RequiredSurrender (15 page)

Between the flicks and swipes of the towel he used to dry
her she saw him grin. “You sound like a robot.”

She did too. The aggressive friction he used made her whole
body including her voice rattle. “Do I?”

He made a sling of the terry and scooped her into him with
it. They were nose to nose as he eyed her. “Yes. You may have the surprise once
I’m sure you’re all dried.” He pulled the towel from right to left across her
back and butt in a sawing motion. “I was going to give it to you just before
Cam took you home tonight, but since you’re going to stay over—”

“I am?”

“Over,” he repeated. He dropped the towel and leaned back.
“You can have it as soon as we’re done in here.”

When he held out that silk kimono for her to put on, she
didn’t hesitate. The thought of staying with him overnight. Sleeping in his
bed. Being near him for hours on end was too exciting. The surprise was just
going to be the icing on the cake.

A few minutes later she made a beeline for the stairs going
up to the third floor and his room. With heart hammering and her pulse—

“Whoa, there, princess, where do you think you’re going?”

Hearing this, she immediately halted. His firm tone caused
her bare toes to scrunch into the carpet pile. Weren’t they going to be
sleeping in his room? “I was, ah,” she swiveled around so fast she had to catch
the side of her robe before it flapped all the way open, “going to your room.”

“No.” He shook his head and she tilted hers.

“No?”

“You’re going to sleep in the white room.” He pointed to the
door on his left.

“Are you sleeping in the white room too?”

He shrugged. “Maybe.”

Hm. Maybe. Maybe he needed to be convinced to stay with her.
The second her hand went to her belt he scowled.

“Don’t undo that.”

“Why not?” she asked.

He stared at her. Clearly she was going to have to charm him
to get an answer. “Tell me why. Please,” she added and did her best supermodel
strut to him.

“Because I have a few things I want to do with you and I
don’t want to be distracted.”

She smiled and he frowned. “I’m being really, really lenient
with you tonight, Jo. Don’t make me regret it.”

That landed like a spank to her bottom. He was serious. “All
right.”

“And don’t take that tone with me.”

She almost flung out, “what tone?” but she knew what tone it
was. It was the tone that said, “you’re a big, fat dickwad”. Once the desire to
do that lessened, she straightened her shoulders and repeated, “All right.”

“That’s better.” He took her hand and laced his fingers
through hers. “Now, before we get started,” he pulled her through the door,
“the surprise. It’s only a small one, but when I saw it I thought of you.”

There were three gas hurricane lanterns lit. One was on the
nightstand, one on the dresser and the last was on an end table that flanked a
large ladder-backed arm chair by the fireplace. Inside the hearth, a small fire
burned and combined with the lamplight, cast the room in a hazy, dream-like,
golden glow.

“Sit.”

She sat on the side of the king-size bed and watched as he
disappeared into the walk-in closet. When he came out the first thing she
noticed was the towel was gone. Instead of the terry, he had on a pair of
tight, black leather pants that left absolutely nothing to the imagination, as
the rest of him was bare. His totally ripped torso gleamed as his muscles
shifted and bunched as he moved. She stared at his washboard stomach and licked
her lips.

“Jo.” Shooting a look up from where her eyes had wandered,
she saw that his hands were behind his back and he sported a lopsided grin.
“Close your eyes.”

“What is it?” She was smiling herself. Shuffling her feet
back and forth on the wooded-planked floor.

“Open.”

She only opened one eye and when she saw what was staring
back at her both her eyes shot open wide. “I don’t believe it! He’s…he’s
beautiful.” And exactly as she described. A rainbow-striped, green-eyed, stuffed
dragon. “Where did you find him?”

Ted handed him over. “At one of the shops up at Silver Lake.
I was there this morning. He’s a pillow-mate.”

She had no idea what that was supposed to be, but it didn’t
matter. This little guy would be going on her bed at home for sure if she was
allowed to bring— “Is he mine to bring home?”

“Sure. He’ll be there for you when I can’t be.”

There was that look again. The one he gave her that said
“you’re special and all mine”. She blinked and blinked again. Her immediate focus
shimmered. Then the nose burn. Oh… Not more tears?

Ted plucked the dragon out of her arms and put it on the bed
beside her. He came down over her. Forcing her back until her spine met the
mattress. “It’s okay to cry this time, princess, because your living, breathing
dragon is going to kiss all your happy tears away.”

