Behind the Mask

Chapter 7

Marissa's POV

I called in and took the day off. Last night had really shaken me up and I just wasn't in the mood to deal with Jackson's hot and cold behavior. When I started the poly relationship with them a year ago, it was fun and safe. They were looking for a scene partner and eventually, we became friends. They knew I had some odd hard limits, and very seldom tried to push them, but here lately, Jackson seemed to be trying to change the rules.

I was mentally kicking myself when a shadow fell over me. "Pastry for your thoughts, sugar," Luke said, holding a plate with a decadent-looking streusel on it.

I gave him a cheeky grin, "I do believe it's supposed to be a penny for your thoughts, Luke."

"Yeah, but who needs a penny? You look like sweets are far more appropriate," he grinned and sat down, pushing the streusel my way and waving a fork in front of me, "By the power of sugary goodness, I compel you to tell me your deepest secrets," he said in an overly dramatic voice that had me laughing instantly. "See, sweets make everything better."

I took a bite of the pastry and moaned, my eyes practically rolling back in my head, "Oh my gods, this is sinful." I looked up to see him staring at me, mouth slightly open, pupils were blown wide. I blushed crimson and hid my face, "Sorry."

"Don't be. I think that's the best vicarious orgasm I've ever experienced," he said a bit breathlessly, then chuckled, "and I don't even know your name, sugar."

I buried my face behind my hands and groaned, "I am mortified."

He tugged at my hands, gently pulling them down, "I'm flattered. I've never heard a woman make sounds like that in bed, so at least I know if nothing else I can ply her with sweets," he chuckled. He held my hand for a moment longer. I liked the way his fingers felt against my skin.

"Marissa," I said quietly. "My name is Marissa."

He flashed a wide smile, "Well Marissa, now that we've experienced our first sexual encounter, why don't you tell me what had you so deep in thought earlier?"

I gawked then sputtered, "Not letting this go are you?"

"Nope, I'm going to milk it for all it's worth. Besides that color of red looks amazing on you," he teased as I blushed again. I gave a soft growl that made him laugh, "If you were going for fierce, sugar, all I'm sensing is a wet kitten." I stuck my tongue out and rolled my eyes as he clasped his hand over his heart, "Oh, no, our first fight. This is moving so quickly."

I couldn't stop the giggle that spilled out of my mouth. "Has anyone ever told you that you're a bit silly?"

His eyes twinkled, "I get that a lot, but then again, if you can't laugh, then what's the point?"

I liked this. It was nice just to sit and talk to someone with no real expectations. "Well, Luke, I guess that's part of what had me so distracted. I'm in a situation that once made me laugh and enjoy life, but lately, it's becoming just the opposite."

"Have anything to do with the woman calling you babygirl the other day?" he asked, "I don't mean to pry, but I am a fairly good listener." Maybe too good. I knew by his reaction the other day that he'd caught Chloe's nickname for me.

I nodded, "It's not like there are real problems, no violence or cheating, it's just not what we originally set it out to be." I really didn't know why I was sitting here spilling my guts to this man, but I was. "It's not a conventional relationship, but it has been a healing process for me, and I value them as friends, but lately, I think they want more than I'm prepared for."

He hummed, his thumb rubbing my hand that I just now realized he was still holding. "When you say they, are you referring to the woman or is this a poly situation?" I blinked rapidly. Most people didn't know about polyamory, let alone understand it. Luke laughed at my expression, "Sugar, I'm southern, not naive." Cue the blush again.