Page 40 of Balthazar's Fire

“Wh-what would you do, sir?”

She couldn’t believe she was even asking.

“Administer a few swats to your perfect little ass.” His focus fell to her backside, which writhed on the stool right on cue. “And see how you find the experience.”

Fuck. How does he make that sound so hot?

Being spanked wasn’t sexy. Being in pain shouldn’t be arousing, so how was Balthazar making both sound like the ultimate aphrodisiac?

“Okay.”

How did Balthazar talk about this stuff so calmly? Heat bloomed in her cheeks at the mere idea, and lifting her palms to her face, she tried to cover her obvious embarrassment.

“You know you really shouldn’t do that.” His eyebrow arched in that intoxicating way he seemed to employ when the moment called for such a gesture.

“Sir?”

Pressing between her legs, he buried both of his hands in her hair and eased her attention back to his gaze. Her hands fell to her lap as his focus pierced her.

“Conceal your face like that.” His lips twitched. “I told you, you’re too beautiful to be covered.”

“Oh.” Her heart was hammering so loudly, Cherie was sure Balthazar must be able to hear it.

“So?” He probed quietly. “What do you think, and remember there are no wrong answers. I only want you to be honest with me. Is spanking something you’d really like to try?”

“Yes.” She couldn’t even recall instructing her mouth to answer, but her assent was out there, lingering like electricity in the air between them. “I’d like to, sir.”

“You are so incredible.”

Sincerity echoed in his voice as he swooped for a kiss, the punishing caress stealing her breath until he rose to his full height.

“Balthazar!” Her chest rose and fell rapidly as she remembered to correct herself. “I mean, sir. I can’t think when you kiss me like that.”

“I don’t want you to think,” he replied, taking a step back and tugging her from her stool. “This moment is about submission.”

“I understand,” she murmured, bumping into his hard, muscular body as she stumbled from the seat.

What was it about the man that enthralled her? Naturally, he was tall, dark, and freaking gorgeous, but it was more than only Balthazar’s good looks that captivated her. It was his presence, the assuredness of his soothing authority and the fact that she already knew he was prepared to keep her safe.

And the fact that he’s a shifter.

She gulped at the wild thought. The man she was crazy about was a shapeshifter—part-man, and part-dragon. There was no one like Balthazar in the world.

“You’re safe, Cherie.” His words washed over her like an ocean of allure. “Don’t forget that at any point.”

“I won’t, sir.” Reaching for his chin, she grazed her fingertips over his jaw. “I trust you.”

How could she not? They hadn’t known each other for long, but in the short time they’d spent together, they’d experienced a multitude of highs and lows and disclosed intensely personal things to the other.

“Do you remember your safe word?” His hand caught her wrist, pausing her exploration of his stubble.

“Yes, it’s red.”

There was no hesitation this time, only a buoyed sense that this was right, that he was right and anything he suggested would only be for their mutual benefit.

“Good girl.”

Lifting her hand to his lips, he kissed her fingers, but the way he beamed at her was all the reward Cherie needed. If it was possible, her heart accelerated even faster, pumping adrenaline throughout her body.