Page 119 of Governor

I turn.

“Is this okay? Or do you need to safeword?”

“What about Carter?”

“This is you and me tonight.”

“But…what about Carter?” I feel stupid asking that again, like I’m stuck in a loop.

“Either tell me this is okay, or safeword.”

The stupid thing is, just a few weeks ago, I would have immediately said yes and dove headfirst into this.

But…

What about Carter?

I know he said there would be tests from time to time, shaking me out of my usual headspace.

Maybe after last weekend this is one of those times?

I finally nod. “It’s okay, Ma’am.”

“Walk with me, please.”

Which completely rules out what I was going to do…which is chase Carter down and ask him what’s going on.

Maybe that’s her point.

Usually, Carter and I walk together from this class and part ways to go to our respective buildings for our next classes.

It feels…weird, not in a bad way, walking with Susa.

We finally stop at a juncture in the sidewalk where I can veer off toward my own building.

Carter is nowhere to be seen.

Susa crooks a finger at me to lean in, and when I do, she brushes a kiss across my lips. “Be my good boy today,” she says. “Text me once you’re packed and ready to go.”

“Yes, Ma’am.”

She walks off and I stand there watching her until she rounds a corner.

If Carter’s point was to throw me out of my routine, well, mission accomplished.

But I’m not sure I like what this feels like.

When I reach my class I sit in the back, instead of closer to the front where I usually do, so I can hide what I’m doing.

I text Carter.

Is everything okay, Sir?

He texts me back a few minutes later.

Everything’s fine, boy. :)

But this doesn’tfeelfine.