Mutual Interest

Author's note: Hey there! I hope you're having a wonderful day! Just a quick interruption in your scheduled reading to inform you that I've created a Discord server around hypnosis, mind control and transformations, with a focus on concept stories. I'll also keep everyone updated about my upcoming stories (big novel underway) there. Feel free to join!

I parked my new Porsche in one of the downtown spots, enjoying the smooth purr of the engine as I shut it off. March had brought with it the first hints of spring—the afternoon sun cast long shadows between buildings, and a few determined flowers had started pushing through planters along the sidewalk, though there was still a bite in the air that required a light jacket.

Claudia was already waiting outside the coffee shop she'd suggested, and seeing her in "civilian" clothes hit me with an unexpected wave of butterflies. Gone was the formal waitress uniform; instead, she wore high-waisted jeans that hugged her curves perfectly, ankle boots with a slight heel, and an oversized cream sweater that slipped off one shoulder. Her dark hair fell loose around her shoulders instead of being pulled back in the tight bun I'd seen at the restaurant. She looked beautiful in a casual, effortless way that made my mouth go dry.

When she spotted my car, her eyebrows shot up in appreciation, though her smile had a teasing edge. "Nice ride," she said as I approached. "Compensating for something?"

I cringed visibly. "That's exactly what I was trying to avoid..."

She laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "I'm just messing with you. Though I have to say, it's a lot nicer than what I imagined you'd drive."

"I wasn't driving anything," I confessed. "I usually took the bus."

"Ah, so it's bus to Porsche. No intermediate steps. Got it." She extended her hand formally, eyes twinkling. "Claudia Moreno, by the way. Since we kind of skipped the proper introductions last time."

I took her hand, feeling awkward and tongue-tied. "Oliver Moore. Hi."

"Hi yourself," she chuckled, seeming perfectly relaxed. "So, do you have Mrs. Beaumont to thank for this fancy new car?"

"Actually," I said, finding my footing a bit, "the CEO of Winters Pharmaceuticals paid for it. And I made sure she'll be paying for more."

Claudia's eyes widened. "Winters? The Cardiavax people?" When I nodded, she grinned. "That's actually pretty cool. Corporate karma."

She gestured toward the entrance, and I followed her into the coffee shop, which was all exposed brick, mismatched furniture, and the rich aroma of freshly ground beans. I had no idea what to say or do next. This wasn't like commanding a woman to do something—this was an actual date, or at least it felt like one, and I was completely out of practice.

Claudia watched me squirm with obvious amusement. "You know," she said, leaning forward slightly, "for a guy who literally owns me, you're being weirdly nervous."

"You're acting totally different from when I last saw you," I offered as an excuse, fidgeting with a sugar packet.

She snorted. "The last time you saw me, I served you drinks with my tits out, and then you fucked me on a dining table. I'm not sure that was the best representation of my personality."

I felt my face heat up. "Fair point."

"Let me guess what you're having," I said, studying Claudia as we approached the counter. "Something complicated with at least three modifiers. Oat milk latte with… vanilla and cinnamon?"

She shook her head, amused. "Not even close. Sweet, sure but simple. Caramel macchiato, with cream. Your turn—I bet you're a black coffee guy trying to look tough, but you actually hate the taste and dump sugar in when no one's looking."

"That's… uncomfortably accurate," I admitted, feeling oddly exposed.

As we waited for our drinks, I noticed two women at a nearby table glancing our way, then whispering to each other. They stood up, clearly intending to approach me. Without thinking, I fixed them with a stern look and gave a subtle shake of my head. They immediately sat back down, looking chastened.

Claudia bit her lip, clearly finding the whole thing entertaining. "Does that happen a lot now?"

"More than I'd like," I sighed as we collected our drinks and found a table by the window. "Your turn to share. Tell me something about yourself that isn't related to serving food or… you know."

"Let's see," she said, stirring cream into her macchiato. "I'm thirty-one, originally from Chicago, moved here five years ago. I have a degree in hospitality management that I'm still paying off, which is why I work at Le Petit Château despite the occasionally demanding clientele." She shot me a pointed look, but her eyes were playful. "I have a cat named Chairman Meow who hates everyone except me, and an annoying roommate named Sophia who loves everyone except me. Your turn."

And just like that, we fell into an easy rhythm, trading questions and answers like tennis players rallying.

"Favorite movie?" she asked.

"The original Star Wars trilogy, but if I'm being honest, I've watched The Princess Bride more times than I can count."

"Good answer. Mine's The Godfather, but I cry every time I watch Moana."

"Siblings?"

"One brother, lives in Seattle. You?"

"Only child, unless you count my step-sister Cassandra, which I try not to."

"Morning person or night owl?"

"Night owl, definitely," I said.

"Same. I've never understood people who voluntarily wake up at 5 AM."

"Pineapple on pizza?"

"Absolutely not," we both said simultaneously, then laughed.

"Cats or dogs?" I asked.

"Cats, obviously. Dogs are too needy."

"Dogs, but I respect your wrong opinion," I countered, which made her snort into her coffee.

The conversation flowed naturally, punctuated by laughter and the occasional gentle disagreement. She told me about growing up in Chicago with parents who ran a small neighborhood restaurant, how she'd worked her way through college waiting tables, her dream of opening her own place someday. I learned she spoke fluent Spanish and passable French, had traveled through Europe for six months after college with just a backpack, and had once accidentally set fire to a kitchen while trying to make crêpes Suzette.

