Zansi will never forget the look on Flynn’s face when he took the blindfold off her seconds after he came. The look of surprise and tenderness pulled at her heartstrings. She had never felt closer to another human being in her life. Like they were connected somehow.

She was being silly of course; he did this all the time. But for Zansi, this was special, perfect.

Flynn wrapped her in a blanket and carried her to the large leather couch and sat down with her on his lap. He snuggled her close to him. She felt cherished. She now knew why Simone loved coming here. Who wouldn’t?

He kissed her temple. “How are you?” he whispered.

Zansi smiled and purred. “I’m good, how are you?” she asked.

She felt his muscular chest rumble. “I’ve honestly never been better, Zansi. Was it too painful?”

Zansi smiled into his chest. His smell was a unique blend of outdoors, sage, and Flynn. She couldn’t get enough of his scent. His chest, what she could see of it, was broad and muscular. He had a light covering of blond chest hair that tickled her face.

“Let’s just say, I now know what all the fuss is about.”

Flynn laughed. “Will you tell me about yourself?”

Zansi looked thoughtful and pulled away from him so she could see his face. He was serious and so gorgeous it took her breath away.

“Um … I don’t want to go over my time …”

Flynn cupped her cheek. “Zansi, we have all night. I’ve put your money back in your bank account for tonight's visit. It was my honor to be your first. Thank you.”

She was speechless for a moment before she nodded and laid her head back on his shoulder.

“My mother is from India and my dad was American. He worked for an oil company based in London. That’s where my brother and I grew up.”

“You refer to your father as “was,” did he pass away?” Flynn asked softly.

“Yes, my brother Avi had just joined a law firm here in Seattle and I was just finishing up medical school in Boston when he passed. It was about three years ago. I miss him.”

Flynn hugged her tight and kissed her forehead.

“My brother and I thought it would be best if we bought a place here in Seattle and had mom come live with us. She agreed and closed the London house up and moved here. She lived here with us for two years, but she hated it. What I mean is she loved being with my brother and I, but she missed London. She moved back last year. Now it’s just me and Avi.”

“You sound like a close family,” Flynn said, kissing her hair.

Zansi smiled. “Yes, we’re very close.”

Flynn stroked her hair. “My sister and I were close. We were all each other had. When we were little, my parents died in a car crash. We were placed in state custody. We stayed together until we were teenagers and then we got separated. But we always were in touch. Maggie, my sister was so smart. She was a nurse. I was so proud of her. I asked her once who Alice’s father was, but she said he wasn’t in the picture and never would be. I never brought it up again.”

“She was lucky to have you for a brother. Alice is lucky. You’re a good man, Flynn Steele, or should I say Master Flynn Steele.”

Flynn looked down into her eyes. “It’s just Flynn tonight, Zansi. How about we get dressed and I pour us some wine.”

Zansi smiled. “I feel like a queen. Now I know why you have such a cult following.”

A strange look crossed Flynn’s face. He kissed her tenderly before setting her on her feet. Zansi never wanted the night to end.

***

Flynn looked down into Zansi’s angelic face. He didn’t have the heart to tell her that scenes never ended like this. This was all because of her.

The scenes he was involved in always ended on a tender note, but nothing personal. Tonight, was personal. He wanted to know every single thing about Doctor Zansi Patel. He wanted to know what her favorite color was. Her favorite flower, and even what she liked for breakfast. Nothing was too trivial.

Somehow, he felt like he should find out everything he could tonight, because tomorrow he was going to ask her to move in with him. That might be too personal for Zansi. Rightly so, but he needed her. Baby Alice needed her.

***

Zansi sipped her coffee as they began to stroll through the park. She had been worried that it would be awkward between her and Flynn after last night. Not awkward for her, because, well, last night had been the best night of her life. But awkward for Flynn, she now knew the club was his work and separate from his private life. It would be hard to keep his work and private life separate because she had inserted herself right into the middle of his personal life.

She peeked into the stroller to make sure baby Alice was sleeping. As if she didn’t want the baby to hear her confession and be shocked or disappointed in her.

“Um … I first saw you when you moved in. It was fun watching you when I happened to notice you in your driveway. In case you didn’t know, you’re a spectacular specimen of man,” she said, grinning and looking at him shyly.

