Page 111 of Immortal Bastard

She flinched when a feather-light caress ghosted over her throat, tickling. Her hand rushed to her neck and the playful sensation stopped. “That’s not normal.”

“Neither are we.”

She drew in a long breath. “Fine. I accept your condition.”

“Good. Now for my next negotiation.”

“Oh, boy.” She couldn’t imagine what he might request next. She waved her fingers egging him on. “Let’s hear it.”

“No more swearing. That goes for in your head or spoken aloud.”

She gaped at him. “That’s how I talk.”

“Practice self-control.”

“That’s impossible.” She groaned. “I have none.”

He chuckled. “Then I’ll assist you. There are ways to reinforce positive behavior just as there are deterrents to keep us from repeating bad habits.”

She shifted in her seat, cocking her head curiously. “Such as?”

He splayed his fingers wide and flattened his palm on the table. “Would you like a demonstration?”

“What do you mean?”

“Stand up, bend your body over the table, and I’ll show you.”

She drew back, comprehending his meaning as he sent a wave of sensation rolling over her ass and flexed his hand. “I’ll pass.” She couldn’t decide if he was playfully suggesting a little slap and tickle or pushing more of his heavy-handed patriarchal bullshit.

“Are you sure? Demonstrations can be quite motivating.”

“I’m all set.”

“Are you rejecting my terms?”

“I’ll do my best with the no-swearing thing, but I can’t make any promises.” This was going to be fucking impossible.

“Then I’ll make one. I promise to give you a little grace and time, but there will be consequences, pintura. Your language can be atrocious, and a little self-control never hurt anyone.”

Self-control might not hurt, but spanking did. “You don’t discipline a partner.”

“Not a well-behaved one.”

She scoffed. Suddenly he had jokes. “Christian, I’m not going to let you spank me.”

“Keep your language clean and it won’t be an issue.”

She gaped at him. He was really serious. “This isn’t the middle ages.”

“I’m aware.”

“Are you?”

He drew in a calm breath. “Delilah, ‘discipline yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness.”

“Christian,” she said dryly. “Don’t quote scripture at me.”

“I want this,” he said point blank, showing no inclination to budge or bend.

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