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“Uhm…” Her breaths came in short pants. “For how long?”
“Until given further instructions.”
“That’s not—”
“Arguing is not in your best interests, Hope.” He helped her to stand. She stopped to gather her shoes. “Leave them. I’ll get them later.”
“Yes, Rafe.”
He was enjoying those words almost as much as he was hearing the term, “You have a deal.”
At the bottom of the stairs, she shrugged out of his shirt, then drew her dress over her head. He took it and hung it from the newel post. This time she didn’t hesitate as long before removing her clothing.
Hope stood in front of him in a matching bra and panty set, all black and wisps of lace. She dressed for me. Possession rocketed through him. “Tell me about the pearls.” Unable to stop himself, he touched one, finding it warm from her skin. “They look like a choker.”
“You mentioned collars.” She dropped her gaze briefly. “I was imagining what it might be like.”
He very much approved. “And what do you think?”
“I’m torn between the weight of the commitment and how sexy it might be.”
“Could it be both? If I were to put a collar on you, it would tell you, me, and the world that you were mine. You’d receive all the benefits of that, including my protection.” Which she had, no matter what. “In return, you would have obligations.”
“Such as?”
“Not allowing other men to touch you without my permission.”
“I don’t want to ever be shared.”
Such a sweet admission. “Good. We are in agreement.” He smiled. “Now your bra and panties.”
Obediently she removed her bra and handed it to him. Then she stepped out of her underwear.
Her lingerie, he placed near her purse. “Go on up.” When she neared the top, he said, “Stop.”
She paused to look back at him.
“When I’m showing you off, I want everyone to see how proud I am of you, how much confidence you have as a business owner, a woman, my sub. I see all of you, Hope. So much admiration for you. Now pull back your shoulders. As if you’re a princess, continue on. Unclench your buttocks. Own all the parts of who you are.”
“Sure,” she said. “That’s easy enough.”
“Don’t dare disobey me.”
She gave a ragged exhalation, half sigh, half resignation, part determination.
You’re a fucking gem, Hope.
Following his instructions without further argument, she placed her fingertips on the banister and climbed the next step, then another.
“Oh, Hope?”
She paused again. This time she raised her eyebrows when she faced him. “Yes?”
“With the other toys, you’ll find a pair of leather gloves. I expect you to place them on the nightstand.”
“Okay.” Then she spoke again. “Yes, Rafe.”
He gave her one last warning before sending her on her way. “Be careful with them.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
A princess? No way did that moniker fit her. But as Hope reached the second floor, her spine was still straight, and she hadn’t been squeezing her ass. Following his advice had made her much more confident, in a way not much different than acting confident had boosted her business success when she first started out
His bedroom seemed a little more intimidating without him in it, as if she were encroaching on his private retreat. Sounds of him moving around downstairs reached her. Not knowing how much time she had and nervous that he’d catch her not being obedient, she hurried into his closet.
Unaccountably, her hands were shaking as she pulled out the vibrator, then the oversize blindfold and the gloves. Except for a snap at the wrist, they appeared to be ordinary driving gloves. As she carried the load to the bedroom, one of the gloves fell to the floor. She bent to grab it, and something sharp stabbed her. “Ow. Damn it.” Out of instinct, she studied her palm. There was no scratch, and she picked up the glove. When it poked her again, she turned it over. Blood drained from her face. The glove was studded with pointed metal spikes. Oh God, no. There was no way she could tolerate that kind of pain.
