Page 58 of Courting Danger

“This is one of the many reasons I’ve always loved the questionnaire and insist upon it with long-term partners,” Pope explained. “In time, we’ll come to know exactly what gets one another off, and part of reaching that point is taking all the time we need to work through the pages. I’ve got some hard passes on the list and I’m curious to see if they are firmno’sfor you guys too.”

“I’ve definitely got a few things I won’t even consider,” Ocean said, and for the first time since they’d met Roan saw him blush. “But they’re not many.”

“Yeah, I don’t have many either,” Danger said. “But the ones I do have are non-negotiable.”

“Same,” Ocean declared.

“When you say hard no, that’s the same as a hard limit, right?” Roan asked. “Or does that mean they need extra negotiation?”

“Hard no’s are hard limits, and they are always non-negotiable unless you bring up the subject and want to discuss exploring yours,” Pope explained. “But you’re never to ask to negotiate someone else’s.”

“I won’t,” Roan promised.

“Neither will I,” Ocean said.

“You know where I stand on that,” Danger said.

“But they don’t, so maybe you should tell them,” Pope suggested.

Danger’s expression looked grim, leaving Roan with a funny feeling in his belly like he might not want to hear what Danger had to say.

“You’re right,” Danger said at last. “Before I was with Pope I was with someone who constantly pushed me to let him explore things I’d expressly said I didn’t want to try. Eventually I started giving in, but instead of being happy with that, he kept pushing. Pope saw, and stepped in, and that was pretty much it between me and that guy. Needless to say, I’ve got strong feelings about pushing limits and would never do that to you guys.”

“Fuck, that’s bullshit, no one should do that to anyone,” Ocean said.

“You’re exactly right,” Pope said. “I’m glad we’re all in agreement about that.”

“I am too,” Roan said before turning his attention back to the clipboard.

“So, I’ve danced in cages before,” Ocean mentioned several minutes later. “And I’ve curled up in one to nap on a big throw pillow. But on the sheet, it sayslocked in. That part I’m iffy on. I’ve never done it. I’d be willing to try it with you. I’m just not sure how to mark it for a rating. I putcurious. But I’m not super curious. The number ratings after the second one talks about how much you like it, but I can’t say I like it if I haven’t tried it.”

“Hmm,” Pope murmured, stroking his chin. “You’re right, you can’t rate it, but you can make a note next to it explaining exactly what you just told me. That way, we can explore it when you are ready to. Did you enjoy sleeping in the cage?”

“Very much so. I was tired and the place was so busy, but one of the handlers said it was a quiet space, and no one wouldbother me if I went in there to take a break since everyone knew it was like a time out without being in trouble.”

“Do you think you’d want one of your own?” Danger asked.

Ocean’s eyes lit up as he nodded. “Yes, please. Especially for when I’m getting overwhelmed but still in pup space.”

“Write all of that down for me, please,” Pope encouraged, “even if you need to use the back. That way, we can see about a cage when we’re at Mischief in Leather. They’ve started ordering them special from the guys over at the metalworking place, and let me tell you, they are far bigger and sturdier than ones you can find in a store.”

“I-is there space for something like that?” Ocean asked, glancing around.

“There is always room for expansions,” Pope replied. “With four of us, a proper play space is in order. I’ll have Wreck work up some schematics once we have a better idea of everyone’s needs. The bedroom could be a bit bigger too, so, yes, there will be space for a cage.”

Roan glanced at Ocean, who looked as dumfounded as Roan felt.

“Problem guys?” Danger asked.

“B-but…” Roan stammered.

“I-isn’t that…expensive?” Ocean said, “Y-your house is awesome as it is.”

“And it will be even more awesome with a bedroom that will comfortably fit all four of us and space for the equipment I’ve always wanted to furnish a home dungeon with,” Pope explained. “The only reason I hadn’t done it already was because they would just have sat empty and depressed the hell out of me every time I walked past the doors.”

“Oh,” Ocean murmured. “Then, by us being here, you’re finally getting what you want too.”

“Exactly,” Pope said. “Mutual benefits. That’s what we’re after here. I’m glad to see you’re getting it.”