Page 14 of Red Velvet

And he saw it. He knows it's there.

I can't breathe. He's not touching me, but it still feels as if he's holding me in that same tight grip from before, not cutting off air but threatening to do so.

"Drink," he says, pointing at the glass of water next to me. "Now."

I want to protest his patronizing demand, but my thirst is stronger than my pride. I do as I’m told and empty half of the glass in one greedy gulp.

"So, you've never been to The Velvet Rooms?" he asks once I set the glass back down.

I shake my head in silence.

"Do you want to go there?"

My eyes dart up to him, wide in question and surprise. "With you?"

"That could be an option."

A handsome smile graces his face, laced with a dark promise that tickles my thirst for adventure. I have been curious about that kink club ever since Elene first told me about it. She flinched when I called it "magical" but was never willing to enlighten me on what exactly it was all about. And I didn't probe, because she’s my sister. We’re kind of close, but not to a degree that would allow for us to openly discuss our sex lives, thanks to a demure upbringing that tamed us more than one would think based on Elene's choices in life.

Only hers. I’ve always displayed the perfectly prudish daughter our mother was proud of.

Always.

Until now.

"I-I'm not sure," I stutter. "I don't even know you."

I want to lower my eyes to escape his probing gaze, but he locks me down, placing his index finger below my chin and tilting my face back up to his. My eyelashes flicker nervously as I fight to keep my eyes open, lacking the strength I would need to deliver a more convincing performance.

"You can get to know me," he says, an ominous tone lacing his words. "You’ll learn everything you need to know there in The Velvet Rooms."

I squint at him, unsure what to make of his statement. It’s as promising as it is daunting, and I’m not sure which side I should react to.

"I can tell you’re intrigued."

Apparently he’s decided to focus on my curiosity rather than my fear.

I bite my lower lip, unable to phrase any sort of response while tense silence stretches between us.

But not for long.

"That’s all I needed to hear," he says in a low voice, evoking another wave of confusion.

I never said yes. Why is he acting like I did?

"You’ve never been dominated before, have you?"

Oh my God.

"Dominated," I whisper weakly. "You mean like… spanked and whipped and all that?"

I sound like a fucking twelve-year-old, but he just nods, showing no sign that he agrees with my assessment.

"Yes, among other things."

"What other things?"

He smirks, a subtle shake of his head suggesting he isn’t going to answer that question.

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