Page 104 of Carved Obsession

It makes sense, really.

I double-check the box, wondering if I’m missing a mask since they’re mandatory for Metamorphosis, but there’s nothing in there. I shrug and run into the bedroom with the items, less anxious now to try them out, since I know a dress will partially cover the lingerie.

It takes me a moment, but I pull the teddy on. I have to take a moment as I stare at myself in the mirror. I’m no stranger to sexy lingerie, and I’m familiar with the confidence it gives me, but nothing I own looks quite like this.

The lace triangles, tied with satin straps behind my back and neck, barely cover my breasts. The crotchless lace panties are connected to the bra by satin straps that mimic a sunburst, gathered together at the top of the panties and spreading as they reach the bottom of the bra. And the stark contrast between the dark-red garment against my creamy skin is striking.

With much more confidence, I pull the long dress on. The lace is slightly elastic and the cut quite relaxed, falling delicately over my hips. The fabric tightens toward my knees, then flares again until it reaches the floor. I quickly tie it behind my neck before I turn to the mirror once more.

My mouth falls open as I stare at myself. The sheer dark-red lace melts into the teddy it lies on top of, clinging to my slight curves and looking almost liquid in its intricate, delicate pattern. Because both the dress and teddy are lace of a similar pattern, you can’t even tell if I’m wearing underwear or not. It’s making me stare longer to find its edges and shape.

When I turn, I notice how the open back falls until it reaches the small of my back, just above the top of the panties that don’t leave much to the imagination.

I can’t stop gawking at myself.

But within those beautiful feelings, doubt sneaks through. Carter’s good at this. Too good. How many before me have enjoyed this treatment?

Stepping back from the mirror, I sit back on the bed and clutch my hands on my lap, fiddling with my fingers.

He’s no saint, Scarlet. You’ve known this for a while. Seen it with your own eyes in the very place he’s taking you tonight. You wanted this. Now, here you are.

I take one deep breath, trying to embrace the voice of reason echoing inside my mind. I did. I’ve wanted this for so long. I was fucking ready to beg him to give me what I so desperately need.

He’s the only one I would trust to even attempt it.

A car pulls in at the end of my drive, and the driver calls the intercom on my gate as I brush my loose hair for the hundredth time.

“Here goes nothing,” I whisper to myself, swiping the crimson lipstick over my lips one last time before dropping it into my small satin satchel.

You better be eager and ready, love, because I’m going to fucking ruin you.

Carter’s text reaches me as the man who looks more like a gorilla than a driver pulls out of my street.

I’m ready.

What are your hard limits?

No electric shocks. No metal clamps. No needles. Oh, and no pumps.

Got it. Pick your safe words.

No safe words.

That’s not how this works and you know it.

Fine. Pumpkin. Don’t expect me to use it.

I see your lessons need to be much more intense than I thought.

Don’t hold back on me, Carter. I want all of you! The good, the bad... the Carver.

You scare me, Scarlet.

He said this to me before, when the guys rescued us, and I still don’t really know what he means.

Why?

You push me to bring forth what I constantly hold at bay.