Page 11 of Derek

Negotiation, Kiriakis. Do not dominate her.

She swallowed and continued. “See, I have a cat, and he doesn’t like to be alone.” She turned her face up again and now looked a bit worried. “Do you like cats? You know, some people don’t. I mean, for all I know, you’re a dog person? Or you don’t like pets; do you like animals? I?—”

“Sonja, slow down, and give me a chance to answer your questions.” Derek put some dominance in his tone. She was working herself into a frenzy, which could ruin their night. “If you’re comfortable having me in your house, I’d be delighted to come home with you tonight. I like cats and dogs and most other animals, although I’m not a fan of reptiles.”

“Oh, okay,” she managed to say.

“So, with that worry out of the way, is it safe for me to assume you’re open to having sex, just not at the club?”

“I think so. I’m not against it here, but just not the first time,” Sonja replied.

“Fair enough,” he said. “Sonja, when I go home with you, having sex isn’t mandatory. I can stay, with or without it, or you can tell me to leave any time you want.”

She nodded. “Okay.”

“When we talked the first time, you told me anal is a soft limit. Why’s that?”

“I don’t enjoy being punished, Derek.”

That was a strange answer. “I wasn’t talking about punishment but anal play and sex. I happen to like it a lot, and I’m interested in finding out if it’s something you would enjoy.”

The horror on her face was evident. “Enjoy?” she exclaimed.

He frowned. “What’s your experience with it, Sonja?”

“Um, it’s usually the way Captain Connor punished me.”

“Explain.” He hoped he kept his voice level. What had the sadist done?

Sonja wiggled on her stool, clearly uncomfortable. “Well, when I was bratty or topping from the bottom, you know, he would punish me.”

He made a noncommittal sound to encourage her to continue.

“Well, whips and such are a hard limit, and humiliation and butt plugs are a soft limit, so that’s what I usually got.”

She looked up at him, and he cocked his head.

“It involves cat ears, a big butt plug with a tail, and corner time, Sir.” She was back to her submissive mindset, and this time he didn’t correct her. He did, however, have difficulties holding back his laughter. Damn, Connor was a superb sadist. He was impressed with his insights into Sonja’s mind. It was the perfect way to punish her, and Derek was certain Sonja had tried to be on her best behavior around the Scotsman. He was a worthy enforcer for the club.

“Do you trust me enough to show you the enjoyment of anal play and a light flogging tonight, baby?” He lifted her hand and could feel a tremor run through her. He hoped it was more anticipation than fear, but he had to tread carefully. His heart told him to take her upstairs, but his mind realized they should stay downstairs with an audience who could help if anything were needed.

“Yes, Sir.” Her steady voice contrasted with her trembling body.

To be sure, he asked, “What are your safewords, baby?”

She reiterated them without hesitation.

“Good,” Derek answered. “Don’t hesitate to use them if you need to.”

He helped her from the barstool and walked over to the St. Andrew’s cross in the main playroom. Sonja’s steps faltered when she realized where they were heading, and he paused to study her reaction. “I want the other Dominants to witness our scene for your safety and comfort, but if you would rather, we can do this upstairs and have more privacy?”

“Why do you keep asking me these questions? You’re the Dom,” she snapped.

“That was rude, babygirl,” Derek said evenly, wondering which side of her would win out. He liked the contradiction in her—strong, independent businesswoman who didn’t take shit from anyone and soft, compliant submissive who wanted to please.

The second part was in control now, and she lowered her head. “I’m sorry, Sir.” Like the time at his place, she made eye contact right after and continued. “I have to make decisions all day, and part of what I like about the lifestyle is that I don’t have to when I’m here.”

“Apology accepted, and thank you for your honesty,” he said. “I’ll be happy to take over control, but I will always ask questions regarding your comfort and preferences.”

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