Total pages in book: 113
Estimated words: 107660 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107660 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 538(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“Also, to be clear…” He sat up. “This is simply a transaction of pleasure. Please be sure to not confuse it for anything romantic.”
“Please,” I scoffed.
“There will be times when our interaction is intense, which can lead to a false sense of connection for some.” His pointed gaze and raised brows left me no doubt who he considered to be some in his explanation. “No matter what happens between us, it will always be superficial—nothing beyond physical. Sometimes, when someone is new to the experience, they can confuse the trust between a Dom and a sub as love. It’s not. It never will be. I don’t do emotions. I don’t do dates and roses. I don’t do relationships, so don’t confuse it with one. This does not earn you any favor from me. I owe you nothing beyond what we agree to.”
I rolled my eyes to keep from studying the steel that sharpened behind his eyes with each warning. Something pushed him to give his warning so ferociously. It piqued my curiosity, but I shoved it aside. “I’ll try not to fall in love.” My words dripped with heavy sarcasm.
This was purely transactional.
No romantic emotions.
Perfect.
“Shall we begin?”
“Now?” I balked.
“Why not?” He shrugged. “We can start with a simple scene that explores following simple commands.”
“You mean me following your commands,” I confirmed with a raised brow, struggling to adjust away from our usual animosity.
“Yes. Which may go against what you’re used to, but it is important for you to understand that as your Dominant, my sole purpose is to take care of you and make sure you are safe. Ensuring your needs are met is where I find my own pleasure and release. As well as receiving your trust in me to do so. Each touch and order are done because I strive to push you beyond what you think you can achieve and give you more. As my submissive, your power comes in giving up that control because you offer your own trust in return by knowing the decisions made are for you to find your release. While you may follow my commands, you hold the power to choose—to withdraw your submission if you believe I’ve disrespected it. Your submission is an honor to receive and in return, you accept my dominance.”
I blinked, shocked at the depth of meaning. I’d heard about BDSM but never knew the exchange of power went both ways so thoroughly. I saw it at the club but didn’t fully understand.
The promise of pleasure and being cared for without having to ask pushed aside my hesitation to start now, and I nodded.
He stood and headed toward his desk. “Come.”
Despite his warning, the sharp order still shocked me. That was the only reason I had for obeying like a dog. I stood on unsteady legs and followed his path until I reached his chair.
He sat like a king on his throne and looked me up and down with a hint of a smile. “Kneel.”
I jerked as if his order slapped me. “Excuse me?”
The muscle along his jaw clenched, and he sighed. “If you’re going to hesitate and doubt every order I give you, then we might as well stop now. Your snapped questions and attitude inhibit your ability to immerse yourself in a scene. This is to establish a sort of groundwork that we can build from, but if you’re unable to relinquish an ounce of trust and follow the simplest commands, then this is a waste of both our times.”
Doubt his every order?
My lungs squeezed under the building pressure—biting back my retort to his arrogant tone. Because I didn’t want to stop, and he was right. I wanted the give and take he explained. I needed this to work. With a deep inhale through my nose, I forcibly relaxed my shoulders and unclenched my jaw. “Okay. Let’s try again.”
“Thank you for trying for me,” he said, his tone soft and praising. Then, it turned hard again. “Now, kneel.”
I didn’t know what surprised me more, the way I obeyed with ease after my initial reaction or the way I didn’t hate the feeling of sinking to my knees at his feet. I didn’t hate the rush of power pulling my back straight. I didn’t hate the way his warm gaze brushed my skin, as if he were proud of me. I didn’t hate the way I wanted to preen under his pride, like the good girl he called me.
Sitting back on my heels, I lifted my chin and waited for whatever came next. The anticipation bubbled through every inch of me, raising me higher and higher until I forgot about the pressure of my knees on the floor.
I held my breath…
I waited…
Then…
He turned to his desk, opened his email, and worked.
I blinked and played back the last minute, wondering if I missed something. Maybe missed his voice behind the high daze of excitement.