Page 35 of Royal Deception
Fasten the collar I’ve provided around your neck.
Kneel on the pillow and wait for my arrival.
One quick glanceat the armchair and I spot the collar lying neatly on the pillow.
Rory isn’t even here yet and he’s already in complete control.
A shiver runs down my spine as I toe off my shoes and set them next to the chair. Reaching for the buttons on my shirt, Itake my time pulling them apart, allowing myself that moment to regain control of myself.
The air conditioning sends goosebumps across my skin as I fold each article of clothing and set it on the chair.
The leather of the collar is smooth against my fingertips as I lift it, fastening it around my neck with steady hands, though my heart pounds wildly beneath my ribs.
I lower myself to my knees, settling onto the plush pillow, hands resting palm-up on my thighs.
And then I wait.
Every second seems to stretch into eternity as anticipation builds inside me. I’m totally exposed now, completely vulnerable from the moment Rory walks through the door.
The thought of surrendering control to him is enough to calm the chaos in my mind. I’m ready for him to come, to claim me totally and completely.
The door clicks open, and I flick my eyes up briefly, meeting Rory’s. The heat in his gaze sends another flicker of desire through me, and I lower my eyes, keeping my hands steady on my thighs.
The look on his face is full of promise for our evening together. I can’t wait to see what he has in store for me.
15
RORY
Anticipation builds inside me as I step off the elevator. My footsteps echo across the marble flooring as I walk to my door, and when I open it, my heart pounds at the sight of the figure waiting for me.
Clary is obediently kneeling on the pillow, just as I’d instructed. Her posture is perfect, head bowed, hands resting on her thighs, the collar around her neck a display of her submission.
The sight of her like this stirs something in me, something primal, and arousal pools low in my belly, but I push it away, not wanting to deal with it at the moment.
I can’t help but admire the way she looks in this moment, so vulnerable, so open for me. She’s completely still, though I catch sight of her eyes as they briefly flick up to meet mine. Just a brief moment before she turns them back down, waiting for me to make a move.
Her body trembles almost imperceptibly. There’s a heavy sense of anticipation hanging in the air. I know what she expects, but I’m not here to give her what she wants. She’s going to do what I want right now.
As I clear my throat, I wait, and Clary’s eyes meet mine once again, her expression wide and expectant. “You will always refer to me as ‘Sir’ from now on,” I tell her. “Whenever you have your collar on, call me by that title.” Clary nods.
“Yes, Sir.”
“Stand up,” I order, my voice quiet but commanding.
She’s on her feet instantly, obeying without hesitation. I watch, a swell of satisfaction at the way she completely surrenders herself to me.
Without another word, I guide her by the arm to the dining room. The housekeeper has left my meal waiting on the table. The rich aromas of soda bread and pot roast fill the air, but I don’t sit down. Instead, I gesture to the spot next to my chair, placing the pillow there and waiting for Clary to kneel. She hesitates for a moment but lowers herself onto the pillow, and I take a seat, placing my napkin on my lap, beginning to eat without giving her any further acknowledgment. The silence in the room is thick, but I find myself enjoying it almost as much as the delicious food.
As I glance at her out of the corner of my eye, I see her relax, her body sinking into the space beside me. Her obedience is a magnetic force, and I’m having a hard time ignoring her despite the way she remains silent.
Between bites, I absentmindedly reach out to stroke her hair, my fingers threading through the soft strands. She leans into the touch, her breath steadying as the seconds pass. The trust that she’s placing in me is intoxicating, but there’s something more, something deeper that I refuse to let myself examine right now.
For now, I focus on the meal, ignoring her except for the occasional gentle touch to her hair. I continue eating in silence, watching her relax further into the moment.
Once I’ve finished the last bite, I set my fork down and place the napkin on the table. Clary is still kneeling silently beside me,the faint scent of pot roast still lingering in the air. I rise from my chair and head into the kitchen to clean up. Clary’s eyes track my movements but she remains perfectly still, her posture straight. A twinge of pride blossoms in my chest at how well she’s obeying.
As soon as I’ve finished cleaning up, I turn back to her and hold out my hand. “Come with me, Pet,” I say, my voice soft. She stands, her legs slightly shaky, and I lead her down the hall, the soft sounds of her steps on the hardwood echoing through the apartment.
