Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 68354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 342(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 68354 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 342(@200wpm)___ 273(@250wpm)___ 228(@300wpm)
I moan with the loss when he pulls his mouth off mine and whispers in my ear. “No fucking games, Cora.”
“No games,” I promise. “It’s just one night.”
He nips my ear then pulls the lobe between his teeth and suckles. Shivers race up and down my spine.
“Then why did you say yes, if not to fuck with me? To tease me with what I can’t have?” He towers over me, and with me pinned against the wall, I feel the size difference between us so keenly. His eyes blaze into mine like blue fire, the heat skating down my whole body and thrumming between my thighs.
“No,” I say, shaking my head at him. “I didn’t do that. I wouldn’t. God, Liam, why would I do that?”
“I don’t know,” he says. “Why would you? If you didn’t do it to get back at me, why did you agree?”
I swallow hard, tamping down my pride. It matters to me that he doesn’t think I’m playing him. I value authenticity. So, I give him the truth.
“I need the money,” I say in a small, trembling voice, so mad at myself that I can’t keep my shit together. “I… I’m behind on rent. Any minute now, they’ll shut off our electricity. And I need a new damn phone after those jerks busted mine.”
“I offered you money,” he counters. “And you were too damned proud to take it.”
“You didn’t offer me money. And it wasn’t pride,” I protest. “It’s… more than that.”
Was it?
A knock sounds at the door before he gets a chance to reply.
“Liam? Time for the demo.” Sounds like Braxton.
“We’ll be right there.”
He grasps my chin between his index finger and thumb. “Club safeword, babe,” he says, but the babe rings with sarcasm.
“Oh, I know the safeword,” I tell him. “Loud and clear, babe.”
The sadistic grin he gives me makes me inwardly groan.
Oh, so smart, mouthing off to the man who’s about to whip your ass.
Eight
Liam
If she had any idea how badly I can’t wait to flog her sweet, saucy little ass, she wouldn’t be throwing sass at me like confetti.
The nerve of the woman scorning my proposition, then pairing up with me for a demonstration I can’t get out of.
Lucky for her, it’s just the flogger and not a more intense implement, but hell if she doesn’t she need a harder implement. I’ve never met a more obstinate woman in my life.
Still. I’ll control this scene. And I can have fun with the flogger.
“Should I get dressed into something else?” she asks, suddenly paling when I take her by the hand.
“You’ve got something to change into?” I ask.
“Well. Um. No,” she says.
I don’t want her to think I’m laughing at her, so I keep my face straight. “Well, then, I don’t think that’s an option.” I like holding her little hand in mine as we walk toward the demo area. “And there’s no fucking way I’m doing this scene with you naked.” I’d kill any motherfucker who laid eyes on her naked. God, what am I doing? I want to haul her ass back to my room and lock the door.
“I look silly, though,” she protests.
I give her a sidelong glance. “You look beautiful.” And she does, with her gorgeous vibrant hair, vivid eyes, pale, freckled cheeks, and lips still swollen after that kiss I gave her. What I would give to explore every inch of those beautiful curves of hers.
As soon as I tell her she’s beautiful, I regret it. God, what is my problem? She is nothing at all like what I want in a woman. She’s nothing but trouble. But damn if I can’t get this girl out of my mind.
“Okay, guys,” Brax says, standing by as tonight’s dungeon monitor. “Let’s go over the rules.”
I feel Cora tense beside me, so I squeeze her hand but keep my eyes fixed on Brax.
“Cora, club safeword?”
“Apple,” she says.
Brax nods. “When scening at Verge, we insist couples begin with a safeword of their own, or at least a discussion of the club safeword. Everyone know what that is?”
A loud chorus of, “Apple” goes up and someone whines, “Aw, man, just when things were getting fun.”
Brax smiles but shakes his head. “We can laugh about it, but it’s no joking matter. Sometimes in the middle of a scene, emotions run high. Even with someone you trust, sometimes things can get a little too heated in the moment. A safeword doesn’t always have to mean a scene ends, but it can be a pause so that the people scening can communicate. Safewording isn’t something anyone should be ashamed of.”
People nod all around the room. I watch Cora’s reaction. She doesn’t make eye contact with me, and her hand is cold in mine, trembling a little. I hope Brax finishes up soon, before she loses her resolve.