The Flat Share Agreement: Chapter 6 – Bound by Agreement

by Cat Boulder

Read chapter 1 here.

Alex stirred awake, his body slow to rise from the comfortable weight of sleep. The room was bathed in early morning light, the air still and quiet, except for the faint hum of the city beyond Sophia’s immaculate flat. For a brief moment, he forgot where he was. But then, as he stretched, the events of the previous night flooded back—the feeling of the rug beneath his knees, the measured tone of Sophia’s voice as she tested him, the quiet but unmistakable pleasure in her gaze as he obeyed.

His body betrayed him, the familiar, frustrating tension pressing against the sheets. Heat bloomed across his face, embarrassment threading through his chest. It was instinct, automatic, yet the circumstances made it something else entirely. The submissive nature of his role, the knowledge that his mind and body responded so helplessly to her presence, made the sensation all the more acute. Shame flickered through him, but beneath it, something quieter, more truthful: acceptance. His body, the strength of his erection, his feelings, knew more about his yearning to submit to Sophia than he did. His mind was slowly catching up—pleasing Sophia was where he belonged.

His chest tightened, the warmth of something unnamed swelling inside him. He had never felt this before—this deep, consuming need to belong to someone, to be shaped by their expectations. To be seen.

And Sophia saw him.

Rolling onto his side, he exhaled slowly, trying to ground himself. The thought of her approval sent a rush of energy through his veins, more potent than any coffee. He wasn’t just here because he needed a place to stay—he was here because she allowed it. Because she had chosen him.
The flat was quiet, but not empty. He could sense her presence, even without seeing her. Still burdened by the aching weight of his arousal, he hesitated before getting up. The temptation was there—easy, familiar, and in any other circumstance, he might have given in to it. But something inside him resisted. The thought of Sophia, her standards, her quiet but absolute expectations, lingered at the edge of his mind. Would she approve? Would she see it as indulgence, a lack of discipline? The idea of disappointing her, even in a moment she would never witness, made his stomach tighten.

Shaking off the thought, he forced himself from the bed and into the shower, the cold water a necessary shock against his skin. The tension ebbed, but the deeper ache—the one tethered to her, to the power she held over him—remained.

He peeled the covers back and pulled on a shirt, padding softly into the open-plan living space. The scent of coffee drifted faintly in the air, mingling with the ever-present lavender that seemed to cling to Sophia’s world like an unspoken signature.

And then he saw her.

Sophia stood near the window, her back partially turned to him, one hand wrapped around a cup, the other scrolling through her phone. The morning light caught in the soft waves of her hair, casting a golden sheen over the rich brown. But it wasn’t that which sent a sudden jolt through him.

It was her boots.

The knee-high riding boots—the ones he had polished the night before with quiet reverence, his hands working over the fine leather, ensuring every inch gleamed perfectly for her. Now, she wore them, standing near the window, framed by the soft morning light. The smooth black leather clung to her legs, rising over the curve of her calves, meeting the edge of her form-fitting black leggings that accentuated her toned figure. The boots had no heel, no unnecessary adornments—pure function, pure authority.
She wore them effortlessly, paired with a large, chunky jumper, its loose fit draping over her frame, the oversized sleeves covering her wrists as she cradled a coffee cup in one hand, scrolling through her phone with the other. Her hair, usually restrained in a sleek updo, fell freely around her shoulders, its waves cascading in a way that softened her striking presence—yet did nothing to diminish her control over the space.

Alex swallowed hard. The sight of her—casual yet commanding, soft yet undeniably in control—struck something deep inside him. He had worked on those boots with devotion, running the cloth over every surface, polishing them until they gleamed. And now, they were on her feet, carrying her effortlessly through the morning, as if his efforts had merely been a quiet, invisible tribute to her presence.

A surge of devotion, sharp and overwhelming, tore through him before he could temper it.

“Thank you, Sophia.”

