The Price of Attention, The Cost of Desire

He knew better than to message me this late.

Because he knew exactly what would happen.

"Mistress, may I have your attention?"

I smiled at the screen.

"You already have it."

Three little dots appeared.

"Then what do I owe you?"

There it was.

That little moment of uncertainty. The realization that my attention wasn't something he could simply assume he deserved.

"What do you think it's worth?"

He hesitated.

I watched the typing bubble disappear. Reappear. Disappear again.

Finally:

"More than I can comfortably afford."

I laughed softly.

"Then perhaps you're finally beginning to understand."

He sent the tribute.

Not a single complaint.

Just action.

I looked at the notification, then back at his message.

"Good boy."

Another message arrived almost immediately.

"That's it?"

I smiled.

"Did you really think you were paying for my approval?"

Silence.

"You're paying because you want it."

And judging by the next notification...

He wanted it very badly.