BDSM Checklist: A, B, C

Master Xavier’s eyes widened. She could barely see them through the mask he wore. His eyes were green. Not hazel, but a pretty true green.

He leaned closer. “Little girl, you don’t want to play with me. Tell the overseers that you won’t sub for me.”

Mae’s hands curled into fists. “I’m not your little girl.” There’d been a time when she’d reveled in being called that by a Dom, but her tastes had changed.

He reached for her hair, fingers stopping just short of contact. “No, you’re not.” He stepped back.

Mae’s mouth opened in surprise. Was that regret in his voice?

“Tell the overseers you can’t be partnered with me.” He turned his back, apparently done with her.

“Why?”

Master Xavier faced her, clearly surprised she was still in the room. “Is this what you like?” He motioned to the dungeon-like playroom. “This is what I like, and unless you want to be spread open on the floor so I can whip your pussy, I suggest you leave.”

Mae dropped her gaze, biting the inside of her cheek as a shiver took her. She didn’t want that. She wanted to be kissed and cuddled and spanked. Yet her body was thrumming with arousal, and her pussy was so wet she was afraid to move.

“I meant why don’t you tell them, Sir?” The words were breathy, but she got them out.

Xavier crossed his arms. “I did. I spent the last few hours arguing to have our pairing reassigned, but Mistress Faith refused. I was given the option of meeting with you or resigning from Las Palmas. Since I do not want to lose my membership, it’s up to you to walk away. You will not be punished for doing so; I saw to that.”

An unfamiliar feeling settled over Mae. She’d been blessed in life by being smart, pretty, and having the kind of personality that drew people to her. There were very few times she’d ever been rejected, romantically, sexually, or as a friend. It took her a minute, but she realized what this feeling was.

was rejecting her, without even getting to know her. She should get the hell out of here and back to the safety

but she wasn’t

raised her chin and folded her arms.

* * *

his eyes. “What do you mean,

going to tell the overseers that I can’t be partnered with you. Everyone has to play the checklist game, and I’m not going to get in trouble just because you would rather

sub? Xavier shook his head—if only she knew how hard he was fighting his attraction to her. He needed her

you, you won’t be in trouble. You’re making

“Don’t call me that.”

I want.” Her attitude was

subbing for you right

standing here in five

stand here for five minutes.” Mae stepped out of her shoes and

He didn’t like seeing her uncomfortable. And damn if that

it on the floor in the center of the room. He pointed, silently commanding her to stand there. Mae’s chin notched up in an even more defiant expression. Xavier had to admit he was impressed. She was ballsier

gazes met. Her eyes were the color of storm clouds. Xavier held her

She lowered her eyelids, her defiant stance softening. She

in the room thickened. He’d felt it when he looked into her eyes—the first hints of the power transfer that

test, as much for him as

looked at him. He could see the war inside her—the battle between the desire to submit and the urge to fight back, to remain in