Page 39 of Nikolai (Kansas City Reapers)

“Oh really? And why do you think that?”

“Because rhetoric like that is beneath people like you and me, obviously.”

“People like you and I?” I found myself intrigued, closing my book and folding my hands over my abdomen with an air of nonchalance I didnotfeel.

“People who cannot mix business with pleasure areworried about one of two things. Either there are ramifications of the legal or policy-based sort, or they are concerned about complicating a situation because they cannot handle their emotions,” she explained, incessantly pacing as she ticked off the examples on her fingers.

“Makes sense.”

“Exactly. And neither of those two situations apply here,” she said emphatically, finally ceasing her pacing and turning to look at me.

“How do you figure?” I re-situated, sitting up further on the bed.

“Because Niko. First of all, there are no legal or policy regulations here. From what I understand, this entire situation is basically off the record. There is no law that states you aren’t allowed to fuck someone you’re protecting. And second, you and I have no emotional connection. This isn’t some rom-com movie where the guy and girl fall madly in love. This is just two people scratching an itch.”

“Scratching an itch, huh?” I couldn’t hold back my smirk, crossing my arms over my chest again as she sat on the edge of my bed. The thought of her in my bed had been a fantasy I’d replayed countless times in my mind over these last few days.

“You know what I mean. My issue is that instead of talking to me like the grown-ass woman I am, you made a decisionforme, without my consent. And based on what I know, I would have thought that a Dominant such as yourself would regard consent with a little more importance than you did.” Her scowl of disapproval was not missed on my part, but her words shocked me.

“And what doyouknow about Dominants and consent?” My interest nowgreatlypiqued, I sat up fully, regarding her with a curious gaze.

“Quite a bit, actually. I know the importance of communication and negotiation in the BDSM lifestyle. I understand how important consent is, and keeping strict boundaries,” she explained, shocking me further.

“And how do you know that?”

“Well, I knew a little before I came here, though most of that was through bad movies and such. But after reading this book Jax lent me—”

“I’m going to kill him,” I muttered under my breath, the truth of the situation becoming clear to me instantly.

“No, you won’t!” She seethed, snapping her fingers at me. “Jax gave me information, though very little.Hetreated me like an adult, whereas you did not.” Her eyes narrowed, regarding me with a challenge I almost wanted to push back against.

“He had no right to tell you about my proclivities.”

“He didn’t. You did. You are the one who admitted to being a Dominant and then left me with no explanation and no information. Do not blame Jax for your poor behavior,” she barked. For a moment, I was taken aback. She was fierce, her eyes alight with fire and passion as she spoke. It would have been a fucking turn-on if she hadn’t been so wildly pissed at me at that very moment.

Who was I kidding? That made it evenmoreof a turn-on.

“Jax gave me a book to read, and I’m thankful for it. I understand much more now. What I donotunderstand is your behavior. Regardless of the situation, you denied methe ability to speak my mind or have any say in what was happening. While it may not change the outcome, I feel I had a right to at least speak my peace.”

“It’s not that simple, Maddy,” I sighed, rubbing my eyes with vexation.

“Then explain it to me like a fucking adult, instead of whatever this behavior is.” I could hear anger simmering just below the surface, but to her credit, she held it at bay, attempting a rational, calm conversation. Possibly the first we’d had since she had arrived.

“Communication and consentarekey in BDSM, and to me personally,” I began.

“Well, you certainly didn’t show me any of that respect the other day,” she huffed, that frustration breaking through the surface finally.

“Please, let me finish.” She nodded her head after a moment, allowing me permission to continue. I had to admit, that didn’t feel the best to my more Dominant nature. “Even when boundaries are set and negotiations are made, they can be easily broken. I know that all too well.”

“Explain further,” she pushed. I bit back a growl.

“It’s complicated.”

“I won’t accept that. Talk to me, dammit,” she huffed.

“It doesn’t concern you,” I bit right back at her.

“If you want me to understand, you’re going to have to start treating me like an adult, Niko. Do you think I can’t handle it? Please. I witnessed a man get his face shot off right in front of me. I can handle much more than you give me credit for.”

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