She wasn’t sure whether she laughed or cried. She only knew
she held onto him something fierce until he whispered, “The only tears I won’t
obliterate are the healing ones I purposely cause to happen. When you shed
those for me, I promise to treasure them always.”

She didn’t have a chance to ask what he meant before he
tipped up her chin and looked into her eyes. “I hope you left your modesty at
the door tonight because if you didn’t, it will only get in the way of what I
have planned. Do you see that?”

He pushed her chin so her head turned to the right.

“Can you guess what those are for?”

She saw the thick ropes hanging off the numerous huge eye
hooks embedded in the wall, and closed her eyes. She knew the ropes were
restraints, but the various lengths of them combined with the empty hooks that
dotted a good portion of the wall had her worried. So worried she didn’t have
the strength to answer him.

“Don’t be nervous,” he spoke in her ear. “I intend to go
real slow. And tonight if you need it, use your safe word. You remember it,
don’t you?”

Was this why he’d bought her the dragon? “Yes.”

“Say it.” He shifted her. “Look at me.”

“I-I don’t want to be flogged.” She figured it was a good
time to remind him.

He ignored her. “What’s your safe word?”

“D-dragon.”

“Perfect. Now let’s get you tied.”

Chapter Eleven

Ted grabbed one of the ropes overhead. He worked to separate
it from the other three that were wrapped around the same O-ring, and looked down.
Jo was trembling and he hadn’t even taken the robe off her yet.

“Hey,” he let the rope go and put his hands on her
shoulders. “Look at me.”

When she looked up he was reminded of the night in the rodeo
suite at the resort. She’d been trembling then too, but there wasn’t a drop of
fear in her eyes. It was almost unnerving. As if her mind remained fixed and in
control of her emotions, but her body was a different story. It gave up the
secrets she wanted to keep.

“Don’t be scared.” He cupped her chin, which silenced the
protest she was going to make, and added, “I know you are. I see it. Maybe not
in your eyes or expression, but there are other ways I can tell.”

“I won’t be a wimp if that’s what you’re worried about.”

He frowned. “No heroics, Jo. This is all about finding your
threshold. I want you to pay attention and be safe.”

He read the determination in her eyes. Took note of the
defiant tilt of her chin and it hit him. This was the draw for him. This was
the same iron will that Selena had shown and that had captivated him from the
start. Why hadn’t he’d seen the similarities before?
Because you didn’t want
to be reminded.
There was no getting away from that fact now, because Jo
had the determination. The will to do for him and him alone no matter the cost.
It was an exhilarating and dangerous discovery and one that needed to be
tested.

“Really. I’m going to do whatever you want. I promise.”

His lips quirked, because she looked really pissed off about
it. Amazing. Maybe the draw was the same for her only different. As in she
couldn’t help but do what he wanted. Was that it?

“What I want from you tonight are honest reactions. If
you’re uncomfortable, if it’s painful or if something bothers you I want you to
tell me. I can’t guarantee that I’ll make the change to suit you, but at least
I’ll be one step closer to figuring you out.”

“Do I get to figure you out?”

He smiled. “You’re welcome to try, but you may not like what
you find. I will tell you this.” He brushed his thumb over her lips and
whispered, “You know far more about me than some of my closest friends. Now…”

He undid her belt and slipped the robe off her shoulders. In
a whisper it landed on the floor. He didn’t even bother kicking it aside. She
was too much of a temptation. “Relax.”

She gasped when he pushed her back the few inches into the
wall.

“Cold?”

“Yes.”

“Let me see if I can warm you up some.”

He wedged his knee between her legs and forced them to
spread. When she complied, he pushed up until his thigh was a snug fit against
her softness. “Relax,” he said again and waited for the tension in her body to
ease. “That’s better. Give me your mouth.”

Apples. She tasted of apples with just the tiniest hint of
vanilla and he dove in to get more. Swirling his tongue over hers. Going in
deep and then easing all the while pressing his leg up into her more firmly
until she was lifted off the ground. Suspended over his limb and dangling while
he waited for the inevitable to happen. And when it did, he groaned. The feel
of her creaming his leather. The sexy way she slipped sideways before he caught
her sent hot blood pounding to his cock head.

“I want you to stay loose, just as you are.”

He angled his neck and let her kiss him there. Going slow,
he reached up over her head for the four ropes that were coiled on the largest
eyehook and whispered, “Very good, princess. I’m going to,” he unwound them as
he dragged the wooden step stool with his foot, that looked more like a
workhorse underneath them and gently brought her feet down onto it, “have you
stand on this while I drop these ropes behind you. Just like this.”

