Page 14 of Sinful Chains

She shuddered at the word, making me sit up and take notice.

“What…what does that look like in practice?” she asked softly.

“It looks like me putting myself in your hands. Emotionally. Financially. Sexually. And me trusting that you’ll use that power to please me, not to destroy me.”

“But what pleases you, specifically?”

“You want specific?” I asked, watching her nod slowly. “When you see how hard my dick gets while I’m washing your feet or carrying your shopping bags, I’m sure that’ll give you a more specific idea of how I’m wired.”

Her eyes dropped to my lips, her chest rising and falling slowly. “Why me?”

I chuckled, leaning back, taking a relaxed posture. I was in the zone, now. Exposed, but comfortable. “You’re the kind of woman men go to war for,” I answered. “Whatever you want, I’ll give it. I'll do it. I'll say it. I belong to you."

Her chest rose high and fell deep as her breathing changed. “And that turns you on?”

I let out a low, rough laugh. “San, you have no idea.”

“I might havesomeidea,” she purred, flashing me a knowing smile.

Fuck.

That look.

That change in her voice.

Her curiosity.

All of it sent heat shooting down my spine, never mind the way my dick twitched in my pants.

I shifted in my seat again, ready to show her some specifics, but I had to pace myself. Ease her in.

“Tonight,” I said. “My room. Seven o’clock.”

The room was perfect.

The faint smells of warm honey, sandalwood, and roses lingered in the air. Candles sat on every surface, flickering in the dimlight, their glow reflecting off the surface of the water. Shadows danced along the walls, flickering over the red bedding and towering bookshelves filled with everything from classic philosophy to Black nationalist political theory. This was my sanctuary, and Santari was about to be the object of my worship.

The basin at my feet was filled with milk and warm water, swirling with rose petals that bobbed along the surface. I added a few drops of vanilla and jasmine essential oils to the water.

This was a ritual.

Just as I stood, I heard a soft, tender voice behind me say, “Can I come in?”

I turned to her and inclined my head, my eyes roaming her body as I wondered why she walked up in here half naked. I wasn’t complaining, but it was clear to me she didn’t understand what she was dealing with yet.

She was fine as hell, though. No complaints from me about them little ass shorts and cut off tank top.

After hesitating for a moment, her eyes dropped to the basin and the ribbons ofsteam curling into the air. She was intrigued. Cautious. A little nervous.

Good.

That meant she was invested.

I approached her slowly, wrapping her in a hug, kissing her cheek. “How was your day, Princess?”

She gave a shy smile. “Long and boring.” Her eyes darted around the room again. “What is all this?”

I took a step back, leading her over to the chair I’d set up in the middle of the room. “This is…the beginning.”

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