Page 20 of T is for…

“This is the start of the negotiation.”

“No, this is you backing out after we’d just agreed we were doing this.” Tara’s expression was cool and professional. He’d seen that look on her face in meetings and when she presented at conferences.

And he knew it wasn’t real; it was a mask. She only looked like that when she was actively hiding her thoughts and feelings.

“Don’t,” he snarled.

“Don’t what?”

“Don’t hide. Not from me.”

Her breath caught, and she blinked. “You’re hiding from me. That’s why you’ve just changed your mind about this.”

“I didn’t change my mind, but you’re going to.”

“Ah, so now you know me so well you can predict what I’ll do? Please, tell me all about myself.”

Frustration rode him and he turned just his head to look at her. “Answer the question. What kind of Dom do you think I am?”

She opened her mouth, then paused. Her cool, intelligent gaze focused on his face, then slid down his body, seeming to assess his leathers.

“I’ll answer if, once I do, you tell me what kind of sub you think I am.”

He nodded. “Agreed.”

Tara looked him over once more. “I think you’re focused and precise. When you scene, you’re entirely present in that moment.”

He nodded, not in agreement but to acknowledge her statement. “And what kind of play do I prefer?”

She shifted, rocking her weight a little. Her voice wasn’t as confident now. “You’re rules-focused. Some of those rules are impossible to follow—a way to punish your sub. That’s part of the game, and you and your partner both understand how to play it.”

“High protocol?”

She wiggled her hand side to side in a “maybe” motion. “I wouldn’t be surprised, but I don’t think you’d be that formal. I don’t think you want your sub always looking at the ground, or only speaking when given permission.”

This time his nod was one of agreement.

“I think that you’re careful and thorough, and you make sure you and your partner are both satisfied by the time the scene is over.”

Her voice was a bit breathy now, and her chest was rising and falling with deep inhalations.

Nathan looked at her. “Careful, thorough, and rule-oriented.”

“Yes. Though there was more nuance in what I said.”

“Fair.”

“So, was I right?” she asked.

“I am careful. Any Dom who isn’t doesn’t deserve the title.”

“True.”

“And thorough? Definitely so.”

Tara was watching him, assessing. “But?”

“But,” he agreed with a small smile. “I am not rule-oriented when I play.”

---