He stands, looming over me like my own personal dark god. My lips part for an enraptured moment, and I stare up at his masculine perfection with open awe.
“It’s time for your punishment, Abigail.”
20
ABIGAIL
Iplace my hand in Dane’s outstretched palm, and his fingers close around mine in a firm cage. Apprehension flutters in my belly like the frantic beats of a trapped butterfly’s wings. The disconcerting sensation sets my senses on high alert, and my entire focus centers on him.
His handsome face is etched with hungry lines, as though someone has enhanced the sharpness on the world. His eyes blaze with emerald flames, burning with dark fire that entrances me. Our connection is hypnotic, and I rise to my feet as though he’s lifted my limbs on a puppet’s strings.
With no more than a gentle tug at my hand, he pulls me in his wake. I float alongside him, my breaths coming faster as though I’m jogging in the summer heat rather than strolling through his house. He leads me up the stairs, and we enter his bedroom.
The color scheme is vastly different from the sterile, pale tones in the rest of the house. The walls are painted a deep green that’s so dark it’s almost velvety, and the furniture is built in sturdy mahogany. A massive four-poster bed with a black-draped canopy dominates one wall.
My steps falter as my anxiety rises, eating away at my lust.
What if my body won’t relax to accommodate him? What if my inner muscles close so tightly that he can’t penetrate me?
Now that I’m in his private sanctuary, only mere feet away from his bed, my insecurities nip at me with sharp teeth.
As always, he’s attuned to my moods. He pauses and turns to me. Both hands settle on my waist, holding me so close that our bodies are almost touching.
“Tell me what you’re worried about.”
“It’s nothing.” I placate him automatically. I don’t want to ruin this moment with my damage.
I straighten my shoulders, determined to master my own body so that I can be with Dane in every way.
His lips firm to a warning slash that makes my stomach dip like I’m on a rollercoaster. A familiar, giddy thrill fizzes through me. I’m riding the edge of danger, and yet, I’m completely safe with Dane.
I marvel at the dichotomy, the fact that I’m able to indulge in this space where I’m both threatened and protected.
“Have you forgotten our contract already?” he challenges. “Complete honesty, Abigail. I want all of you. That means you will tell me all of your thoughts and feelings. You’re worried about something. Explain.”
“Sometimes, my body gets so tight that I can’t accept penetration,” I admit. “I’m scared that will happen again.”
His cocky smirk makes my clit pulse. “Trust me, pet. Your body will bend to my will. I fully intend to claim your sweet cunt. All you have to do is give yourself to me, and I’ll make sure you experience more pleasure than you ever thought possible. No matter how long it takes, I will toy with you and torment you until you flower open for me.”
“But what about you?” I ask breathily. The contract had been clear that my purpose is to please him, but he’s talking all about me and taking nothing for himself.
He caresses my cheek. “Sweet pet. Don’t worry. I’ll use you for my pleasure once I’m satisfied that you’ve been thoroughly punished.” His thumb rubs my sensitized lips. “I’ll devote just as much time to training this pretty mouth as I do to conquering your tight pussy.”
My breath stutters at his crass words. It’s like something out of my darkest fantasies, but this time, I’m completely willing. I’m eager for him to fulfil his wicked promises. It’s all I can do to keep my knees from folding so that I can worship his cruel perfection.
“I didn’t know it could be like this,” I confess.
His low laugh holds a mocking edge. “You don’t know anything yet. I will teach you the meaning of suffering, and you will weep in gratitude.”
This arrogant, domineering side of him should seem shockingly different from my dashing prince, but somehow, this feels right. It’s as though I’m seeing him clearly for the first time, but this hidden facet of him doesn’t diminish the goodness of the man I’ve started to know over the last few weeks.
I marvel at the prospect that I can have both: my white knight and my dark god, all in one gorgeous package.
I push up onto my tiptoes, seeking a kiss. His cruel smile pierces my chest like a knife, but my core pulses in response as he denies me. This seduction will be on his terms, not mine. I don’t have to guess how to satisfy him; all I have to do is give myself over to his control.
My breath shudders between my parted lips, but he doesn’t caress them with his. He shows no mercy.
Instead, he keeps me pinned in his stare as he slowly drags my black cotton shirt up my torso. His hands skim my sides, tracing my shape without stimulating my most sensitive areas. He hasn’t so much as brushed my breasts, but my nipples are hard, aching buds against the inside of my purple bra.
