Chapter 1: Introduction
I swept my shoulder-length brown hair back into a high ponytail and tugged on a pair of denim cut-offs, glancing around the apartment I still shared with my ex, Luke. The morning sun streamed through the half-open curtains, casting a warm glow on the once-tidy living room, which was now cluttered with remnants of our happier times along with the frustration of our unsettled future.
I can't believe I'm doing this, I thought, swiping right on another hopeful bachelor's profile.
I scanned the room for any sign of Luke before making my way to the kitchen and pouring myself a generous cup of coffee. The walls of our shared apartment seemed to be closing in around me, each picture and memory serving as a painful reminder of the love we had lost.
I was determined to live my life on my terms, even if that meant exploring new sexual experiences with a string of Tinder encounters.
I took a deep breath and hit send, messaging the latest match to meet up later that night.
Meanwhile, Luke was struggling to come to terms with my decision. I could feel his eyes on me, watching as I moved around the apartment, pretending to be unaffected by his presence. He was a gentle man, and I knew he still loved pleasing me, especially in bed. But I couldn't shake the feeling that he was suffering, silently drowning in the pain of our break-up.
One day, I came home to find him pacing the living room, his face contorted with anger and jealousy.
"I can't take it anymore, Rachael," he exploded. "I can't stand the thought of you with other men."
I froze, unsure of what to say. But as I looked into his warm brown eyes, I saw the desperation in them, and I realized that he was willing to do anything to keep me in his life.
"I'll make a deal with you," he said, pleading.
"If you let me perform oral sex on you after each of your Tinder dates, I won't make you leave the apartment."
I stared at him in disbelief, unsure of how to respond. I had never considered such a proposition before, but as I looked into his eyes, I saw the raw desire and longing burning within him. And I couldn't deny that the idea of it made my body tingle with excitement.
"Why should I agree to that?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
I was taken aback by his proposition, but a part of me couldn't deny the excitement building in my core. I had always known that Luke was a generous lover, one who took pride in pleasing me in every way possible. And I couldn't deny that the idea of having him taste me after each of my Tinder encounters was arousing, to say the least.
He stepped closer to me, his muscular build towering over my petite frame. "I know it's unconventional, but I can't bear the thought of losing you, Rachael.
I still want you, in any way I can have you."
His words sent a shiver down my spine, and I felt the wetness pooling between my legs. I couldn't deny the magnetic pull I felt towards him, even after our breakup. It was a risk, a dangerous game of love and lust that we were about to play.
"Fine," I agreed, my voice barely above a whisper. "But on one condition."
He cocked his head, curiosity piqued.
"What's your condition?"
I looked him directly in the eyes, my voice steady and firm. "You have to swear that you won't fall in love with me again."
Luke hesitated, his gaze flicking back and forth between my eyes and my lips. I could see the conflict in his eyes, the war between his desire for me and his fear of getting hurt again. Finally, he sighed and nodded.
"I swear, Rachael.