The words escaped before he could stop them. His voice was hoarse, heavy with meaning he wasn’t sure even he understood.

Sophia turned her head slightly, her sharp eyes flicking to him, bemused. She arched a perfect brow. “For what?”

Alex swallowed, suddenly feeling exposed, as though he had revealed too much, too soon.

He scrambled for an answer, heat creeping up his neck. “For… for everything.”

A pause. A flicker of amusement danced at the corner of her lips, but it never fully formed into a smile.

Then, with a slow blink, she turned back to her phone, her expression unreadable. “Mm.”

And that was it.

Alex stood there, burning with uncertainty, his pulse still thrumming, wondering what, if anything, she had taken from his words. Had she understood? Had she dismissed them as a meaningless nicety? Or had she heard exactly what was beneath them and simply chosen not to acknowledge it?

His stomach twisted.

Sophia took another sip of her coffee, perfectly composed, as though nothing had happened at all.

~

Sophia moved through the morning with an effortless grace, but her demeanour was cool, distant. She gave no acknowledgment of the previous night’s undercurrents, no indication that anything had shifted between them. Alex felt the weight of that absence, unsure whether it was a test or simply the way she was. He watched her, studied her movements, the way she sipped her coffee, the way she barely glanced at him when she spoke.
It wasn’t until he mentioned his plans for the weekend—a casual meet-up with old friends—that she reacted. Her eyes flicked up from her phone, pinning him in place with a look that was neither anger nor surprise, but something more cutting: disappointment.

“You didn’t mention this before,” she said, setting her phone down.

Alex hesitated. “I didn’t think—” He stopped himself, realising too late that not thinking was the problem. He saw the flicker of disapproval in her gaze, and a small knot of anxiety tightened in his stomach.

“I see,” she murmured, taking another sip of her coffee, her expression unreadable.

An uncomfortable silence stretched between them. Alex shifted on his feet, suddenly feeling as though he had done something wrong. Had he? He hadn’t considered that she might expect to be informed of his social engagements. But now, standing in front of her, seeing that look on her face, it seemed obvious. He felt foolish, immature, and—most of all—eager to fix it.

“I can rearrange,” he offered quickly. “Actually… maybe I should run things by you first? Before I make any plans?”

Sophia’s lips curved slightly, a ghost of a smile. “You’re learning well, Alex.” She placed her coffee cup down with deliberate care and pushed her chair back. “Kneel.”

Heat rushed through him as he obeyed, sinking to his knees before her. His pulse thrummed in his ears, a mix of anticipation and quiet exhilaration as he watched her shift one leg over the other, boots creaking softly in the still air.

“Show your devotion,” she said simply, resting her heel against his thigh.
Alex swallowed hard, nodding as he bowed his head and placed a reverent kiss against the smooth leather of her boot. He lingered, letting the moment settle around them, feeling the weight of her approval—or, at the very least, her acceptance of his submission.

Sophia let him remain there for a moment before tilting her foot slightly, nudging his chin up so their eyes met. “While we’re on the topic of asking permission,” she continued, her voice effortlessly composed, “I think we should review your wardrobe together. Some things flatter your physique, Alex, and others… don’t.”

“My… wardrobe?” Alex echoed, his mind scrambling to process the shift in conversation.

“You dress well enough,” she admitted, “but you could benefit from a woman’s touch. You’ll wear what I choose. You’ll present yourself in a way that pleases me. Understood?”

A flicker of apprehension sparked in Alex’s chest. The thought of surrendering something as personal as his clothing made his stomach tighten, but it was drowned out by something stronger—a sense of inevitability. Of course she would control this too. He nodded. “Understood, Sophia.”

She reached forward, tracing a single finger along his jawline before withdrawing. “Good.”

Sophia leaned back in her seat, studying him for a long moment before continuing. “There’s one more thing.”

Alex remained still, waiting.

“We will have weekly reviews,” she said. “To ensure you are meeting my expectations.”

His stomach clenched. “Reviews?”

