“Being submissive,” he said, “is an attitude, Megan. Ask yourself, do you want to be here?”

“I do.”

“Then, no resentment flaring in your pretty eyes, please. Submit because you want to. I will push you; if it’s beyond your ability to bear, you can stop me by invoking your safeword.”

It was good and useful advice. I nodded. “Yes, Professor Wilde,” I muttered. I took a deep breath; nudged myself towards serenity and grace.

“Good girl,” he said softly. He leaned forward and kissed me again. “In most dominant-submissive relationships, you behave, you get a reward. Don’t, and you get punished.” He kissed me again. “That was your reward.”...