"Clearly." He doesn't move from his position, effectively blocking the only exit. "See anything you like?"
The question throws me. I expected anger, not... whatever this is. "I was just surprised."
"Why?" He takes a single step forward. "Because a man who lives on a mountain couldn't possibly have sophisticated sexual preferences?"
"No. Because you're so..." I search for the right word. "Controlled."
Something darkens in his eyes. "Control is precisely the point, Judith."
The way he says my name, low and deliberate, sends heat curling through my abdomen. "I should go upstairs."
"You should." He doesn't move. "But since you've invited yourself into my private space, perhaps we should clear the air."
I swallow hard. "About?"
"About the fact that you're now living with a Dominant." He gestures to the room around us. "This is where I play,with consenting partners who understand exactly what they're getting into. It has nothing to do with our arrangement."
"I understand." My voice sounds steadier than I feel. "Your personal life is your business."
"Exactly." He studies me with those intense blue eyes. "Though I admit, I'm curious about your reaction."
"My reaction?"
"You're not running for the hills. Most women who stumble across a dungeon react differently."
I lift my chin. "I'm not most women."
"No," he agrees, something like appreciation flickering across his features. "You're not."
I’m acutely aware of my heartbeat, my breathing, the heat spreading across my skin.
"Have you ever submitted to anyone, Judith?" The question is soft, dangerous.
Truth hovers on my lips. No, never. But I've thought about it. Wondered what it would be like to surrender control, just once, to someone worthy of that gift.
Before I can answer, a harsh buzz cuts through the tension. Dario pulls a satellite phone from his pocket, frowning at the display.
"Wallace," he answers, eyes still fixed on me. His expression changes as he listens to whoever's on the other end. "When? Are they certain?"
I wait, frozen in place by uncertainty and the lingering charge between us.
"I'll be there." He ends the call, expression grim. "That was Silas. There's a situation in town."
"What kind of situation?"
"Avalanche risk on the north face. They're calling in everyone with rescue experience." He's already turning toward the stairs. "I need to go."
"In this weather? How will you even get there?"
"Snowmobile." He pauses at the bottom step. "I've done this before."
"But it's dangerous." The words escape before I can stop them.
Something shifts in his gaze. "Worried about me, wife?"
"About our arrangement," I correct, though we both know it's not entirely true. "If something happens to you, I'm stuck here alone, and my ex wins."
A ghost of a smile touches his lips. "Practical as always." He gestures for me to precede him up the stairs. "We'll continue this conversation when I return."
