Page 22 of Stealing Daddy's Heart

I've seen similar things before, but never in this context, never with Skylar by my side.

I find myself watching Skylar's reactions more than the performance itself. Her breathing quickens, her body temperature rises against mine.

She's transfixed, but there's more to it. The flush creeping up her neck, the slight parting of her lips–it's clear she's aroused.

“It's intense,” she breathes out softly, her voice tight with a mixture of awe and something far more intimate. “It's incredible. The control, the discipline.”

I'm rapidly losing my grip on professionalism. My voice drops lower, a husky edge to my words. “This is desire. Naked, raw, and unfiltered. It's power, but it's also the willingness to surrender to someone you trust.”

We watch as Raven manipulates the model's body, the ropes restraining and accentuating. Skylar turns in my arms.

Her eyes are bright, challenging. “But the model gives that power. She trusts Raven completely. It's the artist's responsibility to be worthy of it.”

We’re no longer discussing the performance, are we? “It's a big step. Are you sure you're ready for that?”

“With the right person? Absolutely.”

As the performance reaches its climax, the music swells to a haunting crescendo. The model is now suspended, her body swaying in the air. Spotlights focus solely on her, casting everything else in shadow. Skylar is swaying, unconsciously mirroring the model.

Raven's voice cuts through the silence, crystal clear in the hushed room. “Let go,” she instructs the model. “Trust.”

Skylar’s breath is coming in short gasps. I tighten my hold on her, sensing something's wrong. Suddenly, her knees buckle. I react instantly, my arms encircling her, steadying her against my chest. “I've got you,” I murmur, my voice low and grounding.

I feel her sag against me, letting out a shaky breath. The vulnerability in her posture, the way she trusts me to hold her up—it hits me like a physical blow. This is what she's been craving, what I've been fighting against giving her.

“Garrett.” The way she says my name, full of vulnerability and need, nearly breaks my resolve.

She steps closer, her eyes intense. “And, Garrett...” She hesitates, her thumb brushing over the lapel of my jacket. “I trust you with more than just my safety.”

My throat goes dry, and I struggle to find my voice. “I can't deny it either. Being here, with you, I feel—” My words falter.

Her eyes sparkle in the low light. “You feel it too.”

I cup her cheek, my thumb brushing her soft skin. “I've tried to ignore it.”

She lays her hand over mine, and our fingers tangle together. “But not anymore,” she breathes, her lips inching closer to mine.

I let out a ragged breath, my resolve crumbling. “Are you asking me to take charge right now?” I murmur, the words razor-edged with tension. “Because, Skylar, you need to understand... There won't be any coming back once we cross that line. I'm not a man who does things by halves.”

“I know,” she breathes, eyes shimmering with determination that only spurs my own resolve. “And that's exactly what I want.”

“You really want to know what I'm capable of?”

“Yes.” Skylar's gaze is unwavering. “I trust you, Garrett.”

I tilt my head closer to hers, the space between us narrowing to a thin, electrified sliver.

“Then let's begin with this,” I rasp, my voice thickening as I lean into the heat gathering in the air between our mouths. “You tell me to stop, right here, right now, if this isn't what you want.”

Skylar doesn't hesitate. Her lips part slightly, her breath coming in short, quivering bursts, but she's resolute. “Don't stop.”

I don't need to be told twice. My hand slides up to cup the side of her face, my thumb tracing the delicate line of her jaw. Every nerve in my body is on high alert.

I lean in, my lips brushing her ear as I growl, “Don't say I didn't warn you.”

Skylar's eyes darken, her lips parting. Whatever happens next will change everything.

Chapter 7

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