a second One ;)

The scent of freshly brewed coffee filled the small café, mingling with the quiet hum of conversation and the occasional clink of cups. Bree sat nervously at a corner table, her eyes flitting to the entrance every few seconds. She had arrived early—too early—but she couldn’t help it. Her heart fluttered with excitement and anticipation.

She checked her phone for the third time in the past five minutes.

Bree: Hey! Just got here a bit early. No rush, of course. Looking forward to seeing you!

The little "sent" notification gave her a strange thrill. It wasn’t like Miranda ever left her waiting for long, but still—Bree craved her attention, her presence, her praise.

When the door opened and Miranda stepped inside, Bree’s face lit up, her heart skipping a beat. She looked as effortlessly elegant as always, her dark hair perfectly styled, her blazer tailored to fit her form with precision. Her presence commanded the room without her even trying.

She’s perfect. Bree’s thoughts tumbled over themselves. Absolutely perfect.

Miranda spotted Bree immediately, offering a soft, knowing smile as she made her way over to the table. Bree stood, smoothing her skirt nervously.

“Miranda!” Bree’s voice carried a little too much enthusiasm, and she winced internally at her own eagerness. “You made it.”

Miranda smiled again, her gaze steady. “Of course. It’s good to see you.”

They sat, and the conversation began easily enough—small talk about work, a few anecdotes about the latest inmate drama. But Bree couldn’t focus. Her attention kept drifting to Miranda’s lips, her hands, the way her voice seemed to caress every word.

She wanted to reach out. To touch. To connect.

“So,” Bree began after a lull in the conversation, her voice softening, “I’ve been thinking a lot about what you said the other night. About focus. Balance.”

Miranda tilted her head, her faint smile deepening. “Have you?”

Bree nodded, leaning in slightly. “Yeah. It really stuck with me. I’ve been trying to apply it, you know? At work, during my runs... even at home. And honestly, it’s made such a difference.”

Miranda sipped her coffee, watching Bree carefully. Her gaze was steady, unreadable, but Bree felt a flutter of hope at the thought that she might be impressing her mentor.

“I really wanted to thank you for that,” Bree continued, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the table. “You’ve been such a huge influence on me.”

Miranda’s lips curved into a faint smirk. “I’m glad to hear that.”

Bree’s heart raced at the words. She’s glad. I’m making an impression.

After a moment, Miranda reached into her handbag, pulling out her phone. Bree’s eyes widened with curiosity as Miranda slid the phone across the table, showing a playlist titled:

“For Bree – Focus and Clarity”

“You made me a playlist?” Bree’s voice was barely above a whisper, a mix of surprise and delight coloring her tone.

“I did,” Miranda said softly. “You mentioned that music helps you during your runs. I thought this might keep you in the right mindset.”

Bree’s cheeks flushed with excitement, her fingers trembling slightly as she took the phone. “This... This means a lot. Thank you.”

Miranda leaned back, studying Bree’s reaction with quiet amusement. The younger woman was practically glowing with gratitude, her gaze flicking between the playlist and Miranda’s face.

“This is so thoughtful,” Bree whispered, biting her lip. Her mind raced with emotions—gratitude, admiration, infatuation. She thought of me. Took time for me.

They chatted for a while longer, but Bree was barely aware of the words being exchanged. Her thoughts kept circling back to the playlist, to the way Miranda’s voice wrapped around each word with effortless grace.

Her desire to get closer burned hotter with each passing second.

Finally, as they stood to leave, Bree lingered. She couldn’t let the moment end just yet.

“Miranda...” Bree’s voice was hesitant, nervous.

Miranda paused, tilting her head. “Yes?”

“I really... I really appreciate everything you’ve done for me,” Bree said, her voice trembling slightly. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Miranda smiled softly, stepping closer. “You’re stronger than you think, Bree. You just need the right guidance.”

The words sent a shiver down Bree’s spine, and before she could stop herself, she reached out—placing her hands gently on Miranda’s waist.

For a moment, Miranda didn’t move. Bree held her breath, waiting, hoping.

Slowly, Miranda placed her hands over Bree’s, gently but firmly guiding them away.

“Careful, Bree,” Miranda murmured, her voice low and teasing. “Patience is important.”

Bree’s cheeks burned with embarrassment. “I just... I’m sorry. I—”

Miranda’s gaze softened, though her smile remained mysterious. “There’s no need to apologize. I understand.”

But Bree couldn’t help feeling frustrated. She wanted more. Needed more. The lingering touch, the subtle brush of Miranda’s hand against hers—it wasn’t enough.

As they walked to their cars, Bree made one last attempt. She leaned in for a hug, letting her hands linger on Miranda’s back, sliding lower toward her waist. Her fingers twitched, aching to slide even lower.

Miranda tensed slightly but didn’t pull away. Instead, she placed her hands gently on Bree’s shoulders, holding her at arm’s length with a soft, amused smile.

“You’re sweet,” Miranda said softly, her voice carrying both warmth and distance.

Bree’s heart sank slightly. “I just... I really enjoy spending time with you.”

“I know,” Miranda replied, her fingers brushing Bree’s cheek briefly before pulling back. “And I enjoy spending time with you, too.”

Her touch lingered just long enough to make Bree’s pulse quicken, then she stepped back, creating deliberate distance.

“Take care, Bree,” Miranda said, her tone as calm and composed as ever.

As she walked away, Bree watched her, her frustration mounting. Why won’t she let me get closer? Her lips tingled from the brief contact, and her mind replayed every touch, every glance, every word.

Maybe I’m pushing too hard. Maybe she’s waiting for me to prove myself.

Sliding into her car, Bree pulled out her phone and opened the playlist Miranda had made. She slipped her earbuds in, eager to hear the music her mentor had chosen just for her.

As Bree began her run later that evening, the music filled her ears. The melodies were soothing, the rhythms steady, but beneath the surface, subtle messages whispered through each track.

Track 1: You love to serve. You love to please.

Track 2: Your purpose is to make her proud. Her praise is your reward.

Track 3: You feel complete when you follow her guidance.

Track 4: Obedience is pleasure. Submission is freedom.

Track 5: Her needs come first. Your happiness comes from serving her.

Bree felt her mind relax as the music played, her steps growing lighter. The words didn’t register consciously, but they wove themselves into her thoughts, shaping her desires.

By the time she finished her run, she was smiling.