Page 35 of Tutoring Mr. Hotshot

“Sure,” I reply automatically. It takes a second to think of a scenario. Once I do, I answer with, “Let’s say you’re really busy one day and forget to eat. I would have to issue a punishment for not taking care of yourself. We’d also have to have check-ins after that to make sure you’re getting enough nutrients on the days we can’t have meals together.”

His eyes widen slightly. “Punishment?”

“Yes.”

“What… what? Like spanking?” The last word is mouthed instead of spoken.

Grinning, I nod to confirm. Spanking is definitely a punishment; however, with the look of terror on his face, I worry it’s not the right kind.

“That is merely one way. We could find other things instead if you need.”

“Like what?”

I shrug. “Like writing lines or sitting in time out. I could take away your options for dessert or keep you from your release once we reach that level of intimacy. There are more ways that don’t involve pain.”

“The others would be what I’d want. I don’t do well with pain.” His shiver has me on high alert.

A growl tears out of me before I can stop it. The people seated close to us look my way. I force a cough to cover the sound, which has them turning away.

My little genius’s jaw is wide. Reaching across the table, I ease my finger under his chin and press it closed.

“Sorry for that. I don’t like the look of fear you wore. It made me think of others hurting you.”

“And that bothered you?”

I nod once as I ball my fists on my lap.

Do not panic.

Do not go on a killing spree.

Keep your cool, Andry.

“I’m sorry for upsetting you. It was not my intention.”

Our drinks appear a second later, which brings the discussion to a stop. The waitress tells us how much longer until the pizza is done before leaving.

It takes another couple of minutes after she’s gone for us to start speaking again. When we do, it’s at the same time.

“I really — ”

“You did nothing — ”

Waving at him to go first, I relax as Rodney smiles softly. “Thanks. I was just going to say that I really am sorry for spoiling things. I didn’t mean to make you mad. This was nice up until I screwed up.”

Oh, my poor little genius.

It’s obvious people have made him feel like he was to blame when things go wrong. I know it’s not from his family since his ma was so kind and welcoming. His brother is supposedly the same way, which tells me this feeling comes from somewhere else.

“You’ve done nothing wrong. The night isn’t ruined. We had a small bump. It’s part of why I wanted to talk to you. Relationships like the one I’m asking for require communication. Good communication. We have to be honest about what we do and don’t want, along with what we’re feeling in the moment. How are you feeling now, little genius?”

He scrunches his face. It’s an adorable move that has my cock plumping.

“I feel silly for getting so upset. It’s just that — well, as much as I shouldn’t want to be around you, I do. If I’d already fucked it up, then this would be the end.”

“And you don’t want it to be the end?”

He shakes his head slowly. “I’m sure my actions and words are confusing. They have to be.”

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