Page 86 of The Best Bad Decision

“Even if you don’t like it.” Ignoring how he’d pressed his lips together, I gave him a peck. “We’re not sticking with that slow model anymore, though, because it’s not a good fit for what you need from me.”

Blinking, it seemed like his mental grumbles were quieting enough for him to hear what I was saying. “But your needs and limits are just as important as mine.”

“We’re both important but we’re not coming close to my limits. I’m more worried about keeping you on an even keel so coming out of subspace isn’t this hard.” As his shoulders came down and his muscles relaxed, I leaned in again and gave him a softer kiss. “This isn’t good for you, so we’re going to come up with another plan.”

Submission only went perfectly the first time in books and dirty movies, but our hiccup wasn’t bad in the scheme of things.

“We’re…we’re going to communicate and I’m going to explain how I’m feeling.” His slightly sighed-out reminder seemed to be more for himself, but I nodded anyway and kept up the soft caress of his face and head. “Even if my answer is I don’t know.”

“Correct.” He really didn’t like not knowing and that had to be a big part of why this was making him so frustrated. “We’ll use what you know as a starting point and we’ll adjust as we go on. Our first adjustment is leaving you caged for longer.”

Something about the situation was finally getting through to his submissive side and not just his overthinking side because he let out another long breath. I could feel some of the stress leaving him but he needed more time for it to sink in.

So I continued petting him as I kept my legs around him in a firm hold. The silence that stretched out seemed to reinforce my control but eventually I sighed dramatically. “If I put you back in your cage, though, I’m going to use you again.”

I made sure it sounded almost like I was talking to myself, which had Atlee wiggling nervously as excitement of some sort seemed to push through him. Cocking my head, I studied him and slowly slid my index finger into his mouth, fucking it back and forth. “Your mouth. I’ll use that.”

With the decision made, I looked down at his hardening cock and frowned. “This is going to need some attention.”

Oh, that must’ve sent something fabulous rushing through him because he shivered and his eyes flashed wide. “I…I can’t help it.”

Still looking serious, I raised one eyebrow. “Is it trying to make you naughty?”

Would he remember the conversation from earlier or had he been too deep?

Atlee went still, going quiet and licking his lips as something processed. It was a strong reaction, but he’d shifted toward the submissive headspace again, which had to be a good sign under the circumstances.

It just took him a few moments to be able to give me the response I was looking for.

Well, a few moments and some breathy whines.

Oh, yes. We were moving toward a much better headspace.

“May…” Atlee swallowed hard as his gaze went soft again. “May I have taps, Master?”

Nodding, I kissed his cheek and ran my hand down his neck to stroke his chest. Inching toward his growing erection, I made a pleased hum that got another shiver from him. “I think that’s a very good idea. You need a reminder about who you belong to.”

And hopefully it would have a strong association with telling me what he was thinking quicker next time.

“You… I…I belong to you.” His need to be the best was at war with his desire for pain and pleasure, but he took a chance on losing his taps.

“This will help you remember that.” At least until I could get his collar on him.

Saving money on shipping wasn’t worth the stress on him.

“And I’m going to enjoy it.” Letting him hear the desire in my voice had him sinking deeper into subspace and getting harder. “I like seeing my boy caged and sweet.”

We were both going to love giving him what he needed, then we’d take time later coming out of it slower. I’d just have to find some fun new ways to keep my ownership of him at the front of his mind until he was ready to come back to reality.

But his Master was smart, so I could do it.

I just needed a bit of creativity.

At the moment, though, he didn’t need creativity…he needed pain and control.

“Rise.” He was still graceful but his legs were slightly wobbly that time. “Good boy. Now go kneel in the middle of the bed. Legs spread for me.”

As he quickly moved to obey, I took my time standing and going back to the kitchen to get my coffee and a wooden spoon before following him. Letting the anticipation build and giving him a faint reminder that I was in charge had him shaking and hard as he waited for me on the bed.