Page 15 of Over the Line

He nodded. “Just as well. I’d require you to raise your dress again, and the sight of your beautiful bare pussy would distract me.”

The things he said were an erotic thrill.

After releasing her, he folded the blanket and picked up the cuffs while she slid back into her heels.

When she’d smoothed her dress back into place, he nodded to indicate that she should precede him.

“I like watching your hips move and remembering the red marks on your cheeks.”

Earlier she’d intentionally tried to capture his interest with her walk, but now that she was aware of his scrutiny, she felt self-conscious.

“Sexy,” he said.

Master Damien detached himself from the group he’d been visiting with and met them midway across the patio.

Master Michael placed a hand lightly on her shoulder. Knowing she had no choice, she stopped.

“Thanks for your hospitality,” Master Michael said, accepting Master Damien’s extended hand.

“Always a pleasure. You’re leaving already?”

“We are.”

Raising one of his impossibly dark eyebrows, Master Damien looked at her directly. “Is everything all right, Sydney?”

This was one thing she had always appreciated about the Den. Damien and Gregorio enforced the rules and looked after the safety of all their guests. “Yes. Everything is fine, thank you.” Master Michael tightened his grip on her shoulder, and she said, “I mean yes, Sir.”

“May I have a moment with Sydney?” he asked Master Michael.

“Of course,” her temporary Dom replied. “I’ll be inside when you’re ready, Sydney.”

She watched until he had entered the house and handed the cuffs and blanket to a perfectly trained sub.

“You’ve never left with anyone,” Master Damien observed. “And Master Michael is not your usual type.”

She waited for him to say something further, but he didn’t. She marveled at his patience. Master Damien was correct—she usually scened with Doms whose reputation she knew, men who would be satisfied playing in the dungeon.

The instant attraction to Master Michael when she’d seen him talking with Gregorio had been something more visceral. She liked how tall he was, how broad, how focused and, of course, the fact that he was willing to form his own opinions about her. “He’s different,” she said finally. “Gentle’s not the right word.” She met Master Damien’s gaze and sighed. “But I can’t think of a better one. Measured, maybe. Calculated.”

He nodded. “Don’t underestimate him.”

A small shiver traced her spine. “Are you saying I shouldn’t trust him?”

“Not at all.”

“Then…”

“I’ve known Master Michael for eight years, maybe more. He plays by his own rules.”

She’d already ascertained that. During their brief encounter near the fence, he’d moved at his speed, not hers, but there was no doubt he’d given her what she needed. And a lot more than she’d anticipated. “Ah, I get it. You’re concerned for him, rather than me,” she said with a smile.

“Perhaps I am.”

“That stings.”

He inclined his head to one side. “If you need anything, feel free to call us here. I take my obligations to our members very seriously. Someone will fetch you, if necessary.”

“I appreciate your consideration.” She nodded. “Thank you, Sir.”