Page 52

He laughs. "You think I'd submit to you?"

"I think," I whisper, rising to my tiptoes to brush my lips against his jaw. "That you've been working so hard. And that maybe you're curious what it would feel like… just once… to let someone else take control."

His breathing quickens, but he doesn't stop me as I push the shirt from his shoulders.

"I've been burning since the moment you claimed me," I admit, hands tracing the tattoos that map his chest and arms. "Tonight I want to watch you burn too."

I reach for the cuffs again, holding them up between us like a challenge. His eyes darken, desire warring with his innate need to dominate me in every way possible.

"And if I refuse?" he asks, voice rough with what might be interest despite himself.

I drop the cuffs and step back, reaching behind me to slowly lower the zipper of my dress. The fabric slides from my shoulders, pooling at my feet to reveal I've worn nothing underneath all evening.

His sharp intake of breath is exactly what I wanted.

"Then you'll never know what you're missing," I reply, moving backward toward the massive bed that dominates the room. "And I'll just have to take care of myself."

I sink onto the mattress, legs parting in deliberate invitation as my hand slides down my stomach. "Your choice, Dante."

His eyes track the movement of my fingers as I touch myself, teasing my own clit with slow circles. I'm already wet, already aching, my body perpetually ready for him in ways that should shame me but only excite me further.

"Fuck," he growls, stalking toward me. "You're going to regret this game tomorrow."

"Maybe," I agree, my free hand reaching for the glass dildo I spotted in his collection. "But tonight, I think we'll both enjoy it."

The sleek implement gleams in the lamplight as I bring it to my lips, tongue darting out to wet the smooth surface. Dante watches, transfixed, as I slide it between my lips in a deliberate preview of what I intend for him.

When I withdraw it with a soft pop, his control visibly frays. "What do you want from me, Francesca?"

"Everything," I admit, the honesty surprising us both. "But for now, I'll settle for your complete surrender."

I don't expect him to agree.

Dante Ravelli doesn't submit, doesn't yield, doesn't relinquish control to anyone. But to my shock, he reaches for the cuffs I'd discarded, holding them out to me like an offering.

"If this goes too far," he says, voice tight, "there will be consequences."

I rise to my knees, accepting the cuffs with trembling fingers. "I'm counting on it."

He turns, presenting his back to me in a display of trust.

I secure the cuffs around his wrists, checking they're tight enough to restrain but not to hurt.

"On the bed," I direct, surprised at the authority in my voice. "Now."

He complies, the muscles in his powerful body coiled tight as he settles against the pillows.

I straddle his thighs, my naked cunt pressing against the rough fabric of his pants, deliberately creating friction where I need it most.

"These need to go," I murmur, unbuckling his belt and lowering his zipper with teasing slowness.

He lifts his hips, allowing me to strip him down. His cock springs free, thick and hard against his abdomen, the head already slick with precum that tempts me to taste it.

"Who would have thought," I whisper, trailing my nails lightly down his chest. "That the great Dante Ravelli… would be atmymercy."

"For now," he reminds me, something dangerous flashing in his eyes.

I smile, reaching again for the glass dildo. "Cheeky. Let's see how long that defiance lasts."