Slipping Into Her World (4/14)

Lucas sat obediently in front of the vanity, his hands resting in his lap as Brittany rummaged through her bag of makeup. He loved these moments—being guided by her, feeling her hands tilt his chin or sweep across his cheeks as she applied foundation. There was something undeniably soothing about giving up control, letting her mold him. He’d started to crave it.

As Brittany pulled out a palette of soft neutral tones, she paused, her gaze lingering on his reflection in the mirror. “You know what?” she said, smirking and setting the palette down. “I think it’s about time you start learning to do this yourself.”

Lucas blinked, his stomach twisting with uncertainty. “Me? I don’t think I—”

She cut him off with a wave of her hand. “Don’t even try that, princess. You’ve been watching me for weeks now. It’s time to put those pretty little hands to work.”

His heart sank slightly. He didn’t want to do it himself. He preferred sitting here, helpless, as she worked her magic. Surrendering to her touch had become part of the ritual. Still, something about the challenge stirred a tiny thrill deep inside him.

“Alright,” he muttered, trying to mask his hesitation.

Brittany clapped her hands together. “That’s the spirit! Don’t worry, I’ll guide you every step of the way.”

For the next few hours, the room was filled with Brittany’s patient instructions and Lucas’s shaky attempts to follow them. She started with the basics: foundation, concealer, contour. Every time he got something wrong, she teased him mercilessly, but her laughter was warm and encouraging.

“Blend it out more,” she said, leaning over his shoulder. “No, honey, you’re not painting a wall. Softer. Like this.” She grabbed his wrist and guided the sponge in smooth, circular motions. “There you go. Now you’re looking flawless.”

Next came the eyes, where Lucas struggled most. The eyeliner was a nightmare. He groaned in frustration as the pencil slipped for the third time, leaving a jagged line that looked more like a toddler’s drawing than a sharp wing.

Brittany giggled. “It’s okay, you’ll get it. Besides, no one nails the wings on their first try. Here, let me show you a trick.” She demonstrated, pulling the line out effortlessly, and Lucas couldn’t help but marvel at her skill.

Each session after that was almost entirely focused on practice. Brittany would sit back with a glass of wine, arms crossed, as Lucas fumbled through each step under her watchful eye. She corrected him when he got something wrong but always made sure to praise his progress.

By the fourth session, he was finally starting to get the hang of it.

Today, as Brittany walked in, Lucas already had everything set up—the foundation, the brushes, the palettes. He was nervous but determined to show her what he’d learned.

“Alright, darling,” Brittany said, settling into the chair behind him. “Let’s see what you’ve got. Full glam today. I want to be wowed.”

Lucas nodded, swallowing hard as he started. He moved slowly, carefully layering foundation and blending it out until it was seamless. His hands were steadier than they’d been before, his movements more confident. He added a soft contour to his cheeks, brushed blush onto his skin, and highlighted his features until his face glowed under the light.

When it came to the eyes, he took a deep breath, steadying himself. He applied a shimmering taupe shadow, blending it into the crease before reaching for the eyeliner. With slow, deliberate strokes, he pulled the pencil across his lid, creating a wing that was sharper than anything he’d ever managed before.

Finally, he finished with a swipe of mascara and a nude lipstick. He set the tube down and glanced at Brittany through the mirror, his heart pounding. “Well?”

She leaned in, studying his face with a critical eye. Then a smile spread across her lips. “You nailed it, princess. Absolutely stunning.”

Lucas felt a swell of pride. He’d done it—on his own.

“Now,” Brittany added, standing and gesturing toward his closet. “Go pick out something sexy to match the look.”

Lucas hesitated for a moment before heading to his closet. His hand brushed over the outfits they’d picked out on their mall trip, before settling on a daring choice—a sheer black bodysuit that clung to his body like a second skin, paired with polka-dot tights that added a playful yet sultry touch. He completed the look with sleek black heels that gleamed under the light, their sharp stiletto heels adding an extra inch of confidence. Taking a deep breath, he stepped back into the room.

Brittany’s eyes widened slightly as he walked in, and a slow smile curled across her lips. “Wow, Lucas. Just… wow. You look absolutely incredible.”

He felt a blush creeping across his cheeks as he smoothed his hands over the bodysuit, the soft fabric hugging his skin perfectly. “You really think so?”

“I know so,” she said, circling him like a predator inspecting her prey. “You don’t even need me anymore.”

Lucas’s smile faded, the faintest trace of worry settling in his eyes as her words hung in the air.