Then he sinks back onto the couch and crosses one ankle over his opposite knee.
His body is relaxed, but his eyes are locked on mine, dark and intense, pulling me into their depths.
“Please take off your shoes and then stand in the middle of the blanket.”
I hesitate for a moment.
Last night, when he had me mirror him, he stood next to me, with me every step of the way.
Now he wants me to be separated from him. I think this is much worse. I hadn’t realized how much of a comfort his proximity was.
“You always have a safe word.”
Even though I appreciate the reminder, I don’t need it. At least not yet.
“If you need anything from me, all you have to do is ask.”
I exhale a shaky breath.
“If not, please do as you’re told, Allie.”
His voice is stern, maybe even a bit dominant. It’s not one I’ve heard from him before, and it unnerves me.
In that confounding way of his, he raises an eyebrow. “Allie?”
Since my voice has deserted me, I settle for nodding.
I bend to untie my shoes, my hands shaking as I pull them off, then my socks, each movement slow, deliberate. I suspect I know what’s coming, and I have to fight off the urge to run and hide.
When I can’t stall any longer, I move to the center of the blanket and face him.
“If you were my submissive…”
I look at him.
“This is how we’d begin many scenes. You, stripping for me, baring everything—your body, your trust. Will you do that for me, Allie? Will you let me see all of you?”
My breath freezes in my chest.
With his infinite patience, he waits.
Finally, with trembling hands, I grip the hem of my shirt. The word submissive lingers in the air, unfamiliar yet intoxicating, like a promise of something I’ve never dared to want.
I hesitate, my heart pounding so hard I feel it in my throat, but the fire’s warmth seeps into my skin, and his gaze—patient, encouraging, unyielding—urges me forward.
I lift the shirt slowly, the fabric brushing over my ribs, my breasts, until I pull it over my head and let it drop to the floor.
“That’s it.” His voice is rumbly and firm, and it resonates deep inside me. “Keep going.”
I fumble with my bra clasp, nerves making me clumsy, but I manage to undo it, letting the straps slide down my arms.
The garment falls away, and I stand topless, my cheeks burning as a blush spreads across my chest. The air kisses my bare skin, tightening my nipples.
He allows his gaze to roam over me, hungry yet controlled, and I feel more exposed than I ever have, my skin prickling with goose bumps despite the fire’s heat.
“You’re so beautiful.”
His words sink into me, warming me from within.