She nodded. “Discipline, correction, praise when it’s deserved. If you want to serve me well, you need structure. We’ll do the first one tonight.”

Alex’s breath came a little quicker. His mind whirred at the implication—discipline. The word lingered between them, unspoken but heavy. He swallowed. “I… I understand.”

Sophia tilted her head slightly, a gleam of something knowing in her gaze. “You are more to me than just a flatmate, Alex.” She let the words settle before adding, “We’ll discuss it further this evening.”

She picked up her phone again, her attention shifting away as though the conversation had already concluded. Alex remained kneeling, his head buzzing, his heart pounding, already anticipating the night ahead.

~

The evening air in the flat was still, almost expectant. Alex sat on the edge of the couch, his hands clasped together, his pulse steady but quickening. He had known this was coming. Sophia had told him—his first weekly review. Yet knowing and experiencing were two different things.

Sophia entered the room with effortless composure, a glass of wine in one hand, a sleek folder in the other. She took a seat across from him, crossing her legs slowly, her eyes scanning him before speaking.

“Let’s review the last week,” she began, flipping open the folder. “Let’s see how you’ve done.”

Alex swallowed, his stomach tightening as she began to list his performance.

“You’ve taken well to your duties,” she said smoothly. “Your attentiveness has improved. Your cooking—while still inconsistent—has potential. Your cleaning is acceptable, though I expect more attention to detail. I do not wish to find streaks on the glass again.”

A flush of warmth mixed with shame spread across Alex’s chest. He nodded, absorbing her words, grateful for the praise even as he braced for what was to come.

“And then, there are the issues.”

She let the words linger, a quiet pause that made his spine stiffen.
“Your lack of communication regarding your social plans was disappointing. You assumed rather than consulted. That will not happen again, will it?”

“No, Sophia,” he said quickly. “I’ll always check with you first.”

Her lips curved slightly. “Good.” Then, she tilted her head, her voice taking on a sharper edge. “And then, there was last night.”

Heat crept up Alex’s neck. He knew exactly what she was referring to.
“I asked for control, Alex. I asked for discipline.” She set her glass down with a quiet clink. “And you lost it.”

He felt his throat tighten. “I—” He hesitated, then tried again. “I was caught up in the moment. I’ll do better.”

Sophia’s expression didn’t change. “Explanations don’t interest me, Alex. Results do.”

The words struck deep, cutting through his defences. He lowered his gaze, nodding in quiet acceptance.

She leaned forward slightly. “Stand up.”

He obeyed instantly, rising to his feet. She stood as well, moving around him, the slow, deliberate click of her boots against the floor making his breath shallow.

“You need correction,” she said simply. “But only if you accept it. Do you consent to this discipline, Alex? To help you improve?”

Alex hesitated, the weight of the moment pressing down on him. He knew what this meant, what it would signify if he agreed. His heart pounded, his mind racing through doubt and certainty in equal measure. But beneath it all, he recognised the truth—he wanted this. But most of all, he simply wanted to please her. He needed her guidance, her structure. Finally, he took a steady breath and met her gaze.

“Yes, Sophia. I accept.”

She positioned herself beside the arm of the couch and gestured to her lap.

“Bend over.”

A sharp pulse of something unfamiliar—humiliation, submission, anticipation—coursed through Alex. His body hesitated, his mind grappling with the weight of the moment. Then, out of the corner of his eye, he saw Sophia reach for something. A table tennis bat! His stomach tightened. He hadn’t expected that!

She turned it in her hands, testing its weight with a practiced ease. “This will help reinforce the lesson,” she said, her voice calm, deliberate.
A fresh wave of apprehension swept through Alex, but alongside it, something else—curiosity, deference. He knew there was no real choice. He wanted to be better. He wanted to prove himself. He swallowed hard and slowly bent forward, his hands gripping the armrest. He could hear his own breathing, could feel the heat rising off his skin.

