Page 87 of Risky Game

“Yeah?” That dumb hopeful lift in my voice couldn’t be squashed before it appeared.

“Yeah, Ruby. I care about you.”

As far as admissions went, it wasn’t much. The weight of it felt heavier than it should have.

I set down my fork and refilled my wine. Two glasses would leave my nerves at bay for later. “Need another drink?”

He shook his head. “I’m good. Think I’ll need my wits for whatever other surprises you have.”

At least one of us would have them.

His dark eyes glittered with amusement. As soon as I told Logan his gifts were in his bedroom, he finished his drink and jogged there.

“Stop!” I settled a hand on his chest. He’d changed after the game and was wearing a black polo shirt and khaki pants. The shirt had the red Steels logo stitched at the chest. My fingers brushed over it as Logan looked down at me, one brow quirked.

“You’re locking me out of my own room?”

“For one minute. Maybe two. I want to set the presents out.” Take a second to gather my nerves. This was happening, and I wanted him to like the idea.

I’d already been on edge thinking about what was coming, what could happen, what he could do to me.

“All right.” He glanced at his Apple Watch and set a timer. “Two minutes, no more.”

I rolled my eyes and laughed. “Patience, sir. Now stay here.”

I was grinning when I entered his room and flicked on the bedroom light. I adjusted it from brightness to a gentle glow. Romantic, sensual, but bright enough he could clearly see what I set out for him.

I’d let him have the pleasure of choosing what he wanted to do.

The lingerie set I bought was two pieces. A tight, black lace corset with a deep V beneath my chest. It tied at the back and after I tried it on at the store, I’d loosened the straps enough so I’d be able to redo it myself later. The panties, though? They were the kicker. And he wouldn’t see until he was right there. My sex exposed through the crotchless lace.

“Oh God,” I groaned and balled my hands into fists to chase away my nerves. Horses might as well have been galloping across my chest.

“One minute!” Logan called out.

I set out the lingerie, hiding the surprise, and then unwrapped the other items from the back. Everything was black, a stark difference from the white duvet cover. The metal of the handcuffs gleamed in the light, looking more severe than they had in the store.

And the other bindings? Well… my pulse raced and I fingered the soft leather of them before I rubbed my hands together and grabbed the garbage. I tossed it in the bathroom trash and hurried to his door.

Once there, I opened it slowly, barely enough he could see me. His bed was out of view, but he still craned his neck to see over me.

“Okay. Before you come see, there are rules.”

His gaze snapped down to mine. “You’re setting the rules now? It’s my birthday.”

Oh my. I gripped the doorknob tighter to stay standing.

“Rules. I bought some, um… things,” I finally choked out.

Brows arched. “Did you…”

“And, well, we don’t have to use them. So if you don’t like it, no worries, but I thought… well, with how you like to boss me, you might like other things.”

“Ruby?” He hadn’t moved an inch and yet my name on his lips, his dark, familiar, rough voice was a caress over my heated skin.

“Yeah?”

“Move out of the way.”

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