He guided her between his legs and lifted her easily, so her bare bottom perched on one trouser-clad thigh.
“Eyes on me,” he ordered. “And keep them there.”
His hand sank into her hair, tugging until her face tipped up, forcing her to meet his gaze.
“Relax. It’ll make this more enjoyable for us both.”
His free hand glided over her—thigh to hip, up her side, and inward to cup her breast. When his thumb grazed her nipple, Emily gasped.
His grin broadened, gray eyes flashing before his mouth claimed hers. A jolt of exhilaration surged through her at his effortless command. He was a stranger, which seemed to heighten the thrill. As his mouth moved over hers, devouring her softness, she opened for him without hesitation.
She’d never had a thing for older men. No daddy issues—she’d only been teasing Alec—no secret fantasies. For this man, she could almost be convinced.
His caresses grew bolder. He rolled her nipple firmly then slid his hand down her thigh. She whimpered, knowing what he’d find when he parted her legs and touched her intimately.
Ding.
The sound echoed through the clearing, making her jump.
“We’re out of time. How disappointing,” he murmured against her lips. Then he set her on her feet, steadying her when her legs wobbled.
“What’s your name, little one?”
“Emily, sir.”
“I’m Master Everett,” he said, his smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. “If you win tonight and choose me as your dominant, I would be honored. For now, I must send you on your way.”
“You mean that’s it?” she asked, surprised.
His mouth curved, amusement warming his eyes. “Didn’t you enjoy our interlude, Emily?”
“Yes, Master Everett. Very much.”
He winked. “I was told you would—which means I’ve accomplished my mission.”
A question hovered on the tip of her tongue.Who told him she would?Before she could ask, he nudged her toward the exit with a gentle pat on her rear.
At the door, three paths branched off, which meant two led to trouble. She glanced over her shoulder. “Which would you choose, sir?”
He shook his head. “Since I know what lies down each path, that would be cheating. Don’t fret—no one will give you more than you can taketonight. And, as always, you can call stop at any time.” His hand connected with her bottom again—not a pat this time but a firm swat that ended her procrastination.
She walked into the dark, following the hedge-lined path as it twisted and turned. When she reached the next decision point, she chose left again. It had gone well so far.
Soon, she reached another small clearing. When she stepped in and saw who stood waiting, she came to an abrupt halt.
Mateo towered above her petite frame. His eyes were such a deep brown they appeared black in the shadows. Unlike Master Everett’s formality, Mateo wore a chest-hugging white T-shirt that barely contained his pecs and biceps. Black jeans clung to lean hips and a flat belly. It should’ve been illegal to look that good.
“Beautiful Emily,” he greeted with a slow smile. “I hoped you’d find your way to me. Come here and stand on the stool.”
Rooted to the spot, she looked down at the eight-inch step at his feet.
“Don’t be shy. The timer’s ticking, and we have much to do.”
She darted a look toward the exit, but he caught her hand and tugged her forward.Standing before him, her head barely reached his chest. Unsure whether to avert her gaze or meet his, she tilted her chin up. He was simply too gorgeous not to watch.
He stroked her cheek. “You’re such a tiny thing. Hang on.”
He turned, retrieved another step, and added it to the first. His hands easily spanned her waist, as he lifted her and set her down on the small platform.
