private between us.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCNTOiKkEps
I was up before my alarm for once due to my inability to sleep, getting ready early so I didn't risk being late.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJPZ9keHDH
The last thing I want to do is rock the instability of this.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsbSiPciMLI
It was already hard enough begging her to hook up with me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQWAmy4cf6K
I pulled on a smooth long-sleeve shirt that I paired with soft pink sweatpants and platform Adidas.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKGOG4WqM8o
I wore my curly hair up in a bun with an intentionally messy look, allowing short curls to frame my face.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpc4wykuxGk
For once I opted for no makeup aside from gelling my brows down and smoothing chapstick over my lips.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsktaOCyGfB
It was more natural than my usual look, but I liked it—especially since it was more low maintenance.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqVBTGk2jZC
I had time to make myself waffles in the toaster, drizzling them in syrup to eat really quickly before I had to leave.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡinIMwBLcTf
Traffic was still heavy given it was a little past six in the morning and everyone was headed to work.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1BNyV4MH2d
Luckily, I was a few minutes ahead, so I had nothing to worry about.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMBbMV44Qo
I even found parallel parking for once
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcOwXUoRrr
The lobby was still insanely busy-whether people were leaving or arriving for work.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXH32aVCo0N
I had to fit into one of the filled elevators, riding it up to the forty-fifth floor.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBnLwGXw42B
There were stops made on numerous levels, naturally frying my nerves.
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I was now on time rather than early due to the traffic and this elevator that just had to fucking stop on every other level.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvxVCFoJG5g
Then finally, the elevator dinged on my floor, letting me off into the familiar dim reception area.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGR4z8wCFKw
For once, Sienna wasn't present and neither was Reagan, making me smile more than I truly should've.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBkByEtFRYa
Less about Reagan's absence and more about Sienna's of course.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡquT68M2AHA
I hesitantly walked past the empty lobby, walking down the quiet hallway.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkIZ5I3iShl
It was fucking weird being at the office when no one was here-almost unnervingly quiet.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV7U3surcV5
I drew in a deep breath when I finally made it to her office door.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjogmPn3wIK
It was left cracked open slightly, making me hesitate.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf0KkZICKam
I wasn't sure if I should knock or just walk in.
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I mean, she invited me here at seven herself.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWTeZWWDvc
I don't think either option matters.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20SobwUthT
I quickly shook my head at my thoughts, deciding to just open the door-fully walking into her office.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPtu2Y6SR6w
The familiar jasmine scent wrapped around me, my eyes immediately landing on her as she sat at her desk.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJtHurZ0vka
Her dark hair was down in usual soft waves, her bangs framing her sharp face with her stare locked on me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHoVtYDd3Qe
"Good morning, River" she spoke before I could, smoothly standing from her chair.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu3xWsuw2yt
Her shiny black stilettos clicked gently against the floor as she rose to her tall height, wearing a white button-down and black dress pants.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJgn7dQm4r3
"Good morning doc," I murmured, glancing up to meet her stare with a smile.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT7PjFIklno
I don't know why I suddenly feel so fucking awkward right now.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OcQeHCqjL
Dr. Luccino motioned her head at me, "Come here," she calmly instructed, causing me to close the door behind me and take a few steps toward her.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡucdoYgXyUN
That's when I got a better view of her desk.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUFtbrbuL05
And the thick stack of papers that I knew were meant for me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNo9sP7Od0Q
"That's a lot of paperwork," I pointed out with a raised brow, stopping in front of her by the desk.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTBdL5Fw1O4
"I'll guide you through it," she said, her calm tone softened with reassurance.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOF5SdZHFnd
But all I could focus on was the double meaning her words held.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyQjiO77I0g
I drew in a slight breath, feeling her hand pressed to my upper back and guiding me around her desk.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAigb9LZG3Q
"I can sit?" I asked her, unsure if she wanted me in her chair specifically.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQPRxZPq0GX
"Yes, River, you can sit," she said, almost amused by my question.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNRvR2xl2ov
I nodded hesitantly, walking over to sit in her cushioned office chair.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4CSPTSUI9f
It was an odd view, one I wasn't accustomed to in the slightest.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTUdLChPrZy
But I liked it—I liked sitting in her chair.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9FsBxsZzwl
I glanced down when she reached for the heavyweight pen by the stack of papers, handing it to me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9hab28aLi5
I drew in another deep breath when she leaned over me, her familiar sweet scent mixed with the
cologne she wore, wrapping around me entirely.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz36H0R0UhY
I tried my best to focus as she carefully flipped the page over, but it was so fucking hard.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwDMTFQX4Ia
