“I know. I like using that one because as far as I know, it covers all bases considering BDSM practices. Makes it easier to rule things out. I like to get a feel for my partner, and sometimes the things people cross off the list tell me more about them than the things they choose.”
“Sneaky.” Curtis smiled. “And true.”
“Now tell me, what’s on your list of hard limits?”
Curtis sighed. “Quite a lot, which is why I’m a bit hesitant to start.”
“I understand. Let’s do it like this. You tell me one of yours, I’ll tell you one of mine. Is that fine? Whenever we’re not in agreement, we discuss it.”
“Sounds like a plan to me.”
“Well, I am the Dom here. Having plans is in the job description.” Andrew waggled his index finger. “Now start.”
“Bossy.” Curtis contemplated his plate for a moment. “I’m not into pup or pony play or anything like it.”
Andrew nodded. “Me neither. Okay. No blood play, no knives, no whipping where blood is drawn.”
“No piss play.”
“No mummification. No breath control.”
When Curtis lifted a brow, Andrew shrugged. “I love dominating my sub, but I have a problem when the potential for serious damage gets too high.”
Curtis smiled. “I’m glad. And I think I can already see a pattern here. We’re both not into the more hardcore stuff. To me, submission is more of a state I want to achieve on my own, not something the Dom pushes me into through pain. Ideally for me, the pain comes when I’m already firmly in my subspace.”
Andrew couldn’t believe his luck. It was as if Curtis had looked directly into his head and then spoken his very thoughts. “Seems like we don’t only have chemistry. We’re on the same page. How do you feel about restraints?”
Curtis thought about this for a moment. “I do like some shibari. But only when the mood is right and when there is absolute trust. I’m not totally against being tied to a St. Andrew’s Cross or a spanking bench, but I always prefer being free.”
“Because then it’s your decision, the entire time.”
Curtis inclined his head. “Yes.”
“I like my boy to submit to me because it’s his choice. I don’t want him to give in because I hurt him just right. To me, the pain is the reward I give for submission. And I don’t need a lot of toys. I find a simple spanking is often more satisfying than an elaborate whipping.”
“I agree. My ex—don’t worry, it’s been a long time and I don’t miss him one bit—he liked complicated setups. The more furniture and toys, the better. It was never ideal for me, but I went along because I was in love and he wasn’t bad at coaxing a reaction out of me. My heart was never in it, though, and I think that was one of the reasons he turned to somebody else. The other reason, of course, was that he’s a bloody idiot with the spine of a mollusk, but it took me a while to realize that. I’m telling you this because I want you to understand why I might be coming on a bit strong about the negotiations. If I learned one thing from Jasper, it’s that one-sided compromise never leads to anything good.”
“I appreciate your openness, Curtis. And I thank you for it. I can definitely see where you’re coming from. And just for the record, that man was a total idiot. It’s the Dom’s job to make sure the sub is happy and content. And since we’re being open, I’m telling you I never had a serious relationship, BDSM or otherwise. I did have some affairs and partners I regularly played with, but I always worked hard, first to finance my training, then to make my business a success. There was no room for romance or anything lasting. Those times are gone, though, and I want to make it clear to you that I’m pursuing a relationship with you. Long-term.”
Again that adorable blush entered Curtis’s cheeks. Andrew couldn’t control himself anymore. He reached out and took Curtis’s hand. “What we have between us could work out great in my opinion, disastrous first date notwithstanding.”
“I think so too. We do seem pretty compatible in every aspect. Now tell me, where’s the catch? What despicable little secret are you hiding, because that’s just my luck.”
The merry twinkle in Curtis’s eyes told Andrew he was teasing. For dramatic effect, he closed his eyes for a moment and sighed deeply. “I’m afraid you got me. I wanted to keep this from you until you had fallen too hard to care anymore, but if you must know… I like to fart in bed. Multiple times, under the covers. When I’ve built up a good stink, I lift the covers to get the full blast.”
“Eww. Deal breaker. You’re out, no rose for you, Mr. Neanderthal!” Curtis was laughing so hard, he had tears in his eyes. Emboldened by this reaction, Andrew lifted a brow.
“And what’s your disgusting little secret, Mr. British Gentleman? What do I have to put up with for the joy of having you in my life?”
“Corny much? You do like to exaggerate, don’t you?”
“You still haven’t answered my question, boy.” Andrew infused a little dominance in his tone. The effect on Curtis was baffling. The mischievous twinkling in his eyes intensified while his body started to shudder. Andrew silently thanked the heavens for having sent this incredible man into his bakery. He did love a boy with a healthy sense of humor who could at the same time appreciate a sexually charged situation.
“Well, I’m British. I like my five o’clock tea with pressed cucumber sandwiches.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you stole that one fromThe Importance of Being Earnest.”
“And if?” Curtis asked teasingly. “Oscar Wilde is one of the greatest figureheads of British literature. And I didn’t steal, I kind of quoted.”
