Crossing lines (Noah and Aiden) novel Chapter 22

Chapter 22

Noah

I found myself sitting opposite him, my knees jittering uncontrollably beneath the table, much like a nervous freshman about to face a dreaded exam. The folder resting between us felt heavy, ominous—almost like a ticking bomb. Honestly? That’s exactly how it seemed.

“Any questions before we get started?” His voice was calm, composed, and unnervingly steady for someone about to guide me through what felt like my own spiritual unraveling and transformation—or whatever sacred rite this was supposed to be.

I cleared my throat awkwardly. “Uh, yeah. Just to be clear—this contract isn’t legally binding, right? Like, you’re not going to sue me if I accidentally call you Coach instead of, I don’t know, Master of the Universe or something?”

Aiden blinked once, unamused. “No, it’s not legally binding. But if you break your word, there will be consequences. Starting right now.”

I coughed nervously. “Fun consequences, or more like Catholic guilt and a hundred push-ups?”

He raised an eyebrow sharply.

Oh no… “Sir. I meant to say, Sir.”

His expression remained unreadable. “You’ll find out.”

I swallowed hard.

He opened the folder with reverence, as if it contained sacred scripture. “Let’s begin.”

We dove into the soft and hard limits section. Let me make this clear: I came prepared. I had read that entire packet earlier. Twice, actually.

Did it help? Not one bit.

“Golden showers?” I whispered, my voice barely audible. “That’s… like, pee, right?”

Without missing a beat, Aiden answered, “Yes.”

I cleared my throat again. “Scat?”

“Hard limit for most. Feces play,” he said plainly.

“Jesus. That’s a hard, neon-bright NO from me.” I glanced down at the paper. “What about figging? That sounds like some kind of dessert.”

That earned a slight tilt of his head. “It involves inserting raw ginger. It burns.”

I winced at the thought. “Definitely a no from me.”

He nodded, his face unreadable. “Then mark it as a hard limit.”

I paused, frowning as I scanned the page. “TPE?”

“Total Power Exchange. Ownership 24/7.”

“Oh.” My voice squeaked a little. “Like… all day?”

“All day,” he confirmed with quiet certainty.

I nodded slowly, trying to wrap my head around it. “Okay, yeah, cool, cool. Not today, Satan.”

Aiden cleared his throat sharply. “Sir.”

I blinked, confused. “What?”

He gave me a look that could melt glaciers. “When you speak to me—especially during a scene or when discussing rules—you will use ‘Sir.’ You agreed to this, and this is the second time I’ve reminded you.”

Shit. “Right. Sorry—Sir.”

I shifted in my seat, uncomfortable. “Soft limit. If you call me ‘slut,’ I might punch you.”

Aiden made a small note, completely unfazed. “Duly noted. Impact and rough play? Spanking, slapping, floggers, hair pulling?”

“…Fine,” I mumbled, “as long as you don’t break bones or pull out teeth.”

“No bones or teeth.” He added, “Non-impact play—feathers, ice, temperature, wax?”

I shrugged. “Sure. Why not?”

“Non-monogamy?” His tone dropped slightly, becoming firmer.

I shook my head. “I’m not into that.”

He met my gaze steadily. “Neither am I.”

I blinked in surprise. “Wait, really?”

“I don’t share,” he said flatly.

Okay then.

“Sexual activity?” he asked next. “Penetration? Oral? Mutual touch?”

I fidgeted, feeling my cheeks flush. “Not up my ass,” I muttered. “I’m still… you know.”

He raised a brow.

“Straight,” I added quickly, avoiding his eyes.