Page 73 of Kings & Queen

“N-n-no, Sir,” I croaked out.God, if my heart beat any faster I’d need a hospital.

He let out a heavy sigh. “What am I to do with you? I’m pretty sure I asked twice today alone. Once before I left and another over text. Did you think I was playing, kitten?”

Shit, he sounded disappointed. “No, Sir.” Every muscle in my body tensed as my adrenaline spiked.

“Tell me something, are you wet?” He waited a minute, then said, “Answer me.”

“Yes, Sir,” I moaned, my body burning with need.

“So how am I supposed to teach you my ways, as you requested, if I don’t have a copy of your hard and soft limits? How am I supposed to teach my perfect pet what the Reaper requires of her? If I was left to my own devices, there would be a pretty little collar going around this neck.”

“No,” I exclaimed; my eyes raised to meet his, breaking position. Why would he bring that up knowing how I reacted to the package? He narrowed his eyes, so I lowered mine.

Breathe, stupid. He won’t hurt you even if he did collar you. He would never hurt you—not like them. He’s trying to make a point, is all. Listen and you might learn something.

“I know you have an aversion to being collared, but having it on physical paper, listed under hard limits, means it’s off the table completely. It means it’s nonnegotiable. Not only does that define your limits, but it gives me the ability to determine if this is a right fit for me too.” God, his voice was driving me insane. The sexy, low tones that were bathed in dominance had me quaking.

“What do you mean? If this is a right fit for you?” I asked, hating that my voice wobbled. My vision blurred as fresh tears threatened to spill.

“Maybe, my little pet, I want something more permanent with you, to show you I’m committed. Maybe I want to assure you that abandoning you is so far from my thought processes that anytime you bring it up, a simple tug on your collar would remind you of who you belong to.”

“Are you saying we aren’t a good fit?” I whispered, feeling confused.

He inhaled. “I’m saying that without knowing what your hard limits are, I can’t make that decision. Nor can I find a creative way to assure you I intend to keep you.” He trailed a finger down my arm and then up it sensually. “Do you see why it’s important now?” His fingers caressed my neck at the exact place a collar would be placed. Then he loosened his tie, the movement sensual and slow. I licked my lips, wanting to taste him.

“Yes,” I moaned.

“Tell me why you disobeyed my request.” His voice was so controlled at the moment, which only lent to my arousal. Alek in control. Holy hell, it was like an aphrodisiac.

“I got busy and forgot, Sir. I’m sorry.” The excuse sounded so lame.

“See, and right now is where I’d tell you tonight you will address me as Master. And we know how well that went the last time,” he growled.

“Please…” I shook my head, feeling faint, and let my voice trail off.

“Don’t fret. Thankfully, I know your aversion to that as well. Where I’m struggling is that our relationship needs its own boundaries. I’ve no problem sharing you with my brothers. Nik gets to be your Daddy, and Ivan your beloved. You call all of us Sir. We are all your Kings, too, so that leaves me wondering how special am I to you?”

“You are so special to me. Never doubt that,” I cried.

“So how am I any different from either of them? This relationship has to be mutually beneficial for it to last. How would you feel if I never took care of your needs but always made you take care of mine?”

“I wouldn’t like that,” I whispered.

“Exactly. I know my little kitten is needy both in the bedroom and outside of it. I will always want to be in tune with that. It’s one of my jobs to know. Remember how I told you you were more than a play partner or a sub in Seattle?” He started walking around me, and my body trembled.

“Yes, I do.”

“I meant that. I made the mistake of collaring a woman once, and I didn’t feel for her a tenth of the way I do about you. I would put aside my desire to collar you and hear you call me Master, but you have to give me the ability to do so. On paper is where we begin. I wanted to peruse your list tonight and try a few things. Now look at us.”

I stood, trembling, naked. But the weight of his words wrapped around me like an unspoken promise. Something stirred deep within me. Every truth spoken was filled with profound insight, and it resonated with a clarity that left me as breathless as his kisses did.

For the first time in my life, I was on the precipice of understanding, and a sea of possibilities lay before me. All the uncertainty I had faded away. All that remained was the intricate tapestry we could build and use to define our relationship. Even if it was only for a few weeks.

A newfound surge of confidence took hold. The revelation left me emboldened and ready to embrace this dance. This was a rare, precious gift—a chance to explore the intimacy I longed for with someone who saw me. And not only did he see me, but he understood me, truly—wholly.

“I’m sorry I disappointed you. I can do better,” I said clearly, knowing his words weren’t a rejection of me but instruction.

“I’m sure you can. Now tell me, kitten. I’m well aware of your revulsion to a specific type of whip and gag, but are you equally upset by blindfolds?”