Page 27 of Forbidden Obsession

“Let me take you to the best steakhouse in Richardson then. They have a filet that literally melts in your mouth.”

“Will you still let me buy you dinner?”

“If youinsist.”

“I do.” Emma’s smile was so mesmerizing, I didn’t mind letting her foot the bill or putting my ego in time out.

Traffic was a bitch, as usual during rush hour, and moving at a snail’s pace. When a police car and ambulance screamed past us on the shoulder of the highway, I knew we wouldn’t make it to Richardson anytime soon.

“Sorry. We probably should have grabbed dinner at the mall.”

“No.” Emma shook her head. “It’s fine.”

“But you’re starving.”

“If the steaks are as good as you say, trust me. I will survive.”

“You might, but I’m not too sure I will. I’m so hungry I could eat a water buffalo.”

“Why didn’t you say something?” She gaped.

“What…and let you think I was a wuss who couldn’t handle a few hunger pangs? No way.” When she rolled her eyes and shook her head, I grinned. “I haven’t eaten since six this morning. I burned off breakfast hauling furniture hours before that damn tornado hit.”

“Speaking of furniture. What was that padded table thing we hid under?”

Since witnessing her submissive demeanor, I’d been plotting ways to start a lifestyle conversation. I’d never expected Emma to kick that fucking door open. I had no clue if she was prepared to learn the truth about me, and ultimately herself. But I wasn’t going to let this golden opportunity pass me by.

“It’s called a bondage table.”

“Abondagetable? As in…tying someone to it?”

“Yes,” I replied, darting her a sidelong glance.

I could tell by her expression Emma was puzzled by the concept.

“Consensually, of course,” I added, trying to ease her bewilderment.

“Why would someonewantto be tied up?”

“Lots of people have reasons for willingly giving up their control. Some feel safe being bound and confined. Some find peace. Some get off on the thrill of being helpless and unable to physically stop what someone is doing to them.”

“Doing to them? Like what?”

“Spanking, tickling, fondling…forcing them to orgasm.”

“What kind of private club were you working at, for heaven’s sake?”

“Have you ever heard of BDSM?”

“Of course, who hasn’t,” she replied, then gasped as her eyes grew wide. “That place was akinkclub?”

“Yes.”

“Why wereyouthere?” she asked, eyeing me warily.

“Moving furniture.”

“So, you’re not a member?”

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