Pressing a button on a nearby tablet, I say, “Radu?”
“Yes, my lord?”
“Could you please arrange a late lunch for me and Ms. Dalca to enjoy in my rooms?”
“Of course, my lord. Any meal preferences?”
“No broccoli” is all I can reply, but as I sense Viviana joining me, I turn to face her. “Are you craving anything in particular?”
She stares at me. “Something warm for my throat might be nice.”
I arch a brow, wondering if she’s being purposely coquettish or if she means it. “Soup, perhaps?”
Something in her gaze lights up. “Tomato soup?”
It’s a strange choice, but I repeat it to Radu.
“I’m certain our chef could make something that suits, my lord,” he promises me. “Would Ms. Dalca like anything to go with it? A grilled cheese, perhaps?”
I’m about to comment on that bizarre choice when my intended mate smiles and nods. So I simply say, “Yes, I believe she would enjoy that.”Though, I have no idea why,I think.
Because it’s amazing,she fires back into my mind.
And I’m rather pleased to hear that instant response, as she appeared a little… out of sorts when I left the bedroom.
“Any cheese preferences?” Radu asks, and since he doesn’t use my title, I assume he’s talking to Viviana. So I arch a brow at her, daring her to answer.
“Anything French would be nice,” she replies.
“Of course, Ms. Dalca,” he murmurs, a hint of warmth in his tone. “Any other requests?”
“Dessert,” she says, giving me a look. “Something chocolaty andnotsalty.”
My eyebrows lift.
But Radu can’t see me as he eagerly murmurs, “I know exactly what to prepare. We’ll be up soon.”
The line goes dead, his formalities in addressing me seeming to have disappeared. If I didn’t like the human male so much, I might be tempted to castigate him later for it.
However, I’m far more intrigued by my pet very clearly saying she will not be having my cock for dessert. “Would you prefer to suck me off as an appetizer, pet?”
“No.” It’s a flat answer, one I don’t particularly care for.
“You’re rejecting me?”
“No,” she repeats. “I’m establishing a boundary. I want a safe word.”
“What is the meaning or purpose of a safe word?”
“It gives me some control in intimate encounters and allows me to tell you when you’ve gone too far.”
“And if I disagree with the assessment?” I question. “If I feel you’re using the word inappropriately?”
“That’s not the point, Your Highness.” She folds her arms, drawing my gaze to her bare breasts. “The word is formeso thatIcan voice when something makes me uncomfortable. Andif you want to be a good intimacy partner, you will respect my choice to use it.”
“I believe we already established that we’re not equals here.”
“More than established, yes,” she replies, sounding tired again. “Do you care if I feel safe, my king?”
