Well, I'm not a sadist per se. I get no real pleasure from merely inflicting pain. Topping does little for me.

Add in a submissive, one who gives of herself to me, and I get all up and into the role of paingiver. It may be that it in response to seeing the sacrifices she is willing to make.

It is her desire to please me that rocks my psyche.

And D/s isn't necessarily just about pain. Control v. being controlled is a huge component. My "fetish" is making women cum. I know what you might think... 'oh yeah, that's a sacrifice on her part' but when she allows me to choose how and when and how often and whenever... when she gives me her body as a playtoy... and responds like no vanilla woman I've ever met can respond, when she cums when she thinks there is nothing left within her, when she gasps in surprise as I manipulate her mind and body, when she thanks me profusely... that's why I'm in the lifestyle.