amazement as he matter-of-factly poured it down the sink. He glanced back and noticed her dumbfounded expression. He took her into his arms and she just looked up at him in amazement.
âItâs not decaffeinated.â
âWhatâs that got to do with anything? I never drink decaffeinated tea.â
He smiled as he looked down at her face. âItâs time you started then, isnât it?â he asked gently. âDo you want some water?â he offered politely. She shook her head, too confused to speak. He took her hand and pulled her out of the kitchen.
âLucien? What are you doing?â she asked when he led her into the room heâd designated as hers.
He paused next to her bed, her hand still held fast in his.
âTake off your clothes and get into bed, belly down.â
She swallowed at the sound of his low, sexy voice. âWhy?â
âIâm going to help you sleep. I can do it a fair bit better than that caffeinated iced tea would have.â
He just stared at her following this disconcerting comment. She didnât know how to respond.
âYou said youâd accept my rules. This is the chance to prove it,â he said, his voice a quiet challenge. âNow, take off your clothes.â
âAll of them? Even the panties?â she asked a moment later as she peeled off her T-shirt.
âYes.â
For the second time that evening, she stripped in front of him, highly conscious of his stare on her.
âAre you going to spank me?â she asked shrilly as she drew her yoga pants down her thighs.
âNo. I told you. Iâm putting you to bed, in a very adult way.â
She stood before him, naked and self-conscious, but he was busy drawing down the comforter and sheets. He waved at the bed. âBelly down, your hands above your head,â he said. âLie in the middle,â he prompted when she sat at the edge of the bed. When she lay prone with her face in the pillow, he grasped one of her wrists. She jerked her head up and yelped in surprise when she felt him loop something over her hand. It was a thick black cloth cuff. He tightened it around her wrist. She pulled slightly and realized it was attached to a strap that appeared to be affixed somehow to the corner post.
âDo you often restrain people who stay in your guest bedroom?â she asked, amazed.
âI just put the restraints on this bed when we arrived, specifically for you.â She stared at him incredulously. âI already have some on my bed.â
She rolled her eyes, trying to disguise her anxiety. âYour maid must think thatâs pretty interesting every time she makes the bed.â
âMaria is the soul of discretion,â he replied levelly. âI will restrain you often. This will be a good opportunity for you to get used to being bound.â
âBut I thought you said you werenât going to punish me.â
âI did. But I will restrain you for other things.â
Her clit pinched in excitement. She resisted an urge to ground it against the soft sheets. âFor what things?â she asked.
âFor sex, certainly. For pleasure, frequently. When you find it difficult to submit, Iâll use restraints, with your permission, to make submitting less of a challenge for you. You will have no choice but to accept what I give you. Tonight, Iâm going to teach you to let go and relax . . . to begin to train you to my hand.â
No choice but to accept what I give you.
Train you to my hand.
The phrases uttered in his low, decadently sexy voice reverberated in her brain and vibrated in her flesh. He sat next to her on the bed and she looked up at him in helpless excitement.
âIâm going to restrain your ankles and wrists. You will be at my mercy, but I will keep you safe, Elise. Always. If you let go and submit, Iâll know it. Iâll give you pleasure if you do. Do you trust me?â
âYes,â she