“What do you mean?”
“I mean that I’ll take your concerns into consideration and, based on my experience and my assessment of you, I’ll make a decision. In order for this to be real, and not just a slap and tickle session, you need to give up control. I know for a strong-willed woman like you, that won’t be easy. But I can promise you, if you’re able to do it—to let go and let me take full control—you’ll get a lot more out of the experience. It will free you up so you can truly be in the moment, letting your body and soul receive what they crave.”
“How do you know what they crave?” she demanded. “You only just met me.”
He smiled. “Because I’m the flipside of you, Lainey. I understand it on an intrinsic level. That’s what makes BDSM so awesome. When you click with someone, it’s instant and immediate, and you just know it.”
He waited a beat, daring her to contradict him, delighted when she didn’t.
Instead, she said, “What about a safeword? I’ll have that, right? Red light?”
“Of course,” Cooper agreed. “But remember, a safeword is a last resort, when your Dom isn’t getting your cues, and things are going too far and you’re freaking out.”
“Yikes,” Lainey yelped.
Cooper chuckled. “I really don’t think you’ll need it, Lainey. We’re not going to do anything this first time out that pushes your boundaries too far. We will communicate the whole time. No surprises, though there will be challenges. Remember, it’s okay to be scared. In fact, it’s part of the process on your way to letting go.”
He stopped walking, causing her to stop as well. Turning to her, he put his hand lightly on her throat as he stared down into her lovely eyes. Predictably, her pupils dilated, her lips parting as her breath came faster. He resisted the urge to slip his fingers into her panties to see if she was wet. He was certain she was.
“A little fear is a good thing in a sub. It keeps her focused.” As he stared down into her eyes, he tightened his grip on her throat.
“Oooh,” she breathed, and he could feel her tremble beneath his fingers. She was so ready for this—he was sure of it.
He dropped his hand. “Now, let’s go find out what you’re made of, sexy girl.”
~*~
Every nerve ending in Lainey’s body was electrified with edgy anticipation. She couldn’t believe she was actually going to do this! But, as she shot a sidelong glance at the sexy guy walking beside her, she couldn’t think of a better person with whom to explore her newfound fascination with BDSM.
“Red light,” she mouthed silently.
They passed through the main dungeon, where several scenes were already in progress, to the back where the private rooms were located. Cooper led her to the second to last door, which was slightly ajar. He stopped at the threshold and turned to her, putting his hands on her shoulders.
“From this moment until we leave this room, you belong to me. What that means is, you will obey me, no matter what, without hesitation. You will have your safeword, but as long as you don’t choose to use it, you will remain in the scene, mine to do with as I will. Do I have your consent regarding this?”
Lainey stared up at him, swallowing hard. His voice had deepened and firmed, taking on an I’m in charge quality. To her surprise, she didn’t mind this at all. While she typically bridled when a guy tried to control her, Cooper’s commanding manner felt natural—and sexy.
A sense of the surreal settled over her. It was like she had stepped into one of those erotic novels she liked to read, her late-night secret fantasies coming true.
“Yes,” she managed to reply, her voice barely a whisper.
His smile was gentle, though his dark eyes glittered with lust and power. “Good girl. Remember, even if you’re unsure, don’t try to control the process. I know what I’m doing, and I won’t take you further than you can go. Flow with it and give it a chance. A strong, determined woman like you should be able to handle that with ease.”
Lainey nodded, energized by his encouragement. Damn straight she could handle it. She had a purple belt in Jiu Jitsu, for heaven’s sake. She managed what she hoped was a confident grin. “Bring it on.”
His eyes burned into hers. “I intend to.” He paused a beat, then added, “You will enter the room first. You will close the door behind you. You will strip out of your clothes and leave them in a neat pile by the door. You will wait, naked and on your knees on the mat under the suspension beam, back straight, your hands laced on top of your head.
“Once in position, I want you to close your eyes and focus yourself. Think about why you’re there—to explore your masochistic and submissive nature. Open yourself to what is to come. Let go of any preconceived notions or judgments. Trust that I will guide you and keep you safe. I’ll join you in a few minutes. When I come in, don’t move out of position. Keep your eyes downcast, even when I approach you. Got all that?”