Page 39 of Relentless Pursuit

He pulled the chair out from the table, turning it around to face the windows. She jumped, frightened over the sound the legs made as they scraped along the hardwood beneath them. She continued to talk at a rapid pace as he removed his jacket and draped it over the chair.

“I just waited for her date to show up and then I left. I wasn’t here that long.”

“But you are here,” he reminded her. “I recall telling you not to come here without me.”

“I know, but—”

“I also recall you telling me you were very clear with that instruction.” He loosened his tie. “Were you confused?”

She didn’t say anything.

“Because I would think a woman with your intelligence would have understood me completely.”

“I did.”

“I see.” He took a seat. “Drop to your knees.” He pointed at his feet. “Right here.”

“You want me to kneel?”

He glanced up at her and then back down to the spot by his feet. Holding his breath, he realized he’d never wanted anyone to obey him more than he wanted her to. If she could prove to him that this was what she really wanted, they could move forward on so many levels.

She set her bag on the table and then walked to stand in front of him. “I am sorry,” she whispered. “I didn’t realize this would be such a big deal.”

“It’s not your apology I’m seeking right now.” He held out his hand and motioned toward the floor. “It’s your submission I want.”

She tucked her hair behind her ear. Another nervous tic.

“Give me a color,” he stated, knowing she could say red and end this right now.

“Green.” She got on her knees. “Green.”

He reached down and tilted her chin, his eyes locked with hers. “Punishing you isn’t something I wanted to do this soon.”

“Punishing me?”

“What do you think we’re doing in here?”

“I thought you were going to let me go.”

“What? Why would you...” He hadn’t done a very good job of explaining the rules. “No, that’s the last thing I want to do.”

“Oh.” Her shoulders relaxed. “Okay.”

Wait? She’s relieved I’m punishing her?

“You made a mistake, and it’s my responsibility to make sure you don’t do it again.” He ran his fingers through her hair, getting swept up in the way she responded to him. She sank into his touch, trusted his words.

“I deserve it.”

“You have the power to stop this. I can’t have your submission if you don’t give it to me.”

“It’s yours.”

How did I get to be such a lucky bastard?

“I haven’t given you many rules to follow, but I was very specific with one.” He tangled her hair in his hand, keeping her face steady. “You chose to break that rule.”

“I’m sorry.”

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