Dark Citadel Read Free Page A

She glanced at Master Z. The owner had leaned back in his chair, fingers steepled, watching her pace. He was no dummy, and he’d basically recommended Master Dan.
    And Master Dan sure wasn’t anything like Buck. She pursed her lips. She considered that a major bonus, right there.
    What about being ignorant? Well, she might be, but she had a feeling that Master Dan knew all about the subject of domination.

    Masters of the Shadowlands: Dark Citadel

    9
    She stopped in front of the door to the bar, could hear the sounds of classical music and muted conversation. If she left now, she’d never have the courage to return.
    Her head said no. Her heart said go for it.
    Master Dan straightened.
    She placed her hand in his. Go it was.
    “Nervous?” he asked softly.
    “A bit.” No point in hiding the truth. Considering her heart was trying to pound through her chest, he could probably hear the noise.
    “Let me make it easier. Right now, all we will do is go into the club room and talk.
    Can you trust me that far?”
    Just talk in a bar. She could handle that. “Okay. The bar.”
    “Good girl.” His eyes softened.
    Opening the door, he escorted her through, setting a warm hand low on her back.
    Once inside, Kari paused to look around. The huge room boasted a circular bar in the center, and wrought iron circular stairs in the corners. Groups of plants sectioned the tables and overstuffed couches into secluded sitting areas. Flickering wall sconces and glass chandeliers hanging from low rafters provided shadowy light and made the hardwood floor gleam.
    A scattering of people occupied the couches and bar stools. To Kari’s relief, no one was doing weird things or having sex on the floor. Leathers, latex, and skimpy dresses seemed the attire of choice—nothing too outlandish.
    He followed her gaze. “Beginners tend to dress conservatively. You’ll see a big difference when the regular club members are here on Saturday.”
    As they crossed the room, Kari spotted Buck at the bar. Her step faltered.
    He noticed her, and his face lit up. Then he saw Master Dan with his arm around her, and his mouth compressed so hard his lips disappeared.
    To her relief, he didn’t approach. She would hate to be the cause of a scene, or even the center of attention.
    Without speaking, Master Dan slid his hand up to her waist and moved her closer, his nearness comforting.
    Once past the bar, he found an unoccupied sitting area. Taking the very center of the couch, he pulled her down beside him. He smelled of subtly dark cologne, of soap…of man . And she was way too close. She tried to shift away, only to realize he’d wedged her between him and the arm of the couch.
    “Does it bother you to sit beside me?” he asked, leaning back and studying her.
    His leg against her thigh was hard, ungiving.
    Did he expect her to be rude? “Um, no, of course not.” Trying to ignore the feeling of being crowded, she tipped her foot up, wiggled her toes. Why was she barefoot anyway?

    10 Cherise Sinclair
    “Look at me.” He put gentle fingers under her chin, forcing her to meet his level gaze.
    “Kari, part of the adventure is being honest with each other. When I ask you a question, I want an honest answer, not a polite one.” He smiled slightly. His fingers were warm as his thumb traced little circles on her cheek. “Let me show you what I’d like.”
    He pitched his voice a little higher and said, “Master Dan, when I realized I was between you and the couch arm, I felt trapped. Like I can’t retreat if I want to.” His voice returned to its natural subterranean deepness. “Is that about right?”
    How did he know that?
    He kept watching her with those intent eyes, and each stroke of his thumb across her skin left heat in its wake. He lifted his dark brows. “Kari?”
    “Yes,” she said almost inaudibly. “That’s how I feel.” The admission left her feeling as if she’d undressed in front of him, and she tried to look away. He tipped her