Page 64 of Sliding into Love
"No," I shout, reaching out to grab their hand. I pull, and they allow me to tug them in. I shut the door and lean back against it as if I could blockade them.
I throw my keys to the side, and they clamor against the floor. Royce looks at them with a scowl, then turns back to me.
"That's not where your keys go," they say.
I shrug one shoulder, not moving from my position. I need to know that they're going to stick around long enough for me to, well, not plead my case, but to figure this out.
Royce huffs, setting the food and drinks down on the table. They lean against the chair, almost in a direct mirror to my pose.
"I said that's not where your keys go, Kenny."
I clear my throat, the dominance in their tone doing things to me that I don't need right now.
Fuck, I'm in sweats, they're going to see it the minute I get hard.
"I know where my keys go," I say petulantly.
They nod, looking at me with scrutiny. "I'm sure you do, but considering you didn't put them there, I have to say that you are misbehaving."
I visibly shiver at their word choice.
"Oh yeah," I taunt, "what are you going to do about it?"
Fire lights up their eyes. I can tell that I might have pushed a bit too far with this one. Only I don't know what buttons I actually managed to press. Being bratty isn't my M.O.
I live to please.
But Royce being gone when I woke up has me in a foul mood.
"I can put my keys wherever I want," I say.
I might as well have stomped my foot and waved a red flag in front of the bull with the way Royce charges at me. Their hands land at my sides, and with the heels on their shoes, they're almost even with my height.
“Now listen here, you little menace. You are going to pick up those keys and put them where they belong. Then you are going to come sit down with me and eat. After breakfast, I might go easy on your punishment.”
I swallow thickly as my mouth pools with saliva. I'd be drooling if I didn't have better control.
“Punishment,” I whisper.
Royce licks their lips. “Yes, I think a punishment is in order. You're being a little brat, and you need to learn your place.”
My eyes widen. “Is that right? Are you trying to say you're my Dom? Or should I call you my Daddy?”
Since I know Royce's siblings practice in those dynamics, I've learned there is some nuance to what people prefer to be called. Most of them are good with Daddy, but I don’t know if that’s their preference.
Royce hums, leaning closer. Their mouth hovers near my ear, warm breath heating my skin as they say, “I'm not your Daddy, but you can call me by another name.”
They lean back, looking at me like they're trying to figure out a puzzle.
“What do you want me to call you?” I ask.
“Daddy is a universal term, but considering my siblings, I don't want there to be any confusion. I want you to call me a name no one else will. One no one would even think to say.”
It comes to me lightning quick.
“Your Majesty,”I whisper.
Royce's gaze locks with mine, and a wicked grin covers their features. “That is perfect.”
