Page 31 of Exquisite Temptation

"Nope, never heard of it. What is it?" I press my hand to my throat, waiting for her to tell me all about it.

"When we were talking with Dan about our ceremony, he told me about this old formal ‘bonding ritual’, which involves white and red roses and a blood vow. People outside the lifestyle seldom witness the ceremony. Read about it. It would surprise you how similar your dream is."

"Knowing me, I’ll be on it before I go to bed tonight." I chuckle. "I just wanted to thank you for being amazing friends. I don’t know what I would do without you girls. Katie asked me earlier if I could live in ‘what if’ hell? I couldn’t. Nothing lasts forever. I want to make a difference, live life to its fullest, and take risks—even if it leads to my heart being broken. So, here’s to me, taking a leap of faith and accepting Christopher’s proposal.

"To new beginnings and following our heart’s desires." Allie’s eyes sparkle with joy, making me all gooey and warm inside. If anyone deserves happiness, it is her.

"To overcoming our fears and living the life we want instead of settling for less than we deserve." Katie taps our glasses and takes a large gulp.

Allie and Katie stay for another hour before they leave. After having a long, relaxing bath to soothe my nerves, I put my PJs on, and park myself in my bed with my Kindle. I have a date with my Unseelie Prince.

Chapter 20

Christopher

Ripplesoftinglesrundown my back as the hauntingly dark and gloomy melody of Tchaikovsky’s Fifth Symphony drifts through the playroom. Lifting the porcelain cup to my lips, I take a sip of my coffee, relishing the rich, bitter taste with nutty undertones. I bend over and place the cup on the hammered steel cage that doubles as a table too and pick up Lord Byron’s complete poetry book resting on my knees. Flipping through the book, I find my favorite poem and read it out loud while clicking the vibrator’s remote control.

"She walks in beauty, like the night

Of cloudless climes and starry skies,

And all that's best of dark and bright

Meet in her aspect and her eyes

Thus mellowed to that tender light

Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less,

Had half impaired the nameless grace

Which waves in every raven tress.

Or softly lightens o'er her face

Where thoughts serenely sweet express

How pure, how dear their dwelling place.

And on that cheek, and o'er that brow.

So soft, so calm, yet eloquent,

The smiles that win, the tints that glow

But tell of days in goodness spent

A mind at peace with all below

A heart whose love is innocent!"

I close the book, release a drawn-out exhale, and let my gaze drift to my little obedient pet, kneeling on all fours, naked inside the cage. Heidi grunts around the black rubber mouth gag, her limbs shaking with exertion. She knows she may not come. If she does, I’ll dish out a punishment of my choice. Her body must be aching from kneeling in a tight, confined space and waiting patiently for the last half an hour for me to perform my inspection. Before she came over, we negotiated the scene, and I instructed her to groom herself. If her grooming doesn’t meet my high standards, she will be punished. I have told her she must remain silent unless spoken to first or if she needs to use her safe word.

When she told me two weeks ago that she was ready to negotiate the terms of our D/s relationship, my blood tore through my veins, making me dizzy with excitement. On my way home, my chest constricted around my heart as guilt crushed through me like a tidal wave. My mind spiraled with intrusive thoughts.How am I going to tell Sebastian? I looked him into his eyes and lied to him like Judas. She is his little sister that he spent years searching for. What kind of a friend does that? If I break her heart, he’ll kill my ass. Do I want to risk my friendship with him?

Just as I picked up the phone to call off my agreement with her, Dan rang me and talked me out of it. The next day, she and I met for dinner and agreed to do a trial run of six months, and if everything goes well, we can renegotiate another six months. All future plays will take place either at my place or hers. No sleep overs, romantic dinners, or dates. Eating together as part of aftercare will be allowed.

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