* * *
I recognized the black corset placed on the edge of my bed. The material over the hips was stretchy lace, allowing my fair skin to be visible through the material. The padding in the bra was substantial, pressing my tits together significantly. The black thong had diamonds along the waistband.
I felt it with my fingertips before I pulled it on.
My heart was beating so hard it actually hurt. Every beat was like a drum. No matter how I willed myself to remain calm, nothing worked. My heart knew what was coming, and the adrenaline was overflowing.
I did my hair with a curling iron and painted my face with the makeup he liked. Smoky eyes brought out the blue color of my eyes. My lips were covered with bright red lipstick. His directions had been brief, but I assumed he wanted me on my knees at the foot of the bed.
So I obeyed.
A part of me burned in self-loathing. I was about to sleep with a man because he bought me from a crueler man. I had no rights to choose my destiny. I was at the mercy of the powerful men operating around me. Ever since that horrific day, I’d felt completely helpless. When I was in college and had a roof over my head, I felt like anything was possible. If I worked hard enough, I would be the American Dream.
That was all bullshit.
I was nothing but a pawn in a game. I was nothing but a toy men fought over. There was nothing better for me outside these walls, and I actually felt relieved to be there. But this wasn’t where I wanted to be.
Though, what other option did I have?
So I stayed on my knees.
I found Conway attractive, had felt a connection with him shortly after I met him. He had some good qualities, and he wasn’t an abuser like the others. My first time could have been much worse.
So I should just be grateful.
And try to enjoy it.
The door to my bedroom opened, and Conway walked inside. Barefoot and bare-chested, he was in only the jeans he’d been wearing earlier. He shut the door behind him then stared at me on the floor.
His look was so dark it was difficult to tell if he was pleased. He stared at me with his arms by his sides, both of his hands balled into fists. His feet pressed against the carpet as he inched closer to me. He’d treated me like a queen, but once he was in charge, he stole the crown. He took his time, drawing out the moment as long as possible.
I reminded myself to breathe.
Conway had always touched me gently, giving me soft caresses along the neck and shoulders. He would probably be the same kind of lover, gentle and passionate. He would excite me with his touch before he went straight for what he wanted.
My chin tilted up as I watched him come closer to me. My feet were folded underneath me, and my tits were displayed like they were on a platter. My breath shuddered more and more. The corset was so tight my lungs couldn’t expand all the way. My hair fell around my shoulder, the soft curls ready for his fingers to touch.
He stared, absolutely still, like he didn’t need to breathe to live. “Jesus Christ…”
I saw the consternation on his face, the focused look he wore when he worked. But this expression was sexier, more ambitious. His eyes burned into my skin, and I felt naked before he’d even removed my lingerie.
“Muse.”
My eyes shifted to his, instinctively knowing that was his new name for me.
“On the bed.”
I was so nervous I could barely move to my feet. Like a deer trying to learn to walk, I wobbled slightly before my hand touched the bed. The sheets were Egyptian cotton, and the mattress was the most comfortable thing I’d ever slept on. Now my hands touched the soft duvet, sliding over it as I crawled onto the bed. I didn’t know how he wanted me, but I assumed he would want to fuck me from behind.
He grabbed my hips and turned me over onto my back. Then he dragged me to the edge of the bed until my ass hung over the floor. His hands squeezed my hips before he played with the fabric of my thong. His eyes were on me, devouring me with just an expression. He picked at the lace before he pulled my panties down my legs. He moved them over my ankles then dropped them on the floor. “When I walked in here, I had something very different in mind. But now that I’m looking at you…” He grabbed my knees and spread them apart, revealing my most private area. He stared at me without shame, like my body was his to do whatever he wanted.