Chapter 15: : The Book ¹

Kai’s POV

I looked at Ren, still flushed from everything that had just happened, the information he seemed to still be absorbing. “So next, I’ll give you the book. It’s called 'The Submissive’s Path: 30 Fundamentals of BDSM.' After reading through the foundations, you’ll get a contract to review. Within this 15-day period, I’ll take note of your interest through our conversations, your body, and verbal responses. You can confirm them in the contract before signing. How’s that sound?”

He responded softly, “Yes, Sir.”

I walked out to the study, picked up the book, and came back, dropping it in front of him. The cover was a sleek grey with a striking image: a bare man blindfolded with silk ties, ropes binding his hands upward, wearing nothing but delicate lace panties, a paddle clenched between his teeth. His body glistened under the light.

I watched the way his breath hitched, his fingers lingering on the image of the lace panties. I made a mental note to get him something similar. No doubt it would look beautiful on his soft skin.

He looked up at me. “When do I start reading?”

“You can start today. It’s still early. Just Chapter One, kitten.”

He nodded and ran off with the book. Adrian was busy eating my apples again. This guy had to be a horse with the way he devoured them.

“Adrian, get your ass out of my kitchen before you consume all the apples like some hungry horse.”

He just laughed and stood up, but not without picking three more apples, putting them in his bag, and stuffing one between his teeth. The motherfucker just strolled out the door like I owed him something.

I shook my head and walked off to the study, getting ready to draft the contract and look into videos and websites he could browse.

Ren’s POV

I felt so good knowing that Kai was looking out for me, even though he was already considering the possibility of divorce. But the second thing Adrian mentioned blew my mind. Their lifestyle… BDSM. Did I even fit?

I wanted this to work because I didn’t know if I’d be able to take him going into someone else’s arms for his needs.

Then he dropped the book in front of me. I must say it was the height of seduction — the bare man in lace panties… lace panties. I’ve always wanted to try those, to see how they’d look on me. And the way he was tied up like a willing sacrifice. What could beat that? Is this the submission he wants? Where he can freely manipulate and take charge of my body like he did that night? My thighs clenched together on their own and I could hardly control my breathing.

Anyway, let me see what this is about.

Just as I opened the first chapter and saw the topic 'Consent & The Traffic Light System'

Consent: The Submissive’s True Power', it read:

Note:

“Consent is not the Dominant’s gift to give — it is the submissive’s power to grant or withhold. Without it, nothing happens. A scene, a dynamic, even a simple touch ceases to exist the moment the submissive withdraws consent. The Dominant only holds authority because the submissive chooses to surrender it. This is the core beauty and safety of power exchange.”

Within me I had some thoughts, 'how true was this?'Lila never stopped kissing me even when I told her I wasn't in the mood. What's going to make this situation different? Isn't this me just walking into the Lion's den? Let me just keep reading then....

Quote:

“The submissive’s ‘no’ is the most powerful word in any dynamic. Everything stops when they speak it. True Dominance begins only after enthusiastic consent is given.” — The New Topping Book

'That man was a walking sin, could I even say no to him. He could easily over power me, not to mention he carries a gun, he could get angry, kill me and dump my body some place...my family won't even fucking care.'

Consent in Special Circumstances (Trauma, Mental Health, etc.)

Note:

“In cases of trauma, depression, anorexia, or severe mental health struggles, the submissive may temporarily grant their Dominant broader authority to ‘force’ necessary care — eating, therapy attendance, medication, or gentle structure. This is not true non-consent. It is a pre-negotiated, deeply trusted extension of consent, often discussed in advance during healthy periods. The Dominant acts as a steward of the submissive’s well-being, never crossing into real harm. Even here, a true safeword remains absolute. The power still belongs to the submissive — they simply choose to hand over temporary control for their own healing.”

Quote:

“Sometimes the most loving act a Dominant can perform is to gently override a submissive’s self-destructive ‘no’ — but only when that override has been explicitly negotiated and can be revoked. Care is still consent.” — Adapted from therapeutic D/s practices

'Now, this one I feared, he could over ride my decision, that alone sent chills through my body, it's same as Lila just now it has a label on it. she used To say, 'I wasn't in the right frame of mind and how she had every right to make decisions for me. Same ole' plot.'

Additional Reflective Note:

“True power exchange does not erase the submissive’s agency — it amplifies it. Even in CNC (Consensual Non-Consent) or medical play for mental health, the foundation is prior enthusiastic agreement. The submissive who says, ‘Force me to eat when I can’t’ is exercising the highest form of trust and control. Without that initial consent, the Dominant is simply an abuser. With it, they become a protector.”

I finally shut the book. I just wanted to paint or draw to gather my thoughts, but there was nothing here. I guess I’ll have to continue reading in a bit.

I’ll just ask Kai the questions on my mind when I get him alone. But I still don't trust it.