by Leah Brooke
Enjoying her immensely, Sin massaged the sunscreen onto her other breast. “You’ve got a smart mouth for a submissive.”
Bending to touch her lips to his chest, Veronica looked up at him through her lashes.
Pouting, her eyes dancing with mischief, she had to be the most exciting and beautiful woman he’d ever known.
“I’m so sorry, Sir. Am I being bad?”
Her playfulness relaxed him more than he could have expected.
He felt good around her. Natural.
But he was afraid to let down his guard.
He fulfilled a need in her, and she trusted him.
He just had to build on it.
He narrowed his eyes, delighted with the sparkle of anticipation in hers.
“Turn around. You need more sunscreen on your ass. If it’s going to be red, it’ll be because I spanked it, not because you got sunburned.”
Her eyes widened, her lips parting. “Are you planning to spank me?”
After squirting more of the thick cream onto his hands, he tossed the tube aside and closed his hands on the cheeks of her well-rounded bottom.
“I guess this is as good a time as any to give you a taste of that reality you’re so afraid of.”
Stiffening, she looked up at him over her shoulder, her eyes wary.
“What do you mean?”
“It means that I plan to indulge you to explore your fantasies, but I’m not about to let you top from the bottom.”
She started to turn to face him, but he gripped her shoulders, spinning her back again.
“What does that—hey!”
“I’m not finished.” Sin kept his tone deliberately cool. “I know you want to play at being a submissive while we’re here, but I’m not about to let you goad me into anything. In the real world, I won’t allow you to keep anything from me, either. Do you understand me?”
Veronica nodded, her breath catching. “Yes.”
“Yes, what?”
Her hands fisted at her sides, a shiver going through her when he ran a finger up the crease of her ass.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Why do you think you want to be over my lap with that ass vulnerable for whatever I want to do to it?”
Shaking her head, she shrugged. “I don’t know if I can explain it.”
“Try.” Sin turned her to face him, gripping her chin to tilt her head back so that he could see her eyes.
He knew that her nakedness would make her feel even more vulnerable, and he hoped that advantage would help him get the truth.
She tried to look away, but he lifted her chin higher, running his thumb over her bottom lip.
She took a shaky breath, licking her lips.
“Before I met you, I thought that was the ultimate in submission.” She shrugged again, her blush adorable.
“It’s such a defenseless feeling, but at the same time—this is going to sound crazy.”
Sin bent to nuzzle her neck. “We’re here to explore everything, aren’t we, baby? Nothing is crazy, or too depraved for us, is it? Tell me.”
Tilting her neck, she moaned as his lips moved over it.
“It’s a feeling of being cared for. I know that sounds stupid, but it’s like I’m putting myself in your hands, and you care enough to punish me for something I did wrong. You’re taking the time to focus just on me, and even when you’re disciplining me, I feel…cared for.”
Red-faced, she gripped his forearms.
“I’m not like that in real life. I like taking care of myself. I’m perfectly capable of doing so, and if some other man said anything about punishing me for doing something wrong, I’d be furious.”
Touched, he ran the backs of his fingers down her cheek.
“But with me, it’s different?”
Leaning into him, she let her head fall back, her breath quickening.
“Yes.”
Telling himself that what he saw in her eyes couldn’t be love, Sin couldn’t resist the chance to increase the intimacy between them.
“Why, Veronica?”
Her eyes shimmered with tears.
“I don’t know. It scares me just a little, but I trust you. I don’t trust easily, but something just feels…right. Natural. I don’t know. It’s hard to explain because I don’t really understand it. I know that doesn’t make any sense, but this time with you is…”
Smiling, she ran a hand over his chest. “Magical. It’s like nothing can touch us here, and when it’s over…I’m scared.”
Depressed at the thought, Sin forced a smile.
“Let’s not think about that now. I don’t want anything to intrude on our time together.”
Blinking, she nodded. “You’re right.”
“I know I’m right. This week is about exploration and getting to know each other better.”
He started to turn away, surprised when she gripped his arm again.
“Sin?”
Struck by the insecurity in her eyes, Sin took her hands in his and smiled. “Yes, Veronica?”
“What you said—about reality…”
“Yes?”
“If you were really my Dominant—I mean, in the real world—how would things be different?”
Sin allowed a small smile, his chest tightening. “It’s more to me than just sex, Veronica. I’ve had years of that, and it’s very unsatisfying. I want more. Much more, with a woman who’s willing to surrender herself to me and trust that I have her best interests at heart. If you were mine, I would need to watch out for you. Care for you in every way that I can. Keeping things from me or lying would piss me off, and you’d definitely be punished for it.”
She licked her lips, looking both aroused and slightly apprehensive. “You would punish me?”
Sin blinked and raised a brow.
“Do you really think that I would let something like that go? How can I protect you and make sure that you’re all right if you’re going to lie to me? Lying to me shows that you have no respect for me. Why would I want a submissive who doesn’t respect me?”
