“I’d never do that to you,” she said softly.

“Promise?”

“I promise.”

“Be warned—if it ever happens, I will walk away.”

Annoyance briefly flashed in her eyes. “I get it.”

“Good.” He refocused the conversation. “Have you ever had a submissive of your own before?”

“I had one guy in Tokyo whom I used more than others. But no, I’ve never brought a sub to my place to play.” She smiled. “Or had a sub cook me dinner. So this is all new to me.”

“We can figure this out, ma’am.”

“Call me Nushi.”

He lifted an eyebrow. “What’s that mean?”

“Master, lover—it’s the simplest Japanese word for it.”

“Nushi,” he murmured. “I like it. It’s more personal.”

“I hope so, because you’ll be saying it a lot.”

There was his cocky woman.

Shiori studied him. “Your hard limit is public humiliation. Any others?”

“No other players. Specifically, no one else in bed with us and no play with others at Twisted.”

“Define play. Because you dish out pain at the club upon request, and that is play for those members.”

Knox shook his head. “Not if you don’t become aroused by it.”

“I disagree. But here’s where I’m willing to compromise. I’ll be in the room with you when you’re doing another Master’s or Mistress’s bidding.”

That could actually be really hot, having her eyes on him as he worked a submissive over. “Deal.”

“But . . .” She gave him a cagey smile. “You don’t get to lie about our relationship. If asked why I’m observing, I get to answer that it’s your Domme’s prerogative.”

Knox knew part of her wanted to lay public claim to him. But he had the right to demand the same thing. “Agreed. But for every Master or Mistress that you tell I’m your sub, I get to take you out on a real date. Where I pick you up and pay for the night out.” He lightly bit the tips of her fingers before kissing them.

“You are awfully damn demanding, sub, but I’ll agree. As for when we get to the stage where we’re having sex, we’ll use condoms?”

“Fine. Can we get tested so down the line we don’t have to use them?”

“Then what would we do for birth control?”

His eyes narrowed. “You’re not on the pill?”

“No. And it’s not something I’m interested in going on.”

That sucked.

“What about restraints?” she asked.

“Cuffs, straps, ropes? I’m good with that.”

“Sex toys?”

He thought of the cock ring. That hadn’t been bad. “Fine. No stupid-looking fetish wear for me or breath play.”

Her nose wrinkled. “I’m not into that either. When we’re together, I’ll expect you shirtless and wearing a pair of athletic shorts until I tell you to remove them.”

Here came the demands. “Yes, Nushi.”

She touched his hair. “When I snap my fingers, I’ll want you on your knees. Immediately.”

His response was more a grumble than agreement.

“Disrespect and defiance will result in punishment at my discretion, but will not include any type of public humiliation. I’m willing to negotiate on some things, but when I say done, we’re done.”

“Understood.”

“When it’s just us, like this, alone? You are mine, Knox. To do with as I please. You’re not convinced you’re submissive, so I may push you a bit.” She paused, gauging his reaction. “Is there anything else we need to address?”

“No, ma’am.”

“Ah, but there is one thing. I’m here on a work visa. It’s unlikely I’ll get sent back to Japan before Ronin returns, but it is a possibility. So I should make you aware this won’t ever be a permanent situation.”

His gut clenched at the idea she could just . . . leave. Was he prepared to let her go?

You don’t have a choice.

He tucked a strand of hair behind her ear. “Then try not to fall for me, Nushi. It’d be tough to beat my ass for breaking your heart when you’re in Tokyo.”

She laughed—just as he’d hoped. “I was going to offer you the same suggestion, namaiki.”

“Is that a new pet name for me or something?”

Another laugh. Then her hand gripped the hair at the back of his head and she pulled. “Stand and take off your shirt.”