Page 21 of The Donovan Dynasty

“The whole thing.”

“It was fine.”

“Those are damning words.”

“To be honest, I was disappointed.I didn’t understand what all the fuss was about.I liked the blindfold and having my hands secured, but the flogger damn well hurt.If there was supposed to be any pleasure, I never experienced it.And when I was over his knee, I’m afraid I had an attack of the giggles.”

Another answer Connor hadn’t been expecting.

After sliding the mug back onto the coaster, she met his gaze.“Maybe I was hoping for something more.When he spanked me hard enough to stop the giggles, it freaking stung.”

“I imagine it was supposed to,” he said wryly.

“Other than feeling the pain, I came away with nothing.Afterward we had sex, but—” Abruptly, she stopped talking.

“We have to talk openly.”

“Even if it’s embarrassing?”

“Especially then.”

“How did I know you were going to say that?”She crossed her arms over her chest and held onto her shoulders.Then, obviously realizing she was betraying herself, she lowered her arms.“I expected more from the sex, I guess, but it was the same old thing.”Her face was a lovely shade of pink.“Missionary.Over too soon.After that relationship, I dated another guy and things were… I’m trying to be polite.”

“Go on.”

“I guess the best word for it is predictable.”

“Boring?”

“Boring,” she repeated.“I asked him if we could experiment a little.When I told him what I wanted, he tried.He tied me up, but the knots were so loose that I could slip my hands out.It sort of lost something when I had to work to keep them in place.He placed a tie over my eyes, and that was as close as he got to a blindfold.When I asked him to spank me, he untied me and told me I was too extreme for him.He seemed really disturbed by it, and I never saw him again.The last guy I dated…well, let’s say there was no chemistry.”

He wasn’t sure what to think of a man who had a willing woman in his arms and didn’t attempt to give her what she wanted, whether he was into it or not.“I can guarantee that I will be willing to at least talk about anything you want to try.We’ll have plenty of discussions about that.”Connor saw her shudder.From thrill, he hoped.“Have you ever been to a club?A play party?”

She shook her head and he caught the glitter of an earring.For a wild, wicked moment, he wanted to see his initials there, in diamonds.“Is there anything you wanted to experience?”

She hesitated, and he waited.Finally, she tipped back her head.“When I masturbate, I think about a man’s belt.”

“I think we could arrange that.”

“I might hate it.It could ruin the fantasy.”

“It could,” he agreed.“And it could make it even better.Anything else?”

“You’re asking a lot of questions, Mr.Donovan.Tell me about you, what it is you think I need to know.”

“As I mentioned, BDSM isn’t something I’m merely into.Kinky sex like you’re suggesting is fine.Awesome, in fact.I definitely enjoy it.I’d love to see your body spread wide, held open for me.But I see that as an extension of a relationship rather than replacing it.”

“I’m a bit confused.I thought it was all about the tying up and beating.”

“To some people, it is.And that’s fine.To me, it’s much, much more.Tell me, do you consider yourself compassionate?”

She blinked.“Of course.”

“Loyal to your family and friends?”

“Naturally.”

“Someone who likes chocolate?”