Page 19 of Taking Her Medicine

“I’d rather not spank you before we establish them, kitten. Fix your tone and rephrase your question.”

I stared at the profile of his handsome face, his jaw clenched and relaxed. I longed to know what was on his mind. Had I pushed too far before our relationship even got off the ground? So help me, I was about to test Aaron’s word. I wasn’t trying to battle him, but no one else offered everything I had always wanted on a silver platter. It was easier for me to push the self-destruct sequence and bounce off. Actually getting what I’d wanted for so long was scary as hell. “Or?”

“Or we’ll continue this conversation with you across my lap.” He sank down onto the cushions, and I joined him.

“Like I don’t alreadywantto end up there by the end of the night.”

Aaron tugged me over his knees. Two harsh slaps landed on my upper thighs followed by several more. His belt had been a balance of pain and pleasure that aroused me, but there was no pleasure in his palm this time. Cracking his hand against my sit-spots left a reminder, one I’d feel for the rest of the night. “Ow! I’m sorry. I’m really nervous.”

“I’m going to work on my wording, Zoelle. I’ve got the feeling you’re always going to push for whatever consequence I offer. Which part is making you nervous?”

“Wh-what if I mess up and I can’t follow any rules at all?”

“It doesn’t happen overnight, sweetheart. We’re establishing rules, but there’s a learning curve just like everything else. I don’t expect perfection, but I expect you to do your best.” He kneaded my burning globes with his fingers, and I relaxed. “Will you promise me to do your best?”

“Is now a good time to call you Sir?”

“Yes. Right now would be an excellent time.”

I blew out a breath. “I promise to do my best, Sir.”

“Good girl,” Aaron said, praise in his voice. “You haven’t been keeping up with your physical health, which concerns me. Are you at least taking enough time for yourself in other ways?”

“Asks the workaholic,” I muttered. “Do as I say, not as I do.”

“Your tone is extremely disrespectful.”

“But, how come you want me to do something you’re not doing for yourself? If my health and well-being is important, then so is yours, Sir.”

“Adding my title haphazardly while using a haughty tone isn’t the way to respectfully get your point across.”

“Your needs are just as important as mine. The number of hours you’ve been working is ridiculous, and though you’ve said you’ll make time for me, you really should consider making time foryouas well. You can’t pour from an empty cup. I’m worried that in your caring of me, you’ll stretch yourself even thinner and not consider your own care.”

Aaron cleared his throat.

“Sir,” I added.

“Better, but we’re not discussing what I am or am not doing for myself right now.” Aaron punished my upper thighs, not pausing at all between the blows, the pain quickly ratcheting higher and higher. He was serious. I needed to change my tone.

“I mean what I’m about to say sincerely. If I’m having trouble with rules and carving out time for myself, I’m watching your actions and behavior to mirror them. Right? So, if you’re not showing that same exemplary behavior, Sir, it will be more difficult for me to follow.”

“I don’t like what you’re saying, but you’re right.” Aaron’s hand slapped my rump, reigniting the nerve endings there as his heavy palm landed over and over again. “You canrespectfullycall me out on my behavior if you see it. My overworking is a problem, and I’ve been trying to come up with another solution. Enough about me for now. Let’s get back to the topic at hand.”

“Rules?”

“Yes, sweetheart. Honesty. Do not lie to me. Omitting is a form of lying. Obedience. Do what I ask of you.”

“What if I don’t want to do it?”

“Tell me, but you better have an extremely good reason.” Aaron turned me onto my back upon his lap, then sat me up. “I might not agree, but I’d rather have a discussion about it than have you resent me.”

I nodded. Those two rules were simple. “Respect?”

“Respect is a given, Zoelle. Last rule for now is open communication. If I ask you a question, I expect a reply either verbally or written. Do you agree?”

“Yes, Sir.” I kissed his lips. “What about tasks and such?”

“Those would fall under obedience. Do you have anything in your life you need help setting parameters for?”

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