Page 138 of Risks of Temptation

"Two reasons. Malin needs to remember he owns me. And I want every other man in the room to know I'm his, and they can't have me."

Bernadette stays silent for a moment. "I understand. Gustave was trained for years by his father and still didn't fully comprehend he needed to submit into the world as much as I had to submit to him."

"Yes."

I stay quiet, comprehending what she is telling me.

Her lips turn up. "What else is in these bags?"

"What I asked for."

She pulls a black lace lingerie set out of a bag. In a teasing tone she says, "I see." She grabs all the bags and takes them to the bed.

I follow her lead. One by one, we pull the outfits out.

When the bed is covered in them, she says, "I'd say Malin bought you quite the collection."

"Which one should I wear under the dress? I don't want to look innocent tonight. I want to look sexy but sophisticated. Like I know what I'm doing."

She gets the dress and holds it up while glancing between it and the bed. She picks up a gold strapless bra. It's made of intricate, soft lace and silk. Ribbon is meant to zig-zag around my torso and attaches to crotchless panties. She sets it next to a matching gold garter belt and black stockings. "This will be beautiful with your hair, skin tone, and eyes."

"Okay. Let's look at shoes."

A dozen boxes are on the cart. We open several until I get to a matching pinkish nude pair of stilettos. "Perfect." I hold them out. "Are you able to do my hair up? I don't want it covering my neck."

She teases, "You're committed, huh?"

"Yes. But I still want Malin to be able to pull or fist it."

She purses her lips. "What about a high ponytail? Your natural curls will look amazing. We can wrap some of your hair at the base."

"Please. And can you do my makeup a little more dramatic tonight?"

"Yes, of course. Should we pick out Malin's suit?"

"Ummm...okay."

She flicks through the hangers and pulls a light-brown Tom Ford one out. "This goes. What about a tie? Do you want him in one or no?" She moves the suit next to a rose-colored one, similar to my dress.

I touch the luxurious material. "No. I don't want one on him."

She tosses it on the rack. "No tie, then."

"Is there anything else we need to do?" I ask.

"No. Just shower and get ready."

"Okay. Lead the way."