It occurs to me as he goes to the wardrobe that I felt the press of his fangs against me while he went down on me and yet he somehow didn’t so much as scratch me. That leads to the realization that he hasn’t bitten me at all, since that first night when he claimed me. Is he getting his blood somewhere else? The thought makes me feel irrationally jealous.
“Master,” I say, trying to think how to word the question. “Are you going to eat tonight?”
“I may.” He shrugs as he digs through the layers of clothing hung neatly in the wardrobe. “Honestly I’m more interested in satisfying other appetites.”
“Like…your appetite for blood?” I ask softly, not sure if I ought to be talking about this or not.
He turns from the wardrobe, frowning. “Why do you ask?”
“Well, it’s just…” I look down at the carpet. “You haven’t bitten me since our first night at the Sacrifice Ceremony. I thought you might be getting, well…thirsty.”
He looks at me directly. “Do you wantme to bite you, Emma?”
“No,” I say at once, before I think. “I mean, it hurts. But I don’t…don’t want you to bite anyone else either,” I finish in a small voice.
He gives an amused chuckle. “I’m not a young vampire, darling, I don’t need much blood. But you’re saying you want me to get it from you, when I do need it?”
I bite my lip. “Yes, I guess so. That’s what I’m saying.”
“Even if it hurts?”
I remember the sharp pain of those gleaming white fangs driving into my wrist and can’t help shivering. But I’m sure of what I want. “Yes,” I say. “Even though it hurts.”
“It doesn’t have to hurt, you know,” Aiden says softly. “If you’d let me in and stop resisting so much I could make it quite pleasurable for you.”
I don’t see how being bitten could be pleasurable but then, I used to think the same thing about being spanked and punished. Aiden is slowly changing my outlook on pain. Also, I can’t help remembering the strange burst of pleasure that seemed to follow the pain during that first bite—was that him?
“Are you saying you can get inside my mind?” I ask. I’ve heard that some very powerful vampires have this skill. It would certainly explain how he always seems to know what I’m thinking. Also the way I heard him talking inside my head while he was drinking from me.
Aiden shakes his head. “Not unless you make the conscious decision to let me in. But until you embrace the bond between us, that will never happen.”
I’m not sure what “embracing the bond” entails but before I can ask he presents me with a skirt and blouse and says, “Here. Put these on.”
“All right.” The clothes look normal enough—a thin white silk blouse paired with a plain black pencil skirt. But… “Where’s the underwear?” I ask, thinking he must have forgotten them. “I mean, I can’t wear this with no bra under it.” I gesture at the white blouse. “It’s practically see-through. You’ll be able to see everything right through it.”
“Exactly.” Aiden gives me a slow smile. “Now put it on, Emma.”
“But—” The words of protest die on my lips at the stern look on his face.
“I said, put it on. Don’t make me punish you before we go out tonight. I can promise you that sitting down for a two-hour dinner will be much less pleasurable if your ass is stinging from my belt.”
That gets me moving. After all, the skirt looks normal—if a little short. And maybe the blouse isn’t as see-through as it looks.
Except it is.
When I look at myself in the oval mirror over the dresser after putting on the outfit, I gasp in dismay. I might as well not be wearing a top at all. The white silk is so sheer you can see not just the outlines of my nipples but the nipples themselves along with my wide pink areolas and full breasts. I literally feel more naked wearing this blouse than I do when I’m actually naked.
As for the skirt, it’s not nearly as normal as it looked at first. It’s a close-fitting sheathe that goes to mid-thigh but it has two very high slits, which I didn’t notice at first. When putting it on, I assumed these slits went to the sides but then Aiden called me over. To my dismay, he rearranged the skirt so that the slits are in the front and back. They’re cut so high you can actually see my ass cheeks and the slit of my bare pussy if I move just the right way.
“I can’t go out in public like this,” I tell Aiden. “I’ll be arrested for indecent exposure!”
“No, you won’t.” His eyes flash. “No harm will ever come to you while I’m with you.”
“But-but what if I see someone I know?” Or anyone at all, for that matter.