"So," she said finally, leaning back in her chair, "what do you do? When you're not commandeering restaurants and making waitresses serve topless, I mean."

I opened my mouth, ready to spin the usual tale about being a "consultant" for my father's company and a brilliant game developer working on revolutionary concepts, making it sound far more impressive than the occasional spreadsheet I reviewed in exchange for a monthly stipend. But something in her direct gaze made me pause. I could command her to be impressed by whatever I said. I could make her worship me. I could have her lust after me and beg for my cock, like she had two days ago, but I didn't want that right now.

"Honestly?" I said, setting down my empty cup. "Not much. I get money from my dad's company for doing basically nothing. I play a lot of video games. My apartment was a disaster zone until today when I made my neighbor clean it. I'm thirty-two and I have no real direction in life, which, who knows, might be why the universe decided to play this cosmic joke by making me the owner of all women."

I expected disgust or at least disappointment, but instead, Claudia's lips quirked up in a half-smile.

"Well," she said, "at least you're honest about it." She took a sip of her coffee, her eyes never leaving mine. "So, what did you have in mind when you contacted me again? Why did you want to see me? I mean... I'm surprised you didn't just have me come over your place for some more quick and dirty fun. It would have been the simplest thing to do."

The directness of her question caught me off guard. I fidgeted with my empty cup, suddenly unsure of myself. "I, uh… I thought you were really cute at the restaurant," I admitted, then quickly added, "And I don't just mean because you were hot and a nice, um, free-use… you know." I winced at my own awkwardness. "That came out wrong."

She laughed, the sound warm and genuine. "No, I get it. You saw me naked, had sex with me, and then thought, 'Hmm, I wonder what her personality is like?'"

"No! I mean, yes, but no."

"Relax," she said, still chuckling. "I'm messing with you."

I sighed and shook my head. "Can I ask you something too?" I said, leaning forward. "Why did you agree to meet me? I didn't command you to do it."

"No, you didn't," she confirmed, a slight blush coloring her cheeks though her composure remained intact. "Let's just say I was… intrigued. I never thought I'd ever get... fucked in public like that, commanded to feel pure lust for someone and to... lose all inhibition." She shrugged one shoulder, the sweater slipping further to reveal her collarbone. "It was an experience."

"You… liked it?" I asked, genuinely surprised. "After the fact, I mean."

"I liked it during," she said, holding my gaze. "And after." Her confidence seemed to crack slightly as she continued. "I'm into that sort of thing. Well, in theory at least. I'd never really explored anything like that outside the bedroom before—just some light BDSM with my girlfriend."

"Your girlfriend?" I repeated, feeling an unexpected pang of jealousy. "Wait, if you have a girlfriend, what are you expecting from… this?" I gestured between us, confused.

Claudia's expression was a mix of flattery and alarm at my reaction, but she covered it with a light laugh. "I'm in an open relationship. And I'm bisexual, in case that wasn't obvious." She took a sip of her coffee, studying me over the rim. "Though I suppose it wouldn't have made much difference to you if I were gay and exclusive, would it? Since you can apparently make me feel, think, or do anything you want." The way she said it, it didn't sound like an accusation, quite the opposite actually. It sounded more like... fascination.

"Wait, does that… turn you on?" I asked, lowering my voice. "The fact that I could make you do or feel anything?"

She bit her lower lip, checking again to make sure no one was within earshot. "Yes," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Especially… playing with my mind. Or the minds of others, with or for me." Her eyes met mine, a mixture of vulnerability and desire in them. "I've always fantasized about that kind of thing, but it's not exactly something you can just ask for on a normal date. And... Well, there are ways to do it, sorta, with hypnosis and stuff, but it's just not the same thing as you being able to just... make it happen."

I sat back, feeling dumbfounded. Part of me was intrigued, but another part felt oddly disappointed. "So you only met me because you saw me as, what, some kind of… sexual experiment? A way to explore your fantasies?"

Claudia raised an eyebrow. "Hang on. You're the one who experimented with your sexuality on me first, remember?" Her tone wasn't accusatory, just matter-of-fact. "Besides, we don't actually know each other. It might be a bit unfair to expect more than that right off the bat, don't you think?"

She had a point. What had I expected? That she'd be swept off her feet by my charming personality after I'd used my power to have sex with her? If I was being realistic, the fact that she was here at all, that we seemed to have things in common and good conversational chemistry, was more than I could have hoped for.

"You're right," I conceded. "Sorry, that was… I don't know what I was thinking."

"Hey, no harm done," she said, her smile returning. "For what it's worth, I'm enjoying getting to know you. You're funnier than I expected."

"Thanks, I think?" I glanced at my watch. "Want to go somewhere else? Maybe your place?"

Her eyes sparkled with mischief. "Is that an order?"

I recognized the challenge in her eyes. She wanted me to command her, to give her a taste of what had fascinated her. But I wasn't ready to give in so easily. "Just a suggestion," I replied with a casual shrug.

She straightened her posture and adopted the formal tone she'd used at the restaurant. "Excellent suggestion, sir," she said, then broke into a grin that made my heart skip a beat.