BDSM Checklist: A, B, C

Mae closed her eyes, competing feelings of relief and anger warring within her. Relief from having him in control and anger for this heartless charade he’d put her through.

“Look at me.”

Mae met his gaze, and there was something in his eyes that seemed to echo what she was feeling. He tipped her head back a fraction, gaze hardening until his eyes were as unreadable as his masked face.

“You will submit. You will behave.”

“Yes, Master Xavier,” she murmured.

“Good.” Xavier released her.

James was rubbing his jaw and looking at her in a decidedly unfriendly way. “Mae was always a bit bratty, but this is new.” He looked from Xavier to her. “You two need to talk. I have this room reserved for the weekend. You’re welcome to it until this evening.”

The other Dom clapped Xavier on the shoulder before leaving and closing the door behind him.

Now that she was alone with Master Xavier, Mae didn’t know what to say, what to feel.

Their gazes met once more, and she had this strange feeling that Xavier was just as much at a loss as she was. She’d never even spoken to him until twelve hours ago, and yet the idea that he’d dismissed her by passing her off to another Master had shredded her heart. That he had the power to impact her so heavily was beyond worrying. It was terrifying.

“I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Mae tried to keep the emotion out of her voice, to match his level tone. “How did you think that would make me feel?” She wasn’t succeeding—pain

you. I couldn’t give you away, even if

thought…” Mae blinked to keep

like. I thought you’d be comfortable with

of me this way? Then you could have a sub who won’t ever talk back or be scared.” Mae spat each word, losing the battle with her feelings. Pain and a sense

hips, jerking them against his. For the first time she felt the hard length of his erection. The evidence of his

the truth.” Xavier’s face was

about what?”

really wanted to include sex

him only to be brought up

was poised at the bottom swell of her breast. “They’ll do things like say yes to everything on the checklist because

really wanted more than straight BDSM play.” His eyes were new-leaf green, the daylight making them appear lighter than they had last night. “What James said was true—you’ll be completely at my mercy. I told you that I’d push you. I did, and I will, because there’s something inside you begging to be let out. And because it’s

was a resounding “yes,” but the rest of it was a bit more complicated. They’d spent only a few hours together and yet

was the simple truth, and Mae hoped it was enough.

She moved her hips side to side,

growled and jerked her head back. “Did you

an accident, Master.” She was half distracted by the nickname, but the intensity of his

going to be an accident.” He smiled darkly. “Good of you to remind me that we have checklist items yet to

dropped to one knee, his mouth level with

“Spread your legs, Mae.”