Page 72 of Pandora's Pleasure

I blinked up at him. “Did I do it right?”

He stepped forward and brought my face to rest against his belly, his taste still on my tongue.

I settled against him, still on my knees, feeling calm and sated, giving him time to recover. I closed my eyes, savoring this rare moment of quiet affection between us.

Later that evening, I readied for the uncertainty of what Damien had planned for us.

I’d wanted to dabble in an erotic playground, but it felt altogether different in reality. The unknown closing in made me apprehensive—even if my body yearned to explore. Even if I felt like I was breaking out of the confines of my life and doing something unique. My body ached for what was to come.

Fingering my silver pendant, I understood its symbolism now. It felt like a key had been turned and my desire had been unlocked at last.

Wanting to look uber sexy for my new adventure, I chose my Saks Fifth Avenue short black halter-neck dress that I’d packed earlier today.

Damien was in a black tuxedo, his mood lifting as I got ready around him, passing him now and again and reaching out to touch his hand or lean in for a hug. He responded with affection and seemed to draw comfort from my small gestures.

I styled my hair so that loose waves tumbled over my shoulders with sensual elegance. Then I applied some light foundation, dabbing on mascara and eye shadow and choosing my bright red lipstick to fit my vixen mood.

“No underwear,” he called over to me.

“At all?”

“For tonight, you should respond with ‘Yes, sir.’”

“Before we begin role playing?”

He shrugged.

“Why won’t you tell me what’s wrong?”

He raked his fingers through his hair. “It’s complicated.”

“Maybe I can offer a different perspective.”

“You may bring your phone, but it must be turned off the entire time.” Damien strolled over to the window and looked out. “Our car’s here.”

With masterful strides, he moved across the room and pulled a shoebox off the dresser. Kneeling before me, he eased my feet into the exquisite heels he had bought for me. They were higher than any I had ever worn before, the black straps weaving around my ankle with precision.

“They’re beautiful.”

He gave a ghost of a smile. “Thought I’d introduce you into the scene gradually.”

“I’m excited.” I reached down and cupped his cheek.

His eyes closed for a beat before he pushed himself up. “Come.”

Grabbing my clutch purse, I followed him downstairs.

We entered a chic-looking dining room that contained a long table surrounded by eight high-backed chairs. A crystal chandelier hanging above the center cast a prism around us, reflected in the impressively large mirror on the far wall.

It made me wonder if he liked to entertain in here.

Moving closer, I watched him place a series of playing cards on the dining room table, facedown.

“Sir,” I said, leaning forward to get a closer look. “What’s this?”

He rested a fingertip on one. “This will enable us to express a desire without having to speak one word.”

A shudder of anticipation ran through me.