He stepped back a few inches and crossed his arms. The sudden distance reminded her he was in charge, and the thought softened her muscles. She just had to obey. If she kept that mantra in mind, she'd do fine.
Lifting her chin, she slowly lowered the straps down off her shoulders and let the blood-red satin fall to her feet. Trying to remain graceful, she bent and scooped up the skimpy slip, folding it neatly. Her red lace thong was brand new. She'd waxed herself clean and indulged in a seaweed wrap so her skin was smooth and polished. Excitement and shame mixed in a heady cocktail, dampening her underwear.
"Beautiful. Now the rest, and hand them both to me."
Swallowing, reminding herself she was safe behind her mask, Scarlett dragged the thong over her hips and stepped out of it, then handed them over with a trembling hand. He brought the fabric up to his nose and took a deep breath. "You're very wet." Her ex would've found fault with such arousal but Leo's dark eyes glinted with satisfaction. "Does this excite you? Standing in front of me naked while I'm still fully dressed?"
She swayed slightly but held his gaze. "Yes."
"Good. I want you to spread your legs as wide as possible and interlace your fingers behind your head. I'm going to examine you. You can keep your gaze on me."
She refused to bite her lip in weakness--absolutely refused. It was so damn cliche. Grinding her teeth in determination, she focused on the heat pulsing between her thighs and obeyed. The humiliation of being displayed for his pleasure should have shocked her. Instead, her mind began to fizz pleasantly, softening all those sharp voices and constant assessments that kept her continuously distracted.
He watched her while he closed the distance; his gaze an almost tangible thing as he probed every open part of her, raking from the top of her head to her red painted toes. Lingering on the hard tips of her breasts, down her belly, and to the junction between her thighs, already plump and damp. Scarlett fell into the fantasy, the sense of freedom pulsing in her veins. Finally, she was able to let go. Finally, she--
You have to shop at the fat women's store. Do you think that's sexy?
I can't even get an erection looking at you naked but you're still blaming me for our lousy sex life.
Suddenly, Peter's mocking gaze was in front of her. Suddenly, her nakedness wasn't erotic and beautiful, but something to cover up and be ashamed about. She blinked, trying to shove the image away, her arms shaking with the effort to hold the pose when all she wanted to do was duck and hide. All she saw was her ex's stare of rejection as he looked over her body. Even hidden behind her mask, she couldn't escape the shame of rejection. Her initial arousal faded. Nerves overtook that delicious sense of freedom and in that moment, she just wanted to go home.
The firm grasp on her chin yanked her back.
Leo loomed over her, a frown creasing his brow. "What happened, little one? You went somewhere that hurt you."
Shame washed over her. She'd been wrong. She wasn't ready for any of this. It was exactly what had happened the last two times. Now, Leo would blame himself for not being able to arouse her. God, she didn't blame him. How many times had she worked on her self-worth in therapy, beginning to accept who she was -physically and mentally and emotionally--intent on never making apologies again. But the first time she stood naked in the club, her old fears reared up, crippling her. He didn't want someone with these sort of hang ups, especially for one night.
It took everything she had not to duck her head in humiliation. "I'm sorry, Sir."
His frown deepened. "For what? Tell me the exact thought you had right now. Don't think--just tell me."
"I'm too fat and probably won't please you."
Mingled shock and fierce rage blasted from his eyes. His grip tightened on her chin. He leaned forward so his lips were inches from hers. He uttered each word with deliberate softness contradictory to the fierceness of his gaze. "Did you say you were fat?"
"Yes," she said miserably. She'd failed. The moment she tried to bare herself, the past roared back and crippled her confidence, even behind her mask. All this training and hopefulness leading up to this night dissipated like smoke.
"Who told you that?" he demanded. "Your ex?"
She gave a tiny nod, his fingers still gripping her chin. Scarlett waited for him to back away politely, and allow her to get dressed to leave.
"Are you saying yellow?" He stroked her cheek with such tenderness, she blinked in confusion. "Do you want to leave?"
