Page 86 of With this Ring

“If you stall, I’ll choose them for you. But I’ll select five. So if you’re hoping for some sort of mercy, get on with it.”

With his implacable tone of voice, she knew he meant every word.

Still, she hesitated.

“Okay, then.” He nodded tightly, as if resolved.

Her pulse stopped as he crossed to the coffee table.

“We’ll start with this.” He picked up the ridiculously sized dildo.

“Oh, God. No way.”

He simply grinned and put it back in the bag. “Since I’m feeling generous, I’ll give you exactly one second to choose the next thing.”

“Fine.” She snatched up a pair of soft cuffs and dropped them on top of his toy.

“See? Not so bad, is it?”

Except now it meant he’d tie her in place, with no hope of escape.

“One last thing, Petal.”

Trying to think, she hesitated. “Give me a moment? Please?”

“Don’t overthink.”

With a tiny frown, she considered the clamps. She’d never experienced anything like them, but she’d enjoyed the way he’d played with her nipples earlier. He’d used more pressure than she’d been accustomed to, and the sensations had been surreal.

Quickly, she scanned the rest of the options.

The paddles looked interesting. But the memory of seeing that Top spank his woman with a leather belt still lingered, teasing her.

Maybe if she didn’t choose any of the impact toys, he wouldn’t spank her hard.

“Time’s up.”

Frantic, she snatched up the blindfold.

Maybe she wouldn’t be able to see what he was doing, and that would allow her to get out of her head. Or maybe it would make things worse.

“Excellent choices,” he approved as he dropped in the wipes, then closed his bag and swung it over his shoulder. “I’m looking forward to using all of these on your beautiful body.” He came closer, filling her vision with his strong thighs and the sight of his hard cock pressing against his jeans. “I want to get you to the Den.” He offered his hand. “Ready to push your boundaries, Petal?”

Chapter Fourteen

Am I really doing this?

Being here at the Den with no one else around unnerved her more than just a little. Yet, would she have had the courage to ask him to play with her in front of a club full of people? Most likely not.

He turned the lights to a low, inviting setting, then turned the sound system up loud. Music thumped from the speakers and vibrated through her, ratcheting her anxiety one notch higher.

In the living room, he turned to her. Gently, he cupped her shoulders and rubbed with slow, reassuring motions. “Your safe word always applies, Petal. We will not do anything that you don’t consent to.”

She nodded. Because of their history, her trust in him was absolute. He meant everything he said. And the awful truth was…she had no idea how much longer they had together. Days? Hours?

If she were honest with herself, she’d admit that thought scared her more than anything they might do together. She hated the idea of living with regret, wondering what might have happened if she hadn’t been able to shove her fears aside and seize the opportunity that he offered.

“Yes.” She nodded. “I want this.”