"Punishments," he said calmly. "You mentioned clarity. Elaborate."
I took a moment to gather my thoughts. "No humiliation in public," I said firmly. "And no more isolation as punishment."
Ian's brow furrowed as he considered my words. After a moment, he nodded. "Reasonable," he said, his fingers flying over the keyboard as he made note of my boundaries.
"Read it over on the computer," Ian instructed, his tone soft but firm. "We'll go over it again when we've had time to think more and finalize it."
I nodded, skimming the document. I’d learned my lesson from the first time I signed a contract.
"Do you feel better now, Collette?" he asked, his voice low and laced with anticipation.
I nodded. The tension between us had shifted, morphed into something heavier, thicker.
Ian stood slowly, his chair scraping against the floor. He moved behind me, his hands resting on my shoulders, firm and possessive. His thumbs kneaded gently into my tense muscles. "You've been very brave tonight," he murmured, his lips brushing the shell of my ear. "But now I think it's time to remind you who's in charge."
My body responded before my mind caught up.
"Stand up," he ordered, his hands guiding me to my feet. I rose, my mind whirling.
"You're mine, Collette," he whispered, his lips brushing against my ear. "Never forget that."
I nodded, my throat dry. "I won't," I managed to say, my voice barely above a whisper.
Ian's hand closed around mine as he led me from the dining room. His grip was firm, an unspoken command to follow without hesitation. We crossed the expanse of his condo, dim lighting casting shadows across the walls.
My heart raced as we entered the guest bedroom. It was just as luxurious as the rest of his place - a massive bed with dark silk sheets, ambient lighting that felt intimate and dangerous.
"Stand here," Ian ordered, his tone brooking no argument.
I obeyed, pulse pounding in anticipation. He stepped closer, fingers tilting my chin up to meet his piercing gaze.
"Strip," he said simply.
Heat rushed to my cheeks, but I complied. My movements were slow, deliberate, as I removed each piece of clothing. The air between us grew more charged with every reveal of skin.
When I was finally bare before him, Ian's eyes roamed my body. I could see his approval in the way his jaw tightened.
"Kneel."
I sank to my knees, gaze dropping instinctively. My breath came faster. It felt different now. The contract, the negotiations, had shifted something between us. There was a new understanding, a fragile trust taking root.
I knew he would push me, test my limits. But I thought now he would respect my boundaries.
Ian circled me slowly, his presence overwhelming. I could feel the heat of his body, the weight of his gaze on my exposed skin. My heart hammered against my ribs as he stopped behind me.
His hands brushed my shoulders, trailing down my arms, igniting my skin with every touch. I shivered, goosebumps rising in the wake of his fingers.
"You wanted a safe word," he murmured, lips ghosting over my neck. "You'll remember to use it if you need to, won't you?"
"Yes," I whispered, voice trembling.
"Good. Now let's see just how obedient you can be."
He reached around, a silk tie dangling from his fingers. With deft movements, he bound my wrists, the fabric smooth against my skin. He was meticulous, ensuring my circulation wasn't cut off, but the restraint was undeniable.
I tested the tie, a thrill rushing through me at the restriction. I could get used to games like this.
"You look beautiful like this," Ian said, his tone filled with dark promises. He traced a finger down my spine, making me arch.