The truth tumbled up from deep inside, surprising her with its brutal intensity. "I don't want to feel unwanted."
A curse blistered from his lips. He lowered his forehead and pressed it against her in a shattering intimate gesture. "God help that asshole if I ever get my hands on him," he muttered. He cupped her face beneath the edges of the mask, tilting her closer. His breath rushed warm across her lips with the clean scent of mint and the darker scent of whiskey. "Do you know how you made me feel when I first saw you? Like a schoolboy--clumsy and tripping on hormones, desperate to touch you, fuck you, please you." His lips brushed hers softly, like a whisper. "Your body is pure Eve, lush and full and tempting. You, Scarlett Rose, are sheer perfection and now I'm going to have to punish you so you never forget it."
His proclamation rung in the air the same time his mouth took hers.
The kiss was brutal. Stripped to the core of animal lust, his tongue pushed into her mouth with no finesse or gentleness, just a need to possess and claim and conquer. He plundered deep, stroking and biting, thrusting and ravaging her mouth, holding her head still so she had no choice to escape. He forced her to take all of him and surrender.
Something deep shifted within her. The kiss was savage but truthful, his fingers bruising her skin, his tongue deep in her mouth, his erection pressed hard against her thigh. In one quick movement, he cupped her ass and lifted her up, grinding her wet pussy onto his dick through the fabric of his pants. Pure need exploded within her and she rocked her hips greedily against him, trying for more, desperate to fill the aching emptiness between her thighs.
"This is what you do to me," he growled, sinking his teeth into her lower lip, then soothing with his tongue. The delicious taste of him swamped her, dragging her deeper into this wicked world of pleasure. "As your Dom for the evening, you gave your body over to me, and I will not allow you to demean either of us by calling yourself fat." He worked her over his straining dick, controlling her descent, scraping her clit just enough to keep her right on the edge. Scarlett moaned and wiggled closer, and then he slipped his index finger between her legs and plunged deep.
"You're so wet and tight. Purely fuckable. I can't wait to see you come."
He added another finger, and she began to lose control, his words and touch ripping down the barriers until nothing mattered but getting that orgasm, that damn elusive, gorgeous, looming orgasm that was about to tear her apart. A greedy moan escaped her lips, and he laughed low, curling his fingers deep and hitting the magic spot that gave off shockwaves of delight. His control was absolute, and she sensed no matter how she writhed or begged, her orgasm wouldn't come until he was good and ready. The knowledge thrilled her, breaking her up inside and emptying her mind completely. Nothing existed but him and what he could give her.
"Tell me right now--how do you feel?"
Her naked breasts bounced up and down as she writhed on his lap. The musky scent of arousal filled the room. Her legs were splayed wide open, and his fingers pumped deep into her pussy as he watched every flicker of expression on her face. Seconds before, she'd thought herself fat and ugly. Now, steeped deep in sensation, she knew this man wanted her on a level she'd never experienced--wanted not only to give her pleasure but to wring it from her body over and over again.
Her drugged eyes locked on his. Her voice came out in a throaty whisper. "I feel beautiful."
Satisfaction carved out the lines of his face. She had a sudden urge to tug off his mask and memorize the rough, craggy features that could look so fierce yet tender
. "That's right. You are beautiful and fuckable and mine for tonight."
He plunged three fingers deep inside, stretching her, and when she bucked helplessly, he scraped her swollen clit with his thumb. Once. Twice. God, right there, she was going to come, she was going to--
He set her back down on the ground and stepped away.
Her breath came out in choppy gasps. Her whole body tightened and screamed for release, but she waited, knowing there was more.
A small smile rested on his lips.
"Let's try this again, shall we? Except this time, with restraints."
"But--"
His brow shot up. Swallowing back a needy groan, she fell quiet. He nodded his approval, and led her over to the leather wrapped, massive cross. Her belly slowly tumbled as he positioned her in front and began binding her wrists and ankles so she was stretched like a virgin sacrifice. Arms and legs widespread into a V, she tried instinctually to free herself but the cuffs held tight. The thrill of being restrained for anything he wanted to do shuddered through her, making her head feel fizzy.
