Page 43 of Exquisite Temptation

After we exchange thanks and goodbyes with Dr. Evans and Brianna, Micaela and I walk away briskly before my stepmother draws us back into her drama.

Chapter 26

Micaela

Thewarmmellowraysof the early September sun wash over me as I saunter to the canopy bed with my paperback under my arm, a bowl of berries, and coffee. I take my cell out of my back pocket and find my Dreamscape Mix playlist. It has all of my favorite vocal trance songs, which is perfect music for lounging in the sun and reading another smutty Fae series that Katie recommended. Parking my ass, I open my paperback and pop a juicy strawberry in my mouth, savoring the sweetness. I exhale a deep sigh of contentment, wishing I could spend the rest of my days on earth just like today, but, sadly, I have bills to pay.With all the money Eleanor wired in your account, you can retire tomorrow,the voice at the back of my mind reminds me. When I saw the amount in my bank account, I almost had a stroke. I called her to object, but she insisted it’s my inheritance, and I should spend it how I want, but I haven’t touched a single cent, nor do I know what to do with it. The idea about opening a halfway house for children who need a safe place while awaiting adoption or foster care has been circling in my mind, and it’s something I want to talk to Allie and Katie about to see if they agree to be honorary therapists. I’ll fight for siblings to stay together, not separated like me and my brother.

A text message interrupts the song currently playing on Spotify. My heart pumps faster when I see Christopher’s name.

The Sadistic Prince‘Ready for inspection tonight, pet?’

The corners of my lips spread into a mischievous smile. The sunshine lifts my spirits, so I can’t help being naughty.

Micaela‘Are you ready, Sir?’??

I chuckle, eagerly waiting for his reply. He won’t take my reply seriously because he knows I’m not disrespecting him, just having a bit of fun.

The Sadistic Prince‘You sure you want to play this game?’

Micaela‘Me playing a game? Never, Sir??See you at seven thirty,’

Mmm. I can’t wait to see him tonight.

The Sadist Prince‘I’ll have fun taking care of that attitude later, bratty princess??’

And just like that, my mood plummets, my mind dragging me back to the undeniable truth. I miss living with him like hell. Our long talks, his addictive scent, cooking together, and watching movies huddled on the sofa. There is no hope for me. We have a month before we sit down and renegotiate our ‘friends with benefits’ contract. Three weeks might not be a long time, nevertheless, it brought us closer together, giving me a glimpse of the life we could have. Our broken and jagged pieces fit together, creating a perfect whole just like Japanese kintsugi pottery. I want it all, and I want it now, not in two years or five or twenty. When I agreed to this deal, I knew casual relationships, whether vanilla or BDSM, never stay casual. One person inevitably ends up with a broken heart.Do you want to be with him no matter the pain, or do you want to give him up no matter what it costs you in pain?my heart whispers. It’s not a brilliant choice, but I have to pick one.You don’t need to decide today.

Opening the book, I read and re-read the same chapter several times. The words blur as my brain shuts down, unable to think or concentrate. My shoulders sink as heaviness spreads through my muscles. With a sigh of dejection, I hoist myself up and plod back inside, intending to spring cleaning the house. I find cleaning therapeutic because it helps me ground and releases the nervous energy coursing through my body. I attack the kitchen and living room first, wiping, polishing, and hovering, then moving to the bathroom and bedroom. When I’m done, I only have the time to shower and dress before I jump into my car, which took three weeks to get fixed. The police never discovered who vandalized it because they don’t have the resources or time to take fingerprints, plus, Christopher doesn’t have a security camera outside his property. I’m not going to lie. I’ve been worrying if the person who trashed my car might do it again or attempt to harm me. On a couple of occasions last week, I thought someone was tailing me, but Allie and Katie think I might suffer with a form of post-traumatic stress disorder following the incident with the photo and rose. They could be right. If I’m honest, I became hyper vigilant after Nathan stalked Allie, and my mind could play tricks on me.

I lay stretched on the bondage table with my arms and legs restrained, the smooth leather sticking to my oiled skin. The soft glow of the dark blue and purple spotlights pours down on me, easing the anxiety swirling through me. Taking a couple of deep, slow breaths to calm my racing pulse, I inhale the delicate, sweet beeswax scent of the candles buried beneath the woodsy smell of leather and Christopher’s familiar earthy, frankincense perfume.

"How are you feeling, toy?" Chuckling, he trails the wide tongue of the crop on the tender skin of my inner thighs, enticing me with the promise of more.

"I'm excited, Sir." My breathing hitches, nipples tighten, and moisture floods my pussy with each caress.

"Good toy. What is your safe word?"

"Oklahoma, Sir."

Without a warning, he strikes my swollen clit hard. I flinch and cry out, clenching my buttocks. Resting his hand on my abdomen, he continues tapping my nub in sync with the slow, dark rhythm of VAC’s "Pretty Toy"and delivering each swat harder than the previous one. Excitement courses through me, accelerating my pulse and breathing, and coiling my muscles with tension. He teases and torments me, pushing me to the brink and pulling me back.

"May I come, Sir? Please, Sir." I bite my lower lip, praying he will let me orgasm.

"No, you may not, toy." He stops and moves away, leaving the crop on the table.

The urge to scream builds inside me. Instead, I tip my head back and close my eyes, releasing a frustrated little growl. Standing above my head, he strokes my breasts, face, and arms, his gentle touch sending warm shivers through me.

"It’s time for fun. Are you ready, pet?"

"Yes, Sir." My skin tingles with anticipation. I’ve never done this before, so I don’t know what to expect.

Lighting up a black candle, he tips it over me. The first drip, like a hot dart, lands on my abdomen. I suck in a sharp breath, squeezing the muscles in my stomach. Drop…drop…drop. He makes a line of small searing dots along my stomach all the way to my chest. The wax burns my skin and tightens. I pull on the restraints, my ribs working in great heaves.

"Ohhh…." The sound of my shrill screams’ echoes in the air.

"How do you feel, toy?" He leans forward, gazing at me intently.

"Oh, my God, it’s very hot…I like it."

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