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  When she saw that Miss Scarlet was occupied, Avery nodded

  They left the party to make their way down a long, almost deserted hallway. When she placed a hand on the restroom door, he snagged her wrist to guide her toward a different one, intended for families. He followed her inside, then turned the lock with a decisive click. She gasped but didn’t protest. Part of him was pissed that she’d come in here with him. “Leaving with a man without telling anyone could be damn dangerous, Layla.”

  Avery met his gaze with trust he didn’t deserve.

  Cole longed to rip off her damn mask and have no pretenses between them. “Don’t do anything this stupid ever again.” Why it bothered him so much, he didn’t know. This need to protect her stunned him. “What’s your safe word?” His tone had a bite, and that didn’t seem to scare her either.

  “Red. And I use slow, rather than yellow.”

  “What’s on your limits list?”

  “The usual. Permanent markings. Well, I mean, unless there was a long-term relationship in place. Then it might be open to negotiation.” She paused. “No breaking my skin. Or humiliation.”

  “Agreed. There are condoms in my room. If we get that far, it will be completely your choice, and we’ll be practicing safe sex.”

  She nodded. “I’d like that.”

  His cock was heavy with arousal.

  Without him needing to prompt her, she removed her thong. A deep red stained her cheeks when she held out the material toward him.

  “Put it in your mouth,” he said, rather than accepting it.

  She gasped, and the room pulsed with her fear-induced excitement.

  With any other woman, he’d go slower. But he was unaccountably annoyed with her pretense. “When I give you an order, sub”—he took a step toward her—“you will obey.”

  She shivered.

  “Unless you need to use a safe word, your acceptable replies are ‘yes, Sir,’ or ‘yes, Cole.’” He dropped his voice. “Master works fine too.” That, he wanted to hear.

  “I…”

  “Say it.”

  “Yes, Cole.”

  “From here on, hesitations will be dealt with appropriately. Questions?”

  She stuffed her panties into her mouth.

  Blood rushed to his dick. She was perfect. He hadn’t realized how much he’d missed playing with a sub. “Now I want you spread-eagle, hands on the wall.”

  Slowly she pivoted and followed his instructions.

  “Is your pussy wet?”

  Her mumble was hard to hear, but absolutely delightful. “Yes, Sir.”

  “Do you like it when you’re told what to do? When to do it? Do you like being naughty, wondering who saw you walk in here? Are you anxious about what might happen?” He came up behind her, close enough that he inhaled the sharp and unmistakable scent of her arousal. “You should be.”

  She spread her fingers farther apart.

  “I’m going to check to see if you’re wet. Am I going to be disappointed?” With the back of his hand, he brushed hair away from her neck. “Or is your slit going to be so damp that I’m pleased?” Her arms trembled. “What will I do if you’re not properly responsive? Pinch your thigh?” Through the dress, he did.

  She swallowed deep but didn’t protest.

  “Perhaps I’ll lift your dress and spank your bare ass just because I want to.”

  Avery whimpered, the sound soft and pleading—everything he wanted.

  “Perhaps I’ll just put one finger in your pussy and another in your ass.”

  The little sub squirmed.

  “I’m not known for my kindness. You should understand that.”

  In silent challenge, she stuck her ass out a little.

  Enchanting, if reckless. “You’re much more of a sinner than a saint, aren’t you, Layla?” He grabbed a fistful of her gown and yanked it up to her waist. “That’s it—push your butt out toward me even more. Give it to me for a spanking.”

  She didn’t hesitate. Instead, she braced herself on the wall, then thrust back, a woman desperate to receive what he was desperate to give.

  “Has it been a while?” he asked.

  “Yes, Sir.” A second later, she confessed, “Too long.” The words were garbled by her makeshift gag, but her response was clear, her plea impossible to deny.

  “What do you want?”

  “Spank me, Sir.”

  Rather than delivering what she requested, he worked his hand between her legs to find her hot cunt.

  She moaned and let her forehead rest against the elegant wallpaper.

