Page 24 of Daddy's Naughty Dog Trainer

"If we're going to continue exploring this dynamic between us," he begins carefully, "I want to make sure we're both on the same page about what it entails."

"The whole Daddy Dom thing, you mean?" I ask directly, enjoying the slight widening of his eyes at my bluntness.

He recovers quickly. "Yes. That."

"How long have you known that's what I want?" I'm genuinely curious.

"I suspected from the first time you called me Daddy," he admits. "It wasn't exactly subtle, Jessica."

I laugh, heat rising to my cheeks. "Fair enough."

"Have you been in this kind of relationship before?" he asks.

I shake my head. "Not really. I've read about it a lot but never found the right person to actually explore it more than a scene here or there. The right..." I hesitate, searching for the word.

"Partner?" Sean supplies.

"Person," I correct gently. "It's not just about the dynamic and power exchange between two people. It's about connection."

Something softens in his expression. "I agree. And have we established that connection, do you think?"

There is definitely a chemistry running between us. "I'm sitting here discussing BDSM parameters," I point out. "I'd say we're definitely connecting."

That earns me a genuine laugh, a rich, warm sound I'm still getting used to hearing from him. "Fair point."

"What about you?" I ask. "You mentioned you had experience before but you also mentioned an ex-wife...?"

"Not entirely new," he says carefully. "I've had relationships with elements of power exchange before. My ex-wife wasn’t into it. She wanted an equal, fifty-fifty relationship. Which works for some. In my life, I need to lead. More like a fifty-five forty-five split. I’ve felt this thing between us since I met you."

"What thing?" I press, needing to understand exactly what 'this' is to him.

Sean considers his words carefully. "Something that feels so natural. So right. From the beginning, there's been this... pull between us. Like we were always heading in this direction. I know you were purposely pushing my buttons after the first meeting but it was more than that. The physical connection. We’ve had amazing conversations throughout the last six weeks. Sure, you were here training Lucky, but we also spent the hours getting to know each other. I felt something during our first meeting when we talked about my sister. It’s grown since then."

The admission makes my heart race. "I felt it too."

He reaches for my hand, his thumb tracing circles on my palm. "I want to be clear about what I'm offering, Jessica. What I want. I'm not looking for a submissive who follows my every command without question. I want a partner who challenges me, who makes me earn her submission."

"And when I do submit?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

"Then I take care of you," he says simply. "Provide structure. Guidance. Discipline when needed. Rewards when earned."

The worddisciplinesends a pleasant shiver through me. The few swats in the park wasn’t exactly discipline. What it was turned me on completely. I’d never been more aroused in my life. I suppose, I like a little pain with my pleasure. Is there anything wrong with that? And if pain with pleasure is wrong, I’m okay with being very, very wrong. "And what would that look like, exactly? The discipline."

His eyes darken slightly. "Similar to what you've already experienced. Physical correction, primarily. But tailored to what works for you, what helps you feel centered and cared for."

"And the rewards?"

A slow smile spreads across his face. "Those would be tailored too. I’ll spoil you, princess. I'm very good at figuring out what motivates people."

"I bet you are," I murmur, heat pooling low in my belly.

"We'll need rules," he continues, all business again. "Clear expectations so you know where the boundaries lie."

"And you do love your rules," I tease.

"I do," he acknowledges without apology. "They create a framework for freedom."

The phrase strikes me as profoundly true. "Tell me your rules, then."

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