I could see how conflicted he was, how he was struggling with his need to protect me against his need to give me what I wanted. It was probably selfish of me to put him in such a position, but I was desperate.
His eyes grew even darker, worry lines forming on his forehead. “Do you know what you’re asking of me?”
I walked closer to him. “I do. And forgive me. But I can’t stay between these walls any longer. I swear I won’t do anything that would put me or our baby at risk. I swear.”
He searched my face, his jaw taut. “Just this once.”
My body literally sagged with relief, excitement causing my heart to race. “Thank you, Castello.”
“You will not leave my side, not for a second. And whatever you do, do not let anyone suspect that you might be pregnant. Do you understand?”
I agreed without hesitation.
“I’m serious, Tatum. Give me one ounce of grief by defying me and I will haul your ass back here so fast you’ll have vertigo for a month.”
“I won’t. I promise.”
He let out a sigh. He wasn’t happy, I knew that. But honestly…I didn’t care. All I cared about was having just a few hours of freedom, to not feel like we’re alone in the world. I needed city lights and the buzz of life around me. I wanted to hear the sound of traffic and laughter echoing from crowds of people rushing through the streets.
Castello pulled out his phone and hit the speed dial. “I need you to double the security at The Capitol, and make sure the VIP lounge is clear. Have men waiting by the back entrance, and scout the entire block. If you see anything that looks remotely suspicious, you call me right away. And Giovanni…don’t fuck up.”
He hung up and placed his phone back in his suit pocket. “I’m not happy about this. Just so you know.” His eyes were dark, and he didn’t even try to hide his annoyance and disapproval of what we’re about to do. But bottom line, he was giving me what I wanted.
“Thank you.” I got up on my toes and placed a gentle kiss on his cheek. The familiar scent of amber and peppermint that once created fear in me, now soothed me, calmed me.
He placed his hand around my waist and pulled me tighter against him. “You’ve got a lot of appreciation to show once we get home.”
I smiled. “Yes, master.”
He closed his eyes and took a deep breath. I loved how it affected him whenever I called him master. I might be his queen, but he preferred me as his slave, on my knees and at his mercy.
So did I.
Both of us went up to our bedroom to get ready. When I got out of the shower, Castello was waiting for me by the closet holding a black sleeveless cocktail dress.
I tossed the towel on the bed and placed my hands on my hips. “I want to choose my own dress.”
“No.”
My eyes narrowed, my lips pursed. “Myappreciationwill double if you let me choose my own dress.” I gave him a suggestive look, and he cocked a brow as he stared back at me.
“Fine,” he conceded before placing the dress back in the closet.
I sashayed my way over to him, loving the way his eyes travelled all along my naked body. At first I hated the way he looked at me. It made me feel dirty. Not because of him…because of me. Because I liked it too much. But now, his lewd, suggestive looks made me feel powerful, knowing that a man like him desired me, lusted for what only I could give him.
I brushed past him, and while I searched through the wardrobe, I moved my ass from side to side, making sure I had his full attention.
“You’re a tease.”
I smiled. “Am I?”
“Do you know what I do to a tease?”
“No. But do tell.”
A loud crack filled the room right before I felt the burn on my naked ass. At first I moaned then whimpered as he leaned in closely. “I punish her.”
The burn on my skin made desire flare. The way his palm lingered on my scalded flesh, I anticipated him to spank me again. And just the anticipation of it caused everything south of my navel to throb, my body primed to welcome him inside me with ease. Here I was trying to seduce him, and now I was the one who was mere seconds away from begging him to fuck me.Slut.