“An accident is just that, and it doesn’t mean the person who caused it had any ill intention.”
He continued to spin the paddle.
“Someone could get hurt, though,” he replied.
Click. Click.
I took another two steps toward him, letting my heels echo.
“Someone could, yes. That is what the first-aid station is for,” I calmly pointed out.
“It could be a bad injury,” he countered. His words were starting to sound as though he were reaching.
“It won’t leave you with stab wounds or a collapsed lung.”
Click.
I stepped forward another step. His eyes dropped down to my shoes, and my pulse sped up.Oh, Andrew. You’re going to be so much fun when you’re ready.
“Anyone can make a poor judgment call. Including me for getting into certain types of play,” he said firmly.
“That’s what negotiations are for, Andrew. You aren’t new. James had mentored you on safe negotiations,” I reminded him as I took two more steps toward him.
Click. Click.
“Look where that got me.”
I could feel the pain laced in his heavy words. He still carried some guilt, though he had no business shouldering it.
“Those were Elise’s mistakes to own. Not yours.”
Click.
I took another step closer to him, quickly closing the space between us. His facial features softened a bit, and his Adam’s apple move as he swallowed.
“What if the Top is new or inexperienced? What if they can’t tell I’m in over my head?”
“You’re only going to play with experienced Tops here, when you’re ready.”
Click.
I took another step, and his gaze once again lowered to my shoes.
“Concentrate, Andrew.”
He quickly looked up at me.That’s it.
“I don’t want to get bitten again.”
“I don’t bite.”
Click.
One more step closer, and now I was within reach of him. His eyes dropped to my heels again.
“What if my safe word is ignored?” he asked. This was his ultimate fear. He was afraid to give up the control because of what she did. “What if play doesn’t stop?”
“Andrew, look at me.” I waited for him to look in my eyes and realize who he was talking to. I wasn’t her. “That will never happen again,” I said firmly.
