Page 26 of Shifted Desire

“Sit back down so we can negotiate the details. Please.”

He’s not exactly fighting off the ‘unfun’ allegations with the shift back to his business demeanor, but I don’t point it out.

“Yes, Sir.”

The wood of his desk creaks as he grips it harder, and his jaw flexes at my words.

I take it back. This is very fun.

“If we’re going to do this, you need to set the rules. No jokes, no flirting, no teasing. I need to be able to trust that you’re serious about this, Samantha.”

The sardonic asshole side of me desperately wants to quip back at him, but I rein it in.

“Fair enough. Let’s start with the fun stuff, and then we can discuss regular work responsibilities and compensation.”

Nathan nods, and I pull out my pad of paper again. “Can’t exactly type out a sex contract on a work computer,” I say with a smirk.

“Gods,” he grumbles, already wanting to regret entertaining this crazy idea, but unable to stop himself from pursuing it.

I tap my chin with my pen, taking a moment to think about what I want.

I’d expected him to tell me what his needs were, and that’d be that, but I think me taking the lead must help assuage his guilt. Even though we aren’t doing anything wrong—fucking at work aside. After so many years getting harassed on the job, it’ll be oddly nice to experience consensual flirting in the office.

“My rules are simple. One, this is a strictly sexual relationship. Don’t expect me to snuggle or exchange sweet nothings unless it’s part of negotiated aftercare, because I’m not interested in feelings.”

“Oh gods, neither am I,” Nathan blurts.

I’d be a bit offended if it wasn’t exactly what I need to hear from him.

“Perfect. Two, we don’t have sex at my parents’ house.”

Nathan sputters. “What? Why does that even need to be a rule? Of course we won’t!”

“Don’t get defensive. This is a serious negotiation, and I don’t know how powerful your condition is. You might be tempted to mess around if you’re over for dinner and see me once we start our agreement.”

“I can control myself,” he says, a hint of sharpness in his cool tone.

“Alright then, moving on to number three. Non-exclusivity.”

He frowns, and I suppress an eye roll. “You object to that?”

“It’s not an objection, but if we do this, I’m going to need you a lot. And my wolf will be extra vigorous if he scents anyone else on you.”

I shiver with delight. “That’s not the disincentive you think it is.”

A growl spills from him, and my nipples harden.

“Fine. Non-exclusivity.”

“That’s all I have. Outside of those three things, I’m yours however you want me. I’m not going to be at your beck and call 24/7, but if you want to make plans to do things outside of work to help keep your wolf satisfied, we can do that.”

He frowns. “Like a date?”

“I was thinking more like a trip to The Vault.”

“Right.”

“We’ll need to figure out plans for the full moon as well,” I continue.