Page 43 of On His Terms

“Have you reached a decision yet?”

“Yes.” She straightened her shoulders. “I’d like to continue on. If you’re agreeable, Sir?”

“Chelsea, there’s nothing I’d like more.”

His purr of approval slid through her, reinforcing that she’d made the right decision. Instantly she gave herself a mental shake. Master Alexander was a Dominant, her trainer, not someone she was dating.

Wanting to be close to him had been part of her problem last night. If she had learned anything, it was that she had to keep him at an emotional distance, constantly reminding herself this was a professional relationship and nothing more, no matter how much her body responded to his touch and the sensuality in his tone.

“For the next week, I’d like you to practice your paces and call me every day—at whatever time you choose—to discuss your experiences.”

His statement caught her off guard, making her blink. What?

“Is that agreeable?”

“I’d thought”—hoped—“we’d continue as we were.”

“Taking time to test your resolve and to communicate is the best use of our time.”

She didn’t like his decision, but what choice did she have?

“You’ll be expected to go through your positions every day. Today for ten minutes.”

Which was less than she’d done last night and again this morning.

“Each day you’ll increase the time by five minutes until you reach half an hour.”

“I agree, Sir.”

“During our check-ins, I’ll expect you to be forthcoming, hiding nothing.”

As she already knew, that would be the most difficult thing of all.

“I’ll be here for you. If you struggle, call or message me.”

Did he have any idea how much the offer soothed her? “Thank you for that.”

“Your safe word still applies.”

Like an excellent Dom, he thought of everything.

“Be aware that I’ll know if you don’t follow through. It will be obvious.”

At his comment, she bristled. “I keep my word, Sir.”

“Just for my own personal pleasure and perhaps perversion, at some time during the week, expect that I will ask you to video chat with me while you’re going through your exercises. At that point I’ll have further instructions.”

“Like what, Sir?”

“Always, girl, be prepared for the unexpected.”

Her tummy lurched. What are you planning? Master Alexander Monahan was diabolical, keeping her guessing.

“Call me tomorrow, pet.”

The intimacy in his voice would ensure her compliance. “Yes, Sir.”

Outside her office window, traffic zipped past, and she barely noticed it.