“For you,” Alexei told her.

“For all of us,” Salem said. “For instance, we might want to have some date nights alone with you and others where we are all together. We need to respect people’s privacy. Like when you want time alone.”

“Why would she want time alone?” Alexei asked.

“Well, believe it or not, sometimes you can be a lot,” Roman told him.

She had to grin at the look on Alexei’s face. He appeared insulted.

“I don’t actually need a lot of alone time,” she said.

She had far too much time on her own.

“There will also be rules around safety, health, and respect,” Salem added. “Especially for you. You know I’m a Dom. I like to be in control and to take care of those around me.”

She nodded. She did know that.

“Roman and Alexei might have rules too. We can work those out. And your limits. If that sort of relationship is one you’re happy with.”

“Where I get bossed around a lot?” she asked, suspiciously.

“Where you can feel safe to submit. To let things go and be yourself. Where you don’t always have to be on your guard and do everything yourself,” Salem said.

He always knew how to put a good spin on things, didn’t he?

“But yeah, also where you get your butt spanked.”

“You have an obsession with spanking me. It’s unhealthy,” she muttered.

Alexei smirked. “I think it’s very healthy.”

“Do you want a full time submissive?” she asked.

“I don’t want a master-slave relationship,” Salem replied. “But I also don’t want to shut off that side of myself once I leave the bedroom. I suppose I’m a lifestyle Dom. Rules will be there all the time. And if they’re broken, there are always consequences no matter where we are or what we’re doing.”

She nodded, thinking about that.

“I don’t change whether I’m in the bedroom or out,” Alexei said.

Yeah. She’d figured that. She glanced at Roman.

“I am just exploring that side of myself. But I think if I was a Dom, I’d like the more nurturing side of things. I’m not so sure I’d want to, uh, be involved in discipline.”

“That’s entirely up to you,” Salem said. “There’s something else we want to ask you before you make up your mind.”

“I really don’t see why we’re giving her a choice. She should just be with us. It’s what’s best for her,” Alexei said.

“Because she’s allowed a choice,” Roman said. “This isn’t a dictatorship.”

“It isn’t?” Alexei asked. “It should be.”

Poor Alexei, he looked like he was about to start sulking.

“What is it?” she asked, feeling like she might be at the end of her endurance.

“Are you a Little?” Salem asked.

14