Slowly, he bent forward, his hands gripping the armrest. He could hear his own breathing, could feel the heat rising off his skin.

The first strike landed with precise force—not brutal, not indulgent, but a measured correction. The smooth, polished surface of the table tennis bat met his skin with a sharp, unmistakable sting. He inhaled sharply, his body tensing instinctively.

Sophia observed him carefully, her expression unreadable, though inwardly, she felt something deeply satisfying. Not pleasure in causing pain—no, that was not her purpose—but satisfaction in seeing his willingness to be moulded, his commitment to improvement. She was shaping him, guiding him, refining him like a sculptor working a raw piece of stone. And he was accepting it. Willingly. Completely.

“This is not punishment,” Sophia’s voice came, steady and unyielding. “This is discipline.”

Another strike. Heat blossomed where her hand met his skin, his breath coming in short, controlled exhales. It wasn’t unbearable. It was something else entirely.

Sophia let her fingers drift over the newly reddened skin, tracing the warmth she had left behind. She admired the way he held himself, the way he accepted her discipline without resistance. Her touch was slow, deliberate—not a caress, but an appraisal. “You take this well, Alex,” she mused, her voice calm, thoughtful. “It suits you.”

She continued, each measured impact reinforcing a lesson deeper than words. It was not pain that humbled him, but the weight of her control, the firm, unshakable structure she was building around him. When she finally stopped, his skin burned, but so did something else—something deeper, something unspoken.

Sophia rested a hand against his back, a contrast to the discipline that had preceded it. “You’ll improve,” she murmured. “I expect no less.”

The touch lingered, not unkind, but reinforcing. Alex swallowed, absorbing the moment, his skin still tingling where her hand had rested. A strange mix of emotions swirled inside him—humiliation, yes, but also something else, something grounding. The discipline had stung, but it had also settled him, given him clarity. More than anything, he felt the weight of her approval, and that sent a quiet thrill through him. When she finally withdrew, he felt the absence keenly, as if part of him had been tethered to her touch, reluctant to let go.

Sophia straightened, straightening her jumper before retrieving the folder she had brought in earlier. Before handing it to him, she reached for a soft, cool cloth and pressed it gently against the warm skin of his lower back, a moment of quiet aftercare.

“You did well,” she said, her voice softer now, measured. “I push you because I see potential, Alex. This is about making you better.”

The contrast of the soothing touch after the discipline made Alex’s breath hitch. He exhaled slowly, grounding himself in the unexpected care woven into her authority.

Then, as if the moment had passed, she handed him the folder—three or four pages of A4 paper, neatly stapled together. A contract. The Flatshare Agreement. It looked official, its weight solid in his hands. This wasn’t just a formality; it was a declaration of what she expected from him, in black and white.

“Read this,” she instructed. “It is The Flatshare Agreement. In it, you’ll find exactly what I expect from you moving forward. I suggest you absorb every word.”

Alex took the folder, the weight of it heavy in his hands. This was no longer an unspoken arrangement, no longer something he could excuse as undefined. It was real. It was formal. And it was hers.

He looked up at her, searching for some hint of acknowledgment, but she had already turned away, lifting her wine glass with the effortless grace of someone who had already made up their mind. The moment felt definitive, like a boundary had been drawn in ink.

Alex reached for the contract, the pages cool beneath his fingertips. His pulse quickened as he turned over the first page, his breath shallow with anticipation. Every word he was about to read mattered—each line was a reflection of the role she expected him to step into, a mirror of her exacting standards. He swallowed hard, feeling the weight of it settle in his chest. This was not just an agreement. This was a commitment. A submission. And he wanted—needed—to know exactly what she required of him.

