✔️ The Arrangement (A Kinky Romance) [1st Draft]

Introduction to the Lifestyle

"Selene, this is Ahmed. He's a security specialist and will be coming with us," Nick said by way of introduction outside of the plane. "He's going to keep an eye on things."

Selene frowned. "I saw you outside the restaurant yesterday when I was coming out."

Ahmed grinned. "Yes, ma'am, I was. You are very observant."

"I'm going to wait inside," she told Nick before she turned to head up the stairs that lead into the plane.

Nick's brow was creased as he watched her. "I'm sorry. I wasn't expecting that. She's usually much more friendly."

Ahmed watched her retreating form. "You've just told her a complete stranger is watching her and supposed to help keep her safe. She only trusts you. That doesn't extend to anyone you hire," Ahmed explained. "To be perfectly honest, I think it went rather well."

Nick eyed the man a moment and shook his head. "If you say so. That's still unusual behavior from her."

"Trust me, Nick. That's not abnormal. I've been attacked by women who've been where she's been. It is self-preservation. I am a threat until proven otherwise."

Nick sighed. "So, she needs time to get to know you, essentially."

Ahmed nodded slowly. "She'll watch me a while, maybe ask me a lot of questions... just let her do it on her own. Like she did with you, she will take time to trust my motives are true."

"I was hoping she'd be a bit more relaxed," Nick grumbled.

"It will be fine," Ahmed said cheerfully. "Trust me."

Inside the plane, Nick spotted Selene with Rachel and Gail. Rachel was doing most of the talking and Selene was observing Gail and listening carefully.

"Enclosed spaces," Ahmed explained quietly. "I imagine it is quite ingrained for her to be more cautious around people in small spaces."

"I've never noticed it before," Nick admitted.

"How many times have you been stuck in a small space for hours with her and some strangers," Ahmed asked rhetorically.

"Point taken," Nick commented as he made a mental note.

"Hey, do you have room for me," a voice said from the doorway.

Nick turned around to see Tom, smiling and hoisting his old military dufflebag with one hand. He grinned and motioned him in. "I thought you were coming later?"

"I finally managed to talk my boss into letting me go a day early. I had to promise I'd send in some work by Thursday, though," he explained, dropping his bag on the floor.

Gail practically squealed as she saw Tom and rushed over to him, throwing her arms around him. "Master! I'm so happy you are here!"

Nick saw the confused look on Selene's face and watched her lean over and say something to Rachel. He was going to have to explain this; something he probably should have done before. He kicked himself mentally. To her credit, it seemed Rachel was giving Selene some sort of explanation. However, he needed to make the final introduction.

He motioned for her to join him, and Selene rose to walk to his side. Nick wrapped a hand around her waist. "Selene, this is Tom Reilly. We've known each other for about 15 years now and he's a trusted friend."

Selene smiled a bit nervously at him. "Hello."

Tom reached out to shake her hand, a warm smile on his face. "I've heard a lot about you. I have to thank you for making my man here so happy. I imagine we'll get along quite well," he added confidently.