“I thought I made it clear that I was a sure thing, but he left without getting any."Maybe Hector's holding out for a better deal, Sam."That never occurred to me. "Negotiating?"You negotiated with all your other dominants. You call it power exchange. Use your power."I ducked my head. "I don't have any power."Then what the hell are you exchanging?”

“Don't let me get into your head. I will twist it and alter it until even you won't recognize yourself. You cannot begin to comprehend the power I possess. I can harm you in any way impossible.”

“I didn’t just want your light, your power, your strength. I wanted all of you. I asked for it. I fought for it. But you kept it from me and you did it willingly knowing I needed it. I’m sorry, Sam, I’ve made my decision. I thought I could do it but I was wrong. It’s all or nothing.”

“I can say no at any time ” “Yes.” “But aren’t I supposed to do whatever you say ” “Only if you want to. That’s what makes the power exchange of D s so potent. It’s a free exchange one that is meant to give us both what we need.”

“I'm not good at having friends. I mean, I can make myself useful to people. I can fit in. I get invited to parties and I can sit at any table I want in the cafeteria.But actually trusting someone when they have nothing to gain from me just doesn't make sense.All friendships are negotiations of power.”

“I don't know what the future holds. I only know that I want to be with you. You and me. Everything else is negotiable.”