“The only person you need to be worried about seeing is me,your Master,” Aiden tells me sternly. “Have you already forgotten the point of our dinner date tonight, Emma? You are supposed to be proving that you’re ready for me to take you completely. So far I am not impressed.”
“Yes, I know but…” I twist my hands together and look at myself in the mirror again. Yup, still obscene.
“You’re beautiful,” Aiden assures me softly. “And I want to show you off. But since you’re still so shy…” He removes a long black silk wrap from the wardrobe and puts it around my shoulders. It hangs just long enough to cover the top part of the skirt and drapes around my front to cover my breasts as well.
I feel immediately better. “Thank you,” I say.
Aiden frowns. “As long as you know you’re going to have to remove that when we get to our private room in the restaurant.”
Well, as long as it’s private I don’t mind. “Fine,” I say, agreeing easily. I don’t mind Aiden seeing me dressed like this—I just don’t want anyone else looking.
* * * * *
Bern’s is a large, white, windowless building in the SoHo district of South Tampa. I look around avidly, interested in everything as we walk inside. The interior seems to be designed like an old-fashioned bordello with lots of red velvet and gold fixtures. To be honest, I’ve always wanted to come here. Lexy’s tale of a steak so expensive it pretty much costs five dollars a bite is both intriguing and horrifying—especially to someone like me who spends less than thirty dollars a week on groceries.
Aiden is looking everywhere too but not out of curiosity, I sense. He seems to be looking for trouble, his gray eyes narrowed for possible threats as he keeps one arm around me in a way that is equally protective and possessive.
I don’t know what he’s so worried about. Despite his warning that he has enemies, I can’t imagine anyone ballsy enough to assault the new Sovereign who also happens to be a frighteningly powerful vampire. And even if they did, would they really choose the swankiest restaurant in Tampa to launch their attack? I seriously doubt it.
Aiden mentions his name to the maître d’ and the man snaps instantly to attention. “Of course, Mr. James. Right this way, sir. It’s an honor to have you dining with us tonight.”
Wow. I look at Aiden with wide eyes. Either he comes here often or he dropped a ton of cash on renting the private room. I hope it’s the latter—I don’t like to think of him bringing other women here. Or anywhere for that matter. Hmm, should I really be letting myself feel so attached and possessive of my vampire Master? But it seems I can’t help it. Aiden spoke of a bond between us. Maybe my feelings are part of that. Or maybe you’re just beginning to care for him, bond or no bond, a voice whispers in my head. Care for him? Or love him?
Before I can answer that question to my own satisfaction, the maître d’ himself takes us to our table, which is round with cushy, booth-type seating on one side. The table is draped in spotless white linen with a single white candle in the center. It’s actually not so much a private room as a slightly less public space, being located in a small, concealed alcove in a shadowy corner of the massive restaurant. Occasionally I can see servers passing by carrying trays of wine or food but for the most part, there’s no one but us, once the maître d’ gets us seated.
Aiden sits beside me with one
hand on my thigh. The entrance to our little alcove is directly in front of us—apparently you’re meant to sit in the round half-booth and enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant.
“Now that we’re settled,” he murmurs and removes my black wrap.
I bite my tongue to keep from protesting. He didsay I’d have to take it off as soon as we got seated at the restaurant so I’m pretty sure there’s no point arguing. Still, I can’t help being embarrassed. I cross my arms over my breasts self-consciously but Aiden shakes his head.
“No, darling. It’s my wish that you be on display tonight. Put your arms down, please. And uncross your legs.”
I’m not very comfortable obeying either of these orders. The minute I sat down, my skirt began riding up, pushing its high slits even higher. Though I’ve tried to adjust it, I can still look down and plainly see my naked pussy slit framed by the black fabric. Aiden seems to enjoy the view.
“Don’t hide yourself from me,” he murmurs, his breath hot in my ear. “You’re beautiful, Emma. It’s my very great pleasure to show you off tonight.”
