Page 7 of Forbidden Heat

“No. I use pain to enhance pleasure.”

I stare at him. “That’s a very strange concept.”

“And yet, for many people, a true experience.”

“Are you saying …” My brain finally, belated, starts to connect the dots. “You want to have sex with me?”

“I’m saying that for me, punishment and sex are two parts of a whole. But ... it’s not why you’re here. In this house.”

Disappointment stings at the backs of my eyes. “I understand,” I say, turning my head away.

He brings it back, gently. “I couldn’t cross that line with you unless you said you wanted it.”

Oh. Suddenly, everything makes sense. This is about consent. And knowing that, my whole body lights up with yes. “I want it. I want you.”

“Even if that comes with punishments and pain and me being in control?”

“I don’t — I’ve never — I don’t know if I’ll like it.” I suddenly feel like I’m walking through a minefield. “But I want to find out.”

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