Page 43 of Candy Cane Chains

"I'm not dark," she whispers, but there's no conviction in it.

"Then why are you so wet right now, watching us destroy him?"

She gasps, color flooding her cheeks. I tighten my grip on her hip, keeping her still when she tries to squirm away.

"We're going to have fun testing exactly what kind of violence gets you going, little girl. And I promise..." I brush my lips against her racing pulse. "You're going to love every second of it."

22

IVY

Istare at my reflection in Julian's bedroom mirror, admiring my handiwork. The silk Christmas ribbon winds around my body in an intricate pattern – red against black lace lingerie. My fingers trace over the delicate bow I've tied between my breasts.

He's been more and more busy these days, and I miss his attention. I find myself missing him. So I thought I would entice him and get what I want.

The note pinned to the strap readsUnwrap your gift early?in my best calligraphy. I've positioned myself on the edge of his massive bed, the ribbon looping around my wrists behind my back just tight enough to hold but not hurt. More ribbon criss-crosses my thighs and ankles.

Julian's heavy footsteps echo down the hall. My heart pounds against my ribcage. This is so unlike me – the good girl who plans everything to perfection, who never steps out of line. But something about him makes me want to be bad.

The door handle turns. Julian steps in, loosening his tie. He freezes mid-motion, those ice-blue eyes darkening as they rake over me.

"What do we have here?" His voice drops an octave.

"I thought you might want a present early this year." The words come out breathier than intended. "Though this gift isn't exactly... traditional."

He stalks toward me, predatory grace in every step. His fingers brush my chin, tilting my face up. "You wrapped yourself up for me?"

"Do you like your present?"

His other hand finds the end of the ribbon. "The question is..." He gives it a gentle tug. "Should I unwrap you slowly? Or tear into my gift all at once?"

My breath catches. The ribbon tightens ever so slightly around my wrists. "That's entirely up to you."

Julian's fingers trail along the ribbon, his touch feather-light, setting my skin ablaze. "You've outdone yourself, Ivy. Such initiative."

His praise sends a shiver down my spine. I find myself craving more. "I wanted to surprise you." The words escape my lips like a secret.

"Surprise me?" He leans in, his voice a low rumble. "You've fucking undone me."

My heart swells at his words. It's like a hunger, this need for his approval. I can't get enough. "I thought... I hoped you'd like it."

He pulls back, his gaze sharp. "Like it? I fucking love it. But you know what I love more?"

I shake my head, my breath catching.

"When you beg for my approval."

His words ignite something within me. A desperate need. "Please, Julian. Tell me I did good."

He chuckles, low and dark. "Good? It's fucking perfect." His fingers trail down my cheek, my neck, hovering over the bow. "But maybe I should make you work for it. Beg for it."

His words are a tease, a torment. I squirm under his gaze, the ribbon tight around my wrists. "Please, Julian. I need- I need to hear you say it."

He leans in, his mouth brushing against my ear. "You did so fucking good, Ivy. Now beg me to unwrap you."

My breath hitches. "Please, Julian. Unwrap me. Touch me."

He steps back, his eyes never leaving mine as he starts to unbutton his shirt. His movements are slow, deliberate. A tease. "Not yet, sweetheart. I want to enjoy this. Enjoy you."

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