Page 13 of His Christmas Wife

“Back to my earlier question. What were you hoping to do this evening?”

The knife-edge between sanity and risk was thin, and she teetered on it.

“Ms. Robbins?”

Kaylee gave herself a mental shake. She couldn’t seriously be contemplating asking her fake fiancé to spank her. Still, she couldn’t help but answer. “I’m not into a lot of pain.”

“So it’s about the sensuality?”

On his tongue, the word was as husky as it was beautiful.

“You like to explore the mental aspects of a scene? Surrender and reward? Dominance and submission?”

All of that. Her heart leaped. Even though she’d played with several Tops, she’d never been able to articulate what she wanted that clearly. How was he so able to read her?

“Am I close?”

Trembling, she admitted the truth to both of them. “Yes.”

“I’d like to give you that. If you’re willing.”

With patience she hadn’t seen from him before, he waited for her answer. Her entire body hummed, as much from the way he regarded her as from the way his suggestion wrapped her in anticipation. “In that case…”Am I really going to do this?A burst of adrenaline surged through her, making her tremble. Then, for courage, she drew a breath. “Yes.”

“I’m delighted.” He smiled. “Now tell me your safe word?”

Though her pulse raced, negotiation provided familiar ground that helped soothe her nerves. “Red.”

“And for slow?”

“Yellow.”

“Where would you like to play?Rue Sensuelle?The dungeon? A private room?”

Definitely not the last. And the club itself was rather exposed. Kinky Avenue, asRue Sensuellewas called by longtime members of the Quarter, provided specialized theme rooms, and it was separate from the dungeon, keeping them away from prying eyes. “Could we walk around a bit while I decide?”

“Of course.”

At work, he was never this accommodating. Interesting that he was more considerate as a Dominant than he ever was as her employer.

“I’ll change and grab my bag.”

So she wasn’t going to be spanked by Santa?

“Where would you like to meet?”

“Near the vendors?” At least it was quieter there, and maybe she’d have an opportunity to chat with Abigail and perhaps reconsider her decision.

He offered a tight nod. “Give me five minutes.” But before walking away, he leaned in a little closer. “You’re not planning to run?”

Kaylee refused to admit the thought had flashed through her mind. “I’ll be waiting for you.”

The brilliant smile he shot her flipped her tummy. Thank God he didn’t do that at the office.

As he strode away, masculinity somehow enhanced by his boots and festive pants, she watched, still unable to believe what she’d agreed to.

After he was gone, she forced out a small breath.

Now that the parade was over, the vendor fair had reopened. To distract herself, Kaylee headed over there to browse all the amazing merchandise.

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