Page 97 of Ugly Beautiful Scars

"Anything, beautiful."

The way he calls me that… I can't imagine a more wonderful feeling.

I open a music app on my phone and let some music play low through the speakers. Sean is curious. I see it peeking from the curved corner of his lip. Quickly, I push the coffee table into the kitchen, making more space in my tiny living area.

"I used to do dance competitions. In high school."

Sean's brow lifts.

"I went through a 'musicals' phase," I continue, laughing at myself. "I'm a horrible singer, but I liked dance. I did that for a while until I moved to Hollywood."

"Did you win any competitions?"

"I placed third once. That was so long ago so I might be pretty awful now, but I'd like to do one of my old routines for you."

"I'm looking forward to it." His wide smile makes my pulse jump and I can't stop my blush.

I start the music and step back, letting it wash over me. The first few moves are hesitant; I'm rusty, and it shows. My feet barely remember the steps. But none of that matters because tonight isn't about perfection. It's about performing.

The dance I picked isn't complex. There are two high kicks, a few hip hop and pop moves worked in, but it's mostly a slow, rhythm-based routine as opposed to something that's technical. As I stumble through it, my heart sings. I've missed this—the thrill of the stage, the audience, being watched and admired without fear.

And Sean is giving me his entire focus, flashing smiles here and there that make the ache between my legs so much worse. I spin close, letting silk skim across his bare shoulders before twirling away again—a tease that's probably torturing me more than it is him.

My body craves to be closer.

He shifts slightly against his bonds when we make eye contact. He's straining yet holding himself back while I'm completely free. I'm freer than I've felt in so long.

When was the last time I felt this alive?

I keep going, pushing past the awkwardness until I find a flow. My body remembers more than I thought it would. Muscle memory takes over, and I lose myself in the dance. Each beat brings a rush that makes me feel like I'm coming home to some lost part of my soul.

The routine only lasts five minutes but feels like a lifetime and a heartbeat all at once. When the song ends, I collapse to my knees on the floor, panting and exhilarated as I face Sean.

"That was amazing," he says, grinning. "Imagine me clapping."

I bite my bottom lip, trying to keep myself contained, because this moment is more than I'd hoped for. Sean came, he stayed, and he's here with me through all of this.

I smile and blush, holding his gaze. I'm panting, my body humming and tingling. Life is perfect and amazing, and the adrenaline is cascading through my veins. Having Sean watch me as he's tied up and I'm in complete control is such a rush. And all those hard muscles on display… I'm so unbearably turned on that I can't bear it.

I spread my legs a little, remaining on my knees on the floor, and press a hand between my thighs. I'm too wet, so I rub fingers along my clit, biting back a moan. I hold his gaze as I pleasure myself.

The energy around him shifts completely.

Chapter 30

LONDYN

SEAN'S EYES DARKEN AS THEY roam my body. He watches my hand work. I glance at his crotch. He's thick and hard under his jeans, and instead of feeling intimidated or nervous, I love it.

I love that he's getting hard for me. That he wants me.

He follows my gaze and then shifts his hips. "Is it making you uncomfortable?"

"No. No, I like it."

He wets his lips. "I like—" He closes his mouth and swallows the words.

"What do you like?"

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