The silk cords swung down, and although now that she was
standing on the stool on level with him, and could look him right in the eyes,
he gauged she wasn’t paying him much attention. Not that it mattered though.
Her distraction didn’t sway him. He started with the four ropes, pulling them
to one side, mentally measuring where to start before he executed a large
basket weave pattern with them.

“Have you ever macraméd? This type of knot is like the
square knot you’d find doing that craft. Only,” he cinched it, making sure it
was snug, “there are two small variations I like to include that leaves room
between the netting for me to gain access.”

Once he’d finished the long length he held it up, knowing he
had her attention now.

“It looks like a hammock.”

“It is in a way.”

“Oh!”

“Easy.” He steadied her. “It goes between your legs like
this and then I secure these two ends to this eyehook like so.” He checked to
make sure they were securely fastened. “And these two ends…”

He pulled to tighten them and once he was satisfied he went
after her again with his mouth. For no other reason than to make her hot. He
loved when her eyes closed and she made soft little sounds low in her throat.
She purred better than any other woman he’d had the pleasure of petting this
way.

“Give me your hand,” he whispered against her cheek before
he shifted and took her earlobe between his teeth for a small bite. “Good, now
the other one. Come on. Be a good girl. That’s right. I’m just going to secure
them right like this.” He nuzzled her chin up to lick her neck. “It’s almost
like your hands are behind your head, isn’t it? Only they’re strapped to those
four ropes behind you. The position thrusts your breasts forward. I love that.
You don’t mind, do you?”

He sucked on her neck and then bit a path down the sensitive
cord to the base. “Tell me.”

“No. I don’t mind.”

“Good, princess, very good. Now,” he stepped back and
grabbed hold of her hips through the ropes, “I’m going to take this—”

“Ted!”

“Away. I’m here. It’s okay. See?”

He took the stool out from underneath her tiptoed feet, and
this time he let go of her completely. She was literally pinned against the
wall. Suspended by the intricate pattern of knots he’d created. His only regret
was the basket weave that worked like a seat holding her up left him limited
access to her pussy. He’d have to make do and concentrate on her other
delectable parts. Her breasts were accessible as the only other ties holding
her were one silken cord across her collarbone and another at the bottom of her
rib cage.

“I want you to relax.” She closed her eyes and took a deep
breath and when she did her breasts rose and fell with the sweetest little
quiver. Those delicate beauties with stunning designs were the perfect place to
start.

“Ted?”

“I’ll be right back.” He went to the table beside his chair
and grabbed the bag that had all the items he’d chosen to use tonight. As he
searched through them, he shook his head. He needed to get his shit together
with her. She should be calling him Sir. She should be zipping that lip of hers
until he told her she could speak, but for some reason he didn’t want to do
that. It was wrong he knew. It was sending all the wrong messages to her, but
he couldn’t help it. Maybe he’d get her to bend on the one thing.

“These are Japanese Clover nipple clamps. They have solid
little pinchers. Real strong. Once I attach them to you I’ll take this,” he
showed her the chain with the clip on the end, “and I’ll attach this to one of
the ropes down here. If you move even slightly it will tighten the pinch on
these, do you understand?”

He ran his fingers over the hardened peak of one breast and
said, “Once I get these on you I want you to thank me.”

She nodded and that was good enough for him. Recalling the
night at the resort, he knew she liked being tied. So the only question that
remained was, would she like everything else he planned to do to her?

“Easy.” Her intake of breath made him go slow. Very slow as
he got one clamp on her and then the other. “Breathe through the sting. Imagine
yourself pulling it into your body, distributing it evenly through your entire
system. That’s right, close your—”

“Fu—”

“Jo.”

“Darn it.”

He clamped one on the rope and paused before he did the
other. “There will be no talking unless I say you can. Definitely no swearing
and yes, darn it, to me is a cuss phrase so don’t use it again.” He almost
laughed because she was glaring. She had moxie he’d give her that. “Don’t blame
me. You’re the one who moved. The clamps tighten, remember?”

He waited for her to close her eyes before he clipped on the
second chain. “There, now you can thank me.”

Her eyes snapped open and she frowned, remaining mute.

“I want you to say, thank you, Sir.”

She hesitated but after a quiet moment said, “Thank you…” He
raised a brow and stared her down until she added, “Sir.”

“Barely passable.” He reached out and gently tugged on one
of the chains, which made her gasp. “Say it like you mean it.”

