Page 34 of Promise of Punishment

“You won’t do anything I don’t want?” she asks cautiously, and I know I’ve got her.

“The rules of the house apply. Consent or nothing in all things. Do you accept my offer?” How I went from a bet to this is beyond me. What she doesn’t know is that I plan to tempt her in ways that will have her begging me to take her. Consent is but a kiss, and lick away.

“I could agree to that,” she whispers. The nervous curiosity in her eyes has me smirking.

“Good angel.” I tilt my head to the side and lick my lips. She watches my tongue, and I decide to break the rule I set for myself years ago—a rule I swore I’d never break because it’s too intimate, and I never wanted to be that close to anyone. “Now, how about a kiss?”

14

I SHOULD BE INTIMIDATED

Fable

Something is terribly wrong with me. I must be out of my mind. I don’t ever do stuff like this. But then, I’ve never been in this situation. No one has ever talked to me this way, and even though I can’t see this man’s eyes behind his wolf mask, I feel them tracing every inch of my body.

His pants bulged at the crotch when he was standing there talking to me, the size impossible to ignore. That has never happened to me. I’m not around men enough for this to happen. Flirting isn’t a part of my life, which must be why I’m acting this way. The two guys I slept with got into my pants easily enough because I was longing for intimacy and curious, like I am now.

Apparently, this weakness makes me easy. But what does it matter here? This place is about sex—great sex, according to Noah. This Lord wants to fuck me, as he said. Damn if that wasn’t the hottest thing I’ve ever heard—because it was from him. A mysterious, incredibly tall man with a sexy accent, a body of strength, and a presence of power. I should be intimidated. In a way, I am, but only from fear of losing a permanent job here. That’s a factor too. I’m out of options and need this in a way I’ve never needed anything before. But that’s not why I’m standing between his legs. Even with his demanding, authoritative behavior, I don’t sense a real threat.

It’s true what he said about learning to sense danger when you’re raised in an abusive household. Whether he spoke from experience or general knowledge, I can’t say, but I’m certain this man won’t hurt me. I feel it in my gut, and I trust my gut. I learned to a long time ago. One thing concerns me though.

“Could this get me fired?” I ask, trying my best to hide my insecurities. I hate this about myself. Ripping off the Band-Aide, I swallow my nerves and force out the rest as I stare directly at the mesh concealing his eyes. “If you don’t like it or what occurs between us, could I lose my job?”

He lets out a deep chuckle, the sound settling low in my belly as he tugs me closer. “It’s a shame how utterly clueless you are about men or your effect on them. Whoever did that to you deserves a beating. But so we’re clear on this, little angel, there is absolutely nothing you could do to turn me off or get yourself fired, except for being with another man here. That I won’t tolerate. While there are those here who like to share, and even prefer it, I do not. I will not. Your consent is for me alone. Do you understand?”

My heart races. Never has anyone talked to me like this or treated me like I’m special—chosen. It affects every part of my mind and body. The reasons might not be healthy, brought on from neglect and loss, but I don’t want to resist. This is a place where you can be anyone. My mask is off, which isn’t how I imagined a sexual encounter here, because I have imagined it. I’ve been doing it for most of the night, gearing up for tomorrow, and to wear a red feather. I want my time here to be immersive. Because, as much as I need this job to work, I also know how quickly life has a way of taking things from me.

The odds of my father finding me here seem near impossible, and even less likely that he or someone working for him could kill me behind two gates, a fortress wall of protection, and a team of security. Still, I know nothing is foolproof. Things can go wrong. Life can change for the worse in an instant. This moment, for however long it lasts, is mine to take, and I want to. I want to feel desire and be touched. I miss human contact and haven’t had it in so long—not that I ever had much. There are no delusions here. This is about pleasure—hopefully—and the rare chance for me to experience it.

“You don’t have to overthink this. You don’t have to think at all. Just feel,” he says, drawing me from my thoughts. “Being disguised helps relax a person. With your mask gone, you don’t have that, but I can present a solution to help.” He removes a red sash from his pocket and lifts it toward my face, his intentions clear. “Will you trust me?”

Gulp. If I say yes, this begins now. Am I ready? What happens if I say no? Will he lose interest and find someone else? Probably.

“You’re thinking, angel. If you say yes, I promise you will not be disappointed. You can always press that little button on your wrist if you want to stop,” he reminds me.

“Yes,” I say, my heart walloping my ribs. Holy shit. I’m doing this.

“Good, little angel,” he purrs, his smoky voice filled with sin and promises.

I hold still as he ties the sash around my eyes, then rests his big hands back on my hips. With him sitting like this, I’m taller by a few inches.

He’s quiet for long moments, not moving, only breathing. My senses heighten, and anticipation surges through me in a frightening way.

“Everything is different when you can’t see. Your body gets to be free to release what it feels and what it needs. Let go and enjoy it.”

I want to. More than he could know.

I hear him doing something. “I’m going to touch your face.”

I tense a little.

His fingers brush my chin, then his big thumb runs across my bottom lip. “Now, I’m going to kiss you.”

I hold my breath.

He cups the back of my neck and pulls me to him. His mouth barely touches mine, then he licks the curve of my lower lip. The air leaves my lungs in a shudder.

He chuckles quietly, the low rumble landing in my core.