---

Agreement between Sophia and Alex

This agreement sets out the mutually consensual terms under which [Sophia] (hereafter referred to as “She”) and [Alex] (hereafter referred to as “He”) will conduct their household arrangement. Both parties enter this agreement voluntarily and will respect the terms outlined below:

• Public Behaviour: In public settings or in the presence of others, He will behave as a friendly, quiet, and respectful flatmate. No outward indications of the private arrangement will be shown.
• Private Role: When alone, He will act as Her personal servant, attending to Her needs and whims as requested, within the boundaries of this agreement.
• Cooking Responsibilities: He will prepare all meals as per Her preferences and schedule. He will ask Her preferences in advance for each meal and ensure it is ready on time.
• Weekly Food Plan: He will provide Her with a weekly food plan for approval, detailing the meals he plans to prepare. The plan must be submitted in advance, and no meals will be served without Her approval.
• Backup Food: He will ensure there is always a supply of backup foods readily available, so He can provide Her with food at a moment’s notice if She requests it outside the planned schedule. He will ensure all meals are nutritionally balanced and prepared to Her liking. Special attention must be given to presentation and cleanliness while cooking. He will clean the kitchen immediately after preparing and serving each meal, leaving it spotless and organised.
• Cleaning Responsibilities: He is responsible for maintaining the cleanliness and tidiness of the entire home. This includes regular vacuuming, dusting, bathroom cleaning, and wiping down surfaces. Daily cleaning of common areas such as the living room, kitchen, and bathroom is mandatory. Deep cleaning, including scrubbing floors, windows, and appliances, will be done on a weekly basis or as She instructs.
• Shoe Care: He will clean and polish Her shoes every day, ensuring they are ready for work or any outings.
• Outfit Preparation: He will lay out Her outfit for the next day based on Her instructions or preferences, ensuring it is clean, ironed, and ready for wear.
• Tidying and Picking Up After Her: He will tidy Her bedroom daily, ensuring everything is organised, the bed is made, and any clothing or items She has left behind are neatly arranged.
• He will clean the bathroom immediately after She has used it, ensuring it is spotless and ready for Her next use.
• Bathroom Use: He will only use the bathroom when She does not need it. If She requests the bathroom, He will vacate it immediately to allow Her full use.
• Any of Her belongings left around the house will be immediately returned to their proper place as soon as He notices them or She directs him to do so.
• Laundry Responsibilities: He will ensure all of Her laundry is washed, dried, folded, and neatly put away according to Her preferences. Special care must be taken with delicate or expensive items, following any specific instructions She provides. His own laundry must be completed separately and never interfere with Her laundry schedule.
• Chauffeur Duties: He must be available to provide chauffeur services on Her nights out with friends, as per Her schedule. This includes driving Her to and from events, ensuring Her safety and comfort. He must be punctual and available for pickup and drop-off as needed.
• Privacy with Company: If She chooses to bring company back home, He must not be seen or heard during these times. He will stay in his room or leave the premises as instructed to provide Her with complete privacy.
• Serving in the Presence of Her Friends: By mutual consent, She may instruct Him to serve while Her friends are present. This service may include tasks such as preparing and serving food, drinks, or other duties as directed. He may also be asked to serve Her friends privately, either in their presence or behind the scenes, with their consent and comfort in mind. He will perform these tasks respectfully and discreetly.
• Chastity for Her Safety and Comfort: He will remain in permanent chastity to ensure Her safety, comfort, and peace of mind. He will wear a chastity device at all times, and the key will remain in Her possession.
• Scheduled Release from Chastity: For fairness and balance, He will be granted a mutually agreed-upon release from chastity on a set schedule. The frequency of release will be determined by Her, taking into consideration His behaviour, performance, and obedience. A suggested release schedule could be every month, with Her reserving the right to delay or withhold release based on His performance.
• No Complaints: He will not complain or whine about chastity, His workload, or any aspect of His service. His scheduled release is at Her sole discretion.
• Respectful Responses in Public: When in public or in the presence of others, He will always respond to Her respectfully, using Her first name.
• Respectful Responses in Private: When alone, He will always respond promptly with “Yes, Goddess” when addressed.
• Kneeling and Foot Kissing: When alone and She enters the room or clicks Her fingers, He will immediately kneel and kiss Her feet in acknowledgment of Her presence.
• Kneeling When Unsure: When He has completed His tasks or is unsure of what to do next, He will kneel at Her feet until given further instruction.
• Permission to Speak: When alone, He will ask for permission to speak or make suggestions unless He is directly addressed or responding to a question.
• Permission to Have a Girlfriend: He must receive Her explicit permission to have a girlfriend. She reserves the right to approve or deny any potential relationships based on Her discretion.
• Approval of Social Life: His social life, including friendships, social outings, and leisure activities, must be approved by Her. He will inform Her of any plans in advance and seek permission for any social engagement.
• Prohibition from Seeing Another Dominant: He is not permitted to engage with or see another Dominant without Her explicit consent. His loyalty is to Her, and She will decide the boundaries of any external relationships.

