Page 70 of Reign

It looks safe. It also looks like a lie.

I already know what it felt like to be held exactly where he wanted me. I already know I locked my legs around him instead of asking him to let me go.

I change it to Yes.

Then immediately want to throw the phone into the clouds.

Impact Play

My face burns so quickly I’m grateful for the air blowing down at me.

Impact play.

The phrase itself sounds too formal. Too clean. Like someone took a bad idea, put it in a suit, and made it acceptable for polite society. I think of Luciano’s hand wrapped around my thigh when he lifted me. The size of it. The controlled strength.

Then my imagination changes the memory.

That same palm landing against my skin instead of holding it. The sound. The sting. His eyes fixed on my face, waiting to see whether I glare at him or lean into it.

He would know. Worse, he would enjoy making me admit it.

My thighs press together beneath the blanket.

That’s not an answer.

It’s apparently enough of one.

I tap Curious.

Then add a note before I can lose my nerve.

I don’t think I want pain just to hurt. Maybe more the reaction? The control? I don’t know. Curious, I guess.

I look over what I wrote.

Then the next line appears.

Praise

I hate that this one hits harder than the others. Praise should be harmless. Sweet, even. It should not make my stomach tighten. But my imagination betrays me instantly. Luciano saying good girl in that low, controlled voice flashes through my mind so vividly I nearly drop the phone.

No.

Absolutely not.

I select Yes with the stiff dignity of a woman who has not emotionally compromised herself over an imaginary compliment.

Then I panic and change it to Curious.

Then I panic again and change it back to Yes.

Fine. Whatever. Yes.

Degradation / Humiliation

My nose wrinkles before I can stop it.

No.