Especially when I felt the smoothness of her hand against the back of my exposed neck—a firm but grounding presence.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYbN89M1eS
"This is your standard NDA," she explained as my eyes trailed over the numerous clauses and legal terms, "This ensures our arrangement stays between us. Neither of us can disclose the details to any outside parties."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j7oncmhs2
I nodded hesitantly, noticing her elegant signature at the bottom of the page.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRkEGMypSSX
"Do you have any questions?" she asked me, now caressing the back of her fingers against my neck.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPk6a3XQOhY
"No," I murmured, lowering the pen toward the signature line as I tried my best to write my name as elegantly as hers.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoAZBkw2kE3
But it felt nearly impossible to measure up to hers.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJaKOpDPrY
"Good," I heard her say, using her other hand to flip through a few pages, "Next is a Consent and Waiver agreement, stating that you're entering this agreement willingly."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXEPPEFN4F
I nodded a few times, my eyes trailing the different clauses again before lowering the pen and signing my name below hers.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKdcafD3yk
"Good, River," she said, her voice soft with praise as she turned a few more bages. "Onto the Mental Health and Autonomy statement."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡruKTndTVss
I tilted my head as I briefly read through the different clauses, trying to focus on anything other than her hand caressing the back of my neck.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXjQq6oFsEd
"Essentially, this states that you're mentally sound and not being taken advantage of. You understand you can leave this arrangement or therapy at any time," she briefly explained as I tried to process her words fully.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa2kPrjvRhk
"So you will continue as my therapist?" I asked with a growing smile, briefly reading over the agreement in front of me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBityXugcuM
"I'll attempt to," Dr. Luccino corrected, trailing her hand across my covered shoulder, "But I can't assure you I'll be able to fully help, as our arrangement complicates our professional relationship," she paused, letting her words process with me, "It's highly unethical to treat you as someone who is actively involved in my life."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNsuaaO9fT8
"But you will right?" I emphasized, not even caring about therapy in general.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRetxMNx479
I just didn't want to go to anyone else.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQBUHFb8S1C
And my mother is basically forcing me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7r4UTUGKFm
"Yes, River, I will," she calmly said, trailing her hand back up my shoulder before wrapping it around my neck, "I feel it's necessary to highlight that I can only treat you to a certain degree."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQlUJeO1kf
I shrugged, "It works for me either way," I admitted, immediately signing my name on the line below her signature.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8dQ7AIt5t
I heard her hum in acknowledgment, reaching down to flip a few more pages.
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That's when I zoned in on her short nails coated in nude polish—a silver ring band around her middle finger and another around her thumb.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0uWozv2XOm
Her hands always look so... polished and clean.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtipV4CYMUI
Everything about her seems like that—not one thing is out of place when it comes to her.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW32fItCXnO
"This is a Dual Relationship and Conflict of Interest Disclosure," she explained, softly grazing her short nails over the bare skin of my neck. "It acknowledges our dual arrangement in and out of the office."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡol6fYcFFS3
I nodded a few times, lowering the pen to sign my name under hers again.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYjYBMVWH4r
But all I could think about was how specific this paperwork was.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIH1392CYPy
And if she's done this often?
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt0riigPpVi
"This is a Liability Waiver," she spoke again, snapping me out of my thoughts as she flipped a few more pages, "This states you won't take legal action for professional misconduct, malpractice, or emotional distress."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSospMABd8F
I nodded a few times, even if I was suddenly thinking about her doing this with other women before me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeY4mSWqZVx
She never truly answered my question from a couple of weeks ago-whether she had done things with a patient before.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrybZqVNXuA
It made something sink in my stomach, suddenly rethinking all of this.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdaLDNhX427
"Is there a question, River?" she asked me, making me realize I had halted my actions.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ67eYbhqB4i
I shook my head, "No, I was just... you know," I suddenly cleared my throat, "Just wondering if you've done this before," I purposely mentioned, not even bothering to fight my intrusive thoughts as I signed my name on the line below hers again.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHj4r5JKOjq
"Legally, I can't disclose that," Dr. Luccino carefully replied, making me furrow my brows.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUpFvqFbpFp
"So you have done this before?" I asked, now turning my head to divert my attention to her.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrqWfoVVPw5
That would've been nice to fucking know before agreeing to hook up with her.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kh6NDT6ax
"If this is a possible issue, I need to know now, River" she said, disregarding my question as her eyes held mine.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhDPCghgi9d
I felt my face burn up, especially at the idea of her hooking up with other women before me-ones that would've needed to sign these exact documents.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwwROdN9sEr
And then I wondered why it even mattered.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlWLWPm1l9a
Why does it matter?
