Page 45 of Hooked

Her moans conveyed her enjoyment, as did the muffled clanking of the velvet-encased chains high overhead. She trembled beneath his touch, the shuddering rush of air through her lips becoming harsh as her need grew. When he stopped momentarily and moved to the other nipple, to lavish it with the equal attention, her whimpers became more insistent.

“Now,” he murmured, when he raised his head minutes later, “for the presentation of the crown jewels.”

He held up nipple clamps with sapphire-like stones dangling from delicate chains.

Despite her obvious arousal, she giggled.

“Do you find something amusing, my queen?”

“Otherjewelscame to mind.”

“Naughty wench,” he scolded, tweaking a nipple.

This time, she laughed outright. “Please, Sire. Don’t make me laugh. I’d hate for you to be insulted. I can’t imagine the punishment for such a crime.”

“For an unguarded tongue, ten lashes at the whipping post was the order of the day.”

This sobered her and she protested on an indrawn breath, “A whip. But, Joseph—”

“But for my queen, nothing so harsh. An hour in the brank should suffice, I think.”

“The what?”

“Look on the shelves behind me.”

He watched as she scanned the back wall.

“Also known as the Gossip’s Bridle.”

He knew the instant she located the padded head cage with the penis gag. Horror-stricken, she slipped her role. “You can’t be serious. I wouldn’t be able to breathe.”

“Are you ready to safeword?”

Her eyes met his with obvious dismay. “Is that my only choice?”

“If I say it is.”

She snapped her mouth shut, closing her eyes as well.

“Stoic is my queen,” he murmured. “Back in Henry Tudor’s day, the cage was metal, and the gag had barbs. A damn unpleasant piece of business.”

“Forgive me, but how do you know so much about fifteenth-century torture?”

“Sixteenth. I was a history major in undergrad and took several classes on the Renaissance. Henry was a cruel bastard and had nothing on De Sade, but never would I be so harsh with you.” He applied the first clamp as he said this, adjusting the tightness until she squirmed and tried to pull away. “Would you rather have the Bridle?”

When she shook her head, he backed off the pressure just a bit.

“You’re holding your breath, pet. Breathe through the initial pain and it will even out.”

Carefully, he observed as she did as he bade. After a moment, she relaxed.

“Better?”

“Yes, Sire. It’s been a long time since I’ve worn clamps. I’d forgotten.”

He flicked the dangling blue gems while pinching her other nipple. Knowing what to expect this time, Livia managed the application of the other clamp with ease and grace.

He turned her until she faced the mirrored back wall. “These enhance your beautiful breasts to perfection and match the blue of your eyes.” As he caressed her from behind, he licked up the side of her neck and latched onto her earlobe. Huskily, he advised, “I quite like them, so prepare to be clamped often.”

---