We spent the next few hours cleaning up and catching up on administrative work for the Ranch. Around three, Cami came back downstairs, the papers in hand.
“I have questions,” she announced.
“Shoot,” I said, gesturing to the couch.
She sat between us, the checklist open on her lap. “Okay. Shibari. The Japanese rope bondage. That looked beautiful yesterday. But it also looked really complicated.”
“It is,” Lex confirmed. “It takes practice and skill. But yes, it’s something we could explore. There’s actually a Shibari class being offered in three weeks. We could all take it together.”
“Really?” Her face lit up. “That would be amazing.”
“Mark it down. We can always come back,” I said, pointing to the class catalog. “What else?”
“Wax play. I’m curious, but I’m scared of being burned.”
“Legitimate concern,” Lex said. “That’s why we’d start with low-temperature candles designed specifically for this. Test it on less sensitive areas first. Build up slowly.”
“And we’d never do it without extensive safety precautions,” I added. “Protective barriers for sheets, water nearby, clear communication about pain levels.”
“Okay. I think I want to try it.” She made a note on her sheet. “What about orgasm control? I know we did some of that this week, but I want to understand it better.”
“What do you want to know?” I asked.
“Is it always about denial? Or are there other elements?”
“It’s about control,” Lex explained. “Sometimes that means denial. Sometimes it means forced orgasms. Sometimes it means you can only come when we say, or only in certain positions, or only when both of us are involved. It’s about us controlling your pleasure.”
“I really like that idea,” she admitted, her cheeks flushing. “Like, a lot.”
“Noted.” I grinned. “Anything else?”
“The class catalog. There are so many options.” She flipped through it. “Negotiation workshop. Aftercare intensive. Impact play fundamentals. How do I choose?”
“Start with what interests you most,” Lex suggested. “But I’d recommend the Negotiation workshop regardless. It’ll teach you how to advocate for yourself and communicate your needs more effectively.”
“And the Aftercare intensive,” I added. “Understanding what you need after scenes is crucial.”
She nodded, marking those. “What about the Impact Play Fundamentals? Would I take that alone or with you?”
“Your choice,” I said. “Some people prefer to learn independently first, then bring that knowledge to their partners. Others prefer to learn together.”
“Together,” she decided. “I want to experience it with you both.”
We spent another thirty minutes going through questions. By the time we finished, she had a clear list of hard limits, soft limits, and enthusiastic interests. She’d also marked several classes she wanted to take.
“I feel so much better,” she said, looking at her completed checklist. “More confident.”
“Good.” Lex took the papers from her. “We’ll keep these on file. Refer to them before scenes. Update them regularly.”
I checked the time. “It’s four-thirty. Don’t you have to get ready for your dinner?”
Her eyes widened. “Oh god, I completely forgot! I need to shower and change and figure out what to wear and?—”
“Breathe,” I said, laughing. “You have plenty of time.”
“What do I wear to a submissive dinner? Is there a dress code? What if I’m overdressed? Or underdressed?”
“Elara said casual,” Lex reminded her. “You’ll be fine. Just wear something comfortable.”