Miserably, I try to relax and not think about how naked I feel. I tell myself that the table will block the view of anyone passing by. But the tablecloth isn’t that long—I hope no one drops a fork and bends down to get it. Still, at least my skirt and what it reveals is mostly hidden from view but there’s nothing I can do about my blouse. It’s simply transparent, putting my ample breasts on display whether I want them to be or not.
“It doesn’t matter if you want to show yourself or not, Emma,” Aiden murmurs sternly, reading either my face or my mind. “What matters is that I am your Master and I choose to show you. Now sit up straight, I think our server is here.”
I sit up, my cheeks flaming as a young man who looks to be around college age steps into our shadowy alcove. “Hello, sir, madam and welcome to B—” He catches sight of my fully displayed breasts and the words die on his lips. “I…uh…” He fumbles with the menus in his hands. “I mean…” His eyes are darting everywhere in a desperate effort not to look but they keep returning to my nearly naked cleavage and nipples, as though he just can’t help himself.
“It’s all right, young man,” Aiden says, his deep voice soothing. “You may look if you want to.” He puts an arm around me, drawing me to him, and cups one of my breasts. Casually, he begins teasing my nipple. “My lover has beautiful breasts, don’t you think?”
“I…uh…” The young server swallows hard. “I…yes sir,” he croaks, his eyes flickering over my chest again. “Yes, she does.”
“They’re very sensitive, you know,” Aiden continues. “Watch.” He pinches my nipple, drawing a low moan from my lips. “Sit up a little straighter, darling,” he tells me. “Let our young friend see how lovely you are.”
I stare straight down at the tabletop, wishing I could sink right through the floor. And yet, as overwhelming as the embarrassment is, there’s another emotion behind it. Can it be…pride? It’s strange and perverse but I like it that a man as powerful and handsome as Aiden James is proud to have me on his arm, that he wants to show me off. And there’s an even more insidious feeling under all that—a little voice whispering that I want to please my Master. That I want to do whatever it is he wants me to do.
I fight that little voice with all my might but it’s a losing battle. Aiden’s casual touch on my breast has started a familiar fire under my skin. All I can think of is the fact that if I please him, he might finally take me as I so desperately need to be taken.
Taking a deep breath, I sit up straighter and throw back my hair, giving the server a clearer view.
“Very good, my darling.” Aiden sounds extremely pleased. He nods at the server. “You may give us the menus and tell us the specials now, if you wish.”
The server who has been standing there wide-eyed, taking us both in, jumps quickly to attention as though someone has goosed him. “Uh, of course.” Quickly he shoves the menus at us, being very careful not to touch my hand when he gives me mine. He rattles off a list of specials but I don’t hear a word he says, mainly because Aiden is still stroking and teasing my captive nipple with one hand as he holds his menu with the other.
“We’ll have the Chateaubriand for two, medium rare with the usual sides. Also a bottle of your best red. A Pinot Noir should suffice, I think,” he says.
“Yes sir. Of course, sir.” The waiter nods hastily and takes our menus. He nearly trips on the way out because his eyes are glued to my breasts.
“Well.” Aiden sounds amused. “If you had any doubts about how lovely you are, I trust that little scene laid them to rest. He could barely keep his eyes off you.”
“That’s because youcouldn’t keep your handsoff me,” I accuse him breathlessly. “Maybe if you wouldn’t fondle me in public, he would have been able to ignore me.”
“Darling, no one seeing you in all your beauty could ignore you,” Aiden murmurs, his gray eyes growing hot. “And I understand that you’re feeling a little exposed tonight—”
“A little exposed?” I exclaim.
“But,” Aiden continues, frowning. “I’m not going to put up with any more defiance. You will obey me in all things tonight or I will punish you very, very thoroughly once we return home. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes Master,” I whisper tightly. His stern tone makes me feel like a naughty child. I’m filled with a strange mixture of resentment and desire when he talks to me like this.
“Very good.” He strokes my cheek and his voice drops to a softer tone. “I shouldn’t always have to threaten and punish you, Emma. It gives me great pleasure to show off your beauty—I’m proud to have such a lovely woman on my arm. But it would give me even greater pleasure if you would submit without a fight.”
