Page 83 of Their Master

“I’m never too tired for you, Moira. I thought we might do something special tonight as I’ve neglected you so badly recently.” He pulled her into his arms and claimed her mouth with one of the deep, mind-destroying kisses at which he excelled.

“Special?” she said, when he released her, silently praying tonight wasn’t one of the nights he wanted to restrain and whip her. As much as she enjoyed it, she shuddered to think of Victor seeing her that way.

He traced a finger down her temple and jaw. “I’m in the mood to be bound and punished—how do you feel about that, Moira?”

Her jaw sagged.

He laughed softly. “You look shocked. Do you not enjoy wielding a whip?”

“Yes—of course I do,” she lied quickly. While she’d been trained to dispense punishment, it was not something she enjoyed.

He smiled. “Excellent.”

It’s perfect, you fool.Marie’s voice was so clear in her head she almost looked around the room for her mother.

Itwasperfect. But it was also something Smith had never indicated he wanted from her. Why tonight of all nights did he want such a thing?

Smith kissed down the line he’d just traced with his finger. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while,” he said, yet again reading her mind. He sat back, his eyes a bottomless black. “You mean a great deal to me and I want to share everything with you, Moira. I am very happy with our arrangement. But sometimes I wonder if you are?”

Her initial reaction was shock; how could he not see how happy she’d been with him these past few months?

The only thing that had made herunhappywas Turnbull and the need to scheme and plan.

“Is that such a difficult question?” he asked, making her realize she’d been staring at him rather than answering him.

“No, of course not. It’s just…” she bit her lip and Smith raised an eyebrow.

Just tell him the truth, for once. What will it matter after tonight?

“It’s just?” he asked.

“It’s just that I’m surprised that you couldn’t see how happy I’ve been.” She swallowed and then added before she lost her courage. “I’m happier than I’ve ever been in my life.”

And I’m about to destroy it.

∞∞∞

Smith enjoyed watching her fit the leather cuffs and straps to his body, her movements both graceful and economical.

“This is something you’ve done often,” he said.

She nodded, even though it hadn’t been a question.

“Which do you enjoy more, Moira—giving or receiving?”

She blinked at his question, as if her mind had been elsewhere. Indeed, all evening—through the meal she’d barely touched and the conversations she’d scarcely taken part in—she’d seemed distracted.

“I—er, well, I like both.”

It wasn’t the first time she’d lied to him—not even the first time this evening—but it was clumsy at best.

Smith almost felt sorry for her.

Once he was bound hand and foot, she glanced at the bridle gag and swallowed. “Are you sure you want—”

“I want it.”

“And—” she gestured to the crop with the fat keeper.

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