Page 40 of Body and Soul

Shepherd made notes in the document. “Understood. We can work within those boundaries. You can always modify these lists as we go.”

I nodded, relieved. Speaking my limits out loud felt like shedding a layer of skin. I was exposed, but there was power in the honesty. It was a step toward reclaiming my agency.

“Now, let's discuss consequences,” Shepherd said, his tone serious. “There need to be consequences for breaking rules or disregarding protocol. It helps maintain the structure of our agreement.”

The thought of punishment, even within the bounds of consent, sent a shiver down my spine—an exhilarating blend of dread and anticipation. “I understand,” I managed to say, my voice betraying my nerves. “What kind of consequences are we talking about?”

Shepherd studied me. “First, any consequences will be proportional to the infraction and will never exceed your limits. Minor infractions might result in writing lines or repeating a posture. More serious issues could lead to a time out or a spanking, depending on the offense. But only within your defined limits.”

At the mention of a spanking, my body reacted involuntarily. I shifted in my seat, hoping Shepherd hadn’t noticed. The idea of being bent over his knee sent a confusing mix of fear and arousal coursing through me.

“That all sounds reasonable,” I said, my voice hoarse. “I agree to the consequences.”

“Excellent. There’s one more section I’d like to add, if you're amenable.”

“Oh?” I raised my eyebrows, curious.

“A section on sexual activity,” he replied, his tone clinical.

“But I thought... Didn’t you say sex was a hard limit?”

“It is,” Shepherd confirmed. “There will be no sexual contact between us unless we renegotiate the contract. However, I would like to add a stipulation regarding your sexual activity outside of our dynamic as well.”

I groaned. “What kind of stipulation?”

Shepherd fixed me with a stern look. “During the term of our contract, I require that you refrain from engaging in sexual activity with anyone else. No hookups, no dating, no exceptions.”

My jaw dropped. “Wait, what? You're telling me I can't have sex at all? For how long?”

“For the duration of our agreement,” Shepherd replied calmly. “Or until the contract is renegotiated. I need your focus to be solely on your service and submission. Sexual entanglements would only serve as a distraction.”

I gaped at him, my mind reeling. No sex for God knew how long. Daunting, to say the least. But my sex life had been unsatisfying lately, so maybe a break wouldn’t be the worst thing.

I chewed on my lip, considering. “What about Keres? Does he count as someone else?”

Shepherd's expression darkened, a flicker of something dangerous flashing in his eyes. “Keres isn’t me,” he said, his voice taut. “So no, you may not engage with him sexually. If he crosses a line, let me know.”

I nodded quickly, not wanting to provoke Shepherd's ire. Message received.

A thought occurred to me, and my cheeks heated with a mix of embarrassment and excitement. I bit my lip, glancing up at Shepherd. “What about... masturbation? Do I need permission for that too?”

I held my breath, heart pounding. Part of me couldn't believe I’d asked such a brazen question. Another part thrilled at the idea of teasing him.

Shepherd leaned back in his chair, regarding me with an intensity that made my skin prickle. “During our contract, you’llneed to obtain permission before any sexual activity, including self-pleasure.”

My mouth went dry, a mix of indignation and arousal swirling within me. The idea of asking Shepherd for permission to touch myself was both daunting and thrilling.

Emboldened, I tilted my head. “And if I do ask? Would you want to watch, Sir?”

The words slipped out before I could stop them. Shepherd’s eyes flashed with an intensity that stole my breath. He leaned forward, closing the distance until I felt the heat radiating off him.

“Careful, boy,” he murmured, his voice a dangerous rumble. “That sounded an awful lot like teasing. That’s a game you’ll lose with me. I don’t tolerate brats.”

I swallowed hard, my pulse racing. There was a warning in his words, but also a thrill—a dark promise that made my blood sing with reckless desire.

“Who says I'm playing a game?” I asked softly, holding his gaze with a defiance I didn’t quite feel. “Maybe I'm curious. About what it would be like to perform for you.”

Shepherd's jaw clenched, his eyes darkening. For a moment, he looked like he might devour me whole. Then he blinked, and the moment passed. He sat back, putting distance between us. I let out a shaky breath, relieved yet oddly bereft.

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