Unbound Surrender Read Free Page A

You aren’t into revenge.”
    “Revenge, no. Punishment that you richly deserve, absolutely. There’s a difference, and you know it.” He waited until she looked at his face. “If you choose to leave, you know where the door is. Your choice, Jessica.”
     

Chapter Two
     
     
     
                He hadn’t called her Jess. He hadn’t called her sub.
    He’d offered her an out that he was probably betting she would take. Clearly he didn’t trust her determination.
                 Her mouth dry, she watched him double over the belt. Without another word, he turned and walked away.
                She remained on her knees and struggled with her emotions. This afternoon, on the train to his country home, she’d never expected him to order her to stay. She hadn’t been prepared for the possibility they’d be in a scene within minutes of her stepping foot inside his home. And she’d believed two years was long enough to break the staggering mental hold he had over her.
    Seeing him enter the foyer ten minutes ago had taken her back to the first time she’d met him at a charity function. Her date had introduced them and Stephen had charmed her, even gallantly kissing the back of her hand. There had been an undeniable darkening in his stunning blue eyes as he’d looked at her, smiled at her. She’d splurged on the gown, and it was more risqué than what she’d normally wear, slit up the side and only one strap across her left shoulder. His smile of appreciation had made the extravagance worthwhile.
    Later that night, he’d presented a large cheque to the charity, and it was only then that she’d learned who he was. Stephen Duvall was the reclusive owner of one of the most exclusive private security firms anywhere.
      The next morning she’d received a royal summons. In less than twelve hours, he’d learned more about her than her parents knew, including the fact she’d once visited a London BDSM club.
    They’d had a few dates before he brought up BDSM. But after he mentioned it and saw her reaction, he’d had her naked and bound in less than ten minutes.
    She’d dated a lot since their divorce, tearing through men, trying on relationships, looking for something she’d turned her back on. She’d learned no one was like Stephen. And, more painfully, that the only person standing between her and happiness was herself.
    So, was she going to seize the moment?
    She thought of him, of the belt, the look of deadly intent in his eyes. Her nipples throbbed. For a couple of minutes, when the pain had rocked through her body and she didn’t know what to do with it, she’d thought that maybe she’d made a huge mistake in arriving unannounced at his country home, but as she’d breathed, as she’d stopped fighting and started to surrender, remembering what she ultimately wanted, things had gotten easier. And then, then she’d felt carnal desire. Her knickers were damp with her desire. Her body was always more honest than she was.
    By turning his back on her, he’d given her an out. She’d walked through that door once and she knew what lay on the other side and it sure as hell wasn’t sunshine and rainbows.
    Her ex-husband might not be into revenge, she believed him when he said that, but he had always been a strict disciplinarian. If she followed him into the parlour, she would be punished, but it would be without anger. That final realisation was the only thing that gave her courage. He never held back like she did, but he never allowed his emotion to rule his treatment of her.
    She slowly broke position and stood, stretched from the uncomfortable position and rubbed her knees. She slipped off her heels and shimmied out of her skirt. She’d gotten past being self-conscious with him years ago. She might have a few hang-ups about the extra weight she carried, but he didn’t, and he had little tolerance for any stalling that came from her wishing she was hotter.
    She tugged off the