Tilting her head to the side, Veronica stared up at him for several heartbeats before nodding. “I can understand that.”
Sin shook his head, his heart pounding with anticipation. “It looks like I’m going to have to get my playroom ready sooner than I’d anticipated.”
Veronica gulped. “Playroom?”
“Yes, I started fixing one up at home, but I’ve never been in any hurry to get it done. I am now. I have a feeling I’ll be needing it soon.”
* * * *
Veronica wanted so desperately to belong to him but didn’t feel she had the right to ask, especially since she was still trying to figure if the lifestyle would even appeal to her.
Frowning, she glanced up at him.
“If what you’re saying is true, how would I be able to figure out if I’m suited to this lifestyle if you’re just pretending with me?”
Blowing out a breath, Sin turned away.
“I’m not pretending with you, Veronica. I’m just giving you a hell of a lot of leeway while you figure out what you want.”
“But—”
“Let it go, Veronica.”
Veronica blinked, the change in him staggering.
She had a feeling that she’d just gotten a quick peek at the kind of Dominant he really was.
It saddened her to know that she probably couldn’t handle that kind of intensity.
Nodding, Veronica blew out a breath and smiled in an effort to relieve the tension. “Of course. Do you want to go swimming? The water looks fabulous.”
Running a hand down her back, Sin shook his head, his jaw clenching. “In a bit. You go ahead.”
Fearing that she’d somehow angered him, she wrapped her arms around herself, trying to figure out what she could say to get him to smile again.
Staring down at her, he gave her a slow smile, reaching around to pat her bottom.
“I’d rather watch you play in the water. Don’t go out past your wai
st until I come in.”
Relieved that everything seemed to be back to normal again, she nodded and smiled back at him. “Okay.”
Sin raised a brow, slapping her ass lightly.
Her face burned, and with sudden insight, she realized just how much he saw and how easy he’d been on her.
“I mean, yes, Sir.”
* * * *
Sucking in a breath, Sin watched her run into the water.
Standing there watching her play waist deep in the water, with the sun glinting off her wet breasts and her face lifted to the sun, he knew he’d found everything he’d ever wanted.
He could only imagine what she would think of him if she knew the extent of what he really wanted from her.
* * * *
Veronica couldn’t remember ever having so much fun.
Still shaken by their earlier conversation, she was grateful that he kept everything light, his good mood making it possible for her to relax again.
They swam naked together, splashed water at each other and played like children.
He dunked her, and when she resurfaced, pulled her against him, his eyes unreadable as he ran his hands over her nakedness.
“Having fun, honey?”
Smiling at the endearment, Veronica giggled and wiped the water from her eyes.
“It’s been a long time since I got the chance to play. I feel so free here—with you.”
“I’m glad.” Sin looked at his watch. “Come on. Lunch will be here soon, and you’ve had enough sun.”
His tone brooked no argument, and she had a strange feeling that she was seeing glimpses of the Dominant he didn’t want her to see.
Loving the feel of the sun on her nakedness, she put her hand in Sin’s outstretched one, unable to tear her gaze from his erection.
Uncaring if anyone watched, she reached for it, frustrated when he caught her hand in his before she could touch him.
“I just want to please you.”
“Then behave yourself. If I want you to touch my cock, I’ll tell you to.” Once inside the shade of the cabana, he released her hand and gestured toward the large chaise.
“Lie on your belly so I can enjoy the sight of that beautiful ass.”
Veronica readily obeyed him, eyeing the towels on the small table.
“The waiter will see me.”
She yelped when his hand landed hard on her ass.
“You’re the one who wanted to be exposed.”
“And you don’t like that, do you?”
Wrapping a towel around his waist, he pushed his hair back and stared out at the water.
“If you were mine, no one else would see what belongs to me.”
Lifting slightly, Veronica braced herself on her elbows and turned back to see him better.
“Then it gives me no pleasure to be exposed. It excited me because I thought it would excite you—like in the club.”
He glanced at her and turned back, apparently deep in thought.
Veronica would have given anything to know what he was thinking, hoping it was about her.
Taking advantage of the opportunity to study him, she admired his profile, taking in his high chiseled cheekbones, the arrogant tilt to his head, and lips that had a sensual fullness that made her hungry to taste them.
He sighed and turned back to her, a faint smile playing at his lips, a smile that disappeared suddenly as he straightened.
Spotting the waiter, Veronica dropped back to her belly, smiling when Sin tossed a towel over her.
“Be still.”
Giggling, she listened to Sin and the waiter’s brief conversation before the waiter disappeared again.
The towel slid free, uncovering her again.
“Sit up, Veronica.”
Veronica rushed to obey him, sitting cross-legged in the center of the chaise, grinning when he sat next to her and pulled the tray closer to his side.
“Yes, Sir.”
Smiling, he searched her features. “You really are incredibly beautiful.”
Slipping his hand to her slit, he bent to touch his lips to hers, his fingers brushing over her clit.
“I like you open and available. You’re a fast learner.”
