"You are not damaged," the brunette assured, easily reading the man's thoughts. He said nothing more on the subject, though, and continued to eat his dinner, making small talk as they did so. As they sat and waited for the bill to arrive, Peony leaned back in his chair, right leg draping over his left once more. "I am not a nice or a kind man to those who I do not care about, nor to those who consent to my abuses. You will tell me your pain threshold, and I will push it, though I will never use it against you in anger or punishment.
"Do not hold back your needs-they will always be met. I cannot say the same of your desires, other than your artistic requests. You will have some choices, as tonight you chose your three favorite dishes though I had the final say. That will become the norm. Questions?" The brunette took the bill from the waitress and paid it without a second glance before standing and offering his hand to help Aldith out of his own seat.