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiNzuYBR4D
I've personally had many hook-ups myself-and I've never asked any of them if they've fucked other women before.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVQ4WP9svM
So her past shouldn't matter.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8YalKSJHJu
I guess it just irritates me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPhSFnrOPau
"It's not," I suddenly said, breaking her stare as I turned around in the chair.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqmdhUA5ksO
"Good," she calmly said, carefully sliding the stack of signed contracts aside.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLKoWCVfjM
I glanced down when she opened the left desk drawer, revealing a small stack of papers.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRFUvuLTJ7
"And what's this?" I asked as she set the papers in front of me, "Is this where I sign my soul over to you?" I jokingly asked her.
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She lazily raised her brows, "That would require a lot more paperwork," she said, making my brows furrow deeply.
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Suddenly I was cautiously eyeing the papers.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ46QGEyaElV
Until her lips suddenly twitched up, entirely amused by my reaction.
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"Jesus, I'm not serious, River." she said, her lips lifting even more into a smile I hadn't quite witnessed on her.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCnmeVHZXrp
It was still small, but god was it there.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00XnYinilT
I felt my lips unconsciously twitch up, "I'm only used to you being serious," I admitted in a soft whisper, smiling even wider as I glanced down at her lips still tugged up into a soft smile.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDIkF8Y5jK
"It's a part of my profession, River" Dr. Luccino said, shaking her head as she reached for the papers, "I assure you, I'm not always serious."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22drRI2hXB
I nodded a few times, softly laughing at the fact that I genuinely believed she would have me sell my soul to her.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLt2unisQ5i
I'm so... unaccustomed to her humor.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22fILte37m
I think that's the first joke she's ever made with me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTLZIsaHenu
"This is a Boundaries Agreement," she began explaining to me, causing me to focus back on the current task at hand, "This one should be easier for you to read."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLX7Yj0gTY
I nodded, briefly trailing my eyes over the list as I read it.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmMLXvneBW
- Any public displays of affection or acknowledgment of their relationship will be at the sole discretion of Nine Luccino.
- River Romero acknowledges that certain aspects of their relationship, including but not limited to discipline, control, and enforcement of boundaries, will be determined by Nine Luccino.
That was only two out of ten lines or so, but I felt like I could properly understand a contract for once.
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The more I read, the more nervous I got.
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Mostly because it was clear she would hold the control in all of this.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCzoC5u9Oa
All of the control actually.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO7MB5tHwUM
Is this even about just hooking up anymore?
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKBlClNVu9k
"What is it?" she suddenly asked me, probably noticing my furrowed brows or how I'm noticeably in deep thought.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Se9uwa4Ni
She is my therapist.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxJ2xkvPzd
"This doesn't feel like just a hook-up situation," I said, glancing away from the papers to meet her stare.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2vgmzCHgmY
Dr. Luccino tilted her head at my words, "I don't operate like that" she briefly explained, "I prefer a different dynamic. A more exclusive one."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEKLAXDAL1X
I pursed my lips together, genuinely wondering what I had begged for last night.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡODIRrQ4Jov
Because suddenly I'm contemplating my past decisions.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBTKf02siJs
I just wanted to sleep with her again, but clearly, that comes with a lot of baggage.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBBxcRss17p
Or should I say paperwork and outlined rules?
