Page 135 of By His Play

“Okay, almost there,” he says, pushing me forward.

The scent changes. It’s subtle, and most people probably wouldn’t notice, but I do.

I guess that’s what happens when you lose one of your senses.

“And stop there,” he says, grabbing my hips and positioning me exactly where he wants me. “Now, I need you to do something for me, okay?”

I nod, too nervous to find my words.

“Count to twenty, and then you can remove your blindfold. Then, like the good girl you are, follow the instructions.” He leans closer, the length of his body pressing against my back. “I’ll make it worth your while.”

32

EFFIE

Istartle as a door closes behind me, but despite my need to open my eyes, I do as I’m told and continue counting.

Nine, ten, eleven, twelve…

What the hell is he doing?

I squeeze my eyes tighter, my hands twitching at my sides with my need to pull the blindfold off.

Everything is silent around me, the air sweet yet fresh.

I have a couple of ideas spinning around my head.

But why? That’s what I can’t figure out.

Fourteen, fifteen, sixteen…

My imagination begins to get the better of me.

Has he brought me somewhere kinky?

I’m sure places like that exist here. I’ve just…never had a reason to look into them.

My heart pounds harder and my body trembles as I count down the final numbers.

Eighteen, nineteen, twenty…

Blowing out a long breath, I try to steel myself for what I might find when I pull the blindfold off.

No sooner do I slip the satin fabric from my face, the light burns, and my eyes water. But despite my view being blurred, it doesn’t stop me from gasping in shock.

I am in the most beautiful hotel room. And hanging before me on the four-poster bed is...the dress.

My heart jumps into my throat as I vividly remember the moment when Kieran stepped into my dressing room and helped me zip it up. The way he looked at me, and the way I burned for him.

If only I knew then what I know now…

My core clenches as I think about what could have happened.

I shake my head, a salacious smile playing on my lips.

What has he done to me?

In only a few days, all of my thoughts somehow lead back to sex. And not just sex. Sex with Kieran.