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I nodded and took off swimming laps. I was a little worried about Silver, too. Whether male or female, Silver’s usually the most stable person I know. I wasn’t going to gossip about him with Animal, but knowing he’d sensed the same thing I had when I’d offered to bring a call-girl in for Silver was concerning.

I didn’t count laps, I just swam until my arms gave out, and then floated on my back while I caught my breath.

At some point, I heard music, and realized someone had cranked some eighties tunes. After the third Prince song, I figured out we were listening to thePurple Rainalbum.

And Davy had brought beer for everyone along with some snacks — fried cheese sticks, and some carrots, cauliflower, and cherry tomatoes. The cheese sticks for Animal, the veggies for me. I’m not a total health freak, but I usually prefer to eat healthy snacks and nutritious meals.

I sat, dipped a tomato in the blue cheese dip, popped it in my mouth, and gave Davy a quick kiss on the lips.

“Thanks. This hits the spot.”

It seemed my boy was stepping up and doing extra things on his own. I wasn’t sure how I felt about him providing something both me and Animal would like because I’d been clear from the beginning he’s my slave and not subservient to the entire band, but if a boyfriend brought a snack out, he’d likely bring something for everyone.

Animal ate most of the cheese sticks and then stretched out on a recliner with a beer. I dragged Davy into the pool and swam to the deep end with him, where we tread water and talked. With the music, I didn’t think Animal could hear, but he seemed to be in his own little world, staring at the tree line while drinking his beer, so I figured we were safe in any event.

“We begin new contract negotiations tomorrow, if you still want to,” I told my boy.

“I want to, Master. You didn’t tell me to, but I’ve been making some notes about what I want in this one. A few changes.”

“Want to talk about any of them now?”

He tilted his head. “I understand the reason I must wait for an invitation to sit on furniture, or to ask permission under other circumstances—”

I interrupted him. “Explain what you understand.”

He nodded. “Slavery can get lost in everyday life if there aren’t rules that affect the day-to-day normal stuff. Having to dress and undress in the garage is another reminder, but even being naked can seem normal after a while. Not being allowed on furniture without permission is a constant reminder of who we are to each other, Master.”

“Exactly right. So what do you want to change?”

“I want to be able to sit on a stool in the control room, so I can stay out of the way of Mitch and Charlie but still watch ya’ll record.”

It was a reasonable request, but I wasn’t going to negotiate today. I made a mental note to make the change, however.

“Anything else?”

“I have a few more places I’d like to be able to use furniture when you aren’t here. Also, if I have guests when you aren’t around, I’d like to be able to be able to sit with them wherever I want. It’s awkward to have to tell them we can’t sit in a particular room because I don’t have permission to sit on anything in that room.”

I wanted him to feel comfortable having friends over, especially when I was on tour, so I’d certainly consider adding that, but I didn’t give him any feedback.

“There’s more.” It was a statement and not a question, because I could see him itching to get it all out.

“Do you think I could maybe have a big cushion on the floor in a few rooms?” he asked. “Something I can be comfortable on that isn’t furniture?”

The idea appealed to me, and I decided to go ahead and answer this one so he could get started on it. “Yes. Absolutely. Find a few things you like online and then get with…” I sighed. “I used Dana at Matty’s firm, so you should go to her. I know Matty’s your friend, but I’d like to stick with the same person. Dana’s kinky, so you can explain what the cushion is for, and she’ll figure out what works in the rooms you want one.”

“Thank you, Master.”

“What else, Davy.”

“It’s silly, Sir.”

“Tell me anyway.”

“When you’re gone, I’d like to be able to lock myself to the bed, and then unlock myself the next morning.”

I shook my head. “Permanent slaves don’t have to be locked up at night. That stops when we agree on our new contract. Your rule will be that you can go to the bathroom to take a piss while I’m sleeping, but nothing else. No going to the kitchen for a snack, no taking a shower or bath in the middle of the night. You’ll be punished if you are any place except the bed, toilet, or walking in between. When I’m on tour, you can go where you like so long as you get plenty of sleep.”

“Oh. Okay, Master. That makes sense.”