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbucu8u8fGF
"Is there like a timeline on this?" I questioned, determining that I wouldn't mind trying this dynamic with her if it meant I could end it.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLzyQ1bs5Th
I'm always up for something new.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5klTh9Mp1U
I also worked way too fucking hard to back down now.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB28ze3oloo
Even if all this paperwork is overstimulating me a little.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwRbFK23VRl
"You have the power to end this at any time, River." she didn't hesitate to say, her eyes trailing my face for a moment.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHE18CWfAd
It was brief, but I could feel the same tension burning between us.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHXk0rq6mkF
Especially when she reached up, gently cupping my cheek in her hand.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0yEx5FMbCG
It made a warmth spread across my cheeks, feeling goosebumps roll down my spine.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmCXN74Ddpm
"You seem hesitant," she observed as her eyes locked back with mine, smoothing her thumb across my soft skin.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5UyJwh58iu
I let out a soft sigh, unconsciously relaxing into her touch, "I'm just thinking about all the different rules to this and then the control thing. You would have a lot of control and I'm not really used to giving that up in this kind of circumstance-I've never even been in this circumstance, I'm used to more of the casual thing and..." I trailed off, unsure how to explain the thoughts in my head.
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But she somehow understood me perfectly, nodding once at my honest words.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCTcKfSkrk
"I understand it's overwhelming and new to you, River" she said, her tone softer with me, "I want to clarify that this is far beyond just a hook-up situation between us," she added, subtly tracing her fingers across my jawline toward my chin
It made it so much harder to focus, especially with her featherlight touch.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu1SXPdJC6q
I suddenly felt tired.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8latUpR9l
"Far beyond? What does that mean?" I asked her with furrowed brows.
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She pursed her lips at my question, calculating her next words as she remained silent for a brief moment.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsGvy5r0uE
Then she leaned in closer, her brown eyes holding mine, "I want you to imagine a world where you can surrender control, where you feel confident, safe, and cared for. A world where you don't need to question anything because I'll make sure you're always taken care of," she whispered, her fingers gently yet firmly tilting my chin up, "That's the world I'll create for you, River. Something beyond anything casual. Ill handle everything for you."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKR5ZkPzyAP
Her soft words rang around me like an echo, processing them as she ran the back of her hand down the column of my neck.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2j9Nky8X3h
It made me draw in a deep breath, feeling shivers crawl down my spine at her actions.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuA714iEvhy
And her stare.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡguGc603Z1e
How her brown eyes practically melted into mine.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyA70nSrEa
She'll handle everything for me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0C2DMnu54P
I'll be in her world.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTKfU4kYjg
That sounds so much better than just hooking up with her.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqdNbAsyVyW
"Okay," I suddenly said as I slowly turned my attention to the papers in front of me, causing her hand to rest at the back of my neck again, "That sounds better to me."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTAJxYVQuIw
And I wasn't lying—I felt a lot fucking better knowing what I was getting into.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpDlPKzq5da
Or that I could give her this amount of power and everything will be okay.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeZiCWCiKv8
That she'll always take care of me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFeFcE2FU8q
I could also end this at any moment.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEweoINoKIx
"Good, River," she said, her voice softer between us as I tried to focus on reading the list, "I know it's exhausting to feel like you have to control everything, but you don't have to anymore. I'm here to take that burden off of you."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAT4k4AVsDG
I smiled slightly at her words, "I never thought about it like that," I admitted in a soft murmur, "I guess it is kind of exhausting having to always be in control," I added honestly as I flipped the page to read the rest of the list.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM4NYWU8Djc
Then the signature line awaited me yet again, carefully writing out my name in cursive below hers.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqiSBCgT5o
"Good girl" Dr. Luccino said, her voice low and calm as she picked up the sign papers, "That concludes the paperwork."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIey3FjAahz
I felt my face burn up from her praise, "That's all?"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqoS3tZ2GkA
I asked, surprised that there wasn't more.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡINtxnMAVj6
Then again, that was still a lot of paperwork.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3nblLFWVT
"Yes, now onto more important matters," Dr. Luccino said, messing with the lock on one of the file cabinets that lined the wall behind her desk, "Take your phone out for me."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSy6snHw6Cc
I furrowed my brows, "For what?" I asked, slightly curious but also a little defensive.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3nGgKMGPEZ
Dr. Luccino still didn't look at me, pulling the file cabinet open, "Because we're going over location tracking," she calmly explained as she slid the thick stack of papers I signed inside the file.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoA4GqHUF89
"Location tracking," I repeated back to her distastefully, watching as she closed the file cabinet and reset the lock attached, "Are you serious?"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIgGcxUn7vG
Dr. Luccino tilted her head, "Have I indicated that I'm not, River?" she asked, walking over to me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3uYrnNixA6
"No, but tracking my location feels unnecessary," I said, crossing my arms over my chest as I leaned back in her chair.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa55ko1fZTz
Dr. Luccino briefly glanced down, acknowledging my crossed arms before glancing back up, "This is me taking care of you, River," she briefly explained, walking over to me, "This is how I ensure your safety."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhou1upy8Xa
I narrowed my eyes when she grabbed the top edge of the office chair I sat in, swiveling it around so I faced her fully.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNtGNieiGmC
I remained silent even as she towered over me.
