Breath became hard to come by, and her limbs tingled as if blood had forgotten to flow. She managed a whispered “I’m sorry, sir.”
“Now you want to apologize?” His gaze raked over her face and the pulse point at her neck, hovering there as if it held the answers to some question he hadn’t asked. Then a sinister smile broke through that stubble of his. “Well, would you look at that?”
“At what, sir?” she said, her voice sounding soft and distant to her own ears.
His grip tightened against her scalp. “Oh, sweet Charlotte, this is going to be fun.”
FOURTEEN
Grant led Charli to what he’d called the staging room. Her legs barely wanted to cooperate beneath her as she tried to keep up with his purposeful pace. She was really going to do this. She was going to let Grant get her naked and tie her up in front of an audience. She inhaled deeply through her nose, the combination of nerves and strange anticipation making her brain fuzzy.
Inside the staging room, Colby was standing with his back to them at a nearby table, laying out different lengths of rope, and a curvy, dark-skinned woman sat on the couch closest to him, her gaze down, her hands folded neatly in her lap—the picture of demure beauty. An inviting smile crossed the woman’s lips when she peeked up and noticed Grant. Charli wanted to throw a right hook her way.
The door clicked shut behind them, and Colby turned. “Oh, hey, Boss. Nyla is rea—”
“She won’t be necessary,” Grand said, cutting him off. “Charlotte will handle the demonstration. Thank you, Nyla, but you can go now.”
Colby’s gaze went to Charli, a hint of surprise crossing his features. “Sure, you got it, Boss.” He nodded at Nyla. “Go back to Master Elliot. I’m sure he would appreciate your comfort while he’s sick. Tell him we appreciated his willingness to lend you to us tonight. And if his fever gets any higher, you call in the doctor even if he orders you not to.”
Nyla’s perfect posture sagged a bit, her relief evident. “Thank you, sir. And don’t worry. I know how hardheaded he can be. I’ll keep an eye on him.”
Nyla peeked at Charli once more, obviously curious but too polite to stare, then headed out the back door.
Grant’s hands landed on Charli’s shoulders, causing her to jump. His breath tickled her ear. “Take off the dress.”
Her attention slid toward Colby, who was winding another rope but watching her and Grant closely. Words stuttered and stumbled in her mouth, but none made it out.
Grant stepped around her and crossed his arms. “Scared of Colby seeing you naked? In a little while, he’s going to be one of many.”
She wet her lips, her heartbeat going staccato. She was scared, but that wasn’t the only thing stirring inside her. Desire coiled low and hot in her belly.
“Back talk in front of my friends and now hesitation. I don’t appreciate it, freckles,” Grant said, his tone cool. “Lace your fingers behind your neck. Colby, please remove Charlotte’s clothing since she can’t seem to do it on her own.”
“Wait, I can.” She moved her hands to her dress, but Grant stepped forward and captured her wrists.
“Too late.” He guided her arms behind her neck, waiting until she followed his earlier directive and intertwined her fingers. “You’ll have to learn to follow a command when I give it. If you don’t, the alternative will probably be less to your liking. Understand?”
She glared at him. “Yes, Grant.”
He stepped back and released her arms, making room for Colby. Colby put his hands on her waist as he moved behind her, his touch surprisingly gentle for a man who looked like he could snap a two-by-four like a twig. His voice was low enough for only her to hear it. “You may want to drop the eat-shit-and-die look you’re giving him, sweetheart. You’re pushing his buttons, and there’s a lot he can do to you once you’re tied up and incapacitated.”Author: Roni Loren
Goose bumps prickled her skin at the warning. She lowered her gaze, and Colby went to work untying the corset-style fastening of her dress. The backs of his fingers grazed the sides of her breasts as he grabbed the soft fabric and drew it down her body. She closed her eyes, trying to quell her nerves and self-consciousness. Colby tapped her calf and she stepped out of the dress, leaving her completely exposed for the two of them.
Colby circled around and smiled as he openly peered at her nudity, somehow managing to convey warm appreciation instead of lewdness. “That full-body blush of yours is one of the sexiest damn things I’ve seen, sweetheart.”
She dipped her head, her blush deepening no doubt. But the compliment made her feel more steady on her feet. A little sexy, even.
He turned to Grant. “I would say you’re a lucky guy, Boss, but I have a feeling you’re going to have your hands full with this one.”
Grant didn’t smile or even look at Colby. His focus was solely on her, his burning hot perusal turning her quivery and wet. His gaze tracked down to the juncture between her thighs, and she had the urge to shield herself. He’d ordered her to be waxed, and nothing but a trimmed triangle of hair at the top was left. There was no hiding how he was affecting her.
His eyes met hers. “I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Colby clapped him on the shoulder and chuckled, his easy nature a stark contrast next to Grant’s stoicism. “I’ll get these ropes set up. I’ll let you know when the group is ready.”
Grant waited until Colby left the room, then took a few steps closer. He palmed her waist, then tucked his other hand between her legs, finding her damp heat. He grazed her already throbbing clit. “You’re so fucking gorgeous right now. I wish you could see yourself through my eyes. You would never doubt your feminine wiles again.”
A harsh breath escaped her as he slipped two fingers inside her. She put a hand to his shoulder, steadying herself, his words knocking her off balance as much as his touch. “Thank you.”