PROLOGUE
GRACE
There's something completely freeing about being naked and on my knees. If you would’ve told me a year ago that I’d feel this way, I would’ve laughed in your face.
But now, my mind slows, my breathing even as Asher ties soft silk around my wrists, binding them in place behind my back.
There's a juxtaposition in how gentle he is when restraining me and how harsh he is when he uses me. It's also in the way he stands before me, still fully clothed while I kneel completely naked. But I think he knows that it only serves to make me needier for him. If he dipped a finger between my thighs, he'd find me dripping.
But he also knows that. Asher knows how to work my body without even touching me. With his words, his movements, everything he does has a reason, and right now, his reason is to bring me immense pleasure in the most degrading way.
He trails his finger over my collarbone, up to the strand of pearls that's locked around my throat. The collar that signifies I belong to him, even more than the ring on my finger.
My core clenches. I'm dying for his hand to travel lower.
But that won’t happen.
This is part of his game, a punishment for not following orders.
I could stop this.
One word, and Asher would release me. He’d probably wrap me in a blanket, pick me up, and carry me to bed.
But I won’t say the word.
Because as much as he’s enjoying this, I am too.
"I have a challenge for you tonight, sugar." My pet name sends butterflies swarming through my stomach, and the idea of a challenge gives me something to focus on, some way to please him. "If you do a good job, I'll reward you."
His task hacks my brain, encouraging the parts of me that desire to beperfect. He gives me the opportunity to please him, and when I do, I'm rewarded with the warmth of my Dom.
Asher steps away, and when he comes back into view, he's holding a book. I can tell from the colored hardcover and the painted edges that it's one of myBridgertonbooks, the first one,The Duke and I. I nearly gasp, but I keep my lips sealed, eyes on Asher as I wait for his instruction.
There’s a devilish smile spread across his lips as he steps toward me. He places the book on top of my head as if it’s a hat. It’s balancing there delicately, and I know one wrong move would make it topple to the ground.
“Think you can hold that, sugar?”
“No,” I answer honestly. As soon as he touches me, the book will fall.
The answer makes him laugh, and he squats down so his face is level with mine. There’s a glimmer in his eyes as he brings his palm to my chin, stroking his fingers against my cheek. “But you’ll do it for me anyway, won’t you? Because you’re such agood girl.”
I practically mewl, desperate for his praise and attention. His words send a bolt of electricity down my spine, excitement circuiting through me and landing between my thighs.
I gulp, then whisper, “Yes.”
“Yes, what?” One eyebrow tics up with the question.
“Yes,Sir.”There’s always a gleam in his eye when I use the honorific, something I’ve grown to enjoy.
“Open your mouth,” he demands, and I do, eagerly parting my lips and flattening my tongue.
Asher takes his time lowering the zipper on his black slacks. He frees his cock without even fully undressing and brings the tip to my lower lip.
I’m longing to taste him, and my tongue darts out, caressing the underside of his tip.
“Patience, baby. Can’t let that book fall, remember.”
I try my best to steady my breathing and keep my body still as he slowly moves his cock into my mouth, relishing the feeling as he presses all the way to the back of my throat.
