N still bears the mark of our ‘making up’ session immediately following our argument over nothing. Have you had one of those pointless fights where you both seem to feed into something you both claim not to want?

It’s a S/M version of Seinfeld.

Why? Her shoulder will likely leave a scar where I marked her. Not as punishment, which is a rare find in our relationship these days, but rather as a coming home. I don’t know if I can explain just how calming it is…for us both, to be able to indulge in that dark and bloody side we both crave.

It is a power exchange, but beyond that, where she doesn’t give it to me, but almost fights to keep it. I have to take it from her, force her hand before she will yield. It comes with a price, my sweat and blood, and she willingly pays it because I’ve earned the right to be above her, to be dominant to her.

Do you think we are above animals during such a ritual? Are we any better? I was there… her face the pillows and I behind her, my hands clawing at her hips, my teeth cutting into the skin at her neck. I wasn’t certain then.

But N has one thing that no lioness can claim. She can cut me with more than her claws.

And I still look forward to the match.