He’d never been in love before, never understood why men did stupid things—wrote poetry, sent flowers, bought stupidly expensive rings, forgot common sense—when it came to women.
And now. Now he knew.
Because he was in danger of thinking about nothing other than her and the future he wanted them to create together.
Earlier, they’d talked about children. Until now, it had been little more than an abstract idea. His grandparents had wanted him to keep the ranch in the family, passing it on to their heirs. This afternoon, though, the idea took hold, and he couldn’t shake it. He imagined spilling his hot seed inside Elissa’s slick pussy, then seeing her pregnant with his baby.
He pictured their kids learning to ride horses, playing in the river, ice skating on a pond, traversing every inch of the land, then, as they were older, heading out on snowmobiles to find the perfect Christmas tree.
For a man who’d lived only for the present, this was a hell of a departure for him.
The house fell silent, and then the sound of a soft splash reached him.
Since less than an hour remained before she would join him, he jogged down the stairs. Unnecessarily he double-checked that all locks were engaged, and he informed the team they were in for the night.
Then he entered the dungeon to prepare it for her arrival.
He adjusted the room temperature so it was a little on the warm side. Since he intended to have her bare before him, he wanted her to be comfortable. He placed a couple of bottles of water in the refrigerator to chill, and he draped a lightweight blanket over the back of the chair. Even though it was summer, she might want to snuggle for comfort after the scene.
He checked the equipment he intended to use, making certain everything was in working order. Finally he completed two circuits around the space and stopped with his back to the fireplace, waiting.
Right on time, she arrived, pausing in the open doorway.
Her perfection took his breath away.
His T-shirt reached the middle of her thighs, and her hair brushed her shoulders. She looked at him with a mixture of trust and apprehension.
“I’ve been waiting for you.”
Yesterday, their scene had progressed naturally, starting with a kiss. Tonight, he wanted to create something a little more formal, hoping to nudge her into a submissive headspace before they began. If his plan worked, tonight’s experience would be even more pleasurable. “I’d like you to undress before entering.”
Though she hesitated, she didn’t protest.
In a single move, she pulled the material off and allowed it to fall to the floor.
Her nipples blossomed into tight buds, and she clasped her hands in front of her for a brief second before evidently realizing what she’d done. With a deep inhalation, she lowered her arms to her sides.
“Come to me, Elissa.”
Nodding, she crossed to him, her bare feet silent on the floor. He’d decided against music. He wanted to hear her breaths, every sigh, moan, whimper.
“Uhm…”
“Kneel, my fair Elissa.”
Her motions were perfect, artistry mixed with grace. “Open yourself. Your hands behind your neck with your shoulders and elbows turned back.”
Once she did, he uttered words of praise. “Perfection. It’s as if you’re offering your breasts to me.”
“Yes…Sir.”
Generally when they spoke, her voice was strong. But here, there was a quiet submissive respect that he adored. She was still the confident woman he had fallen for, but she was willing to reveal a side she hid from the world. That was heady indeed, and he vowed to honor that trust. “Now spread your knees as far apart as you can.”
Because she couldn’t use her hands for balance, she made a couple of adjustments before settling in.
“Exactly as I like. This is what I mean when I ask you to open yourself.”
“I’ll remember.”
He left her long enough to fetch a thin collar and a delicate leash. While the pieces weren’t an exact match for the ones in the image she was working on for him, they were close enough. “Ask me.”
Her voice wavered, barely above a whisper. “Please put your collar on me, Sir.” Mouth slightly parted, she stared up at him while he fastened it in place.
He could repeat this act every day for the rest of his life and never tire of it.
Her breath caught when he attached the leash.
Holding the end, he took a step back, instantly recognizing that her picture had captured this moment in advance.
Her wildflower-blue eyes were wide with adoration. Though she’d never professed her love, he saw it in her gaze.
And he had no doubt the same was reflected in his.
More than ever, he was anxious for her to get on with the painting so he could have the portrait here where it belonged. “I’d like you on the top of the spanking bench.”
“Of course, Sir.”
Jacob offered no assistance while she stood, preferring to watch her sensual movements. “Go ahead. I’ll follow you.”
He remained where he was until the leash tightened, and she froze to look back at him.
Having her at his mercy like this made his cock hot and heavy, throbbing with need. “A perversion,” he offered by way of apology. “I wanted to see what you would do.” With enough force, the leash would snap. His control over her was not much more than an illusion, and without her permission, he held no power.
“And?” She tipped her head quizzically. “Is this a game? If so—”
“No.” He held up a hand. “I promise you, it’s not. We’re simply exploring this part of our relationship. Continue.”
This time, he followed her, close enough that the lead remained loose.
When she arrived at the bench, she placed a knee onto one of the siderails.
“I want you on your back, not your belly.”
She looked over her shoulder. “Sir?”
“I have a few things in mind before I begin to torture you.”
Her gulp of fear thrilled him. “Up you go. Then scoot to the end and part your thighs.”
Once she was in place, he removed her leash and fastened it to one of his belt loops, then stood at the far end of the bench.
“I’m confused.”
“I think what you mean is that you’re being patient while awaiting your Dominant’s next instruction.”
“Yes. That’s exactly what I meant. Sir.”
Perfectly trusting. Perfectly compliant. Perfectly his. “There’s a mirror on the wall to your right. Look at yourself.”
Though she turned her head, it was his gaze she sought.
“Watch us.”
As if to ask a question, she opened her mouth. A scant second later, she closed it again.
“Very good.” He smiled, and in response she wriggled around a little before resettling. “Now, remembering my command to watch us, I want you to get yourself off.”
She went rigid.
Rather than chastise her, he gently cupped her breasts, then squeezed them. In reaction, she moaned and arched her back.
Exerting a tiny bit more pressure, he leaned over to capture her mouth.
He took every bit of her sweetness and demanded more. When her tender mouth was swollen, he reluctantly ended the kiss.
While she watched, he pinched her sensitive nipples, and she gasped. “You’re driving me mad.”