Chapter 74 Room Preparation
Veronica's POV:
I couldn't believe my ears. "What? There was sex in meditation? Was it even possible to do it with eyes closed? How did that work? "
Theo pressed his lips together, looking down at his shoes. "Well... this is a little unconventional for someone like you to understand."
"Try me," I said immediately, leaning forward. "I am anything but conventional."
That was true, wasn't it? I'd just spent a night at a cabin with Max exploring BDSM dynamics. I'd signed a contract to be courted by two brothers simultaneously.
Conventional had stopped being part of my vocabulary weeks ago.
Theo looked up at me, studying my face like he was trying to understand how serious I was. Then he took a deep breath.
"It's called tantric sex," he began. "It's an ancient practice that came from Hindu and Buddhist traditions. The core principle is about rising energy from the base of your spine... what's called the Muladhara chakra or root chakra... all the way up through each energy center until it reaches the crown of your head."
I nodded slowly, trying to follow.
"The practice uses sexual energy as fuel," he continued. "But instead of releasing that energy through orgasm, you learn to circulate it throughout your body, transforming it from purely physical sensation into spiritual awareness. It's about union... not just with another person, but with yourself, with consciousness itself."
It all sounded too hard to understand. Energy centers? Chakras? Transforming sexual energy into spiritual energy?
It sounded almost gimmicky, like something from a late-night infomercial or a dubious wellness retreat.
Was this all some sort of demonic cult activity?
The question was right there on the tip of my tongue, ready to burst out.
But then I looked at Theo's face... at the sincerity and passion in his expression, the way his eyes lit up when he talked about this practice. He genuinely believed in this, and he was smart... So it must be for real!
And yoga was just spiritual science, wasn't it? That's what Vogue magazine had said in that wellness issue I'd read months ago. It was ancient practices that modern science was only beginning to understand and validate.
"The practice involves slow, conscious movement," Theo continued. "Synchronized breathing between partners. Sustained eye contact. Extended periods of physical union without the goal of climax. The pleasure builds and builds, but instead of chasing release, you learn to ride those waves of sensation, to let them expand throughout your entire body."
The way he explained it... God, he made it sound almost divine. Not just pleasurable, but an out-of-the-world experience.
"And this actually works?" I asked. "People actually experience what you're describing?"
"In my experience, yes," Theo said simply. "Though it requires practice and patience. Most importantly, one needs a willing partner who would understand the intention behind it and cooperate well..."
It took me a long time to even understand half of what he was saying. My logical brain was still skeptical... how can something like this even exist for real?! Still, I didn't want to refuse it.
After all, it was with Theo, and I was ready to do anything with him, even if it didn't make sense.
"It's useless to explain," I said finally, standing up from my chair. "I clearly don't understand any of this theoretically. You're going to have to just show me."
Theo's eyes widened slightly. "Veronica..."
"I'm serious," I interrupted. "I trust you, Theo. Just show me this tantric thing. Let me experience it so I can actually understand what you're talking about instead of just imagining it."
He looked genuinely flabbergasted.
"That's... that would require preparation," he said carefully. "Setting the right environment, creating the proper atmosphere. It's not something I can just..."
"Then prepare," I said. "I'll wait."
He studied my face for another long moment, then nodded slowly. "Okay. Give me about thirty minutes. Wait in the living room area, or go back to your room if you prefer. I'll text you when I'm ready."
"I'll wait in the living room," I said immediately.
"Alright," Theo said, standing. "I'll let you know."
I left his room, my heart pounding with anticipation and nerves and something that felt suspiciously like excitement. I settled onto the couch in the small living room area of the hotel suite, trying to appear calm even though my mind was racing.
Then I heard it.
Theo's voice on the phone with room service. "Yes, I need several scented candles... lavender and sandalwood if you have them. Also, rose petals, if that's possible. Fresh ones, not dried. And... do you have any essential oils? Specifically, ylang-ylang or jasmine?"
My eyebrows rose.
"Yes, I understand it's an unusual request," Theo continued. "I'll pay extra for the convenience. How soon can you have those items delivered? Excellent. Thank you."
A pause, then another call.
"Hi, this is room 111. Is it possible to have the lighting in my room adjusted? I need it much dimmer. Is there a way to control that remotely, or do I need to manually... yes, I see. Thank you."
I could hear him moving around his room, the sound of furniture being shifted. What was he doing in there? My imagination started running wild, building anticipation with each passing minute.
Another phone call, this one quieter. I had to strain to hear.
"...yes, soft instrumental music. Nothing with lyrics. Something meditative... perfect. Can you set that up to play in the room? Through the TV speakers is fine."
He was creating all this?! An environment specifically designed for whatever this tantric practice was supposed to be.
I sat on the couch, my legs bouncing with nervous energy. I checked my phone... only ten minutes had passed.
How was I supposed to wait another twenty?
The room service cart arrived, and I watched through the partially open door as Theo accepted the delivery. I caught glimpses of white candles, a small bowl of rose petals, and amber bottles that must have been the essential oils.
I knew one thing with absolute certainty... whatever Theo was preparing in that room was going to be as intense as my BDSM session with Max.
The thought sent shivers down my spine.
My phone buzzed. A text from Theo.
I'm ready. Come in whenever you feel comfortable.
I stared at the message for a long moment, my thumb hovering over the screen. This was it. The moment of decision.
I could text back that I'd changed my mind, that this was too much, too bizarre, that I needed more time to think.
Or I could stand up, walk to his door, and see what awaited me on the other side.
I couldn't contain my excitement anymore.
I stood up, smoothed down my clothes even though they'd probably be coming off soon, and walked to Theo's door.
My hand trembled slightly as I reached for the handle. 'It's just Theo... I'll enjoy this anyway...' I reminded myself.
Then I opened the door and stepped inside.