No, he hadn’t been. That thought sent Thorne’s pulse rate into the danger zone. What if he… No, not an option. “Would you like some water then?”

“Yes, please.”

Thorne returned with a bourbon for himself and a glass of water for Dash. “I guess you’re thrilled that I’m slowing down to talk.”

Dash studied him. “I get the sense that, rather than relaxing, you’re stalling.”

“Now you’re talking like a therapist again.”

“Believe me, I’ve had clients who were convinced I was one, but I’m just here to give you pleasure.”

Thorne’s hands were shaking so bad now, the ice in his drink rattled. He set it on the table. Never let someone see that you’re nervous. That was one of the most basic rules of negotiating, and usually Thorne was damn good at it.

You’re not negotiating. You’re explaining what you need from an employee.

Why do I feel like my whole life is at stake, then?

“I want you to force me, order me around, make me follow your commands.”

Dash sucked in his breath. The reaction was brief, but Thorne saw it before he schooled his face. “I can do that. What else do you want?”

“I want you to tell me what a…what a slut I am.” Heat rushed to Thorne’s face. He hated the thought of how fiercely he must be blushing.

“Mmm, I can most certainly do that too. How far should I go with force? Do you enjoy being restrained? I have some rope that would look beautiful wrapped around you.”

Thorne had seen it. “Wrists only.”

Dash inclined his head. “Any other requests, because I have some ideas about how to run with this.”

“I want—” Thorne’s mouth went dry. Why was this so fucking difficult?

Dash laid a hand on his thigh. “It’s not easy to ask for what you want.”

“It usually is for me.”

“Have you ever made requests like these before?”

Thorne shook his head. But he wasn’t being completely truthful. He’d occasionally asked for this sort of play from other escorts, but their opinions hadn’t mattered to him.

“Then of course it’s not easy. Asking for a business deal is a lot different than asking for something people might judge you for.”

Thorne nodded.

“Does it help to know that I won’t judge you no matter what you ask for?”

Thorne summoned the courage to look Dash in the eye. He saw nothing there but sincerity. He wasn’t mocking Thorne. He wasn’t shocked. He was entirely professional. “I want you to face-fuck me, and I don’t want you to go easy. I want to choke on your dick.” Holy fuck, he’d actually said it.

Dash nodded as if people made such requests of him every day. Maybe they did.

“Have you used a safeword before?” Dash asked.