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“It isn’t really a part for a bass. I just⁠—”

I glared. “Max. Do I have to beat you? Because I know where you keep your flogger. I want to hear it again, from the top. Every single word, because I’m sure I missed some of them.” I gave him a pointed stare. “That might have something to do with the shock.”

He snorted. “Who’s the Dom in this relationship?”

I folded my arms.

He laughed. “Fine.” I could hear the relief in his voice, however.

I followed him to the piano and leaned against it. “Does it have a title?”

He nodded. “‘When You Choose’.”

I smiled. “Perfect.”

His hands moved fluidly over the keys, and I drank in every syllable.

You walked in reading all the rules

Like they were promises, not chains

Didn’t flinch at all the warnings

Didn’t dress desire as shame

You knelt like it was gravity

Like stillness was a choice

Not asking to be rescued

Just listening for my voice

You don’t fall apart in silence

You don’t beg me for the sky

You don’t ask me to be perfect

You just look me in the eye

You don’t want a cage

You don’t want control

You want structure that’s warm

And a hand on your soul

You don’t want to be owned

You just want to be known

So you kneel when you choose

And you stand on your own

You laugh when things go sideways