Page 415 of End Game

Well.

Fuck.

The basement is quieter than the rest of the house.

It shouldn't be.

Same HVAC.

Same pipes.

Same occasional floorboard creak overhead.

But the second the door closes behind us, the world feels smaller.

Ronan turns on the low lamp beside the bondage table instead of the overhead lights.

I stare at it.

Everyone except Griffin has seen that table used now.

In various combinations.

Tonight it looks different.

Because it's for me.

Ronan stands several feet away.

He doesn't touch me.

“You can still change your mind.”

“I know.”

“You are asking me to take control because you're stressed and overthinking.”

“Yes.”

“That means I will be more conservative about interpreting consent, not less.”

Something in my chest loosens.

“Okay.”

“If you become unsure, we stop.”

“Okay.”

“Do you want sex?”

My brain tries to answer six things at once.

He holds up one hand.

“Simple yes or no question.”

Right. “Yes.”