“So it would seem, sir.” Deery’s eyebrow rose by a scant quarter of an inch. “I would venture to say that’s an understatement.” He nodded across the hall. “You’ll find your brandy and the fire ready for you, sir, Ma’am.”
“Come, Kitty. I need that drink.” Max put his hand beneath her elbow and led her across the dark and shining floor to the small salon, where they had breakfasted only a few days before.
Deery hadn’t lied—the fire was a cheerful blaze and Max sensed Kitty relax as the heat percolated their limbs.
“I’d offer to take your domino, but I know your gown has been sadly torn.” He grinned. “I won’t apologise. It was worth it.”
She lifted her chin. “Indeed it was.”
“Liked that, did you?”
She turned her gaze to the fire. “Should I lie, or evade, or pretend? I’m not that kind of person. Yes, I liked it. And although I would apologise for my bluntness to anyone else, I don’t believe such things are necessary between us.” She looked back at him. “Am I correct in my assumption?”
He neared the fire and stood beside her. “Yes. You are correct. In fact, you have said something upon which I insist. Absolute truth between us, Kitty. No lies. Ever. You belong to me now, for all intents and purposes. I will care for your well-being and your pleasure.”
“Thank you,” she said, confusion in her eyes. “I am not sure about how to go on as your mistress.”
“Don’t worry. I shall make sure you know. As you are my mistress, I am now your Master. Do you understand what that entails?”
She bit her lip. “We shall share a bed…”
“In time.” He smiled. Here was his challenge; to introduce her to his world. “We shall do all the things you’re probably thinking about. The only difference is that you will give yourself to me freely and without restraint. When we are alone, Kitty, you will follow my dictates.”
“You want me to obey you?”
“Yes. Without question. Can you trust me enough to do that?”
She looked at him, her gaze direct and intense. “I want to.”
“Good. That’s the first step.” He sighed. “I will earn your trust, I promise you. Being your Master means you are my possession, if you will. And my responsibility is to ensure your well-being, your safety, and yes, your pleasure, at all times. If you are unhappy or uncomfortable or afraid for any reason, I have failed.”
“I doubt that you fail much, Max,” she tried for levity. “It’s not in your character.”
“You’d be surprised,” he chuckled. “But with you? No. I won’t fail.”
“I will do my best to be a good mistress, Max. But you understand I’m unsure of how to accomplish that goal. With that in mind, I trust you to forgive the many mistakes I will doubtless make…”
He saw a tiny shiver cross her skin. “Sit.” He urged her into a chair by the fire. “I’ll bring you a brandy.”
“Shouldn’t I be doing that?” She turned her head as he walked across the room.
He poured the liquor and returned with two glasses, handing her one and taking the other with him to the opposite chair. “You’re my mistress, not my servant.”
“Ah.” She sipped and closed her eyes. “This is lovely.”
“Yes, it is.” He let the liquid burn its way down his throat. She was right. The fire, the gentle silence…it was lovely.
At that moment, Max knew he’d made the right move. It might be tumultuous as far as the world was concerned, but for him? It was simplyright. He vowed to make sure it was right for Kitty as well. There was a kind of comfort to be drawn from her presence; something he’d not known with any other woman, except occasionally his sister.
This was how he wanted his life to be. Full of warmth and quiet contentment, an excellent brandy, and a woman across the hearth who matched his desires in so many ways. Training her to match them all might take a lifetime….
And that was a thought Max could honestly say he’d nevereverhad before.
