Page 25 of Dancing With Distraction

“There are rules,” I tell her.

“Like?”

I stand, taking her robe and holding it open for her to slip her arms into. She does, and I take her hand, something I seem to do a lot without thinking. “Let’s discuss it in my office.”

She scoffs. “Now, you’re going all business on me.”

Her words play over in my mind all the way back upstairs until we reach my office. For this to work, it has to be arranged just like one of my business deals.

Once inside, I sit behind the desk, putting much needed space between us. She moves around, checking out the books on the shelves. “Law?” she queries, arching a brow.

“I like to know my rights.”

She smirks. “You carry a gun, I’m pretty sure that’s illegal.”

“Sit.” My voice is stern, and she lowers into the seat opposite me. “Rules.”

“Can’t we just have fun?”

I shake my head. “Fun leads to a mess, and I don’t have time for the clean-up. You researched the subjects I suggested?” I ask. and she nods. “So, you know what a Dom/sub relationship is?” She nods again. “I’m a sadist,” I say firmly, and she smirks like this isn’t new information to her. “And if I had to label it, you’re a masochist. It means we’re the perfect match.”

“Wow, we’re already labelling it,” she says, grinning.

“Have you always gotten off on pain?” Her eyes lower and her smile fades. “Victoria?”

“I’ve never tried it as an adult,” she winces, frowning. “I mean, I’ve never had a man try any of that stuff.”

“Not even a throat grab?” She shakes her head. There’s something she isn’t telling me, but I don’t push. It’s the most we’ve spoken since we met, and I don’t want to risk her running out on me.

“But I think . . .” She trails off, her words causing a conflict to play out on her face.

“Victoria, if we’re not open and honest, it won’t work. You have to trust me completely.”

She gives a slight nod and takes a deep breath, “I hate tender touch,” she blurts out. “It makes me sick when a man is gentle and soft, so I never get far in a relationship because I can’t stand it.” I give a knowing nod. “I’ve been on dates that never amount to anything because I just know they’re going to be romantic and sweet, and that gives me the ick.” She releases a long breath.

Her confession is too big to unpack like this. It will take time, so I move on. “Rules,” I repeat. “They’re there for a reason, and you will follow them or our arrangement will stop.” She waits for me to continue. “The safe word is important. When you say it, I’ll stop everything. Don’t ever forget it. I won’t respond to the words ‘no’ or ‘stop’ because there will be times you’ll beg me to stop and not mean it. We’ll only meet when it’s convenient, but if we make arrangements, I expect you to honour them. No excuses.”

“Sounds simple.”

“And you will be required to take the tests to prove you have a clean bill of health. I’ll do the same.” I pause before adding, “It will come to an end.” Her eyes meet mine. “When it does, you’ll walk away and cause me no issues. I don’t respond well to problems.”

She scoffs. “You think you’re so fucking hot, I’d beg you to stay? Please, you’re free to walk away whenever you want.” I nod in agreement. “And so am I,” she adds. I don’t respond, knowing full well she won’t be leaving until I dismiss her. I stand, and she frowns. “Don’t you want to hear my rules?”

“Stay out of your flat.”

“And my business. I don’t need you causing problems in my life either. My private life is exactly that, private.”

I nod, smirking. “Stay out of your business, got it.”

“And no romance.” She shudders for added effect, and I nod. “What about other people?”

My hands tighten on the back of my chair. “What about other people?”

“Can I go on dates?”

“Absolutely not.”

“Excellent. So, you’ve dumped little miss cling-on?”

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