Hers to Keep (Irresistibly Bound 3)

Chapter Fourteen

Lindsey looked at the time. 10 p.m. Camilla was supposed to have arrived at the manor before dinner, but she’d messaged Lindsey a few hours ago to tell her that her flight was delayed. She was due home any minute now, but it was too late for dinner. Lindsey was a little disappointed. She’d been looking forward to spending the evening with Camilla. It seemed silly how much she missed Camilla, considering she’d only been away for a week or so. But they’d been living together for over a month now. Lindsey had gotten so used to her constant presence.

She looked out her bedroom window. There were two pinpricks of light in the distance. They had to be the headlights of a car coming up the long driveway. Lindsey rushed to the mirror and looked at herself. She’d put on the knee-length strapless dress she’d bought on the weekend before receiving Camilla’s message. Now, the lightweight fabric was full of wrinkles, and the tie around the waist was loose. Lindsey retied the belt, smoothed out the creases in the skirt, and headed downstairs.

By the time Lindsey reached the entrance hall, Camilla was walking through the door, a small suitcase trailing behind her. She spotted Lindsey.

“Lindsey.” Camilla’s voice echoed through the hall. “I’m so sorry for keeping you waiting.”

Lindsey’s heart began to pound. Just the sight of Camilla filled her with longing. She remembered what Faith had told her. Stop worrying about what you think you should or shouldn’t feel, and just let yourself feel it.

Completely unprompted, Lindsey’s feet carried her to the door where her Mistress stood. She threw her arms around Camilla’s neck and kissed her urgently, as if they’d been apart for months, not days.

Camilla broke away. “What was that for?”

“I missed you, Mistress,” Lindsey replied.

“I can tell. I missed you too, darling. Let me look at you.”

Lindsey took a step back and did a twirl.

“You look beautiful. I love the dress you picked out.” Camilla looked down at her own wrinkled blouse and slacks. “I wish I weren’t so under-dressed. You went to all this effort, and I missed our dinner.”

“It’s okay,” Lindsey said. “I’m just glad you’re back.”

A smile danced on Camilla’s lips. “If it’s not too late for you, we could still have dessert in the playroom.”

“No, it’s not too late.” Lindsey trailed her fingers up Camilla’s arm. “But how about we skip the dessert part?”

“That’s a wonderful idea.” Camilla’s voice dropped to a whisper. “My special delivery is waiting for us in the playroom. I can’t wait to try it out.”

Camilla took Lindsey’s hand and dragged her upstairs. As they passed through the white double doors leading to Camilla’s rooms, June called out Camilla’s name from behind them.

“You’re back,” she said. “Is there anything you need, Ma’am?”

“No, June,” Camilla said impatiently. “I appreciate you waiting up for me, but you can go to bed.”

“All right. Good night, Ma’am. Good night, Lindsey.” June gave Lindsey a polite nod before scurrying off.

When they finally reached the playroom, Camilla pulled Lindsey inside. Like last time, everything was hidden away in drawers and cabinets. However, there was a small wooden chest sitting in the center of the table.

Camilla spoke into Lindsey’s ear. “I’m glad you wanted to skip dessert, because I’m going to do all kinds of dirty things to you on that table.”

Lindsey sucked in a breath. Her Mistress knew exactly which buttons to push. She led Lindsey over to the table and gestured for her to sit on top of it. Lindsey glanced down at the chest on the tabletop next to her. It was made of dark wood, and it was held shut by a small gold padlock. Etched into the lid in gold calligraphy were the letters ‘C.R.’ Camilla’s initials.

Camilla ran her fingertips over the lid of the chest. “I have a friend who does incredible work with leather. I asked her to make some items for us.” She slid the wooden box to the side, away from Lindsey. “No peeking. It’s a surprise.”

Camilla unlocked the chest and opened it up, the lid blocking Lindsey’s view. She reached inside and pulled out a set of interconnected straps made of dark blue leather. Before Lindsey could try to work out what they were for, Camilla placed them on the table, reached into the box again, and produced a pair of leather cuffs. They were the same midnight blue

color, with contrasting gold buckles and O-rings. The cuffs were embossed with an intricate design.

“There’s more, but I’ll save the rest for another time.” Camilla shut the lid. “Hold out your arms.”

Lindsey presented her wrists. Camilla buckled a cuff around one wrist, then the other.

“There,” Camilla said. “Do you like them?”

“I love them.” Lindsey held her hands up in front of her, inspecting the cuffs. “They’re beautiful.”