Total pages in book: 82
Estimated words: 75771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 75771 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 379(@200wpm)___ 303(@250wpm)___ 253(@300wpm)
She drew in a shuddering breath and released it on a shaky nod. “Okay. Thank you, Stefano.”
Her genuine relief and gratitude mitigated some of the clawing discomfort in my gut, but it wasn’t quite enough. I craved more from her; a deeper admission of her need for me. I provided her with protection, with pleasure. I’d made myself essential to her, and I wouldn’t be satisfied until she fully expressed her devotion. Carmen would never leave me, and it was time for her to confess that irrevocable truth aloud.
“Let’s see how your crown fits, pretty pet,” I urged, grasping her shoulders and directing her to turn away from me, so that her back pressed against my chest. My eyes locked on hers in our reflections in the mirror, and I plucked the tiara from her fingers.
Moving with slow, ceremonial purpose, I lifted the crown high before lowering it onto her head. The small golden combs at either end of the precious adornment sank into her glossy, raven hair, loosely securing her symbol of power.
She took a long moment to stare at the stunning goddess in the mirror, tilting her head slightly so that she could study the glittering diamonds and rubies as they flashed beneath the vanity lighting.
I lowered my mouth to her throat, pressing a kiss against her soft skin before whispering in her ear. “What do you think, kitten? Does being my Queen suit you?”
Her eyes were bright where they met mine in the mirror. “Stefano, I…” She blinked rapidly, attempting to suppress her emotions. “Which is it?” she issued a breathy demand. “Kitten or Queen?”
A dark chuckle rumbled from my chest, and I nipped at her shoulder in mild rebuke. “I already told you that we aren’t going to settle on a decisive position today. The only thing that truly matters is that you’re mine, Carmen. Whatever label you want to put on your role in our relationship is up to you, but the essential truth will not change: you belong to me.”
A shiver raced over her skin, and she opened her mouth to protest. I wrapped my hand around her throat, squeezing firmly enough to silence any attempt to refute my declaration.
“Do not let your crown slip, no matter what,” I warned in the low, silky tone that made her tremble. “I won’t be finished admiring my lovely queen for a long while yet.”
The golden combs would help keep the tiara secure in her hair, but without it being properly pinned in place, my pet would have to focus very hard on staying still to prevent the crown from slipping off. I intended to make it a particularly difficult challenge for her.
I tugged at the tie that secured her black silk robe, pleased to find that my sensual pet had chosen to wear nothing beneath it but a scrap of scarlet lace to cover her pussy.
“Were you planning on seducing me, naughty girl?” I rumbled, my palms skimming her belly as I parted the robe.
She licked her lips, and her pupils dilated. Her gaze remained fixed on mine in the mirror, and I savored the sight of my possessive hands on her delicious body.
“The thought had crossed my mind, yes,” she admitted, her attempt at a breezy retort ruined by her husky desire.
“And what did you hope to gain through this little seduction?” I eased the robe off her shoulders. It slid to the floor, leaving her bronze flesh on luminous display for me.
“You mean other than an orgasm?” Her attempt at rolling her eyes was ruined when I captured her tight nipples in a sharp pinch. A harsh cry left her lips, and she arched toward my punishing hold to alleviate the sting.
“Am I not providing you with sufficient orgasms, greedy pet? Have I left you unsatisfied?” I rolled her nipples between my fingers, tugging cruelly on the tender buds.
“Please,” she whimpered, pushing at my wrists in an effort to break my punishing hold.
“Hands on the counter.” I barked the command, and she immediately complied, pressing both palms flat against the marble in front of her hips.
I released her nipples and rubbed the abused peaks, drawing a moan from her chest. She melted against me, her head dropping back. Her crown shifted, and she reached up to prevent it from slipping.
Her gray eyes were wide on mine in the mirror, her lush lips parting on a little wary gasp when she realized her disobedience. I’d commanded her to keep her hands on the counter, and within seconds, she’d defied me to secure her crown.
I held her in a steady stare, allowing her to read my rebuke in each nuance of my features rather than issuing a verbal correction. Slowly, she lowered her hand back to the marble, her fingers shaking slightly until she pressed them against the hard stone. I allowed several long, heavy seconds of silence to pass, forcing her to fully observe the extent of my control over her.