Page 40 of Axe Marks the Spot

Me

Is there a different way?

Lindsey

Walkie-talkie.

My fingers itch, and I won’t deny the image of spanking her comes to mind. She really does have a smart mouth when she wants to.

Me

Answer my question, please, Lindsey. Can I call you?

Lindsey

Yes, Sir.

Warmth blooms in my chest from her agreement, and I tap the call button on the message app. It won’t show video on either end, but we don’t need visuals for this conversation. Even if it would be nice to see her face.

“Hi, Sir.” Her warm voice echoes through the phone’s speaker.

“Hello, Lindsey. Thank you for taking my call.”

“Aren’t I supposed to do what you ask?”

I press my lips together, and my chest smarts. “You only submit to me if you want to. You can always say no. Always.”

I hear the creak of her mattress as she shifts on her bed. “I know, I’m sorry. That was a bad attempt at me being playful.”

My chest aches for a new reason now, and my frown turns into a smirk. “I see. I’m sorry I took it the wrong way. In that case, you’re being smart with me.”

She laughs softly. “Maybe I am.”

I lick my lips. There’s so much I could say, but being playful back would lead down a rabbit hole that I don’t need to fall into. I also know when a submissive is attempting to cover an uncomfortable emotion. Lindsey is doing that now.

“There’s a time and place for cheek,” I say with a deeper, more commanding tone to my voice. “But may I be very honest with you?”

“Obviously. That’s why we’re here, right?” she says with a saucy lilt to her voice.

The sass again. “Lindsey,” I say in warning. “A time and place, remember?”

She exhales, and I visualize her sitting up straighter against her headboard. “Yes, Sir. You can be honest.”

“Are you telling me the truth?”

“Yes, I’m telling the truth.”

“Good, I’m happy to hear it. It’s important to know that while I’ll always be honest, I’m going to continually ask for your consent. Not only for enforcing your routines but also during our conversations. It’s important to know that while I may push you, I do not cross your boundaries.”

“I understand, Sir. I appreciate that.”

“Being playful, teasing, sassing—it all has a time and a place. But you’re using it now to cover up what you’re feeling. Does that resonate with you?”

There’s a pause on the other end before she says, “It does.”

“Why is it hard for you to take time for yourself?”

“You cut right to the chase.” She chuckles.