Page 84 of With this Ring

She glanced away, scared he might read her thoughts.

“Now my socks.”

Was he serious about that?

The way his eyes narrowed told her he meant exactly what he said. “Yes, Sir,” she whispered.

He released her hair, and she lowered her arms to her sides and started to stand.

Instantly, he clamped his hands on her shoulders and forced her back to her knees. “Did I give you permission to do that?”

Eyebrows drawing together furiously, she demanded, “Are you serious? You want me to crawl?”

“Believe me, my Petal, you will know anytime I’m teasing you. When I give orders like this, I fully mean for you to comply with them.”

Self-conscious in ways she had never been, she did what he wanted, grateful she was fully dressed. Otherwise this would be lewd.

She was aware of his gaze on her, approving and encouraging.

When they reached the Den, she knew he was going to make her do this and much, much more.

Once she’d helped him into his socks and boots, she automatically knelt back.

“Perfect choice, my Petal. You’re a quick study.”

The way he mixed approval with unyielding demand made her senses swim, keeping her on a straightedge of desire.

“There’s a duffel bag in my closet. On the floor. Far right side.”

Why was he telling her that?

“Fetch it for me.”

Automatically, she started to rise, then she stopped herself.

He smiled when she looked to him for direction.

“I’m a simple man. I want to see your hips sway.”

“Meaning…”

“Crawl.”

She was afraid of that.

“During a scene, assume that’s my preference.”

Unsure what he meant, she frowned. “A scene?”

“In this case, I mean when BDSM is part of what we’re doing. I’m not a twenty-four-seven Dominant.”

So others were.

“Though if you want to play more often, I’m certainly open to negotiation.” He flashed a grin that made her emotions turn somersaults.

“I think I’m good with this.” In fact, she was struggling to keep up with his never-ending requests.

“The duffel bag?” he prompted. “Has a Hawkeye logo on it.”

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