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.

should get the hell out of here and back to the safety of the

but she

raised her chin and folded her arms.

* * *

“What do you

that I’m not 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

was fighting his attraction to her. He needed her to get out of here

be in

“Don’t call me that.”

whatever I want.” Her attitude was both

not subbing for

you’re still standing here in

for five minutes.” Mae stepped out of her shoes and kicked them

He didn’t like seeing her uncomfortable. And damn if that wasn’t the dumbest thought considering what he wanted to do to

it on the floor in the center of the room. He pointed, silently commanding her to

eyes were the color of storm clouds. Xavier held her gaze, unafraid of the intimacy of

her eyelids, her

he looked into her eyes—the first hints of the power

was a test, as much for him as

desire to submit and the urge to fight back, to remain in control. She pressed her lips together, looked at the floor and then back to