Leo took his time, testing the space between her skin and the cuffs; double checking the attachments. "How does it feel?"
Exciting. Scary. Freeing. Intoxicating.
Her body felt flushed and alive; swollen and so sensitive, one touch to her clit would set her off. Then she realized he'd been able to quiet the chaos. Right now, she felt powerful and beautiful in her vulnerability of being exposed. Tied up to be used as he saw fit. More comfortable in her skin, the way she used to be before Peter began eroding her self-confidence. How had Leo managed to help her in such a short session?
"Good, Sir," she finally managed to answer.
"Use your safe word if you need." His gaze traveled over her naked body with obvious hunger. "Let me explain now what will happen, Scarlett. You will be punished twice. One, for insulting your body--which belongs to me. Second, for not calling me Sir. I'll keep the first one easy. All you have to do is not come. Do you understand?"
Her wobbly knees gave out, but the cross held her upright. Not come? When her entire body was screaming for release? When just a touch may set her off like a rocket?
But he was dead serious. She'd heard of Doms not allowing orgasms--but could she do it?
Yes. Because she had to. She couldn't fail. Scarlett stiffened her spine and her resolve. Her brain locked on the command given to her. "Yes, Sir."
"Good. Eyes on me the whole time."
She gulped in a deep breath, tried to lock her body into position, and swore to obey.
Chapter Three
GOD, SHE WAS FUCKING GORGEOUS.
Leo stared at her naked body displayed for his view. The stiffness was gone, along with the ghosts in those beautiful Gypsy eyes. Bound to the cross, naked body offered up to him for any wicked thing he decided, he savored every expression flickering over her beautiful face. Yes, she responded nicely to restraint. He'd wondered if her analytical brain would fight, but it seemed once her options were stripped away, it was easier for her to surrender.
He'd played with many women before, and not once had they blurted out exactly what they were thinking when asked. It was obvious Scarlett was caught in her head, but once commanded, she let go. When he asked a direct question, he got a direct answer, which combined an intriguing mix of confidence and submissiveness. Watching her fall apart on him was going to be the most fun he'd had in a long time. Poor little subbie didn't realize what was about to happen.
Because he intended for her to fail his challenge.
His dick throbbed painfully. When she shut off the doubts, she exploded in his arms with a feminine demand he intended to tame. Once redirected, all that passion would be a magnificent thing to channel and explore.
But this was only for tonight.
Leo buried the disturbing thought. He didn't want to linger on the possibility he'd never see Scarlett Rose again. In a short time, she'd dug under his skin, and he needed more time.
But for now, he'd concentrate on how far he could push her into pleasure.
He approached with slow deliberateness, tugging at her hair, smoothing his palm over her shoulder blades and up the stretched muscles of her arms, giving her occasional touches or strokes on various body parts to keep her off balance. Her breath came in choppy gasps, and her skin was damp and flushed. Her pussy was glistening, the bare folds allowing him to glimpse her hard clit and the depth of her arousal. Those hourglass hips were made for gripping and deep fucking. He kept a close study on his beautiful prey, choosing silence for now to allow her to sink into the mode of submission.
"I'm going to use you now, Scarlett. Put my fingers and tongue inside you to see if I can make you scream. Stroke and lick that pretty pussy, suck on your clit, bite your nipples, and try to get you to orgasm. But you won't, will you, little one? Because I told you not to."
There. Her reaction shuddered from her core, evident in her widened eyes and dilated pupils, the stiffening of her body in anticipation. He breathed in the spicy scent of her arousal, coated on her inner thighs. Oh, she was sweet. To be the first to watch her shatter would be a humbling experience.
"Y-yes, Sir."
"And your safe word?"
"Red, Sir."
