Page 603 of End Game

I set the strap down. “For the scene itself, I don't want restraints tonight.”

His brow lifts.

“You asked me to decide when you've had enough. I want you physically capable of moving if you decide you're done before I do.”

“Okay.”

“You'll hold position because I tell you to. If your body stops cooperating, that is not disobedience.”

“Got it.”

We go through both verbal and nonverbal safewords, because I’m always thorough.

“Last question before we start.”

Micah looks at me.

“You still want this?”

“Yes.” No hesitation.

I believe him.

“Take off your underwear and turn around.”

The shift is immediate.

Not dramatic.

Micah simply obeys.

He faces the padded edge of the table and plants both hands against it.

“Bend over the table. Hands over your head.”

He slides them forward until his arms extend fully.

The position opens his back, shoulders, ass, thighs.

Trust made visible.

I run one hand down his spine first, letting him track where I am before I move lower.

His breath catches when my palm settles over one hip.

“We start slow.”

“I know.”

“That wasn't a request for commentary.”

His shoulders move with a quiet laugh.

The first paddle strike lands across the lower curve of his ass.

Enough to make noise.

Not enough to hurt significantly.