  He rubbed three fingers across her shaved pussy, using her dampness to prevent friction. He stroked her clit quicker and quicker, making her legs shake, driving her toward an orgasm before pulling his hand away.

  Then because she was so wet, he put one finger against her rear entrance. “Do you like it dirty?” he asked against her ear.

  “Yes. Yes, Sir.” She groaned.

  He loved that she’d shown no hesitation when he’d bared her, toyed with her, pressed a finger to her anus.

  When he saw her at the play party, she’d been so much more restrained. Now he realized that was more a result of the man she was with. “Whatever you want,” he promised. “Whatever it is. I’ll be sure you get it.” He eased his finger into her a little.

  She inhaled and allowed the wall to support more of her weight. So fucking hot.

  He pushed past her sphincter and breached her anally. It wasn’t as comfortable as if he’d used lube, he knew, but she didn’t protest.

  Cole worked his finger all the way in, then brought his other hand around to play with her pussy for a couple of seconds. “I’m going to enjoy fucking you later, when your ass is so sore that the sheets hurt your skin.”

  While holding her still, he spanked her left ass cheek hard.

  She went rigid.

  “More than you expected?”

  “Yes, Sir.” Avery turned her head to the side, and he saw that her bright-green eyes were wide, unblinking.

  “Less than you can take?”

  She squeezed her eyes closed and nodded.

  “Less than you hoped for?”

  He saw her fingers curl.

  “Yes, Sir,” she admitted around the lacy fabric.

  With his finger still in her ass, Cole spanked her again and again until she tapped her heels on the marble floor.

  She was getting hotter, wetter. And that was the time to stop, when she was frustrated, his to command.

  Cole fisted her hair and pulled back her head, forcing her to look at him. “Any doubt who’s in charge, sub?”

  “You.” Her voice caught in a sob. “You are, Sir.”

  “Correct.” Cole slowly extracted his finger, then flipped down her dress.

  While he washed his hands, he left her there, frowning but not questioning. At this point, he wouldn’t have been surprised if she was furious or puzzled. But one thing was certain—she knew he would control the scene, and she also knew she was safe with him. He’d read her responses, left her wanting.

  He dried his hands on one of the cotton towels, then wadded it and tossed it in a wicker basket. “Put your thong in the inside pocket of my jacket.”

  She pushed away from the wall, then faced him. He offered an arm for her to brace herself on while she rebalanced on the strappy fuck-me sandals.

  Slowly she pulled the fabric from her mouth. She locked her gaze on his face, never severing eye contact as she pulled back his lapel, then skimmed her fingers across the fabric, searching for the opening in the lining.

  A few seconds later, she tucked her underwear inside. She allowed her palm to linger on his chest.

  “Bold move for a sub who didn’t have permission to touch her Dom.” He captured her wrist, even though he liked what she did.

  “Yes, Master Cole.”

  “And brave, looking me in the eye.”

  She didn’t take the hint to glance away.

  “No apology?”
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  She didn’t respond.

  “Are you a brat, Layla?” He flattened his hand on hers. “With me, you don’t have to be. I told you I will ensure you get what you need. You can tell me. Talk to me.” Again, Cole was tempted to rip off that damn mask. “Be real with me. Trust me with your secrets.”

  “Thank you for the offer. I appreciate it.” Her cheeks were captivatingly pink. But she hesitated before going on. “And thank you for the spanking, Sir.”

  He sighed. One step at a time. “More to come.” He released his grip, then straightened his cuff as she dropped her hand. “We should get back.”

  “What?”

  “The food here—even banquet food—is five-star. You need energy for the night ahead.”

  “What? We just…” She drew her eyebrows together. “You want to eat?”

  “Absolutely. I understand steak and lobster is on the menu.” He offered his arm.

  He watched the war, the frustration in her eyes. She wanted to protest, but she’d heard him, and she’d agreed to obey him.

  Even though she pursed her lips, she composed herself, then placed her hand on his arm as they left the restroom together.

