Page 2 of Master My Love

He gazed down at her, amusement apparent on his handsome face. She didn’t take it as condescending but genuine, and weirdly, it didn’t bother her. Perhaps it was the warmth and openness in his dark eyes that she found engaging, or the playful smile on his lips that gave the impression he was quick to laugh as a rule, not by exception.

Heat radiated off his big sexy body, and she’d have had to be nose blind to miss the fact he smelled fantastic. Except he couldn’t be over thirty, not much older than her son. Her physical reaction to him, specifically the increasing dampness of her tiny panties, made her feel like a cougar. Worse, a pervert.

“It’s probably a smart idea for me to leave before I make a bigger fool of myself.”

“Why did you come here?”

The question, though stated in a low, subtle tone, drew her attention to his face, which had tightened into a firm, no-nonsense expression. She’d pegged him right; he was a dominant, and his commanding presence compelled her to reply.

“Curiosity, I guess,” she admitted, disclosing only half the truth.

He didn’t fall for it. “A woman doesn’t come to a place like this by herself because she’s curious. Try again.”

“I, um...” Val stammered while searching for a dignified way to convey her real motivation. She made another attempt after discreetly clearing her throat. “I have a...need.”

She only got out that much before a rush of heat swept from her chest up her neck and suffused her cheeks.

“Now there’s an honest response I can appreciate,” he said, grinning with approval. “You’ve come to the right place, little subbie. No matter your kink, you’ll find what you’re looking for here, even if you might not be sure what it is yet.”

Unable to withstand his scrutiny—those beautiful brown eyes far too perceptive—her gaze flittered away.

His deep chuckle washed over her as he took her hand and squeezed it gently. He went a step further by pressing his lips to her fingers.

“Those blushes are going to create quite a stir.”

A light tickling sensation made her stiffen. Was that the tip of his tongue or the brush of his breath? It happened too quickly to be sure.

Straightening, he hung onto her hand, though she tried to tug it away.

“I have a proposal, shy newcomer. Let me show you around. You can look your fill and ask anything you like, with me by your side as both your tour guide and protector. At the end of our time together, if you’re brimming with excitement and ready for more, which I suspect you will be, I’ll introduce you to a few nice, amenable doms. If not, and you decide this isn’t what you want, I will personally see you to your car—no pressure. How does that sound?”

“You wouldn’t want...” She couldn’t continue. Was she really asking this stranger why he didn’t want to do it himself?

“Sweet newbie, you are delectable, and I’d enjoy nothing better than showing you the ropes, no pun intended. However, I’m only in town for a few days on business, and I sense you are looking for more than a little playtime. Am I right?”

“Yes, sir.”

The title rolling spontaneously from her lips sent a shiver down her spine. Why had she called him that? She hadn’t gotten up the front steps yet and she’d already fallen into a submissive role. Why did she respond to him so readily, with barely a thought?

Despite his youth, he possessed the same charm and emitted the same authoritative aura as the heroes in the BDSM books she devoured. He spoke like he had experience, and she couldn’t discount his self-assurance, which in this situation made her the student in need of guidance, and him the master. As she considered what those lessons would entail, a wave of excitement swept through her. Except the dominant she envisioned was not this gorgeous twenty-something man.

With a firm squeeze of her hand, he returned her attention to their negotiation.

“Are you ready to explore, little newbie? And search for what or who motivated you to dress up in skin-tight leather and spiked heels and venture here alone hoping to fill the hole inside you?”

She opened her mouth to deny it, but he silenced her with a stern look.

“Before you say no, take a moment and consider what made you tremble. If you’re honest, you’ll admit it is the need you spoke of which undoubtedly has your panties wet and your pretty pink nipples hard and begging for attention.”

She tilted her head forward. Her eyes focused on the gap at the neckline of her corset. Although far from flat-chested, she didn’t entirely fill out her top. Val crossed her arms, immediately feeling the tips of her breasts poking into her skin through the leather. They were stiff, yes, but how had he known their color? Had he guessed, or did she have a wardrobe malfunction she wasn’t aware of?

In a panic, she reached behind her with one hand to check if her laces had come undone.

“You’re covered, but I’m a foot taller than you. From my vantage point, when you move a certain way, I can see clear down to your navel. Thank you for that,” he added with a broad grin.

Her jaw dropped as she clutched the material to her chest with both hands. When she tried the damn thing on, she twisted, bent double, and jumped to make sure nothing would pop out. Standing before him now, she felt horribly exposed.

Lowering her gaze, she wondered what he must think.

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