Page 36 of On His Terms

To reassure her, give her a connection, he came to stand behind her and placed his hands on her gently shaking shoulders. In the mirror, he watched her looking at herself. “Please tell me your safe word.”

“Parsley.”

“Even during training, you may stop the scene at any time. If you’re just a bit scared, you are welcome to ask to talk or use the word slow.” Intentionally, he turned her to face him.

Her eyes hid nothing, a vulnerable layer of concern and trust. Her exquisite beauty set him on fire. He craved her with the kind of ferocity that had overcome him at the Den.

But he wouldn’t be fucking her tonight, or ever again for that matter. More than anything, he was a man of honor. And sex had no part in what they were doing.

Reminding himself of that fact didn’t make self-control any easier. “Return to the center of the room and practice kneeling up from the inspect position.” His voice was gruffer than necessary. “Do it ten times.” But then, fighting himself, he added, “You may use the rug.”

“Thank you, Sir.”

“You recalled your manners.” Ridiculously, her sensual whisper pleased him. To hide that, he donned his Dominant facade. “Kneeling on the hardwood was uncomfortable, wasn’t it?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“So you understand that a rug is a luxury.”

“I do.”

“I’m glad you recognize that.” He forced himself to release her shoulders before he was no longer capable of it. “Get on with it.”

As she made her way to the rug, her hips swayed. The wide collar made her gait more sensual. Having her use it all the time was a definite consideration.

Barefooted, she crossed the room. At the Den, her toenails had been a creamy peach color. Tonight, they were a fire-engine red. Though his preference was for mile-high heels, this might be one of the sexiest things he’d ever seen.

Refocusing, he picked up the rattan cane.

She stumbled when she saw his approach.

“Just like at the Den, I do not intend to use this for punishment. I prefer canes for instruction or for sensual play.”

“I’m relieved to hear that, Sir.”

“However, begin your movements again. The idea is for you to be able to do what you need to, despite distractions.” He stood close to her, inhaling the scent that had haunted him for almost a week—vanilla, and something else that was light and innocent.

Once she had finished the entire sequence, he said, “Extend your hands.” He attached fabric cuffs to her wrists then fastened those to the D-rings on her collar. “Another dozen.”

“Uhm…” Frantically she blinked. “But I won’t be able to balance as well, and my legs are getting a bit cramped.”

“In that case, you’ll need more practice. Make it two dozen,” he amended.

“I…”

He cocked one eyebrow.

She set her jaw and glared. “No.”

The cane he dropped clattered to the floor. In a single swift motion, he pulled her to her feet and swept her from the floor.

She squirmed and squealed as he carried her to the chair. Since her arms were confined, maneuvering her was more tricky than normal, but he managed to sit and get her body across his lap.

“Sir!”

“Stay still. The use of your safe word and slow word is encouraged, but flat-out willfulness…? That will be dealt with immediately.” He trapped her lower body with his legs. “You’ll receive eight spanks for your insolence and you’ll be grateful it isn’t more.”

Rubbing her rear, he waited, giving her the chance to opt out of his upcoming punishment. “Tell me when you’re ready.”