  CHAPTER THREE

  It was the longest, most nerve-racking meal of Avery’s life.

  She’d hit on Master Cole, and he’d humbled her in the family restroom, driving her to the edge, proving his dominance, leaving her panting for an orgasm.

  She’d expected him to take her up to his room, not back to the party. Sitting here, her pussy damp, her underwear in his jacket, was unbearable.

  “Is your filet all right?” he asked, putting down his fork after watching her pick at it for a while.

  “It’s wonderful.” The problem wasn’t with the steak—it was with her inner turmoil, and Cole’s insistence on honesty.

  In the five months she’d been with Dirk, he often snapped that she was too demanding in her sexual needs. He’d informed her a Dom was in charge and that he decided what was best for her, that she should be grateful for the attention she received. No matter how hard she tried, he’d never been satisfied. In the year and half since, she’d confined her play to parties and the club, not risking her emotional well-being.

  So what Cole asked for was a challenge she wasn’t sure she was up for.

  Servers cleared the plates. Then the hotel’s pastry chef and several helpers wheeled in a stunning cupcake assortment.

  The display resembled the staging that had been set up. Each cupcake was topped with a mask or feathers crafted from fondant. On the top tier was a cake fashioned to resemble Miss Scarlet in a burlesque costume.

  The star of the hour took to the stage for a few minutes to thank everyone for coming. “Please enjoy the music and dancing. And indulge in some free champagne, courtesy of Mr. Sterling himself.” She lifted an imaginary glass toward someone in the back of the room. “Thank you, darling!”

  By the time Avery turned her head, the doorway was vacant. If the hotelier had been there at all, he wasn’t there now.

  The musicians struck up again, and the waitstaff went to work, offering cupcakes.

  She wrinkled her nose and sighed wistfully when a chocolate one with mile-high frosting was offered to her.

  “She’ll take it,” Cole told the waiter, accepting the plate and a fork.

  “But—”

  “If you want it, eat it. Or have a bite.”

  She sighed, never taking her eyes off the confection. “It’s my weakness.”

  “We all have one.”

  “The calories in that thing,” she protested, looking at him.

  He had a wide, indulgent smile. “What about them?”

  “I need to lose a few pounds.”

  “Do you?”

  “I don’t?”

  “Only if you think so. I like spanking your delectable ass.”

  She gave the dessert another couple of glances before meeting his steel-gray eyes. When she saw his approval of her, she picked up her fork.

  The cupcake machine in the hotel was wonderful, but this…

  “I gather you like it?”

  “To die for.” She dabbed her mouth with a napkin. “Or certainly worth extra exercise for. Maybe I did die and go to heaven. Did I die and go to heaven?”

  “Not yet. But soon.”

  The reminder of what he had planned made her stomach plummet. Nerves getting to her, she pushed the plate away.

  Once they’d had coffee, he said, “It’s too early for us to leave. How about another dance?”

  She loved being in his arms, so she nodded. So much a gentleman, he stood, pulled back her chair, then offered his elbow and led her to the parquet floor. She loved being publicly claimed by this Dom.

  Like earlier, she placed a hand on his shoulder. This time, however, his touch wasn’t polite. He placed his palm against her back and brought her in close.

  Her step faltered, and he tightened his grip to compensate and help her recover. She gave him a smile of gratitude. His lead was competent as he gave her slight nudges that provided unmistakable cues to follow. His skill as a Dominant extended to the dance floor.

  When the final notes trailed off, he released her and gave a slight bow.

  For the next hour, they danced, conversed with people, watched circus performers and a burlesque preview—including a teaser of the new show Miss Scarlet was debuting next month.

  Cole was patient and polite but maddeningly hands-off. Because of the way he’d behaved earlier, she anticipated a constant stream of commands, but he acted as if they were on a casual date while tension built deep inside her.

  When the first guests trickled out of the doors, he looked at her with purpose. “Ready to make our escape?”

