back on the couch while she chewed thoughtfully, watching Zeke take a swig from his bottle of beer. That escapade in the elevator had been absolutely sensational. And not just the location. Remembering the way he’d commanded her still sent thrills through her.
A part of her was uncertain, though. Women had worked so hard for so long to ensure they were respected and treated as equals to men. Why did the thought of a man ordering her around … treating her like a plaything … turn her on?
“Zeke, this thing we’re doing … with me calling you Master…”
He put his beer down and his intense gaze locked on her.
She tugged on her thumb, not sure exactly what to say. “I … uh … really like it.”
“Good.”
“But … I don’t want you to think that—”
He tugged her into his arms and kissed her, his mouth mastering hers, his tongue pushing between her lips and swirling inside. It was cool, with the yeasty taste of beer. She caressed it with her own tongue, her lips moving in response to his.
Then he drew back.
“I would never assume the dominant role outside the bedroom, nor expect you to defer to me.”
She stared at him, his gaze insistent and intense. She smiled and stroked back the hair that had fallen over his eye.
“Well, you are a strong man who likes to take the lead, so I expect you to be a little dominating, but that’s what I like about you. As long as we both understand the limits.”
The intensity of his stare did not change.
“Marie, if you feel things are going too far, or you simply don’t want to continue, tell me.”
His intense concern touched her. She nodded.
“And if we decide to take the role-playing further, then I’ll give you a safe word to use. The split second you say that word, everything stops cold. Do you understand?”
She nodded again.
“This is all about your pleasure. Nothing else. It’s not meant to be an ego boost for me. All I need to know is that you’re enjoying yourself. That’s all that’s important.”
She nodded again, beginning to feel like a bobble-head doll. “I understand.”
He kissed her, gently this time, and for some reason that tenderness, in contrast to his usual masterful use of her mouth, sent her senses spinning.
When he released her, she felt light-headed, and positively ebullient.
“Now, take off your clothes and get me a cold beer.”
Four
Marie’s jaw dropped open at Zeke’s transformation back to dominant male.
“I said, take off your clothes.” His olive green eyes stared deep into hers, as if challenging.
She hesitated for only a second, wondering if she should tell him no. But she realized she didn’t need to test him. He’d told her this was about her pleasure and she totally believed him.
He raised an eyebrow. She stood up.
“Yes, Master.”
She tugged her T-shirt over her head and tossed it onto the easy chair, then unfastened the button and zipper on her jeans. As she pushed them down, his gaze followed every movement. She stepped out of the denim and stood before him in only a racy red bra and thong.
His simmering gaze assured her she’d made the right choice when she’d gone to change out of her work clothes while he’d ordered the pizza.
She reached around behind her back to unfasten her bra.
“Wait. Come here and turn around.”
She turned around and sat down beside him. His fingers worked at the hooks and the garment loosened. He slipped the straps off her shoulders and she allowed the bra to fall onto her lap. His hands glided around her waist, then cupped her naked breasts. He squeezed and stroked, sending her senses spinning. Her nipples thrust forward. He squeezed them and she sucked in a breath.
His hands slipped away and she stood up, then tucked her thumbs under the elastic of her thong and pushed it down. He stroked her naked butt as she pulled the tiny garment over her feet and discarded it. She stood up slowly, enjoying his hands circling over her round