In His Cuffs Read Free Page B

Mr Tomlinson,” she said. “But you’ve misread a few things about me.”
    “I’ll give you that. From the way you behave at the office, I would have taken you for a Domme.”
    “It might be fun to strap you to a St Andrew’s cross,” she said, raising one of her waxed eyebrows.
    He laughed.
    She blinked. During the time she’d known him, she had never heard him laugh. She’d rarely even seen him smile. Was it possible she’d judged him too harshly? Then she recalled the way he’d even provided the ballpoint pen for her to sign the hated employment agreement. “I’ll take that as a no, then.”
    “Not a chance in hell,” he affirmed. “The only one feeling a lash will be you. And feel it you will.”
    Before she could respond to his flat, arrogant statement, he continued, “I assure you I will be very observant about your reactions.” He captured her chin and tipped her head back. “I want to know what quickens your pulse. I’ll find out what dampens your panties. I want to know all of your erotic sounds and what each means.”
    She wished she had met him here first, that she’d seen him as an exciting Dom, felt the connection and agreed to scene. But she couldn’t pretend their relationship wasn’t already laden with hostility and distrust.
    “For tonight,” he reminded her. “Just tonight. Say yes, Maggie mine.”
    If she was smart, she’d tell him no. She shouldn’t want this, him. But every nerve ending zinged. Desire won the battle over common sense. “Yes.” She nodded.
    Desire seemed to flare in his eyes, widening them. “Good,” he said.
    He released her and stepped back.
    She was grateful for the physical space. This close, she noticed how male he was, sexy, sensual and threatening.
    “Any hard limits?” he asked.
    This part of a negotiation was familiar, and she relaxed into it. She was good at asking for what she wanted. “No blood, edgeplay, permanent marks.”
    “How about formal protocols?”
    She’d had enough experience to know that Doms differed on what that meant. But in this setting, since they weren’t a couple, she doubted he would ask for anything she’d find objectionable. “If it suits you, I’m okay with it.”
    “We’ll observe some, but I don’t require strict adherence. I want you to communicate.”
    She nodded.
    “What are your limits around humiliation?”
    “As long as I’m not left alone for long periods, I’m fine.”
    “I won’t leave you alone, ever. If you’re suffering for me, I want to watch and enjoy every moment of it.”
    There was something about the huskiness in his voice—part promise, part threat—that made her tremble. She looked at him. The set of his jaw emphasised the seriousness of his words.
    Maggie would have never suspected she’d willingly experience anguish for David Tomlinson, even offer herself to him, but in this moment, there was nothing she wanted more.
    “And suffer you will, Maggie,” he promised.

Chapter Two
     
     
     
    Maggie froze as David reached forward to tuck a few stray strands of hair behind her ear.
    His gesture was tender, a contradiction to what she knew lay ahead.
    “Your wristband indicates you’re open to having sex, but given the nature of our relationship, I think we should discuss it.” He lowered his hand to trace a finger around the top of her collar.
    Goosebumps ran up her arms. His touch was a distraction, and his question loomed large. She considered her answer.
    She’d have to face him on Monday morning and every day for over a year. Maggie hated awkward emotional entanglements, so she’d never slept with anyone she worked with. She also knew she could compartmentalise with the best of them. “We’re both adults,” she said. “If the scene leads to sex, and it feels like a natural progression, I’m sure there won’t be any repercussions.”
    “I want to be very clear about this.” He slid his finger beneath the collar. “You’re open to it?”
    “Yes.” She