“Always. Just tell me to stop, and I will immediately.”
“It won’t hurt?”
He cupped her cheek. “It won’t hurt.”
He was being incredibly patient. He showed no hint of exasperation or annoyance. He just stood there and waited for her to decide, giving her his full attention. It was a heady experience. Having this gorgeous man focus fully on her and just her.
She licked her lips, looking around. She wasn’t sure how she felt about people watching. Nervous? Yes. But also relieved. Having people around felt like a safety net in case something went awry.
“What if I do something wrong?”
His gaze narrowed. “What could you possibly do wrong?”
“I don’t know. What if I move when I’m supposed to be still? Or I say something silly?”
“If you do what I say you’ll do just fine.”
“But what if I move by accident? Will you be mad?” And what happened when he was angry? Or disappointed?
“If it’s an accident then why would I be mad? You’re new to this. Nobody expects perfection. If you try your best to follow my orders, then I’ll be more than pleased. There’s not much you can do wrong. Well, if you start cursing and calling me names then we might have a problem. Then you’ll probably end up over my knee.”
Her pulse increased at those words.
“But maybe you’d like that,” he said slowly.
“No,” she said too quickly. “I wouldn’t.”
He frowned slightly. “We’re going to run into trouble if you keep lying. I expect you to tell the truth. If the ropes are too tight or something hurts, then you need to be honest.”
“I can do that.”
“Hmm.” He studied her.
“I’ll do it,” she said quickly before he could press her about her little lie. “I want to and I’ll tell the truth.”
“All right. Good girl.” He clasped her face between his hands and leaning in, kissed her on the forehead. “I’ll take care of you.”
She closed her eyes briefly, feeling slightly light-headed at his words. When was the last time someone other than her cousins had taken care of her?
“Look at me.” Gray’s voice was a low command, and she opened her eyes, staring up at him. “One day, you’re going to tell me what it is that puts that look on your face.”
“What look?”
“Sadness. I don’t like it and I don’t like that something I might say or do could bring up memories that cause you pain.”
“It’s not you,” she told him.
He rubbed his thumb over her lower lip. “I’m glad to hear that. But something put that look on your face. Come on.” He held out his hand, and she took it with no small sense of trepidation. But she let him lead her out to where coils of red rope lay on floor.
He turned her to face the gathering group. She swallowed heavily. Okay, there were far more people present than she’d expected there would be. Was this a good idea?
Gray ran his hands down her neck then slowly over her shoulders then arms. “Relax, darling. You’re going to like this, I promise.”
Easy for him to say.
Around them, people’s voices grew louder, and her nervousness increased.
“I can blindfold you. It can help to ease the nerves and heighten your responses.”