Page 127 of Heart of Stone

“Yes, it can,” I agreed, relishing in every response she had to my touch. I stepped away and reached into the drawer to retrieve one of the lace thongs. I looped it around my finger and held it out for her to take. “I think you need to go put on a pair of these so that we can test their durability.”

“I’ll be right back,” she promised, taking the panties from me.

After Krystina disappeared into the bathroom, I went to the stereo to select a playlist for inspiration.

Something darker I think.

I wanted to show Krystina something new tonight, to take her to a place that she hasn’t been. Selecting music that I thought was appropriate for what I had in mind, I turned back to the bed. Reaching up, I began to unlock the latches that held the crossbars in place for the St. Andrews cross.

Once I was satisfied that everything was secure, I fished keys out of my pocket and headed over to my private closet to retrieve the leather cuffs that I would need. However, I was stopped midstride when I heard Krystina cry out from the bathroom.

“Oh, no!”

She exited the bathroom looking like she might cry.

“What? What’s wrong?” I asked, completely alarmed by her outburst.

“I have my period.”

CHAPTER 35

Alexander started laughing like it was the funniest thing that he’d ever heard. I, on the other hand, was thoroughly annoyed,

“This isn’t funny, Alex!”

“Well, it does put a damper on my plans for you, but it’s your reaction that’s making me laugh.”

He laughed harder when I scowled at him. I reached for one of the satin throw pillows that was on the bed and threw it at him.

“You’re such an ass,” I told him, although my words didn’t carry any true venom. I too was fighting off a smile.

“I take it that you’re surprised by your monthly friend?”

“Sort of. I started getting a headache this afternoon. That’s usually a warning that it’s coming.” I frowned, feeling somewhat chagrinned over my negligence to the matter. “I really should keep better track, but since I wasn’t having sex until recently, I guess I didn’t see the necessity. I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize for nature, Krystina. It’s not your fault.”

“I suppose, but that doesn’t change the fact that our night is ruined. No point in me staying over now.”

“Don’t be ridiculous!” he exclaimed, as if it was the most absurd thing he had ever heard. “There are other things we can do besides have sex.”

“Like what? That’s the only thing we do!”

I tried to say it with a laugh, but it sounded forced. I was all revved up with nowhere to go. I wanted nothing more than to sit in a corner and pout for the remainder of the night.

This sucks.

Alexander came over to where I was standing, his expression stoic as he pulled me into his arms.

“You really should give us a bit more credit, Krystina. Do you still have a headache now?” he asked.

“Yeah, just a little one though.”

“Well, let’s see what we can do about that. Shall we?”

He released his arms from my waist and took hold of my hand. Leading me into the bathroom, he opened up the linen closet and began searching for something. I expected him to pull out aspirin for me, but instead he produced a bottle of bubble bath and scented oil.

“What are you doing?” I asked curiously.

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