Page 30 of Love Lessons: Expanded Edition

The scene finally seemed to be on track, which meant he could step back into the role of teacher where he was more comfortable.

Do you know where it’s safe to spank someone?he asked.

Ass, thighs, shoulders, and chest, Dustin answered quickly. Avoid the spine, belly, and lower back. He looked chagrined. You’re also supposed to avoid the face, but I wasn’t thinking of it that way.

Landon repeated his reassurances. It really had been fine; the worst part had been that it seemed to break Dustin’s confidence.

Landon kept them moving forward, pulling open the two drawers under his bed to show off his toys. He’d expected Dustin to come over and take a look, but he hadn’t expected Dustin to come up behind him, circling him with his arms and nuzzling into his cheek like a lover. He was warm and strong, his body still coiled with that rigid, commanding posture, and yet so gentle.

It felt dangerously comforting. Dominant and cuddly, an unexpected combination.

Show me the things from your fantasy, Dustin signed around his body.

Right. Landon leaned forward and Dustin followed his movements, like a blanket or maybe an exoskeleton. It felt sexy and safe, which he wasn’t even sure how to process.

Landon grabbed the handcuffs that he liked and the less flexible of his two crops. As he stood up, his motions a little awkward, Dustin supported his weight.

It seemed like there was some subtle message there, like Dustin would help him find his balance again. Not that he needed anyone for that.

Not to mention that he was supposed to be the teacher here.

He turned in Dustin’s arms and handed him the toys, which caused him to back away so that they could communicate.

Landon launched into a lecture, ready to set the tone. These are some of my favorite cuffs. They’re comfortable to use for a long time, won’t leave a mark—which is important since I work with children and can’t be out about D/s. They have a quick-release latch as well as a key.

Dustin listened intently, but not with the worry he’d shown earlier. Why do you need the key if you can release them with the latch?

This was something that Landon had explained before at demos and when guiding beginners. He loved this type of education. He described how he loved to feel the helplessness and security of being bound, the psychological impact of someone turning the key. But he also had to be realistic about his personal safety. Not to mention that keys could get lost or jammed.

Then, he took the cuffs from Dustin’s hands, leaving him holding the crop. The crop isn’t as difficult to use as some other toys, but it still requires more practice than, say, a paddle. The more flexible a crop is, the more it stings, and longer crops are more flexible than shorter ones made from the same materials. This one is shorter and less flexible which makes it good for a beginner. It also requires less space to use it.

Dustin looked relieved to hear that it was a good choice for a beginner, and Landon was glad to see that Dustin was being realistic about his abilities. As he’d expected, Dustin flexed the crop to test its springiness and then slapped his own arm with it.

You have good instincts there, Landon continued. You should never use a toy on a sub that you haven’t tested on yourself. You need to know exactly what it feels like and how hard it can hit. Do you see where the tip connects with the shaft? You want to hit with the tip. If you miss and hit with the shaft instead it’ll be a much harder impact. More like a cane. And I suppose if you did it often enough it would break the crop since it’s not really meant for that.

Would it break you, though? Dustin’s eyes were warm with concern. It was heady, that look. Like Landon was the only thing that mattered.

I’d be fine, actually, for a few strokes as long as I was warmed up. It would just be better to switch to a more flexible crop if you wanted more impact. And fuck, that would be amazing. He could practically feel the way his heart would jump, ass already burning, when Dustin looked at him and told him he was going to use the next one. He could even feel the sting, deep into his flesh.

God, he was really getting carried away today.

Dustin slapped himself a few times on his thighs, first gently and then harder, though his jeans were still muting the effect. Landon watched as he hit himself again, this time striking with the shaft. He gave Landon a scrutinizing look. And you really enjoy this? You want it?

I crave it, Landon said simply.

But you don’t want to be whipped or caned. You wrote that on your list.

Landon was glad that Dustin had been paying attention, though he wasn’t surprised. Dustin had a sincerity to him, and an openness, that more experienced Doms seemed to hide. It would be a shame when he lost that, not that Landon would probably still be scening with him by then. He’d just have to take advantage of it while it lasted.

That’s right. I enjoy impact play, but I’m a bit of a lightweight in comparison to some others. Everyone has slightly different tastes, and it’s important to follow the limits that someone sets. If you figure out that you’re into harder stuff, you’ll want to find partners that are into that, too. I keep toys in my drawer that I feel comfortable having used on me.

I’m glad that you’re taking care of yourself, Dustin replied.

Landon wasn’t quite sure what to do with that comment, but it made him feel all squirmy inside. Kind of too hot and a little bit needy. So he just ignored it. Of course he was taking care of himself. It was the responsible thing to do.

Determined, he went on with his lecture. You should always start out slowly to get the muscles warmed up. Use your hand before you use the crop and pause in between strikes. That helps the body absorb the sensations, and usually heightens them.

I read about that.