Page 55 of Required Surrender

“What was my little pet doing?” he asked as he walked closer. In his hand were two bags. He’d been shopping. That didn’t give me the warm fuzzies. I wanted to shrink back but I managed to stand tall, giving him a haughty look.

“Work. Do you ever do anything other than skulking around, acting as if you own the world?”

When he brushed against me as he placed the bags on the table, I shuddered, my core immediately on fire. Damn the man for what he did to me. He gripped both my arms, pulling me onto my toes. Then he surprised me once again by pressing a kiss against my forehead.

“Perhaps I’ll provide an insight into my workload this evening,” he said calmly.

“What’s this evening?”

“We’re going to Carnal Sins for a lesson.”

“Oh, no.”

“Oh, yes. And I brought you the perfect outfit to allow you to blend in.”

Dear God, I wanted to scratch out his eyes. He was goading me, making good on all the dirty promises he made. I almost smashed my fists against him but thought better of it. The last thing I needed was another round of discipline.

“You should be on your knees for an inspection.”

“I beg your pardon?” I was completely taken aback.

He eased away, never blinking as he searched my eyes. “Yes. Naked. Your arms out. Your head lowered. Waiting. For. Your. Master.”

The statement was both enthralling as well as terrifying. When he backed away, I almost teetered to the floor. Instead of trepidation or anger, I felt excitement. I wanted to experience the dark side of the man.

What did that say about the woman inside?

CHAPTER14

Lachlan

My little pet was hiding something significant. I could tell by the sheepish look on her face. I would find out what one way or another. The realization allowed me a smile. I’d always known I was an evil man.

My mind drifted to the horrified look on her face when I’d pointed to the floor after she’d dressed for the evening. I’d expected her usual nasty comment in return. To my delight and my shock, she had eased to the floor, her body trembling as she lowered her head. The shock had been sent straight to my cock. The ache hadn’t stopped after leaving the estate. Seeing her in the submissive position had pushed every button, my hunger for her exploding. One week wasn’t going to be enough.

I’d wanted to enjoy the night spent with her without interference, but it would seem fate had something else in mind. Still, I wouldn’t allow the evening to be ruined, even if a part of me expected the police would arrive at any time.

As I guided her into the club, there wasn’t a single man who didn’t have his eyes trained on her. She was a creature of beauty whether in a formal dress or jeans, but I had to say I preferred her in the corset, tight black skirt, and collar. Even if it was for show. While every woman employed at the club was dressed in similar fashion, only a few of the guests brought by members did. Often, the couples arrived separately to keep the privacy of their engagement.

I’d admitted to myself that I wanted Lark as uncomfortable as possible, at least initially. Her hatred of the lifestyle was evident in every word mentioned, every facial expression. Seeing her in the costume had driven my thinking process to an entirely different level. She was born to be submissive. I was certain of it.

“I look ridiculous,” Lark hissed through clenched teeth.

“You look stunning,” I told her in response as I purposely walked us through the Blackout Club, gloating the entire time. Several of my employees seemed surprised given how long it had been since any of them had seen me with a woman on my arm.

She ran her finger under the collar, throwing me a hateful gaze. “What’s the purpose of… this… thing?”

I pulled her to the side, flicking my finger across the small lock. If she were really mine, she’d have a collar of leather and diamonds. “This collar is an indication that you are owned. That you belong to me. It’s a symbol of our relationship.”

“We don’t have a relationship. We are nothing but partners in saving animals.”

I laughed, her spitefulness part of the reason I was beginning to adore her more than I should. “For five additional days, yes, we do and you’re going to respect that you’re my possession.”

I didn’t need to look at her face to know she was rolling her eyes. The woman had a lot to learn.

“You say that so callously,” she muttered, struggling with yanking the short skirt further down on her legs.

When I cupped and lifted her chin, she dragged her tongue across her lips. I so coveted the fire in her eyes, the spirit that I hoped would never be broken. “Now I said the words with reverence. I don’t take your submission lightly.”

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