The music swelled as Ellie’s thoughts skittered around her head. BDSM was supposed to be about communication, but, other than explaining her hard and soft limits, Ellie really hated talking. Doms that tried to get inside her head didn’t get more than one scene with her. Inside her head sucked; she knew it, and she didn’t feel like sharing her messed up thoughts with anyone else. She also didn’t like having her boundaries pushed, and she’d known Michael wouldn’t let her get away with that. Even in high school he’d been insightful.

There was so much of herself she didn’t want him to see.

Maybe she shouldn’t have taken his hand.

But she didn’t like the idea of him leaving her completely alone either.

Indecisive much?

Rather than wallowing in her own issues, Ellie forced herself to focus on the music. The singing really was beautiful, and that was what she was here for after all.

The feel of Ellie’s hand in his was a familiar one, but at the same time it felt completely different than it had in high school. Not just because they were older, but because in high school she’d been so trusting, so open. Now she was guarded, and holding her hand felt like a much bigger deal - because it was.

So it also didn’t surprise him when she tugged her hand away from his to stand up, clapping along with everyone else at the end of the concert, and didn’t return it. Disappointed him, but didn’t surprise him.

Or when she quickly turned and followed Leigh out towards the aisle, without even glancing at him.

What did surprise him was that when she made it to the aisle, she glanced back at him, teeth sinking into her lower lip nervously. Granted, she was blocked from actually leaving by everyone else in the rows behind them, but he was still a little surprised she looked back at him.

“What are you waiting for? Go get her!” Jake whispered from behind him, poking his finger into Michael’s back.

Michael was going to remember that for later.

But it wasn’t bad advice.

He strolled to the end of the aisle, enjoying the way Ellie’s fidgeting increased as he got closer. Anxiety was written in every line of her body, focusing him, making him more hyper-aware of her every movement. Yes, he got off on knowing he was causing her discomfort. After all, he enjoyed mental sadism as much as physical; a good mind fuck could be just as satisfying as a good flogging.