“Perhaps I need a taste of what is to come,” he murmured huskily. “Just a small preview to ensure you understand exactly what you offered me.”
“Do you think that I was lying?” She frowned up at him.
“Yes, in fact, I do think you were lying,” Blaise admitted as he watched a droplet fall gracefully between her heaving bosom.
Before he could anticipate it, Iris surged forward. She grabbed the front of his shirt with both hands and pulled him down into a fierce kiss. It was bold and almost desperate. Her lips pressed hot and insistent against his, proving she was serious about their deal. Blaise growled in surprise, then took control instantly.
His large hands seized her waist, pulling her flush against his hard body. One hand slid down to grip her hip possessively while the other tangled in her damp hair, tilting her head back so he could deepen the kiss. His tongue swept into her mouth, claiming her with ruthless skill.
Iris whimpered, melting against him, her body responding vividly to every touch. Her nipples pressed against his chest through the thin robe, and she shivered when his hand boldly cupped one wet breast. Blaise brushed a thumb over her hardened peak and devoured the sound that escaped her lips.
He pulled back just enough to speak roughly with lust. “You are not prepared for what is coming, Iris. Not even close.”
She was breathing hard, her lips were swollen, and her eyes were dazed. “What… what do you mean?”
Blaise grazed his thumb over her nipple again, and she shuddered against him, proving his point.
“You will need to be trained before you enter my red room.” Her eyes filled with hurt, and he regretted his words, but it was the truth.
She would not survive the ropes, lashings, and pleasures that awaited her. She would fall into a shivering heap of pleasure before he even began.
Blaise stepped back, releasing her. “Wait here.”
He strode out of her chamber and into his own, opening every cabinet until he foundit. When he returned, Iris was still standing exactly where he had left her; her robe was even more damp, outlining her body like an offering.
Blaise’s gaze raked over her slowly and possessively until the door clicked shut behind him again.
“Lie down.” It was an order.
* * *
“What?” Iris’s mind went completely blank the moment the words left Blaise’s lips.
She did not know what had overcome her, but she had been tired of playing it safe and tired of being dismissed as a liar in her own home. Although she did not plan to follow through with her idea of entering his red room, Blaise pushed her to her limits when he entered her chamber and stood before her, disheveled, groggy,and, oh, so very tempting. Iris’s body immediately reacted, and with so little material between them, she was ready to risk it all.
“Lie down,” he repeated; his voice sounded cold and distant.
Her pulse roared in her ears, drowning out every rational thought. She had kissed him only moments ago, but now, standing before him in almost nothing, Iris realized just how far she had pushed herself.
“Blaise, I?—”
“I am not going to do anything you do not want to.”
Iris swallowed hard; her cheeks burned fiercely. “On… on the bed?”
“Yes,” Blaise said, his eyes never leaving hers. “On the bed, Little Blossom.”
Her legs felt unsteady as she moved toward the bed. She perched on the edge first, then slowly lay back against the pillows, her robe still wrapped tightly around her. The sheets were cool beneath her heated skin, a stark contrast that made her shiver.
Blaise did not immediately follow her, and she felt a tinge of disappointment.
Perhaps I do not look tempting enough.
Instead, he crossed to the small sofa beside the bed, settling into it with casual grace. He reached into the pocket of his trousers and withdrew a familiar leather-bound sketchbook and a piece of charcoal. Iris’s breath caught.
“Are you going to sketch me?” she asked curiously.
“Yes. Now remove your robe,” he ordered her softly, opening the book to a fresh page.