What She Will Do for Him in Return

• Complete Privacy of Their Arrangement: She will ensure the utmost discretion and complete privacy regarding the nature of their arrangement. No details will be shared with third parties without His prior consent, and all aspects of the dynamic will remain strictly confidential.
• Emotional Support: She will provide guidance, mentorship, and emotional support as He grows under Her leadership. She will check in regularly to ensure He is not overwhelmed and will offer encouragement when needed.
• Opportunities for Growth: She will provide Him with valuable life skills training (such as cooking, cleaning, time management) and help Him develop confidence and competence. This will prepare Him for future female-led relationships (FLR) or submissive roles, should He seek them.
• Reward Moments: She will occasionally reward Him with non-sexual privileges, such as a massage, a moment of physical closeness (e.g., foot worship), or time in Her presence, at Her discretion.
• Positive Reinforcement: She will acknowledge His efforts and provide positive reinforcement for His service, showing appreciation for His hard work and loyalty.
• Structured Discipline and Growth: She will help Him improve discipline, self-control, and responsibility by setting clear goals and standards for His tasks. As a result, He will sharpen His skills under Her guidance.
• Moments of Privacy: She will respect His need for private time when not serving Her directly, allowing Him space for His personal affairs, studies, and self-care within reason.
• Intellectual Stimulation: She may engage Him in intellectual conversations and guide Him academically, offering insights that help Him excel in His studies and personal development.

Her Expectations:

• No Household Chores: She will not lift a finger to perform any household chores. He is expected to manage all cleaning, tidying, and maintenance without Her assistance.
• No Tidying After Herself: She will not tidy up after herself, including in shared spaces. He is responsible for picking up after Her and ensuring that everything is kept orderly.
• Dropping Clothes on the Floor: She may leave Her clothing or personal items wherever She chooses. He will pick them up and put them away as part of His duties.
• Inconsistent Mealtimes: She may or may not turn up at the times He has prepared meals. He will remain flexible and be prepared to adjust accordingly if She misses or changes Her schedule.
• Unpredictable Attendance at the Flat: She may or may not be present at their flat at any given time. Her whereabouts are not to be questioned, and He will adjust His responsibilities to accommodate Her schedule.
• Ignoring Him: She may choose to ignore Him entirely when She pleases. This is part of the dynamic, and He will continue fulfilling His duties without expecting acknowledgment from Her.

No Credit or Favour Accrued:

• By serving Her, He understands that He is accruing no credit, favour, or future reward. She owes Him exactly nothing in return for His service.
• He serves out of His own choice and takes satisfaction in fulfilling His duties, with no expectation of anything in return beyond what She explicitly chooses to give.

