Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 72494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72494 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 290(@250wpm)___ 242(@300wpm)
Hmm.
There was nothing wrong with enjoying cuddles.
“Can…can I ask you what a Dom gets out of the relationship, though? I mean, if that’s rude just let me know. I won’t get offended. It’s probably none of my business—” I’d have just kept going but Bex reached out and touched my hand.
“Stop.” It was some kind of Dom magic because it actually stopped the insane flood of stupidity coming out of my mouth.
Dom magic was fascinating.
“Another deep breath, boy. Just like you did after the water.” The order was easy to obey and I didn’t have to think about what to do, my body just did it. “That’s good. You’re doing great. I’m very proud of you for how quickly you follow orders.”
Oxygen was important, so I shouldn’t have been surprised that deep breathing wasn’t hard. But I had to admit to myself that I really did like making him happy…even if it was over something stupidly easy like taking in air.
“Thank you.” I wasn’t sure what I was thanking him for exactly, but it seemed right in the moment and made him smile again.
“There are a lot of different things that I like about being a Dom and specifically a Handler, but one of the top things is that I love the trust that it takes to be that vulnerable.” He let that sink in for a moment before he gave me a cheeky grin.
“I love how cute the pups are and how varied their personalities are. I love the playfulness.” His eyes were sparkling with mischief as he shrugged. “And if I’m being honest, I love the control.”
I had a feeling he loved the tails and the half-naked aspect that seemed to be very common in that community too, but I was glad he hadn’t mentioned those parts.
Well, relieved.
Yes, something like that.
It definitely wasn’t frustration I was feeling.
Nope.
Chapter 5
Bex
He was so curious I could almost feel the energy vibrating from him, but for some reason, he seemed to think that was a bad thing.
Payton was in a gay bar where the sexy times going on in the back seemed to be hitting a crescendo and he was still worried about what I’d think?
Part of me wanted to let him ease his way into it but I had a feeling he might end up talking himself out of his curiosity if he went too slow.
To push or not to push?
“Hypothetically, do you think you could picture yourself as a pup? Just as a thought experiment, of course.” That had his eyes going wide before he swallowed and looked down at his drink again. He didn’t seem to be thirsty.
My first thought was that he was going over asking me if he could have his water again, and I knew I was right when he cocked his head and took a deep breath. He didn’t even seem to realize he’d done it but it helped him make the decision.
I would’ve loved to have been able to read his mind but I had to be satisfied with watching his expression as he decided to answer. “As a thought experiment, and because I have a good imagination, I can picture myself in that scenario.”
Before I could comment, the rest of his thoughts rushed out in a flood. “But I’m an English major and I’m an editor. So it’s really part of my job description.”
That was the most fascinating answer I’d ever heard.
It’s okay if I want to be a pup because it’d be research for my job.
Payton was fascinating.
“I’m glad to hear that. I’ve run into too many people lately who don’t seem to have any imagination. I even have a cousin who can’t make pictures in his head. He was going to paint his house and he honestly couldn’t imagine his house any other color. It was so weird.” My slightly ridiculous conversational distraction had his head cocking to the side again.
“That’s really a thing? Huh.” Frowning, he leaned back in his seat and seemed delightfully distracted. “But how do you know if you like something if you can’t imagine doing it? I know that’s not always accurate but it’s a starting point.”
“Trial and error, I guess? Can you imagine all the kinks you’d have to try before you figured out what you liked?” I wasn’t sure if that would push him too far but he laughed.
“After the research I’ve done lately, that sounds frightening.” His cheeks pinked slightly but he didn’t back down from the conversation. “There were a lot of topics I read about online recently that I knew right off the bat were not for me.”
Oh, it was too tempting.
I leaned in and lowered my voice, hoping he wouldn’t mind the teasing. “Like what?”
Groaning delightfully, he scrubbed his hands over his face. “I walked right into that.”
“Yep.” I’d have let him avoid answering but he didn’t ask for an out or try to change the subject.