Chapter 297: Comparing Notes
Samuel adjusted the bridge of his glasses once again, masking the subtle flick of irritation that had briefly stirred beneath his calm exterior.
"And during this... experience," He began, leaning forward slightly with his hands neatly resting over the notebook, "did Mr. Collins handle you with appropriate care? Given your physiological sensitivity and lack of prior exposure, it is imperative that partner stimulation is executed correctly. Did he leave you satisfied... or were there aspects of his approach that you found unrefined, unpleasant, or ultimately unsatisfied with?"
April blinked, her mind processing his questioning. She leaned back against the sofa, considering the matter logically. "He was intense, yes, but he didn’t hurt me if that’s what you’re asking. The sensation was intense enough that I reached a climax without direct contact down there. So basically, as an inexperienced person, I would evaluate his execution as effective."
Samuel’s jaw tightened imperceptibly at her direct assessment, a microscopic twitch passing over his brow before he forced his posture to remain impeccably composed.
"Effectiveness in a single isolated instance does not necessarily equal proper technique, Miss April," Samuel noted calmly, tapping his pen against his knee. "Over-stimulation without adequate aftercare can lead to lingering physical discomfort—which may explain the subtle sensitivity you’ve been experiencing today."
April’s eyes widened slightly in realization. "You noticed?"
"I notice everything regarding your well-being," Samuel replied smoothly, turning a page in his notebook to begin the structured lesson. "Which brings us directly to the core objective of our session today."
He adopted a formal, instructional tone, looking at her with absolute seriousness.
"Sex education, particularly for someone of your intelligence, is not merely about understanding physical anatomy or mechanical actions," Samuel explained, his eyes locking onto hers behind his lenses. "It is fundamentally about autonomy, consent, and clear boundaries. When engaged in any intimate act, you must always maintain full authority over what happens to your body."
April listened carefully, taking mental notes of every word. "I understand. I chose to engage in those actions because I was curious and wanted to observe the physical results."
"Curiosity is natural, but you must never feel obligated to satisfy another person’s desires at the expense of your own comfort," Samuel emphasized, his voice firm yet deeply protective. "If a partner—whether it be Mr. Collins, Master Reed or anyone else—asks something of you that causes you even the slightest hesitation, discomfort, or pain, you have the absolute right to refuse immediately. A proper partner will cease instantly without argument."
He tilted his head slightly, his gaze softening just a bit. "Do you understand this rule, Miss April?"
"Yes," April answered without hesitation, her common sense firm and unshakeable. "I wouldn’t allow anyone to force or trick me into something I don’t want. If I dislike it, I will put a stop to it."
Samuel offered a rare, subtle smile of approval, nodding slowly. "Good. That is the most critical foundation."
He leaned back, resting his notebook on his lap as he looked at her with a refined, subtle glint in his dark eyes.
"Now that we have established the boundary protocols," Samuel continued smoothly, "we can proceed to the physiological aspects of intimate response—including how proper care and balanced stimulation should actually feel, should you ever wish to compare notes."
April tilted her head slightly, analyzing his words with her usual calm, structured focus.
"Compare notes?" she repeated softly. "Meaning you intend to demonstrate the difference between unrefined execution and proper technique?"
Samuel’s subtle smile remained, his posture remaining impeccably poised even as a faint, dark warmth crept into his gaze behind his glasses.
"Consider it a comparative study, Miss April," Samuel replied, setting his notebook and pen neatly on the glass coffee table beside her tea. "You chest has been feeling oddly sensitive today—a direct consequence of rough, unrestrained suction applied without proper pacing."
He stood up smoothly, his tall, tailored frame moving with silent, deliberate grace as he stepped closer to the sofa. He didn’t rush or crowd her, leaving plenty of space so she could evaluate his movements with full clarity.
"To understand your own body’s responses," Samuel explained softly, leaning down to place one hand on the sofa back behind her and the other on the armrest, effectively framing her within his calm, protective presence, "you must first learn how to distinguish between overwhelming friction and controlled, respectful touch. It doesn’t have to be rough to feel just as good," he whispered.
April looked up into his dark eyes, completely unbothered by his sudden proximity. Her sharp common sense remained intact, weighing his words against her own physical state. She felt no threat or pressure from him—only the familiar, absolute safety Samuel always provided.
"And how do you propose to demonstrate that?" April asked, her voice steady and curious.
"With your full permission, of course," Samuel murmured silkily, his dark eyes holding hers. "I will show you how gentle, precise stimulation can ease the lingering tension Mr. Collins left behind, without rushing you or pushing past your comfort level. The moment you wish for me to stop, a single word will end it."
April considered the proposition for a second. Her nipples were indeed twitchy and hyper-sensitive from Nat’s relentless enthusiasm, and she was genuinely curious to see how Samuel’s methodical, refined approach would differ. But... this was Samuel. He was a dependable, indispensable asset to her—an irreplaceable presence in her life. She didn’t know if she wanted to cross that line with him just yet.
"Samuel," she began, her voice small and unexpectedly soft in the quiet room. "You... you aren’t doing this out of a mere sense of obligation, are you?"
Samuel paused slightly, his dark eyes meeting hers through his lenses with unwavering focus.
"Nothing I do is against my will, Miss April," he replied softly, his tone completely steady.
April looked up at him, her mind quietly weighing the dynamic between them. She couldn’t help but wonder if his compliance was simply the natural result of his absolute loyalty, and the duty of a dedicated high steward mandated to fulfill her every need and wish without question.
If that was all this was, then Samuel was the one person she truly didn’t want to push or take advantage of. Especially since, unlike the others who wore their chaotic desires so openly, Samuel maintained a pristine, professional boundary. He might not actually harbor any romantic or physical feelings for her at all.
"Sameul, please be honest with me. If you are offering this purely because it falls under taking care of me," April said plainly, her tone serious as she met his gaze, "then you don’t have to. I value your role in my life too much to let duty blur into something you wouldn’t otherwise choose for yourself."