Performance Reviews and Discipline:

• Weekly Performance Review: They will conduct a weekly review of His performance, during which She will provide feedback on His obedience and overall service.
• Discipline: She reserves the right to use physical discipline to improve His performance and obedience, should She deem it necessary. This will be done within mutually agreed-upon boundaries and as part of the structured dynamic.
• Academic Responsibilities: He must maintain an excellent academic standing. His studies are a priority, and She may choose to reduce His workload during exam periods or times of high academic demand.
• Non-Sexual Arrangement: This arrangement is strictly non-sexual. Any physical interaction, such as massage or foot worship, will be initiated solely at Her discretion as an occasional privilege or treat.
• Duration and Termination: This agreement may be terminated by either party at any time, with reasonable notice (e.g., one week) to the other party.

---

Alex sat motionless, the weight of the agreement pressing down on him. The four pages of A4 paper felt heavier than they should, each word hammering home the reality of his position. He traced a finger along the neatly stapled edge, his pulse steady but insistent, as if his body understood the gravity of this moment before his mind fully caught up.

His first reaction was a mixture of awe and trepidation. Seeing it all in writing—his responsibilities, his limitations, the structured world Sophia was crafting for him—made it undeniably real. It was one thing to exist within her influence, to be shaped by her expectations as they naturally unfolded. It was another to see them codified, unshakable, and absolute.

There were no grand declarations of affection, no hidden clauses hinting at something more. It was purely functional, a flat share agreement wrapped in service and discipline. The non-sexual clause stood out starkly, the words almost mocking his quiet longing for something deeper.

Yet, for all the cold reality it laid bare, the structure of it thrilled him. His name, written in the same formal tone as hers, binding them together in roles that were entirely clear. There was no vagueness, no uncertainty about what was expected of him. And wasn’t that what he had wanted all along? To know his place, to belong? If he signed it, he’d be at her feet, pleasing her. The thought sent a sharp thrill through him, equal parts fear and longing, as if a door had been opened to a path he had always been meant to walk.

Still, questions churned in his mind. He needed clarity. If he was truly committing to this, he had to understand every nuance. Slowly, he reached for a notepad and pencil from the desk and flipped open the first page of the agreement once more, carefully noting down the thoughts that refused to settle:

• Chastity – Is this immediate? Will there be a transition period? How will this be enforced? How will it be monitored?
• Social Restrictions – What level of control will Sophia exert? Does this apply to casual coffee with coworkers? Family?
• Academic Expectations – She has never mentioned my studies before. What does she expect?
• Serving Her Friends – What does “serving” entail? How far does this extend?
• Permission to Speak – What qualifies as “seeking permission”? Does this mean casual conversation is now structured?

He stared at the list, letting the questions settle. They weren’t defiant—they were necessary. If he was going to give himself over fully, he needed to do so with understanding.

His chest tightened as he placed the pad aside. Sophia was still in the flat. He could hear the faint clinking of a glass in the kitchen, the soft hum of classical music drifting from another room. The knowledge that she was there—waiting, expecting—sent a shiver through him.

Taking a slow breath, he straightened his posture, preparing himself to follow the instructions of the agreement as though he had already signed.

He rose from his seat, moved with careful intent through the apartment, and found her in the lounge, her focus on a book in her hands. She didn’t acknowledge him immediately, simply turned a page, entirely composed.

He waited, pulse steady but deep, before sinking to his knees and placing a kiss on her boot.

A flicker of amusement ghosted across her features as she finally regarded him. A test? Or approval? He wasn’t sure.

Alex took a slow, steady breath, then bowed his head slightly. “May I speak, Goddess?”

She regarded him for a moment, then gave a small nod. “You may.”

“Thank you, Goddess,” he said, his voice even, deliberate. Gratitude first. Submission first.

“Thank you for trusting me with this agreement. For trusting me to meet your standards. Thank you for this opportunity”

She tilted her head slightly, watching him with quiet calculation. “I’m pleased you recognise it as trust,” she mused. “Not all men would.”

“I want to do this correctly.” He swallowed, keeping his gaze low. “May I ask permission to seek clarification on some points?”

A pause. A soft, knowing smile. “You may.”

Alex exhaled, steadying himself. This was his moment—to prove his understanding, to show her that he was ready.

And so, he began.