"Very good." He began with her breasts, plumping them in his palms, enjoying the heavy weight and sway. Her nipples were cherry red, reminding him of an ice cream sundae ready to be devoured. She trembled under his touch. The chains clinked gently when she tried to pull at her bonds. "If you were mine, I'd make you go topless all the time. I'd watch your breasts bounce as you walked. Watch your nipples harden in the cool air. I'd demand full access so I could play. I think there'd be many games we'd enjoy. Ice cubes. Hot wax. Clamps. Sensation play is one of my favorites."
He plucked at the tips, experimenting with the level of pain she liked. Gradually, he increased the pressure, watching her face, enjoying the glazed look in her dark eyes behind the mask and the way her mouth fell open in a tiny little O. "I'd want to fuck these breasts. Slide my cock between them and come all over your chest while you watched."
A moan escaped her swollen, damp lips. This time he squeezed with merciless pressure, finding the limit where pain refused to meld to pleasure, then lowered his head to suck hard on her nipple. He feasted and savored the taste of her skin, the clean, citrusy scent of her body lotion. He took his time, licking and learning the texture and level of sensitivity until her nipples were engorged and gleaming wet in the light. He examined his handiwork, noting the helpless tremble in her limbs, the gentle clink of chains with each pull, the fierceness of determination on her elegant face.
"Beautiful," he whispered, trailing a finger down her rounded belly. "You're doing so well, Scarlett. Such a good girl."
"Thank you, Sir." Her voice came out husky and raw.
"What other things should I do to this body tonight? Shall I spank your pussy while you lay open to me? Clamp your nipples? Kiss your body with the tip of my flogger while I push a vibrator deep in your cunt?"
He studied the shudder that shook her; the glaze of lust in her dark pupils. Oh, yes, she liked the idea of it all. And he wanted to give it to her, but right now he needed her orgasm. Needed to watch her fall apart under his hands so he could punish her the way he really wanted.
"Yes, Sir. All of it."
"A perfect answer." He dropped a kiss on her bare shoulder. Then he did what he'd been waiting for.
He sunk to his knees.
She sucked in a breath as he began to stroke her thighs, caressing the long length of her limbs, the back of her knee, the dip of her foot. He took his time, watching her body stiffen in anticipation, and finally reached her damp inner thighs. Her needy pussy practically begged for him.
God, he had to taste her or he'd go out of his mind.
With one quick movement, he parted her lips wide, exposing her hard clit. She was swollen and wet and so damn hot, he was ready to come in his pants. She gasped out a breath and those hips be
gan to rock, desperate for what he could give her.
"Look at me," he commanded. Her gaze snapped to his. "Watch me suck your pretty little clit and make you come. You want to come, don't you, Scarlett?"
"But I'm not allowed, Sir," she choked out.
He grinned slow. "That's right. Thank you for reminding me."
Her groan was like music drifting to his ears a moment before he opened his mouth and dove in.
She tasted like musky earth and soaring sky; of salty ocean and sweet honey. Her cries filled the air as he circled the hard nub with his tongue, alternating soft licks with sharp bites. He dove three fingers deep into her channel, rubbing with an insistent pressure she tried desperately to fight but it was a battle he'd planned for her to lose. Helpless, she writhed against his mouth for more, his name a sweet chant, and then he closed his lips over her clit and sucked hard, continuing to work her with his fingers.
She came with a violent scream. Her body shuddered with the release, jerking against him, and after he'd tasted the last drop of her essence, he got to his feet.
Slumped over, the chains held her upright. Her face was relaxed with her release, but as the knowledge began to slowly dawn, those eyes widened in panic. Leo held back his chuckle, enjoying the moment when she realized she was in big trouble.
"Did you disobey my command?" he asked, his voice a whiplash. "Did you come?"
Misery etched out the lines of her face. Her lower lip trembled. "Yes, Sir. I'm sorry."
"As am I. Now, let's try this again and perhaps you'll obey me this time."
Her pretty mouth dropped open in shock. "You're going to do it again?"
His look was harsh, and she immediately backed up. "I mean, you're going to give me another chance, Sir?" she squeaked out.