that fell from my lips. Scattered pieces of my squeal broke free and even with the specks of light, I could make out his arched brow. It was quickly followed by his crystal blue eyes freezing over. It made me swallow the confetti happiness, remembering that this treat had edges. This wouldn't be a playful smack on the butt, quickly followed by romance novel approved sex.
This was gonna hurt.
This time, I didn't spin like a horny ballerina, I slowly pivoted. The room was so quiet I swore I heard the hardwood floors sigh. There was only a few steps until I reached my destination and I made every one count. I focused on my reflection because I knew if I looked at him, I'd start shaking. I’d get self conscious under his hot gaze, wondering what shade of red he was gunning for.
My reflection didn't help much either. My curls rioted against the bun I’d forced them into. I tugged my hair loose, flexing my wrists before I leaned forward slightly, my hands shoulder width apart. This close, my face told a totally different story from the nerves that were dancing in my stomach. My eyes were hooded, the deep chocolate hue the very color of sin. My nostrils flared with every breath I took. My cheeks were flushed with want. With a need that consumed me. My lips trembled with a curiosity of my own. Would he make me count out the strikes or be silent unless I needed to say red? The not knowing, giving up all control, going to a place where my responses were reduced to yes and no sir, colors, and moans, added to the thrill that coursed through me.
Wetting my lips and finding the right angle to obey the comfortable part in his command, I gazed out at the water and felt the pull of lust rocking through me. My eyes fluttered closed as he advanced toward me, anticipating his next command.
“No need for that.”
My eyes flew open when something soft and silky brushed against my cheek. I knew what it was immediately.
A blindfold.
Just the tactile sensation of the blindfold against my skin was enough to make a moan rise in my throat. The jolt when he secured it, his fingertips brushing my cheekbones before resting on my shoulders, made me tremble with desire. Taking away my sight intensified everything else. I felt his touch like whispers on my bones. I felt my heart racing beneath my skin. Pleasure would sing and the pain would bloom, the two opposing sensations taking hold and creating something uniquely ours.
He swept his fingers along my shoulders, kneading my muscles gently. The stark contrast between his touch and the richness of his voice turned my skin into gooseflesh.
“You are not to utter a single sound, or you'll be punished.” He drew his touch from my shoulders downward, pausing at the small of my back. “As always, 'red' will bring anything to a halt, if necessary. Understood?”
The only thing I could see was darkness, but I had a feeling if I could steal a peek at my face, it would be scrunched in confusion. “Yes sir, but does that mean-oh my god!”
My right cheek exploded in a sea of pin pricks, his first strike rippling over me. Snatching the rest of my words right out of my mouth and giving me the only thing that mattered.
We had begun.
~
“N ow that you know what I mean by no sound, and what happens when you disobey, are you ready to proceed?”
The stirring in my core said 'hell yeah', my lips close behind. I clamped them together, realizing I was about to earn myself another lick. I couldn't see anything beyond the black, but I knew his hand was poised above my bottom, fingertips tingling, anticipating my slip.
He knew me well.
Smiling, I nestled my chin against my shoulder. I still had a surprise or two up my sleeve.
Once upon a time, nodding in response to him would have brought a swift punishment, but if I couldn't make a sound, I just had to trust that ducking my chin to my chest twice would give him my answer.
My skin hummed as I waited, nibbling on my bottom lip when I was met with silence.