Angel in Scarlet (Bound and Determined #4)(78)

“Many things.”

“I can’t believe you are coy now.”

“Mostly bondage. There is something about rendering my partner helpless that…that brings me much pleasure.”

“I do not mind being tied up. I think I may like not having decisions to make, knowing that you will do with me as you like—only that’s not exactly right, is it? You stop if you sense I am unhappy. You always make sure of my pleasure first.”

He turned more completely toward her. “I only enjoy what you enjoy. It is the thought of your pleasure that has me excited.”

She lifted the hand that held the clip. “You think I would enjoy this?”

“Under the right circumstances, yes.”

And didn’t that make her shiver. “What are the right circumstances?”

“You must be filled with desire first; your body must be filled with sensation. Ready for more. If I put it on you now, all you would feel is pain, but if I placed it on you when you were dazed with passion, when you wanted only more and more—I believe then you would feel pleasure.”

“And no pain?”

“I cannot say that, but I believe the pleasure is the overriding feeling.”

She pulled in a deep breath, her naked breasts rising high. His eyes dropped and followed the movement.

Closing her eyes briefly, she tried to think. “And this is why you didn’t want to marry me? You did not think I would let you do these things?”

“It was at least part of it.”

“What if we try these things now and I do not like them? I am not at all sure that I will.”

“Then you are willing to try?”

“I think so.” She knew she sounded nervous, but, then, she was.

He reached over and took her hand, bringing it to his lips. “You can stop this anytime you wish.”

She looked out the window at the full daylight. “I am afraid it is already too late for me to think that. Even if I returned to the house now, it would be noticed. Even without Thorton’s talk I might be ruined.”

“We will think of some story.”

“We can try.”

“Of course, if we strolled up to the house together and announced our engagement, all would be forgiven.”

“Do not press me. Can we not just take this moment and enjoy—not think of the future for a few brief seconds?”

“If that is what you wish.”

“It is.”

“Stand up, then,” he said, his tone filling with command.

That shiver of fire shot through her as she moved to comply. The air itself seemed to shudder between them, as emotions and mood changed in a single second.

She slipped from the bed and turned toward him, conscious suddenly of her naked breasts, the tips still sensitive from their previous encounter. Was he going to use the clips on her—now? Her breath caught as she stared at the clips, which had somehow come to rest beside him on the bed. What would they feel like? How much would they hurt? And was he right that they would increase all sensation? When she’d twisted her nipples, the feelings had shot straight to her core. Would this be the same? And did she want to find out? He’d promised that they could stop whenever she wished. Her gaze moved back to him.

Did she trust him? And if she trusted him in this, could she trust him in other ways?

He was staring at her, his face calm but fire banked within his eyes.

—

Colton watched the speeding pulse at the base of her neck, observed the darkening of her eyes. This morning had not gone at all as he had expected, and yet it seemed he was moving toward all he had ever wanted.

All he had ever wanted? Could that be true?

He paused, letting the thought fill him. Angela was what he wanted—and it was not just the desire and the passion, the willingness. It was her honesty. He had seen how difficult it was for her to reveal her secrets, and yet she had done it. It was the shy smile as she looked at him. It was the joy he found simply being with her, the thought that he could think of nothing more delightful than sitting beside her, staring out at the lake, or walking in the early-morning light before the city had awakened.

She inhaled, her breasts rising toward him, drawing his attention. Well, perhaps some things were more delightful. And then he pushed all thought aside. There would be time for understanding later. This moment was all about feeling—feeling and need.

He could see the need—and the curiosity—in her gaze. Her eyes darted back to the clips and then returned to his face. Her lips parted. The barest hint of a tongue slipped out to wet them. She was nervous, very nervous, filled with anticipation. He could almost see the emotions sliding off her in waves.

His cock, which had been full nearly from the moment she entered the cabin, was almost bursting from that look in her eyes, that combination of nervousness and acceptance—and her complete willingness. He reached out a finger and tapped once upon her right nipple. She jumped slightly, rising on her toes, and sucked in a sharp breath.

He tapped again, then began to draw slow, lazy circles about her breast. He brought his finger to his lips and wet it, then began again. Her eyes were wide, her breaths shallow, and he had hardly begun. Cupping his hand beneath her breast, he lifted it, then leaned forward. His lips closed about it, drawing it softly into his mouth. His other hand slipped about her back, bracing her. He sucked deep, caressing the underside of her nipple with his tongue.