“I had to do whatever he said. If he wanted sex, food, whatever, it was my duty to supply it. I had no say in anything.”
“Oh, baby. Christ, I hope you know that wasn’t a true power exchange relationship. That was abuse, pure and simple.”
“Power exchange?”
He nodded. “Where one partner gives up their power completely to another. It’s always consensual and it’s something that both partners want. While the submissive partner is expected to give total obedience, the dominant partner also has responsibilities to care and protect for their slave.”
“Have you-have you ever had a slave?”
“No,” he replied and relief instantly filled her. “It’s not something I’ve ever been interested in. I have no desire to take charge of every aspect of your life and I would never force you to do something that you didn’t fully want.”
She nodded. She knew he wouldn’t.
“I’m still scared,” she whispered. “I trust you and I know you aren’t him, but I’m still scared.”
“I know you are, but the only way to get rid of your fear is to face it, to take away its power.”
“What if I truly couldn’t do any of this again, would you still want me then?”
“Yes,” he replied without hesitation.
Her gaze widened. “Truthfully?”
“Yes. It’s you I want. I would never do anything to scare you.”
She didn’t want him to sacrifice such a large part of his life for her, though.
“But don’t let what he did ruin something you wanted, that you dreamed about. You’re safe here. Tell me what you’ve dreamed about. Tell me what you desire. Before he showed his true colors was there anything you liked?”
Jacey took a deep breath and thought back to before Stephan became abusive. She shifted on Derrick’s lap, tapping her fingers against her thigh. Derrick covered her hand with one of his.
“Well?”
“I guess, umm, do we really have to talk about this? I mean, I feel like I’m laying myself bare here.”
He was silent for a long moment. “Fair enough. You tell me this, and then I’ll tell you something about myself.”
Curiosity filled her. Having Derrick open up was worth having to bare herself to him.
“I always dreamed about being tied up. I liked it before Stephan showed his true side. Tied up and blindfolded.” She blushed as she spoke.
“Very good, and what else?”
She cleared her throat. “Well, I guess I was attracted to how Stephan took charge. In the beginning, you know, before he became violent and demanding.”
He nodded.
“What else have you dreamed about? What toys turn you on?”
“Derrick,” she protested.
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“Vibrators?”
She nodded.
“What else? Nipple clamps? Anal plugs.”