Page 42 of Royal Pain

What I couldn’t take my eyes off were the four girls who were exactly as I’d described to Gage, each one on her knees with her head in her master’s lap, peering up at him as if the man was God. It was odd to think the men were likely telling them they were good girls.

Just like Gage had done only minutes before; was this what I secretly wanted? I was terrified of the answer.

“Once you learn the technique, you’ll find adding various roping styles will become much easier.” The master tugged on one of the ropes as he walked around the hanging girl, peering at every member of the audience before nodding out of respect to Gage. The man’s eyes shifted to me as if I was fresh meat, but he continued to educate, obviously enjoying the spotlight.

“What do you think?” Gage whispered in my ear. He was standing behind me, one hand placed on my arm in his typical possessive stance. As he nuzzled into my neck, a series of heated shivers coursed down my spine.

“It’s beautiful, more so than I had any idea about.”

“There are aspects that will floor and scare you. When you’re ready, I’ll be happy to introduce you.”

I leaned against him, needing the warmth. My throat was dry, my entire mind trying to process what I was seeing. It was odd that if I ever attempted anything involving BDSM, it would need to be with Gage.

Why was it the man was rocking my world?

CHAPTER 12

Evangeline

“Good girl.”

Gage’s words continued playing out in my mind. I couldn’t shake them. Maybe I had to face several truths about myself. Yes, I’d been scared and somewhat disgusted when I’d gone to the club and for good reason according to Gage. What I’d neglected to tell him was that I’d come home and whipped out one of my vibrators.

“Now, I need two volunteers,” the master called from the front of the classroom-style room, currently untying and freeing the submissive he’d tied. He helped her down, doing much like what Gage had done with me in cupping her face.

She looked into her master’s eyes lovingly.

“Good girl.” He made the statement loud enough so that the audience could hear. They clapped in approval.

Meanwhile, I was starting to perspire.

“Breathe,” Gage reminded me.

“The best way to ensure you understand additional training will be needed, but the basics can be learned immediately, is to have two novices.” The master was grinning.

I did my best to hide behind Gage and he was having none of it, pushing me forward by two feet.

“Mr. Royal. Would you like to highlight for your partner that even someone of your stature enjoys learning about new aspects of this artform?”

If I didn’t know better, I’d say this had been arranged. Maybe it had been.

“I think that’s a marvelous idea.”

“No!” I was horrified, spinning around and lightly beating my fists against his chest. “I can’t be naked in front of other people. I just can’t.”

He kissed my forehead, which was just another way of reminding me he was in charge and that I could trust him. “You don’t need to. I’ll be gentle, untying you immediately should you become too uncomfortable. Okay?”

Could I do this? I’d be damned if I wasn’t going to try. If not, the monster had won. “I can and will do this.”

“Good girl.”

This time when he issued the words, I was certain my legs would collapse. He had a way of making me feel entirely different than any man had before. I suddenly wanted to please him and only him.

Was that insane after everything I’d been through? My therapist would call it healing.

Gage took me by the hand, leading me to front and center. The crowd clapped again, providing encouragement.

I couldn’t help but study the faces of the men in the audience. I recognized several, including one politician from my home state, an actor, and a couple of corporate moguls who’d had their pictures inFortune Magazinerecently. No wonder anonymity was required, NDAs signed.

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