She swallows hard. “Okay, sorry.”
“If you pull something stupid, I won’t be able to help you.”
“I won’t,” she whispers.
“I want to believe you, but I think I’ll have to take some preventative measures.”
“What?” She steps back.
“Go sit on my bed.”
“C–cutter. You don’t have to do this.”
“Don’t make me ask you again, Nadia.”
Her chest rises and falls quickly as I stare her down.
Placing a hand on her stomach, she slowly makes her way to the king-sized bed pressed against the wall on the far side. She climbs onto the gray bedspread. I have the insane urge to strip her down and see exactly what she’s hiding beneath her work uniform. Biting my lip, I slowly give her a once-over. Walking over, I kneel beside her and open the nightstand.
“I’m going to make sure you don’t cause any trouble while I’m away.” I pull out a leather cuff and collar combination. Her eyes bulge.
“What are you doing?”
“Arms behind your back, Nightingale.”
“No.” She shakes her head. “I’ll sit right here, just like you asked.”
“How can I believe that when you’ve already run once? Actions have consequences.” I sink on the bed beside her. “Arms behind your back.”
Her breath comes out in quick puffs. Her eyes dilate, and I realize she’s feeling more than fear. I smirk. “You ever been collared, baby?”
“What? No?” She huffs.
“But you thought about it before, huh?” I trail the back of my hands down her flushed face. “You’re going to look so pretty all bound up for me.” She licks her lips. “I promise it’s painless.” I wrap my hand around her neck and lean in. “As long as you don’t fight.”
She gasps. I can see fear and arousal swimming in the depths of her gaze.
“Going to be good for me, little nurse? Or do you like it rough?” I tighten my hold, and she whimpers. “Is that it? You want me to take away your choice?” I add pressure, pushing her onto the bed. “Like this?” Releasing my grip, I flip her onto her belly. Was she fucking moaning? “Lift,” I whisper into her ear huskily. She complies, and I slip the thick leather with soft padding around her neck. “Tonight, you’re going to wear my collar because you have to. But later, you’ll beg me for it.”
“Never,” she whispers.
Chuckling, I buckle her in and carefully arrange her wrists. Binding them in cuffs, I test the give and tightness. Satisfied with my work, I roll her over and move her into a sitting position. The sight she presents all trusses up, flushed face, and breathing hard has me ready to explode in my pants.
“Beautiful.” I run the pad of my thumb over her lips. “Be sweet while I’m gone, Nightingale.”
“You can’t leave me like this,” she whispers.
Smirking, I run my gaze over her. “I think you’ll find I can.” I force myself to move off the bed.
“Cutter. Please.” She wiggles.
“Careful, you topple over, and you’ll be like a turtle unable to get back up.”
She stills, and I chuckle. The nostrils on her small upturned nose flare, and she purses her full, deep rose lips. Her thick black hair escaped her bun long ago and falls around her oval-shaped face and shoulders in a wavey mess.
“You’re so cute when you’re angry.” She bares her teeth like a feral creature, and I’m brought back to her situation. “I’ll be back when I can. Show me what a good girl you can be, and maybe you’ll earn yourself more freedom.” Winking, I turn, ignoring her curses as I close the door, lock it behind me and move into the main room. I have a lot to answer for. The firecracker trussed up in my bed will make the interrogation worth it.
Chapter Two