Flynn looked a little embarrassed, but he grinned back.

“But then I found myself watching out the window all the time to catch you when you got home or went out. It was just a fun crush, but then my brother started noticing. How could he not notice with me hiding in the drapes watching you. He’s always telling me to just walk over and introduce myself.”

“You should have,” Flynn said.

“But then when I walked into that exam room to see you standing there, god, I wanted to die.”

Flynn chuckled. “And then you show up for your first sexual encounter, and I show up. Some would say forces are bringing us together.”

“Godwinks,” Zansi murmured.

“Pardon?”

Heat crept up Zansi’s neck. “Godwinks. That’s what they call a series of happy coincidences. But, speaking of the club …”

Flynn finished his coffee and tossed the empty cup into the trash bin. “Ah, the club. There’s no good way to tell someone that you own a club that caters to sexual fantasies and kinks. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not ashamed in the least. I hold an MBA in business and created a million-dollar company that is expanding faster than I can keep up.”

“Why did you call me to ask me out to dinner when you must have known I had an appointment at the club?” Zansi asked.

“I wanted to tell you the truth before your first experience at the club. I hoped that you would reschedule your appointment and come to dinner with me, instead of literally whispering in your ear, and possibly freaking you out. I didn’t want you to think I was stalking my baby's doctor!”

Zansi laughed. “Ah … no, I would be the stalker!”

Flynn stopped the baby carriage. “Feel free to stalk me anytime,” he said, grinning.

He turned serious and thoughtful. “That was the first time I’ve referred to Alice as my baby. And she is mine. That’s another thing I wanted to talk to you about, Zansi.”

Zansi’s heart sank. She stopped and placed her hand on Flynn’s forearm.

“Listen, about barging into your house like that. I don’t know what I was thinking. In the long run, it will probably do more harm than good when the social worker finds out that it was a lie. I’m afraid she will use it against you.”

Flynn was quiet for a minute. “Well let’s not let her use it against me. Let’s get married.”

They had come to a standstill in the middle of the park, both staring at each other, when Alice began to cry that urgent new baby cry.

Zansi shook her head to clear it and reached in to take the baby. “Do you mind?” she asked.

Flynn smiled softly and shook his head. “Be my guest. Come on, let’s sit down so I can explain better.”

They walked to the nearest empty bench and sat down.

“My older sister, Maggie and I grew up in state custody. It was awful. I can’t let Alice go through that. I won’t let that happen. I’ve hired a good attorney, but even he says it’s a roll of the dice for me because of the club. But if you and I were together, it would bring respectability, I guess, to the situation. I know this sounds crazy, but I will do anything to keep Alice.

“It wouldn’t be forever, just until I was granted the adoption. We could keep our separate lives but live in the same house. I promise I will not intrude on your life any more than is necessary. I will compensate you when we divorce for your sacrifice.”

Zansi made a face at Flynn and fished in the stroller for Alice’s bottle.

“I wouldn’t need compensation. That sounds like a bribe or something. You’re serious about this?”

Flynn gently stroked Alice’s wispy hair. “Very.”

Zansi sat and thought for a moment. Flynn remained silent beside her.

“It would have to be believable. Nobody could know it was a lie. That’s the only way this will work. If the social worker finds out, she will probably do all that she can to make sure you don’t adopt Alice.”

Flynn nodded. “I agree.”

Zansi stroked Alice’s soft cheek. “I’ll do it,” she whispered.

Flynn seemed to deflate with relief.

“I know you say you won’t take any compensation, but I have already returned all the money you paid the club to your account. You are a member for as long as you choose to be, free of charge. And as a member you can request any master you like.”

Zansi felt her heart drop. Was he encouraging her to be with other masters?

“Wouldn’t us being married be …”

“Zansi, most of the members of the club are married. There’s no judgment, no awkwardness. I want you to feel free to explore your sexuality. That’s what the club is for. The last thing I want to do is hold you back. What you’re doing for Alice and me is … well I will never be able to repay you.”

Zansi handed the bottle to Flynn and laid Alice against her shoulder to burp her.

“But … what if I would feel more comfortable with just you … for now?”

Flynn studied her silently.

“Then I will be your only master … “

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