Page 5 of Leland

“And did you?”

I shook my head.

“Why not?”

“Because we weren’t in a real dynamic…” I trailed off when I made the connection.

“Exactly. Because he’s your play partner, not your Dom.”

“Well, you couldn’t make me do anything.”

He nodded. “You’re right. That’s not how a D/S relationship works, is it?”

I shook my head again.

“But I think deep down, you want to get better and I think you know submitting to me will help you reach the goals you have for yourself.”

I hadn’t ever told anyone about the things I wanted to accomplish.

“And if I don’t, I’ll lose my job?”

“No. You will lose your position you currently have as an artist, but I will find other work for you to do here. Maybe a receptionist that works from home. You’re a great artist, but I can’t let you be in a position to hurt someone in the shop.”

That was very kind of him. I knew it would have been well within his rights to fire me.

“So, I couldn’t use my safeword?”

“Of course you could. I would be a terrible Dom if I didn’t honor your safeword.”

“Then what’s to stop me from just saying it if I don’t want to submit to your rules?”

“Nothing, sweetheart.”

“What would happen if I did?” I asked, although I was pretty sure I already knew the answer.

“It depends. If it’s a hard limit, then we find another alternative. If it’s because you’re not willing to commit to this fully, then we would end our agreement and you would move to being a receptionist.”

“No second chances?”

“No, sugar. Once you quit, it’s over.”

“I’m sorry,” I admitted, randomly.

“Why are you sorry?”

“That I made… That I was…” I trailed off, searching for the right words.

He raised his hand and stroked my face gently. “Nothing you say is wrong, baby. You can tell me anything you want to.”

“I feel like maybe I made you have to do this. I’m really sorry. I don’t want to be this way, it just… happens.”

Leland surprised me when he chuckled. “Oh, silly girl. Iwantto do this. You’re not making me do anything.”

“You want to top me?”

“No.”

Disappointment filled my belly.

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