I feel myself melt a little inside at his soft words. After all, no matter what he’s demanding of me, it’s hard to stay mad at someone who thinks you’re absolutely gorgeous. Especially if you grew up with the opposite opinion about yourself, as I have. It’s like being the ugly duckling all your life only to be told you’re actually a swan. But it’s not just telling—I can see in Aiden’s gray eyes that he actually sees me as a swan. To him, I am the most beautiful and interesting woman in the room. I can’t help responding to that—I just can’t.
“All right, Master,” I say softly.
Aiden’s eyes hold my own and for a moment I think he’s going to kiss me. I’m already leaning in, anticipating the delicious taste of his mouth again when the young server comes back again. His Adam’s apple bobs nervously as he swallows and he nods deferentially to Aiden. “Your wine, sir,” he murmurs, presenting a green glass bottle on a tray.
“Open it,” Aiden commands. Then, as the server fumbles with the cork, he turns to me and calmly begins unbuttoning my blouse.
My heart is in my mouth as his long fingers skim over my breasts. I risk a glance to see if the server notices what is going on. He does. He has the wine bottle open and a glass in one hand but he’s completely forgotten about pouring. Instead, he’s watching mutely as Aiden slowly and methodically opens the thin silk blouse, baring my breasts completely.
Finally Aiden pulls the blouse all the way open so that it hangs by my sides, putting my naked breasts on display. Then he sits back and nods to the server who is standing there, frozen. “You may pour,” he murmurs softly.
The server must wonder what the hell is going on but he pours a small amount into a long-stemmed crystal wineglass and hands it mutely to Aiden.
Aiden takes the glass, swirls it, looks at the color and inhales deeply, taking in the aroma. Then, instead of taking a sip to test it, he puts it on the table and dips his forefinger in the dark red liquid. He turns to me and cups one of my naked breasts in his other large hand. Slowly, carefully, he traces my nipple, circling my areola, gently painting my sensitive bud with the red wine.
I bite back a gasp as the cool wine makes my nipple tighten into a hard little nub. Goddess, I can’t believe Aiden is doing
this! But he is. And as the server and I both watch, he leans down and sucks my nipple into the hot, wet depths of his mouth.
I moan aloud as his tongue caresses me, lapping the wine from my flesh. Dear Goddess, how can anything so embarrassing also be so hot? If anything remotely like this had happened to me a few weeks ago I would have pushed the guy off me, slapped his face and left in a huff. But with Aiden, all I want is more. All I want is to submit, even though I know it’s wrong.
At last Aiden straightens up and nods at the server as though he’s done nothing unusual. “An excellent vintage. Please continue to pour.”
Wide-eyed, the server silently does as he is commanded. Then he croaks a promise that the bread basket will be out soon and scurries away.
Aiden turns to me once more. “That was excellent, darling. You did very well.”
“Yes Master,” I whisper, my heart pounding. I can’t believe I’m sitting here in a public restaurant with my bare breasts on display, being fondled by the man I now call Master. And yet, here we are. “Why?” I ask him, trying to frame the right question. “Why…do you want to do this? To put me on display?”
Aiden looks suddenly serious. “Think of this as training, darling. When the time comes I may need you to submit to me in a place more public than this. You have to be ready.”
“What place?” I ask in a fierce whisper. “What are you planning to do with me, Aiden.”
He kisses me lightly, making me want more despite myself. “Anything I want, my darling Emma. But I promise, you’ll enjoy it.”
I open my mouth to answer but just then the server is back again with the bread. He deposits it on the table, takes a quick glance at my breasts and flees.
“You have the poor boy completely smitten,” Aiden murmurs, sounding amused. “Would you like a bite of bread, darling?”
I shake my head. “I don’t think I’m hungry anymore.”
“That’s too bad.” Aiden’s large, warm hand finds my thigh and begins to massage lightly. “I guess we’ll have to work on satisfying your other appetites then.” The hand travels up, sliding higher to find the junction of my thighs.