Page 41 of Complete Me

Kaino’s dark brows draw down in concern. “What will we tell people?”

And there’s another issue I don’t really want to think about. Bjorn frowns. “What do you mean?”

“What do we tell people about our relationship? It doesn’t matter to me. I don’t have any family or a job that will judge. But Xander, you have parents to tell. And with your tenure application under review, I know you want to be careful with the university. Bjorn, your siblings might care.”

Bjorn shakes his head and grins. “Nope. My family isn’t going to blink an eye. They might actually celebrate that I have other people to focus on. They’ll be excited that I’ll butt out of their lives.”

They both look at me. “I’m not planning to tell the university anything unless it becomes necessary.” I don’t know what would constitute being necessary, but I suppose I’ll know it when it happens. “Until then, it’s none of their business. We’re also getting a bit ahead of ourselves. This might not work out. I really hope it does, but who knows?”

Bjorn drags his fingers through his beard. “That’s fair.” We’re all quiet for a moment while we absorb that truth. “Anything else we need to cover?”

“We haven’t discussed Kaino being a dom.”

There’s sputtering laughter from Bjorn and grumbling from Kaino’s general direction. “That is not what I said.”

I point at them and wag my finger. “You’re not denying it.”

“I do recall saying if you didn’t behave, I’d spank you.”

I shrug. “And I said I don’t think I’d be into that. But you promised to pamper me if I did behave.” That makes them laugh.

“Someone care to explain?” Bjorn looks utterly confused but also slightly amused.

I take another sip of wine. “Kaino really is a dom.”

Bjorn glances over at them. “Really? I know you said you weren’t when we were at the cafe.”

They sigh in exasperation. “I’m not a dom. I’m a rope top. There’s a difference.” They say it with such vehemence that I giggle. That earns me a stern look. “Xander.”

“What? I can’t help it. Your tone is very bossy. One might even say domineering.”

Bjorn chuckles. “You do have the command voice down pat.”

Kaino sighs like they’re the most put-upon person ever. “Still not a dom.”

I make sad eyes at them and pout. “You promised.”

“You said you’d behave.” They raise an eyebrow at me, and I want to lick it. Who knew I had an eyebrow kink? On second thought, it’s probably a sass kink.

Bjorn mock-glares at me. “Someone tell me what you’re talking about.”

I sigh. “You know how sometimes I get…”

As I search for the word, Kaino supplies one. “Bratty.”

“I do indeed.” Bjorn grins at me.

Pouting slightly, I fiddle with my wine glass. “Kaino said I’d be rewarded if I’m good for them.”

Several emotions cross Bjorn’s face, but before he can say a word, Kaino interjects. “I asked why you act out and what the end goal is. You didn’t think it was to be punished, which is what many brats want.”

I shake my head. “I don’t want punishment, or humiliation.”

Kaino watches me intently. “Then tell me what you do want.”

A shiver of excitement races down my spine. “That. I want that. The way you’re looking at me right now, like I’m fascinating. And edible. And like you want to devour me.” My already half-hard cock thickens. “I want attention. Affection.”

Kaino nods. “Reassurance. Praise.”

---