wrong, she dropped her hands to her sides.
“Shall I keep going, Julia?” He imprisoned her chin. “Or have I offended your feminist sensibilities with my boldness?”
None of the men she’d been with had evoked this kind of response from her. She’d had sex before—plenty of it—but she’d never been this aroused from something so simple. They’d been focused on their pleasure, rather than hers. Most of her boyfriends had performed the requisite foreplay, including eating her out, but none had taken this much time talking, looking, exploring.
“You’re beautiful, Julia. I’d love to see you naked, helpless, supplicant, on your knees with your mouth open to receive my cock.”
“I’ve told you that will never happen.” But… God. Her protests sounded hollow, even to herself. In truth, his words overwhelmed her, made her tremble. He wasn’t really saying these things to her, was he? She’d never enjoyed giving head, so she’d avoided it whenever possible. But heaven help her, she was so turned on.
“I’m not insulting you. I’m encouraging you to embrace all of who you are. There’s no shame in being a submissive. In fact, it’s very powerful. You’re always in the driver’s seat. You always have the control.”
Her heat beat madly. He couldn’t possibly be right.
“You want it, too. Admit it.”
“No…”
His touch, commanding and compelling, felt as if it were everywhere at once. He ran his fingers across her nape, then pressed his palms against her back to draw her closer. He followed through on his earlier promise and dug his hand into her hair. She heard a series of soft clinks as pins dropped to the hardwood floor. Since her hair was such a riotous mess, she generally kept it pinned back or in a ponytail. But now, unconfined, it fell over her shoulders.
Being unconstrained this way made her feel slightly wanton, and she leaned closer to him.
“This will be consensual. Tomorrow, there will be no doubt you were a full participant in whatever happens tonight. Do you understand?”
Excitement drugged her. She felt his forceful grip on her hair. Shockingly, the pain only added to the bombardment on her senses. She wanted more.
“Ask me, Julia. Ask me to kiss you, to squeeze your nipples, to bring you off right here in the sunroom where anyone can see you surrender to me.”
His words stunned her. She blinked, then stared at him.
“Ask me,” he repeated. “Or tell me to release you.”
Chapter Two
Marcus hadn’t realised he’d been holding his breath until she said, “Please.”
Lord, this woman intoxicated him, appealing to him on a carnal level. She was tall for a woman. The top of her head reached his shoulder, meaning she had to be at least five-foot-seven. That also meant she was the perfect size to fit under his chin, in his arms. He could, and would, protect her. He could, and would, tie her down and fuck her, as long as she asked him to. He generally played with experienced women who were excited by the opportunity to scene with him. This evening was as unique for him as it was for Julia.
He liked how feisty she was, with energy pulsing from her bright blue eyes. Her blonde hair fell wildly over her shoulders. He wondered if it ever stayed confined for long. Or was it more like her, desperately trying to break free? He wanted to chip away at her carefully constructed façade.
“Please, what?” he asked. “Be specific. I can only give you what you want if you ask for it.”
“I’ve never done this before.”
“Begin now. Tell me.”
“Please, I want you to kiss me.”
That was definitely a good start.
He fisted her hair still tighter and pulled back her head. Her eyes widened. He wasn’t sure if the reaction was from shock or from his painful grip. But she responded, parting her lips for him.
Ruthlessly, he claimed her mouth, seeking her tongue. After only a moment’s hesitation, she wrapped her arms around his neck.
Marcus’ cock had been