Page 30 of Sanctuary After Dark

But I still couldn't help but glare at the ring above my head, even as a blush warmed my cheeks at the thought of the different positions that they could get me in if I was the one hanging from the ceiling.

Hearing the door open, I turned and saw Lucas walk into the room with a bundle of rope in his hands and a leather case. He walked over to the bed and set the rope bundle down before unzipping the case to show a couple of sets of rope shears. Setting the case on the bed, he turned toward me after picking up the bundle and held it out for me to see.

"I chose a high-quality hemp rope for you. I treated it myself with my own rope butter, which is a mix of jojoba oil and beeswax. It'll be safe to use since you have sensitive skin."

I took the rope in my hands and felt the fibers. It was really soft and in a really pretty soft pink color. I appreciated that he had chosen a fiber that wouldn't irritate my skin. I always had sensitive skin, and the scars made it worse. They could get itchy and irritated. That Lucas took that into account had my eyes burning a little with emotion.

"Now, I can tie this over your clothing if you like, but it would be more effective if it was against your skin. You can keep your underwear on, but I would prefer if you took your shirt and pants off if you're comfortable with that. But it's completely fine if you want to keep them on. The decision is yours."

Lucas stepped forward and cupped my cheek. His thumb brushed against my skin, and I couldn't help but lean into the touch.

"You're safe here, little bunny. You're safe with us."

My hands had tightened around the rope bundle as I sucked in a shaky breath. Looking into his eyes, I could see the truth there. They wouldn't hurt me. I really was safe with them, and as the realization hit, it was like something unfurled from my chest and I could breathe a little easier. Feeling a hand on my shoulder, I turned to see that Lincoln had moved closer and was standing behind me.

"We'll take care of you, mo laoch."

I nodded in agreement, seeing the same certainty reflected in his blue eyes.

I was nervous for them to see me. To see all of me.

I hated all of my scars and I didn't want them to be disgusted by them, like I was. I would never be like the other subs they had most likely played with before. Ones with perfect and flawless skin. My past injuries marred my skin.

I felt broken.

I was broken.

But the way they looked at me right now gave me the courage I needed to trust them with this. To trust them with seeing me.

Lucas took the rope bundle from me and stepped back, giving me room.

Taking a grounding breath, I reached for the hem of my shirt. After a moment of hesitation, I lifted it and pulled it from my body. I didn't meet their eyes as I handed the shirt to Lincoln, then I was moving to undo the button and zipper on my jeans and let them fall to the floor and pool around my ankles. Stepping out of them, I leaned over to pick them up and hand them to Lincoln as well.

My hands shook as I wrapped my arms around my stomach and stood in front of them in just a pair of pink satin panties that had lace on the edges.

The room was quiet except for the rushing in my ears.

Were they disgusted?

Did they find them ugly?

Was I too skinny?

Too pale?

Oh, I should have just left my clothes on.

My heart beat wildly in my chest as doubt and insecurities raced through my head. It beat so fast that I swore they could hear it from where they were standing. This was a mistake. I couldn't do this. I should just go back to my room and lock myself in.

A finger under my chin lifted it so that I was looking up at Lincoln, who was standing in front of me with a soft smile on his face. Lucas was right next to him, and he was smiling as well. My eyes went between them both before settling on Lincoln.

"You're beautiful, mo laoch, and we are so proud of you right now. We know that this has taken a lot of courage, and it's no small thing. Thank you for trusting us."

He had been calling me that more and more lately, and I had no idea what it meant. It sounded Gaelic, but I kept forgetting to ask him.

Lincoln stepped back and moved to sit on the bed while Lucas stepped forward while he was unravelling the rope bundle.

"Remember, you can safeword at any time, little bunny. Are you ready?"