You can’t get past the look in Ice’s eyes when you accused him of only seeing you as a good lay. He’s helped you let go of the darkness that haunted your dreams, but you don’t know how to get rid of the guilt that hurting him has left you with. So you don’t respond, just wrapping your arms a bit tighter around him and pressing your face into his shoulder.

Ice just holds you. His hand rubs slowly over your back; gently rubs at your stinging backside. Then he whispers, “I’m not mad at you, Mav.”

“I know.” You close your eyes and hold on tight, breathing in his unique scent. There’s something comforting in being held close like this, both of you naked and pressed into each other. “I think you should be, though,” you mutter. “I’d rather you be pissed at me than hurt because of me.”

Ice swats you. Not too hard, but it’s enough to reignite the sting in your bottom. “If you’re struggling with guilt, Mav, I’ll light into you with my belt. But I’d rather just spend our day off together.”

You pull back and look into his eyes, searching his face.

Ice is completely serious. You can leave the room and spend the day together. Or you can admit you feel guilty and that a hand spanking just isn’t going to cut it.