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She didn't add anything more to her explanation.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEqHVUtkGbk
She only stood there, waiting for me to take my phone out.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtENGLFZopI
The idea of giving her the control suddenly felt really fucking real, even if it was as something as small as my location.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIaHowyZxt6
But I guess I didn't mind having someone worry about my safety-maybe even check in on me throughout the day.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡehakUKgnIC
My mother only reaches out when I've done something wrong.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSKvGpiQMAP
"Good girl" Dr. Luccino calmly said, when I reached for my phone on the desk-bringing it up to my face to unlock it for her.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdu1dquziWX
It was odd.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXMYcutxDwK
She could've easily grabbed my phone from the desk herself, but she didn't.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhKi26NHBN
She wanted me to willingly hand it to her.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzqKb892Lkj
And even as I did, she made sure to lean down closer to me—holding my phone between us so I could watch what she was doing.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOUu5waESu0
It felt like her way of making me more comfortable, and seeing exactly what she was doing helped.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ61d2NlBR8Q
There wasn't much to it—she just shared mv location with her through Find My.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazF9LqyUyt
"This won't work," Dr. Luccino suddenly said, noticing my location was also shared with another contact.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYZbW4WJwh
Kai.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9dG0qIHkg4
"Oh that's just Kai," I explained nonchalantly, but Dr. Luccino still shook her head.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtMWbPatBzy
"Sharing your location gives us a lack of privacy, River" she clarified, smoothly handing me my phone back, "You handle this."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOAYU2m579
I shrugged, immediately tapping my phone to un-share my location with Kai.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyz3PmXqVqS
I don't think it even matters if she has it.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUklDRpXtqP
"Good girl" she said as I set my phone back down on the desk, her hands now running across my shoulders as she stood behind me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8yOzigV7gw
I let out a deep sigh when she kneaded her fingers into my tense shoulders, making me relax into her touch.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzieuSKfziD
"I knew you would do good for me, River." she murmured, evoking a hum from me when she kneaded my shoulders even more, "I recall you having class on Wednesdays?"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhcVpBVxK8o
I nodded, "From one to three," I murmured as she continued massaging my shoulders.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3h8F8mLvT
"What time is your class on Monday?" she asked me, almost as if she were making a mental note of all this.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡptnntB0lI7
"Twelve to two," I didn't hesitate to tell her as she moved her hands toward my inner shoulders, kneading my tense muscles there.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7WJCEZ8Vq
It felt like I was nearly melting into her touch.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwTDaOXK6s7
"Good to know" Dr. Luccino murmured, caressing her hands up the sides of my neck, "I'll set up a routine check-up for six this evening."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJXaTVp1x4G
I furrowed my brows, "A check-up?" I asked her almost in confusion, "What for?"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1RaCxoCo5
It feels like there's a lot of fucking steps to this.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY5dweIdRQR
Why can't she just be normal and go through the motions of all this?
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiACwpfRAuh
"Just as a precaution," she said, giving my shoulders a gentle squeeze, "I want to make sure everything is in order before we move forward."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRAmQppcWqH
I only grew more confused, "So like a physical exam?" I questioned, wondering why I would need that to move forward with her.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaop61OaXwe
Oh, unless she means—
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh8xOQRsFan
"A gynecological exam" she clarified, making my face unconsciously burn up at her bluntness.
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I glanced down to my lap, even if she was standing behind me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjaVznRRGQD
Yes, I did hookups but it was very surface level, nothing along the lines of discussing sexual health or check-ups for that matter.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmSyGbh95X3
This feels weirdly intimate.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGSD6a795ER
But I guess if that makes her feel at ease then I'll do it. "I can go after class," I offered, hoping to convenience her a little more, especially since she'll be in the office all day, "It'll probably be easier," I added as her hands fell away from my shoulders.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXRzcKHqHqz
"I'll handle it, River" she said, carefully turning the swivel chair I sat in so I faced her again, "I'll set up an appointment with the best office in Seattle."
