Page 65 of His Theo

And he obviously thought we were cute too.

“I was…distracted.” Yep. That was the best word to describe it.

“My Theo, are you curious about the use of denial and restraints in domination-based sexual pleasures?” His utter delight at being able to ask that question made me groan. “Your limits list indicated that it would be acceptable as punishment or pleasure.”

I was an idiot.

“Um, we should probably talk about food first.” Yes, that was a much better plan. “Where are we going?”

Did he have any idea he was walking us toward a really expensive Italian restaurant?

Noodles should never cost that much.

“We are eating, my Theo.” Giving me another “it’s okay” kind of pat, he smiled. “I enjoy watching you consume the food labeled as spaghetti.”

At least I didn’t have to worry about what was for dinner any longer.

Spaghetti.

Chapter 19

“Your anxiety over money must be taken care of before we finish our previous conversation.” Jerker was trying to be nice. I knew that because he’d waited until we’d ordered our drinks and were settled before he charged in to fix the problem, but I still had to fight to keep my anxiety from rising again.

“Thank you.” Keeping Master to myself because there were a few too many people around us for that, I sat straighter and reached for my water. “I know we need to talk about it because it makes me nervous.”

That got a very decisive nod from Jerker but he looked confused too. “Humans find conversations about money to be taboo, but that limit does not happen between mates. Are you aware of this, my Theo?”

“Yes.” But worries weren’t logical. “I’ve just never had a relationship like this before, so I’ve never needed to have money conversations.”

Fuck.

I could talk about sex positions and not paychecks.

What kind of fucked up was that?

“Not the mate thing but just a long-term relationship where I matter to someone.” That sounded terrible but I kept going. “You’re the only guy I’ve ever thought about having a future with. This is new.”

Puffing up with pride for some reason, Jerker didn’t make me wait long to figure out what he’d liked hearing. “Yes, our relationship is special and I am your only mate. Human or not. Having conversations about things like money will help you to remember that.”

Oh.

Yeah, that did make him special.

Finally getting what was making him so confident, I had to smile. “You’re very special to me and thank you for being patient when I worry about things that don’t seem rational.”

Just thinking about it, he probably had to remind himself a lot that I wasn’t completely inane.

“Our brains do not process information the same way, so the same results cannot be expected.” He shrugged before reaching out with one tentacle and holding my hand. “In this discussion, I think that means I should explain my money life in more detail.”

Finances.

But yes.

“That would be helpful, but I just want you to remember that even though I feel anxious, this is a conversation I want to have.” For a variety of reasons, not just because the menu would give me an ulcer otherwise.

“Anxiety in humans is not always something that can be avoided.” He almost sighed as he said it, but I was just glad he understood what I was trying to say.

“Yeah, sorry about that.” For a whole species of Type-A Doms, that had to make them anxious too. Which was actually kind of ironic even though I knew Jerker wouldn’t see it that way.

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