82, you are certainly right as to what does and doesn't constitute rape, though I think this story is still somewhat unique in the fact that it doesn't contain VIOLENT rape, which is usually the norm for tentacle porn. As far as ensuring the ending doesn't veer into "rape=love" territory, I leave that in Lithe's capable hands. As far as what counts as "romantic" I don't think anyone was implying Domi was being romantic by spying on and indeed manipulating Lance. It's usually flaws, grey areas, and screw-ups like these that not only drive the story forward but help readers relate to the characters and situations and develop feelings about the story's content. Unlike Twilight, this story is recognizing the problems for what they are and utilizing them to create conflict and interest. Not at all saying you were wrong to point these things out, but just reassuring you that fans of this story probably aren't all idiots and/or bad people.