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I nodded, "Yeah, okay," I mumbled awkwardly, glancing up to meet her stare.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0mlbgCGQB5
This felt like so much more than I signed up for.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmlzDYltneK
Quite literally.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbjwtv9lsRQ
"So you'll be going with me?" I suddenly asked her, furrowing my brows at even the idea of that.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC1Xx7pnHEs
That would be a little weird I think.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTvVXjDstvd
"Yes" she said, reaching her hand up to my chin to tilt my head up—
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpNhXM9SUg
And align my stare with hers.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJGYpW8jD68
"Is that uncomfortable to you, River?" she asked me, easily picking up on my hesitation, "Because I should clarify that the things we're going to do—the things I'm going to do to you will involve a lot of positions. I'll see every inch of you."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmdlWT9gtgQ
I felt my face grow even hotter at her blunt words, feeling excited and nervous at the images suddenly appearing in my head.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡltWqKfzNIL
"That sounds terrifying" I admitted in full honesty, agreeing with one-half of my thoughts.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJggt1lLrp
Hook-ups are less intimate and typically the focus is far from seeing your body and more about chasing the high.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22gSAhrysU
I thought I was signing up for something in relation to a hook-up with her.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbqLGZNw9Bm
But it's becoming increasingly clear that I'm getting much more than I anticipated.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkcJYT3TQ0L
"I'll guide you through it one step at a time, River" she said, her tone softened with reassurance, "There's not a single thing you have to fear or worry about. Trust me on that."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0aR3O52L0o
I nodded a few times, letting out a deep breath as I processed her words.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFaDliijFZ
This is all about releasing control and leaving my problems to her-two things I'm clearly not fucking good at.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHnZasHi9yl
But I think it'll feel good once I do.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXGcNDmstdC
"Okay" I suddenly said, letting out a deep sigh, "So I'll see you at six? And you'll send me the address right?" Dr. Luccino raised a brow, "I'll pick you up," she corrected me, "Pack an overnight bag."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5rkEzOA956
I nodded, even if her last statement made my brain short-circuit.
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I'm spending the night with her?
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡne9EoHIZOO
Okay, I see how this is definitely more than a hook-up dynamic.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Am5CMiUZJ
I mean, yeah I guess sometimes the women I sleep with stay the night, but it's never planned out.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡidRRlTZK8R
I've also never stayed at their place when we're done.
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"River?" her voice cut into my thoughts.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatnTcSJFKF
"Right-yeah, an overnight bag, got it," I said in confirmation even if an annoying smile twitched up on my lips, "Does this mean I can start calling you Nine now?" I suddenly asked, standing from her office chair.
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"Outside of the office," she said, her brown eyes trailing my face for a moment, "But it seems you've already tested my name out a couple of times now"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfj233FWMKj
I rolled my eyes, "And I'm sure you enjoyed every second of it" I said, raising a brow at her, "I say it better than anyone else could."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGbU4J8upj9
"That's awfully cocky of you, River" Nine murmured as I leaned back against her desk, "But I'd say you moan it better than you say it."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReMMGTRsLj
I clenched my jaw, trying to fight the warmth drawing up my body.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5JvLzAh3Bx
She quite literally just snatched the upper hand from me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcbMLv53LQ
"Maybe I could call you by your name inside your office?" I emphasized, running my hands across the cold desk surface behind me, "Perhaps bent over your desk?"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcA9b81dke8
Nine raised a brow, "That would be crossing a line, one that's already thin, to begin with" she said, taking a step toward me when I gave her a narrowed look,
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN7szu5R8Sw
"Trust me, I'll find plenty of other desks to bend you over, River."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7zjMQWF0gc
I forced a fake frown, "But I want this one," I emphasized, holding her stare entirely.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡip6rMZyDg5
Nine's lips twitched up slightly, amused by my words, "We remain professional here," she said, not budging on those specific boundaries, "I'll buy this exact desk for outside of the office."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXdOKZWYpNX
I sighed dramatically, "Fine" I mumbled, deciding not to go back and forth with her.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfAqfCBMkl1
Not when it felt like she was at least compromising with me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6osYG43LPu
"Let me walk you out" Nine suddenly offered, extending her hand to me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjx8zA3yhbF
I didn't hesitate to reach up, placing my hand in hers, "Of course, doc," I purposely murmured as she grabbed my keys and phone from her desk for me.
