Leah's Seduction: 6 (Gianni and Leah - Leah's Seduction) Read Free Page A

relationship, it’s essential to recognize the difference between infatuation and mutual understanding,” Gianni said.
    “What do you mean exactly?”
    He crossed his legs, resting one ankle over the opposite thigh. “Infatuation happens fast. It’s a natural reaction. Mutual understanding unfolds over time. But that didn’t happen between Ava and me.”
    Gianni was quiet for a moment before continuing. “I didn’t see soon enough that we were going in different directions. And that led to misunderstanding, disappointment, and frustration.”
    “You think Ava was just infatuated with you?” Leah was hung up on that concept, and wondered if Gianni thought the same about her confession of love. But she didn’t think it was the right time to bring it up, and she wasn’t prepared to hear the answer anyway.
    “Of course,” Gianni said. “It’s understandable. Ava had to know without a doubt that I had her safety, both emotional and physical, in mind during every session. That degree of trust, and the scene that follows, involves intense emotion.”
    “Yes, it does for me.”
    “It would for any woman,” Gianni said, then shook his head. “But I’m not perfect. Not at all.” He looked sad. “I misjudged. And I misread the situation. I regret what Ava went through.”
    “Why was that your fault?”
    “I don’t say fault .” Gianni looked into Leah’s eyes. “But she trusted me, and I was responsible for handling that wisely. When I saw that she wanted more than I was going to give, and that her emotions were magnified, out of proportion to my own…well, I should have acted.”
    Leah’s heart went out to him.
    “Yet I didn’t.” Gianni shook his head. “Then all I could do was minimize the damage as best I could.”
    “It was an honest mistake.”
    “That’s kind of you to see it that way.” Gianni sighed. “All I could really do was move on. And do my best to see that Ava would be all right…without me.”
    “I am sure she will be,” Leah said. “I’m wondering…it seems you put a lot of responsibility on yourself. Is it the same with us?”
    “Yes, it is,” Gianni said. “If I misjudge during a scene…you always have your safe word. But if you had to say that word, it would be clear to me that I hadn’t watched closely enough. I’d pushed too much. And that could affect your trust. It would be a little like starting over.”
    “That hasn’t happened with us.”
    “No, and that is good. The intimate scenes we experience together depend on me knowing you, and how you feel. It’s an empathic process, where I am aware of your reactions, both physical and emotional.”
    Leah stood and went over to him. She sat on the padded arm of the chair, and Gianni put his arm around her. “You asked me to tell you how I feel about what we do, about certain scenes. Yet it seems that you often know. You can tell without me saying anything.”
    “I try to.” Gianni looked thoughtful. “But that’s not enough. I need to hear what you feel when we are together. Some things can’t be sensed. They must be spoken.” He pulled her onto his lap and ran a fingertip over her lips.
    Leah touched his cheek, wanting to fall into him.
    “I want to hear you say it,” he said. “What is it like for you when we try a new scene? What do you feel when you don’t know what to expect? Do you trust me? Is there anything you want to tell me about what you like, or what you don’t?”
    His caring words made Leah melt. He did care, and that meant a lot. “As you say, what we do depends on trust. And I do trust you.” She took a breath before continuing. “There is nothing we have done so far that I haven’t liked.”
    Gianni stroked her hair, waiting for her to go on.
    “I admit that sometimes in the beginning I’m nervous. It’s just that it’s new. You might be doing something I haven’t experienced before. I know you won’t hurt me. But just the idea of pain can set off emotions inside