Page 13 of The KING Review

I contemplate my response, resting my socked feet on the corner of the coffee table.

Me:

Something dangerous, for both of us. I want us both to be safe.

Don’t:

you’re very practiced with the avoidant answers, aren’t you?

I don’t dignify that with a response.

Me:

It’s for both of us because it comes with a check in question. A proactive way for one party to be certain the other is okay, if there’s any doubt. Especially if it’s prior to something that could be… intense.

Don’t:

you’re threatening me with a good time again, professor daddy

Me:

Don’t call me that.

Don’t:

you have a safe word

use it

I dare you

I blow out a slow breath, contemplating my next move. God, I am so damn screwed. I like her calling me that; I’m comfortable enough with myself and my kinks to know and accept that, but I’m not sure if she’s just doing it as a joke, so I want to tread carefully.

Me:

I’m not using it.

We should have a check in question. Ideally, the answer should be the safe word. So, if I ask you, for example, something like ‘what’s your favorite treat for a goal achieved?’ – you’d have the option to answer with the safe word if you want to stop.

Don’t:

or something else if I don’t

I try not to let my dick take it personally that she’s so on the same page as me. I haven’t had many other lovers besides Marie, and all have been casual, so we’ve not really discussed safe words, so⁠—

I cauterize the thought.

Neve and I are not lovers.

Me:

Exactly.

I don’t say anything else, and a few moments pass in silence. I stare at the crenelated molding of my living room ceiling until my phone buzzes, still in my hand.

Don’t:

it’s for you too