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Her hand was warm around mine as she guided me toward the door.
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Until she naturally let go of my hand to open the door, leaving me cold again.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVnCdaQLcvn
Even as I walked out past her, she didn't grab my hand again—nor initiate contact.
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She simply passed my phone and keys to me as we walked down the hallway, verging toward the familiar dim lobby.
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Where Sienna and Reagan sat.
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"Good morning," I smiled brightly at them both, specifically Sienna whose brows furrowed at my presence.
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Especially this early in the morning.
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"Good morning, River" Sienna said despite her confusion, flashing me a smile.
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"Hopefully your morning is going good," Reagan politely said as her hazel eyes drifted to me, for once not too busy on her computer.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa975wJf2Vn
"So good now—I just had a little emergency," I informed them, glancing over to Nine whose brown eyes were already locked on me, "Thank you for taking the time to help, Dr. Luccino."
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Nine nodded once, "You're welcome," she calmly said, walking past me towards the elevator, which inevitably made me follow behind her.
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"Bye girls," I said sweetly, waving to them as Nine pressed the elevator button for me.
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"Bye," they both said back, smiling politely at me as I walked on the elevator.
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"Have a good day, River" Nine said, watching as I clicked the ground level.
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"You too," I murmured, my lips twitching up in a knowing smile that her brown eyes noticeably zoned in on.
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At least until the shiny doors smoothly closed, leaving me alone on the quiet elevator with excitement coursing through me.
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There was also a nervousness to it all, thinking about this evening and the check-up she would be taking me to.
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Or even the overnight bag I would be packing.
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I pushed the idea of this evening away, deciding to focus on breakfast instead.
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Or my second breakfast technically.
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Now it feels like a routine to go over to Zion and Sid's since Zion and I have class right after.
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It felt like so much had shifted since I had lunch with them yesterday.
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I just couldn't spare a single detail of it.
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One topic I knew I should mention was Kai.
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It wouldn't hurt to hear their input—I need to be cautious anyway after what Kai did last time.
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I unconsciously rehearsed ways I would tell Zion and Sid on the way to their apartment.
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Even as I made it to their place and headed past the lobby, I continued to prepare myself for the worst reactions.
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I expected them to be mad after all the work they put into helping me.
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Maybe lecture me on how it's a bad idea.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuO6BlophBg
Or mention that it's too soon to try being friends again?
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Ugh, I just know they're going to be so upset.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOha36yA49a
"That's it?"
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2Wk85ZURhp
I blinked a few times, glancing between Zion and Sid, processing their reactions to the news about Kai and me.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvdtGOxBLka
"Yeah...?" I trailed off hesitantly, feeling confused by their lack of a reaction.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMayVF9ZlQ
"Girl we knew you would eventually make up," Sid said, smiling as she cut into the large buttery pancake on the plate in front of her.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Fz2zzhZuC
"It's all good, Rivs," Zion assured me, noticing how nervous I was to tell them, "We just wanted to help, but they're your life decisions to make."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡomfxYPxtiT
I pursed my lips into a smile, "I appreciate that," I murmured, finding their understanding entirely relieving.
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I just didn't want to disappoint them I think.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVSmjoZzb4P
"So catch us up. Did you have a talk with her?" Sid asked, chewing a few times as she reached for her orange juice.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSw95p9MMxh
I nodded as I glanced down, cutting into my pancake,
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTxrosoLffQ
"I did, and I think she really got the picture," I briefly explained, "I even said I wouldn't be her friend if she doesn't change."
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Sid immediately lifted her hand for a high five, making me laugh as I reached my own hand up to smack against hers.
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"Look at you—boss girl shit," Sid said with a smile as our hands fell apart, making my lips twitch up slightly.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlOiy3Aqun
"You did good, Rivs" Zion said as he took a bite of his bacon, "All you needed was some space really."
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYLQtdhO2m
I nodded a few times, "Yeah I think so too," I said, poking my fork into the piece of pancake I cut off.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkMYSzJctbR
Life officially feels so fucking good.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeILlbdmiIQ
I got my way, and a little more than I begged for.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHYTi4bzqiE
What is there to complain about?
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJq51Em0STT
I can't wait for this evening—just after the little check-up.
6Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnMNFpDLngp
Then everything will be on track.
ns216.73.216.176da2
