Page 5 of Over the Line

He looked at her with a newfound respect. When he’d first seen her, he’d had an urge to protect and care for her. Even though he now knew she could hold her own, those instincts hadn’t vanished. “What’s your safe word?”

“Everest.”

Of course it is.

“You don’t need to know why.”

He figured he already knew, but he looked forward to her telling him about it at a later date. “How about a code for slowing down?”

“I don’t believe in that.”

“In that case, we’ll use the word caution.”

She sighed. “If I have to have one, how about we use the word turtle?”

He thumbed his hat. “You trying to insult me, brat?”

“Not at all.” Innocently, she made an invisible halo above her head. “That would be rude. I’m just saying that turtles are slow.”

Not only was she attractive, but quick-witted and intelligent. It had been a long time since a woman had appealed to him on multiple levels. “How do you feel about public play?”

She hesitated for a second. “I’ve never tried it.”

“Are you willing to?”

“I suppose.”

“I prefer a yes or no answer,” he told her. “Unless you’d rather talk about it?”

“No. I mean yes.”

Swiftly, he rebuked her. “Yes, Sir.”

“Yes, Sir,” she dutifully repeated.

“Good girl.”

Though she gritted her teeth, she said nothing. Seemed his demand that she conform to courtesies had hit a nerve. “What kind of impact play do you prefer?”

Before he could ask further questions, she said, “I find an open-handed spanking to be really pleasurable. I also like belts.” She glanced at his waist.

Oh, yeah. He’d happily lay the leather across her sweet, sexy rear.

For a moment, she was quiet. A bit discombobulated, perhaps?

In that moment, an air of vulnerability ghosted through her eyes. But then she blinked and smiled. If he hadn’t been paying attention, he would have missed it.

“I’m also fine with a shoe or a ruler.” She rushed the words together, filling the sudden silence. “Anything, really. Feel free to be creative. I’m okay with a flogger, open to trying a bullwhip or cane. There isn’t a position I’m averse to, over the knee, or a table, or a bed. Standing, lying on top of a spanking bench. Did I miss anything?”

“The ‘Sir’ at the end of your sentence.”

“Of course. Sir.” She gave him another of her sunny smiles.

She seemed so guileless, he’d bet it would be difficult for some Doms to hold her accountable. “Clamps?”

She nodded. “Potentially.” Would the erotic pain help her get off?

“Anal plugs?”

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