Page 59 of On His Terms

Eating—thinking—when he spoke like that was nearly impossible.

After she’d finished her piece of bread, she considered him. “The woman Daniela mentioned was Liz, right?”

He took a sip of his water, and she wondered if he intended to answer.

“You’ve been digging around in my past a lot.”

“Doesn’t mean I need to return the favor. Wiggle your butt.”

Dratted Dominant.

Under his watchful eye, she ground herself on the plug. Then he smiled.

“Your discomfort is wonderful. I enjoy it very much.”

“That makes one of us, Sir.”

He grinned. “And yes, Liz came here with me, once. But she behaved badly.”

“Oh?”

“You may stop moving but sit up straight.”

Intrigued, she didn’t consider arguing. “You mentioned she was a masochist and that she ended the relationship?”

“That’s correct.”

“Why? I mean, if you’re a Dom and she’s a masochist… I don’t understand.”

“My punishments were not enough for her, and the challenges she presented to me—to us—kept escalating.” With a shrug, he shoved his empty plate to the side. “When it became clear I couldn’t meet her needs, she found someone who would. Someone much more extreme. A sadist.” He raised his brows. “Someone who delights in inflicting pain. That person is not me.”

When he was silent for a long time, clearly finished with his story, she spoke. “It had to hurt.”

“It was a long time ago.”

“Wounds take time to heal.”

“They do. Indeed.”

“Then it means even more that you are willing to work with me. But I’m curious about something.”

“Hmm?”

“Is that one of the reasons you’re so tough on me?”

“No. That’s part of training.”

The arrival of their pepperoni pizza stopped their conversation.

This time, when she offered him the first slice, he accepted. His nod of thanks made her warm inside. Maybe this service thing wasn’t all bad.

The sight of the warm, gooey cheese made her mouth water. After dousing her piece with crushed hot peppers, she sank her teeth in. “Oh my God.” She sat back. “That’s it. I’m packing my stuff and moving so I can be closer to this place.”

“You wouldn’t be sorry. Everything on the menu is amazing. Sit up straight.”

He was merciless.

After she swore she couldn’t eat another bite, Daniela packed their leftovers in a box, then placed a white bag on top of it. “Tiramisu for you and your lovely lady.”