“Yes Sir.”

“Better, much better.” He stroked her cheek. “Now, you stay
put while I see what else I have for us to play with, but while I’m gone I want
you to close your eyes.” He leaned up against her. Pressing her into the wall.
“I want you to feel the silky rope on your skin and between your legs as it
cradles you. As it holds your arms and hands in position. Imagine how you look
to me. Pinned and naked under the sturdy knots. Think about how I want to touch
every part of you with my mouth.”

She looked like she was waiting for a bus. “Jo.”

“I’m trying.”

“Shush.” He was careful around the chains. Touching every
other part of her he could without disturbing the clamps. “That’s right, let
the tension go. Don’t think. Feel. Feel how your body responds to my attention.
How much it craves it.”

To highlight his point, he sucked at her neck before he bent
and flicked the tip of his tongue over one nipple then the other. Loving how
she shivered and hissed, because the small shakes tightened those metal
clovers.

He leaned back and took in the view. “You’re stunning. Are
you wet? Should I check?”

He slipped a hand down, letting his fingers lightly skim the
cords until he got between her legs. Just as he’d planned it, there was enough
space between the patterns to find a nice patch of soft, pink flesh. “Damn,
you’re wet.” He moved in and spoke in her ear. “But not wet enough. Maybe I
should…”

“Oh fu—dar—ooh…Toledo.”

“Toledo? That’s a new one.” He smiled against her shoulder
as he rubbed his curled knuckles over her drenched flesh. “No talking,
remember?” Pinching her clit, he angled his head and watched her bite her
bottom lip. The minute she squeezed her eyes closed, he wanted to push her
more. Just knowing she was bearing the adrenaline rush for him without a word
set his Dom mode on fire. The challenge of overcoming her will was like an
aphrodisiac to him.

“Breathe and no coming. Remember that. There’s no letting go
unless I tell you to.” He purposely tortured her. Holding her on the brink as
he slid his bent knuckles up and down and round and round. Pressing and then
retreating as he kissed her neck. Her shoulder. Taking the occasional bite
before he eased the sting with a swipe of his tongue. Keeping her on the very
edge, as minutes ticked by and the quiet in the room was only disrupted by the
sound of her husky pants and the occasional sizzle and pop from the fire.

“Ted…”

She was drenched. He kept telling himself with one more
flick, a brush or a press from him she’d explode and yet she didn’t. She was
like a well-trained sub, but he knew she wasn’t, which meant one thing. There
was a disconnect with her. Her mind was stronger than her body, but for all the
wrong reasons. She was always in control. Even when he told her to come, it was
her decision to do so. Stubbornness. That was how she’d managed to process her
fears with logic that night at the resort. “You’re supposed to be silent but
since you can’t seem to manage doing that tonight, when we’re like this, it’s
Sir. Call me Sir.”

“Please…Sir.”

“Shhh.” He was careful to create some space between them.
Not too much, Jo liked to be crowded. “I do please. Now that I have you in the
right frame of mind and the perfect state to be agreeable, I want you to pay
attention.”

He plucked one of the large clamps out of the bag of things
he had for them and then gathered her hair. The silken mass was beautiful and
thick, but right now it was in the way, because it kept sliding over parts of
her and obstructing his view. Clipping the strands back, he smiled. “There,
that’s better. Now.” He cupped a hand under her chin, and spotted the naked clarity
in her eyes. His adrenaline was jacked. Her calm expression belied the soaking
wet pussy between her legs. The idea that she thought she could control her
body’s reaction to him got his cock hard. “I want to explain something to you.
Clarify some misconceptions you have about exposure therapy. Hey,” he moved in
closer until her pinched nipples grazed his chest, “don’t ever, ever turn from
me when I’m talking to you.”

“Y-yes Sir.”

“Remember that, Jo, and you’ll stay out of trouble. Now I
want you to listen. Are you listening?”

She nodded.

“Good.” He brought his arms up and placed the flat of his
palms with fingers splayed on the wall on either side of her head as he leaned
in. Almost forehead to forehead with her. “I want to talk about the pain you
think you need to feel whole again. The kind of exposure therapy you think will
help you. You thought you’d be all better in here,” He brought one hand down
and slid it under her left breast through the ropes, “if you relived what
happened to you, didn’t you?”

Her nod was curt.

“But don’t you know, princess? This,” he pressed against the
warm skin over her heart, “is where you’re broken. You have to repair the
damage on the inside before you can work on the outside.”