Page 11 of Exquisite Temptation

Without saying a word, Christopher runs his hand over my burning skin, massaging my buttocks until the throbbing dissipates into a dull ache.

"Thank you for teaching me a lesson, Sir," I whisper as my muscles scream from the strain.

"You did well, birthday girl. I'm proud of you." Praise isn’t my thing, but I can’t stop the happiness spreading through me.

"Thank you, Sir." I bite my lower lip to contain the silly grin threatening to break out on my face.

He gathers me into a hug on his lap, caressing my back with slow, circular movements. The need to bury my face in the curve of his neck and shoulder to savor his comfort and nearness, ignites in me.No, Heidi.I stiffen, readying myself to bolt out of his embrace.

We part ways when we come out of the playroom. I take a left in the bar's direction, and Christopher disappears into the crowd.

"Ah, there you are. We have been looking for you everywhere." Katie’s dark eyes settle directly on mine.

"Yes, babe. What happened? I saw you talking to Christopher one minute, then the next you were running off as if your feet were on fire." Allie arches a questioning eyebrow in my direction. "For the life of me, I don't know how you walked so fast in those heels. If it were me, I would have tripped and fell face first before I had a chance to escape." She giggles.

I blow out a deep breath, taking a minute to gather my thoughts. "When he signaled me to sit down next to him, I got super nervous. I had butterflies in my stomach and bordering on-dangerous heart palpitations, so I behaved like an idiot." They listen attentively, their mouths hanging open as I recap the rest of the story.

Allie rubs my shoulder, her gaze softening. "Oh, babe. It sounds like you are crushing hard on him. Don’t be hard on yourself. I did exactly the same with Sebastian. I was aware random shit was coming out of my mouth, yet I couldn’t stop it. He warned me that if we weren't in the store, he would have put me over his knee and beat my ass until I couldn’t walk."

Katie's eyes shift from Allie to me as she listens, nodding her head slowly. "Same thing happened to me when I first met Dan. He beat my bratty ass with a crop, and I couldn’t sit for a week." She plasters a mischievous look on her face. "Tell you what, why don't you get mocktails, and I’ll get the presents."

"Yay, presents!" I clap my hands like an excited child on Christmas morning.

After we get drinks, and Katie comes back, we make our way to the quiet area off the dance floor. Leaving my glass on the table, I lower myself to the couch and scrunch my face in a wince as a flaming pain lashes across my aching buttocks. Ouch!

Allie shoves me playfully, her eyes twinkling with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. "You asked and received, but not in the way you wanted. Next time, be specific with what you wish for, otherwise you might end up with more than you bargained for." She puts her hand over her mouth, her shoulder shaking with a silent giggle. I stare at her, but we both know she is right. I asked for a birthday spanking, and that is what I got.

Katie shakes her head, curving the corners of her lips into a smile. "Sorry, it’s only something small, but I hope you like it. Happy birthday." She passes me her gift, wrapped in red paper and gold ribbon. I rip it open, revealing black thong panties with ‘Bite Me’ stitched on the backside, making my dirty mind imagine Christopher licking and biting my ass.

"What do you think?" She bounces her foot, gazing at me expectantly. I place my hand on her arm, holding it.

"Thank you so much, Katie. I can’t wait to wear them." She rewards me with a clap and a warm smile.

"Happy birthday, bestie! Open your hand." Allie leans over and places a small black box on my palm. I open the lid, staring at the beautiful, handcrafted silver necklace with a blood-red stone in the shape of a teardrop.

"Wow! This is gorgeous, babe. You shouldn’t have," I whisper, tears welling in my eyes.

"Don’t be silly. I'm glad you love it." She picks up her mocktail and takes a sip as I fight to fasten the clasp. "It’s Garnet, her birthstone. It helps with grounding, self-worth, and encourages you to open your heart to give and receive love." She explains to Katie.

"I bought a few crystals at the Mind, Body, and Soul festival because I liked their colors and shapes, but I don't know what they are good for. Maybe you can check them out when you pop in next time and tell me?"

"Sure, babe, but Heids is an expert on them."

"I did a crystal healing course. It’s been a while since I have given healing to someone." Katie gives me a playful swat on my shoulder.

"Girl, you are full of surprises. I'm a Reiki Master. We could exchange healing next time we have a girl’s night in." Now, it’s my turn for my jaw to drop on the floor.

"That would be amazing," Both Allie and I answer at the same time.

After finishing our drinks, we gather our things and head for the exit. Just as I'm about to step foot out the door, I peer back over my shoulder. Christopher's smoldering gaze meets mine, full of dark promises. He raises a drink in salute, and I duck my head, rushing out the door. Allie giggles and winds her arm around mine, babbling something about Sebastian that I can't hear over the pounding of my heart.

It's a birthday I'm sure I'll never forget.

Chapter 7

Heidi

Betweenmyteachingjoband photoshoot bookings, I didn’t have time to go back to the club for three weeks. Katie and I could finally align our schedules, and now that we’re standing at the entrance, I take a second to steady my nerves and excitement. Christopher has been permanently on my mind since our last encounter. His stupidly handsome face, heady scent, and the feel of his firm hand spanking my bare flesh play on repeat. I have always believed in love at first sight, but never thought it would happen to me. All it took was our eyes locking across the bar for my heart to decide he was the one, just like my parents told me.

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