Total pages in book: 30
Estimated words: 28488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 142(@200wpm)___ 114(@250wpm)___ 95(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 28488 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 142(@200wpm)___ 114(@250wpm)___ 95(@300wpm)
“A monster? Why would I think you’re a monster, Sebastian?”
She’s still in my lap. Still close to me. She never moved away, even as I told her everything. “I’m a murderer. And I’ve lived off the misery of others.”
Clara shakes her head. “From how I’m hearing it? You killed out of love for your family, Sebastian. That doesn’t make you a monster. That makes you human. That someone used that against you doesn’t change anything.”
“You’re far too forgiving.”
“I can see why you empathize with me on the bad dad thing now,” she smiles. “Although I doubt my dad would even be capable of getting involved in anything as bad as what yours was. I think you won that competition handily.”
“I’ll hold that trophy with shame,” I reply, a smile coming to my face. She brightens the room so easily.
I do something even I don’t expect. Instincts alone drive me.
I kiss her.
It’s sudden. It’s powerful. But when our lips meet, ever briefly, the world feels a whole lot better.
It doesn’t last long, and she’s red as hell when we part. “Well then...”
An awkward silence lingers between us. Neither of us make a move to break up the lingering tension. She says nothing about the kiss. And neither do I.
Soon the awkwardness of not talking overwhelms the awkwardness of talking, so we continue our conversation.
“You really shouldn’t be so perfect, Clara. You’re far too beautiful and sweet to be my captive.”
“Captive?” she says with a twisted smile. “I thought I was supposed to be your willing vessel.”
“Marketing term. I don’t think I can ask a human being to be my property on the internet without the police knocking on my door.” And I have damn good reason to stay as far away from the police as I can.
“Your property, huh? Something to be bought and sold like any other asset you own?”
“Oh, you're an asset alright,” he says, putting emphasis in the obvious place. “But I’d never sell you. I want to keep you all for myself.”
I’m surprised that she isn’t retreating when I mention my true desires for her. Most modern women would run away screaming at the thought of being a man’s property. And really? I don’t blame them.
I decide to push her further. “How do you feel about handcuffs, Clara?”
“Handcuffs?” she echoes.
“I want you to know what it feels like to truly be mine.”
“Why don’t you run your fingers down between my legs and let that tell you how I feel about them?” She flashes me such a sinful look.
I run my digits down her thigh, enjoying the tenderness of her flesh and how it reacts to me. I continue down to her sex, feeling her heat, her wetness, and how much she desperately wants and needs me. I growl as I look at her. “Good. Excellent. Go to my room. Now.”
I pick her up and set her down on her feet as I look at her with fire in my eyes.
“Yes, sir.”
Sir, huh? I like the sound of that.
But I’m starting to like everything that comes from her.
9
CLARA
I always thought I was a pretty vanilla person. I wanted sweet romance, kisses and hugs, to be the little spoon. Nothing too crazy, really. I read some romance novels and some more explicit stories for... let’s call it release. Still, until I met Sebastian, I had no idea this side of me existed.
I rush into his room and drop the bathrobe to the floor as I climb onto the bed.
Rough sex is one thing. It’s just fast-paced and kind of aggressive. A little bit of pain with our pleasure. I get why I don’t mind that, and why I kind of like it.
Handcuffs, though? I know people are into that sort of kinkier thing. But I never really understood the appeal. I always thought there was nothing innately erotic or sensual about having your hands bound. It seemed uncomfortable more than anything else.
When Sebastian suggests it though? I’m on board without a second thought. I’m on his bed, pulling my nightgown off and tossing it aside so I’m buck-ass naked and ready for him when he comes in.
I never thought of myself as particularly submissive. I’ve always been in control of my life, driving myself forward and making things happen. Giving control to him, though, there’s something alluring to the idea. Letting him determine everything for me? I want to see what he’ll do with me.
Of course, even as I submit to Sebastian, I’m still in control. I’m consenting to give my body to him. I’m asking him to do this, telling him to do this. And I trust him not to exploit my good will.
I lean back on his bed, my legs spread, my eyes on the door. I caress my heat, feeling my intense wetness, my mind racing with the possibilities of what’s to come.