“I’m not talking about with Vladik. I’m talking about with you, with us.”
“You want a safe word? Fine, have a fucking safe word. If you think a word will keep me from flogging your ass, will keep you safe from me, then choose a goddamn word, Pet, and let’s see if we can’t put it to use.”
“Fine. I will.”
“Great,” I clear my throat. “Then what is it?”
“Asshole.”
“Too close. A safe word should be something you’d never yell in a scene. You’ve often used asshole to tell me to fuck yours. Let me guess—Atticus and Violet told you that you needed one, didn’t they? What was your safe word with them?”
“I’m not telling you—”
“You don’t have to. Let me guess . . . it was peaches, wasn’t it?”
Her face falls, and tears spring up in her eyes. So fast. She’s so quick to cry, so easily broken, but I guess I’ve always known that. It’s what I love about her.
“Do you miss them, Pet? Do you miss the way they were sweet and fair with you? So unlike me.”
“I hate you.”
“I know.” I grin. “That doesn’t change the fact that you love me though.”
“And you? You’re incapable of love, aren’t you? Unless, of course, we’re talking about your little Achilles. I hate you both.”
“Careful, Pet. It sounds very much like you learned nothing from your last punishment.”
“Why do you torment me? Why come back for me at all?”
“I told you—you’re mine. I didn’t like being without my property.”
“Did you say those same words to him?”
“No, Pet. I’ve only ever said those words to you.” I kiss her hair and let my nose linger in the soft lavender and rosewood scent.
“Then why is he here?”
“We’ve been over this. Because Hermes thought it was best for your training.”
“Shouldn’t you be the judge of that?”
“Shouldn’t you be watching your smart mouth, lest I stick another rubber cock inside it to shut you up?” I pull her chin up to look at me. “I know you don’t want him here, but you could learn a lot from Israel.”
“I hate him. I’d rather die than have him touch me.”
I chuckle. “Was that before or after you came with his fingers inside you?” I shake my head. “It’s not forever, Pet. It’s just until you’re ready. He’ll be gone soon.”
So will she. I must be mad to agree to this.
“Will you miss him?”
“A part of me will always miss the men and women I’ve trained.”
“And if I die in Vladik’s household, will you buy him back from Texas and bring him here so the two of you can carry on your affair?”
I sigh. “He’s a slave, Pet. I can’t just buy him back. He’s not for sale. Texas is far too fond of him for that.
“But you’d do it if you could, wouldn’t you?”