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“Very interesting. It would seem my stunning guest has taken several psychology classes.”
“It’s part of my training. I’ll know if you’re lying.”
He laughed. “Alright. I am Gabriel Riccardo. Since you know my name, it’s only fitting that I know yours.”
I took a deep breath. At least he’d told me and there was truth in his tone. I was damn good at reading people. It was something that had always helped me in practicing medicine. “Washington.”
“Sarah Washington. A perfectly American name.”
“Yes, and yours is beautifully Italian.”
“If only I’d spent more time in Sicily. My grandparents remain there. Does that satisfy your curiosity, or would you prefer taking a look at my driver’s license?”
I allowed myself to laugh, although a shiver remained. “No. I believe you.”
“I’m glad to hear that. Now, undress. And Sarah? Do not make me ask you again.” He lifted a single eyebrow, his expression commanding.
“I…” Blinking, I wasn’t certain why tears had formed in my eyes. Were they out of frustration, fear or the fact he was right about his assessment of me? Was I that transparent? “Wait a minute. How would you know what I need?” I’d never allowed any man to be dominating over me, friend or foe. In fact, I usually ate them for breakfast when they acted as if they were better, faster, or stronger. All the strange sensations about Gabriel I’d felt were coming to a head.
He wasn’t just seducing me. He was preparing to dominate me, taking full control.
“So defiant. You have no idea how much that arouses me. To answer your question, because someone of such virtue can’t handle the constant possibility of the loss of life. As if by living as a saint instead of a sinner, you’ll never lose your ability to save a life, allowing families to thrive and grow. But you’re not God, Sarah. You’re a woman with needs, desires that burn deep within you. Tell me I’m wrong and I will back away.”
Of course he wasn’t wrong. The fact he was right was the reason I was terrified.
He kept his firm hold around my neck as he brushed the fingers of his other hand across my arm and down my side. “I’ve spent far too many years believing there was no one who could ever understand me or the darkness inside. The moment I laid eyes on you, I knew you could handle the sadistic man. Does that mean I may hurt you? Yes. But I will never harm you. Do you understand the difference?”
“Yes,” I whispered. The subdued tone of my voice surprised me almost as much as the sensations burning in my thighs, the tightness in my stomach.
“If you don’t undress, I will do it for you. Then I’ll give you a stern round of punishment for disobeying me that you won’t soon forget.”
A thrill coursed through me, another shocking moment. Was I possibly excited about the thought of him punishing me again, just like before? The answer sickened me.
He released his hold, backing away and for a few seconds, I was paralyzed, uncertain what to do. If he’d wanted to do harm, that could have happened anywhere on the ride from the airport. That wasn’t his intention. Should I rest easy or press further?
“Close your eyes, Sarah.”
The way he said my name created an odd thrill, a need that kept my heart pumping and my blood pressure increasing. But I closed my eyes, allowing myself to fall into the sweet abyss that I’d wanted for as long as I could remember, but had never thought to achieve. He’d awakened something inside of me that was difficult for me to comprehend, but he was right in that I could never share it with anyone else. I took several deep breaths then untied the sash, keeping my breathing even as I slowly slid one sleeve over my shoulder then the other.
“So fucking beautiful and all mine.”
At that moment, his possessive nature excited me, and I felt beautiful. As soon as I allowed the dress to drop to the floor, I sensed his presence again and shivered.
“Relax. Trust. Remember?”
He gripped me with both hands, and I couldn’t help but think about how large they were, his fingers long and broad, his arms muscular. It was a silly thing to think about, but it helped ease some of the tension. As he rubbed them up and down my arms, I started to relax, more so than what little of my rational brain was left could handle. Then he pulled me close once again, wrapping one hand around my throat. His action wasn’t about scaring me. That much I sensed. It was about providing comfort that he would keep his promise.
I found it strange I was dissecting the moment, but the reason was obvious. I needed an excuse in order to be able to let go, losing the last vestige of fear before falling headlong into the darkness he’d mentioned. If he was a sadist, did that make me a masochist? I wasn’t certain I was prepared for the truthful answer. I’d never been that way. I’d never looked at porn on the internet or gone to BDSM clubs. I’d never asked a boyfriend to spank me for some egregious behavior.
But with him, it seemed I craved exploring something else, something… deeper. Reckless or not, I relaxed completely, my breathing normal.
“I’m going to blindfold you. That will allow you to experience a heightened state of pleasure.”
“I don’t know.”
“I’ll take it off whenever you’re uncomfortable.” The same gruffness to his voice continued, but it added to the excitement. He didn’t wait for my reply, sliding a silky mask over my eyes, tying it in such a way I couldn’t see even a glimmer of light. Then he rolled his hands over my shoulders, cupping my naked breasts. As he squeezed, I tried to remain calm, knowing he was about to explore every inch of my body. “The chef has prepared several items. However, I enjoy having dessert first.”
Tingling sensations slowly drifted down my arms and legs, keeping the adrenaline churning. I had no idea what he had planned, but I sensed his control was just beginning. He pinched my nipples with enough pressure I shuddered audibly, a sudden icy chill flowing into my muscles.
