Page 12 of Candy Cane Chains

Last night he'd made me feel things I never knew possible - pushed me past limits I didn't know I had. The memory of his commanding voice, his strong hands, sends heat pooling low in my belly even as fear freezes my spine.

The perfect Christmas decorations mock me from every corner. I'm trapped in a winter wonderland with a man who radiates danger and sex in equal measure. A man who can make my body sing with a single touch, who treats me like his personal toy - and god help me, part of me loves it.

My fork scrapes against the plate as my hand trembles. I shouldn't want this. Shouldn't feel this electric tension every time he looks at me. He's essentially kidnapped me, and yet... When he called me a "good girl," my whole body lit up with pleasure. All I want to do is make him happy.

What's wrong with me? I should be screaming, fighting, trying to escape. Instead, I'm sitting here in clothes he bought me, eating breakfast he ordered, while some traitorous part of me wonders what other commands he'll give today.

Travis never made me feel like this - this intoxicating mix of fear and desire. He…ignored me. Cheated on me.

And Julian… he's making me the center of his everything.

6

JULIAN

Ilean against the doorframe, arms crossed, as Ivy takes in the array of lingerie spread across the bed. Her amber eyes widen, darting from one delicate piece to another. She swallows, a subtle movement in her slender neck, just below that small crescent moon birthmark. I can almost taste her nervousness, and it's intoxicating.

"Julian, what...?" She starts, then pauses, her voice barely above a whisper.

I push off the doorframe, stepping into the room. "Pick one."

She looks at me, then back at the lingerie. Her small hands hover over the fabrics, hesitating. She picks up a black silk nightie, then drops it, her fingers moving to a deep purple corset. She holds it up, looking at me for approval.

I shake my head. "Not that one."

She puts it back, her fingers lingering on the fabrics. She finally settles on a red lace teddy. I nod, a small smile tugging at my lips. She clutches it to her chest, her knuckles pale.

"Now," I say, my voice low, "Model it for me."

She bites her lower lip, a gesture that sends a jolt of heat through me. She disappears into the bathroom, the click of the door echoing in the silent room.

I sit on the edge of the bed, my heart pounding in my chest. The rustle of fabric comes from behind the door, and I can picture her, slipping out of the casual clothes I got for her, wanting to ease her transition, and into something that we both will like more, something that reveals smooth skin and gentle curves.

The door creaks open, and she steps out. The red lace clings to her body, highlighting every dip and curve. Her legs, accentuated by the new high heels I bought her, seem to go on forever.

She fidgets with the hem, trying to cover more of her thighs with the little flare of red fabric that makes the tiniest skirt. With the white fur trip along the top and the velvet patches over her breasts, it is like her little Mrs. Claus outfit - but even better.

"Don't," I say, my voice barely recognizable.

Her hands still, her eyes meeting mine. I stand, circling her like a predator. Her scent, vanilla mixed with a hint of nervous sweat, fills my nostrils. I want to touch her, to trace the lines of her body, but I hold back. This is about her, about her discomfort, her excitement.

"Turn around," I instruct.

She hesitates, then complies, her back to me. The lace dips low, revealing the curve of her spine. I can see her breath hitch, her ribcage expanding and contracting rapidly.

"Beautiful," I murmur, more to myself than to her.

She turns back around, her eyes searching mine. I can see the tension in her body, the way she's fighting to stay still under my gaze. I enjoy it, enjoy the power I have over her in this moment.

"Wear this one," I say, stepping back.

Her eyes widen slightly, but she nods, her hands smoothing down the lace, accepting my command. I've pushed her to her limits, and she's still standing, still complying. It's more than I could have hoped for. And now, the night awaits.

"Now come on." My eyes track down her body. "We have other plans."

"What plans?" Her voice trembles.

"I want you to decorate my Christmas tree with me." I keep my words clipped, holding out my hand which she takes. Ever the obedient girl.