Page 227 of Entangled

“Really, I think you’re all being a little drama?—”

Lucky’s hand suddenly wraps around my mouth from behind, and he drags me back.

“She doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She’s very sorry and will definitely be vocal whenever she’s scared or uncomfortable. She absolutely, one hundred percent, has learned her lesson, and as her self-designated sub tutor, I’m going to take her away to talk to her about this. Right now.” He keeps dragging me away from them and whispers in my ear. “Over a lot of alcohol.”

“Stop, Lucien.” Jasper’s voice is a whip crack, and my bewildered gaze finds my stern sadist. The air crackles around him.

Lucky sighs, giving me a squeeze. “Please stop glaring at them. You’re making me nervous.”

Over my shoulder, I give him a bemused look. Must they all be so dramatic?

Jasper glances at Beau and Jayk.

“Jaykob, would you like to handle this?” he asks, and Jayk looks like a forbidding boulder.

“No one needs to handle shit. She and I squared up.” He levels brutal glares on each of the others. “Let’s be real fucking clear. I don’t want you touching her. I don’t want youbreathingon her. But if you’re going to keep fucking her, then just watch out for that shit.”

His glare swings to me... and it loses its heat.

“Three days,” he says.

My heart swells painfully. I understand his jealousy, I really do.

But he’s still looking out for me.

“Three days,” I confirm, then I add quietly, “I love you.”

Dark color rolls into his cheeks, and he gives me a final, long look before stalking off.

I’m staring after him when Lucky shatters my thoughts. “Three days? What’s in three days?”

Beau shakes his head, looking at me with a gentle expression. “I love you? Good for you, darlin’.”

“I’m pleased you had a chance to speak with Jaykob, Eden, but this conversation isn’t over.” Jasper steps in closer to me and takes my hand, and the cool, silky touch makes me shiver. His expression is subdued. “I wouldn’t presume to arrange a punishment for an incident between yourself and another dominant, but I must be sure you understand the importance of communication and safewords—particularly during a scene. I’m assuming Beaumont has had a discussion with you about this?”

Some of my exasperation with them fades and guilt stings me. Beau raises both brows expectantly, disappointment etched in the gold-green of his eyes.

“He has, yes,” I agree, shifting.

Jasper nods. “So you do understand that continuing while you are uncomfortable is both dangerous and detrimental to yourself—that we are complicated creatures and kink can press on a variety of expected and unexpected triggers, and that discomfort is our body’s way of protecting itself from trauma. I’m sure you know by now that slowing down or stopping a scene is always,alwayspreferred to that alternative.”

Unsettled, I nod. Beau had talked about it, of course, but I hadn’t truly considered it with any particular depth.

“Yes, Jasper,” I say, shamefaced, and I feel Lucky shift closer to me from behind.

“And so you do understand that your dominant’s only interest is in your pleasure, and not in being the cause of any suffering, do you not? How terrifying the concept is that we might miss an unspoken signal from a submissive?” At my stricken look, Jasper lets out a sigh, patting my hand. “I understand the impulse, Eden, I do, but pushing on because you want to please us will only do harm on both sides. It’s something I’m particularly conscious of, and I imagine Jaykob is as well, given the nature of our interests.”

My stomach churns. Yes, Jaykob was certainly conscious of it. He was downright mortified. The guilt deepens.

“I’m sorry,” I whisper. “I wasn’t thinking. I promise I’ll speak up if it happens again.”

Jasper’s eyes move over my face, and finally, he nods. “Yes. I believe you will. Clever as you are, I’m sure you would like to read up on the matter further. I’ll provide you with some kink education books. I’m sure you’ll find them illuminating, and I’d dearly love to hear your thoughts. An essay on safety in dominant-submissive relationships should do it, don’t you agree?”

Lucky lets out a strangled laugh behind me, and I step back so my heel digs into his foot, and he yelps, backing up. My eyes narrow on Jasper as I study his mild expression.

Wouldn’t presume to punish me, my rear end.

I don’t have to agree to this. I know I don’t.

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