  His words shot nerves through her. “Yes.”

  He stood, and this time, his grip wasn’t just tight—it was possessive. She liked it more than she would have imagined.

  It took a few minutes for them to make it to the front of the admirers lined up to talk to Miss Scarlet.

  “The party will be going on until the wee hours.” She cast a glance between them. “In case you want to rejoin us once you’ve worn yourselves out.” With a grin, she waved her fan in front of her face.

  A gentleman less than half Miss Scarlet’s age pinched her bottom. She squealed and turned around.

  Avery couldn’t hide her laugh.

  “She seems to be having a good time.”

  “She’s inspiring.”

  Cole held out a hand to indicate Avery should go ahead of him. “Did I understand that you have a room here?”

  “Yes. Even though I live not too far from here, I splurged.” An evening at the Royal Sterling was a rare treat. With its spas, pools, workout room, and unbelievable food, it was a mini-vacation.

  “Which of our rooms do you prefer?”

  “Yours.” So she could make her escape when she was ready. “But I’d like to collect my purse, maybe freshen up a bit. If it suits you, I can meet you in about fifteen minutes.”

  “No. That doesn’t suit me at all,” he replied. “We’ll go together.”

  Nerves that had been at a manageable level flooded through her.

  When they were alone in the elevator car, he faced her. “We know spankings are on your approved activities list.”

  “Yes, Sir.” She shifted her weight to her right foot.

  “Flogging?”

  “Yes.” The word emerged as a sigh.

  “Cane?”

  Avery twisted her hands together. “That can fucking hurt. Sir.”

  “It can,” he agreed. “And for the right sub, it can be sublime.”

  At his words, hunger unfurled. There was nothing she liked more than the exquisite dance of pain so rich it caused a flash of unbridled pleasure. In the wrong hands, the cane was miserable. But Cole was right. There had been one time when she’d found it sublime. “Yes, Sir.”

  “Is that a yes to the cane?”

  “It takes trust. But…” Sh
e licked her lips. “It’s something I like.” There was nothing like its unyielding, expansive sear.

  “All in good time,” he agreed. “I’ll suggest it again later.”

  Avery nearly melted at his feet, and no doubt he was astute enough to know that. She looked away from him, trying to diminish the influence he had over her.

  “Trust goes two ways.” He paused. “Layla.”

  It’s as if he knows. She sucked in a breath. “Master Cole, please…”

  “Why so secretive?”

  She watched the numbers for the various floors fly past. “Can we have tonight?” Let me be bold, someone I’m not. Let me be the sub I dream of. Tonight, just tonight, allow me to be brave.

  The elevator glided to a stop.

  “Tonight,” he agreed. “Don’t count on anything more. I don’t like masquerades—literal or figurative. I despise subterfuge.”

  “Fair enough, Sir.” Her breath was shaky as she exhaled in gratitude.

  With the heat of his gaze on her rear, she walked down the hallway to her room.

  Avery pressed her thumbprint to the scanner to open the door. She sighed. If only she’d been less scattered before leaving. The bed was strewn with clothes, lingerie, purses she’d considered taking, even a new pair of shoes she’d purchased on a whim at one of the hotel’s numerous ground-floor shops.

  “Do you have any toys with you?”

  “An egg-type vibrator. It has a remote control.” The expensive Swedish thing had cost a small fortune, and it had been worth every penny. It worked well whether she was teasing her clit or using it internally.

  “Excellent. Bring it with you.”

  She dug both pieces from the bottom of her suitcase and tucked the toy into her clutch. “Can you excuse me for a moment?”

  He went to stand by the window, and she headed into the bathroom.

  With the door closed behind her, she removed her mask. For a moment, she hardly recognized the bold person staring back at her. This Avery had gotten spanked in the restroom of the Royal Sterling Hotel, had Master Cole’s finger up her ass, and was prepared to go back to his room with him—all things she might never have ordinarily done.

  “Two minutes, sub. Don’t make me come in there.”