Desperate to wipe away the lingering shadows in his eyes, Veronica cupped his beloved face and leaned closer.
“I have a very good teacher, a very patient teacher. I want to please him.”
Running her thumb over his bottom lip, Veronica looked into his eyes. “His smile makes my heart beat faster.”
Sin’s slow smile stole her breath. “Does it?”
“It does.”
Cupping her jaw, he held her in place, taking her lips in a kiss filled with passion and possessiveness, a kiss that had an edge to it that demanded surrender.
She gave it to him readily, losing herself in the hunger that grew stronger every day.
He lifted his head, his lips lingering against hers as he slid his hands to her breasts.
“I found another way of making your heart beat faster.”
Straightening, he ran his thumbs over her nipples before releasing her.
“I’d better feed you. You need to keep up your strength.”
Feeding her a bite of cold shrimp from a bowl sitting in ice, Sin tapped her nipple.
“Why don’t you have a boyfriend?”
Veronica chewed the shrimp, thrusting her breasts out in invitation.
“I hadn’t met anyone who interested me enough. I spend most of my free time at home reading. I clean the house and shop for groceries on Saturday and spend Sundays with my grandmother and great-aunt.”
Shaking his head, Sin tapped her nipple.
“It’s not enough, though, is it? You need more. I’ll bet you have a drawer full of books about Domination and submission.”
Not anymore.
Veronica lowered her gaze, afraid that he would see the truth in her eyes.
This was fantasy.
They weren’t in the real world, a world in which she knew Sinn would be furious at her for keeping such a thing from him.
Forcing a smile, she touched his hand.
“Fantasizing is one thing, but even my fantasies can’t compare to the reality of being here with you.”
Sin smiled, running his hand down her body to her slit.
“You’re a natural at this. Perhaps we’ll find a way to combine fantasy and reality for both of us.”
Veronica gulped.
God help her if he ever discovered the truth.
Chapter Fourteen
Sin eyed Veronica’s ponytail, and decided that, despite her interference, he’d finally gotten it straight.
She’d been playful and overly bright ever since they’d gotten back from the beach, and her attempts to reach for his cock had made it difficult to fix her hair.
“Please, Sir. Take me again.”
Shaking his head, Sin slapped her ass.
“I took you before we had a shower. Just because I’m hard doesn’t mean I’m taking you again. Now behave yourself.”
He slapped her ass a little harder than he had earlier, his chest tightening with satisfaction at her sharp cry and the excitement in her eyes.
Veronica reached back to rub her ass, dropping her hands when she met his scowl.
“I’m sorry, Sir.”
Sin began smoothing cream onto her skin, starting with her warmed bottom.
“Stay still so I can do this. Your skin is delightfully soft, and I want it to stay that way.”
Bracing her hands on the vanity, Veronica bent slightly, shaking her ass at him with a giggle.
“And I want you to be hard for me.”
“I always am.” Sin pushed her hair out of the way to smooth cream over her back. “I just have more patience than you, and a hell of a lot more control.”
He finished with her back and started on her breasts, aware that she studied him thoughtfully in the mirror, her head tilted slightly.
Waiting her out, he smoothed hi
s hands over her breasts and down her belly to her mound, his cock tenting the towel he’d wrapped around his hips.
He took his time, hiding a smile when she moved sinuously against him.
Turning her, he lifted her onto the countertop to rub cream onto her legs.
With a shocked gasp, she gripped his shoulders. “Sin?”
He glanced at her, surprised that she appeared concerned about something.
Not wanting to make her more nervous, he continued to massage the cream onto her legs.
“What’s bothering you, Veronica?”
She shrugged, her breath catching when he spread her legs and moved to stand between them.
“What exactly do you need from a submissive—you know—in the real world?”
Lifting his gaze to hers, he smoothed cream on her arms.
“We already talked about this, Veronica.”
She stared at his chest, glancing up at him through her lashes.
“I mean, if I was your submissive in real life, what would it be like that’s different from what it’s like for us now?”
Sin put the lid back on the cream and sighed. Bracing a hand on either side of her hips, he leaned forward, his face just inches from hers.
“I’ve lived the illusion too long. I want it all. I would want to take care of you. I would want your trust. I would want you to depend on me for guidance. For pleasure. For affection. I would want you to submit to my desires and trust that I’ll meet yours. I would want you to understand that there are times when I would have to punish you for disobeying me or for lying to me.”
Frowning, she flattened her hands on his chest. “But wouldn’t that make me a burden to you?”
Sin smiled, thrilled that she seemed to be thinking about their relationship.
“Not a burden at all. I wouldn’t expect you to be a child, Veronica. I admire independent women. I wouldn’t want you to lose your identity, but I would want you to put my needs first and trust that I’ll take care of yours.”
Lifting her from the counter, he took her hand in his and started for the bedroom, stilling when she hugged his back.
“You make me feel so good. I really want to be what you need.”
Closing his eyes against the wave of emotion, Sin stood there enjoying the feel of her against him before turning to wrap his arms around her.
