“Hmm.” I took a drink, relishing the way the vodka went down icy and smooth, then heated in my stomach.
The plane leveled out and the captain made a brief announcement freeing us to move about the cabin.
Gideon shot me a look that said, Well? Run along now.
Narrowing my gaze at him, I got up, taking my drink with me. I took my time, provoking him. And making myself more excited. I loved being at his mercy. As much as I loved making him lose his mind over me, I couldn’t deny that his control was a major turn-on. I knew how absolute that control could be, which made it possible for me to trust him completely. I didn’t think there was anything I wouldn’t allow him to do to me.
Which was a conviction that would be tested sooner rather than later, I realized when I entered the sleeping cabin and saw the red silk-and-suede restraints lying so prettily on the white comforter.
Turning my head, I looked at Gideon only to find him gone. His empty glass sat on the table, the square cubes of ice glittering like diamonds.
My heart thudded. I stepped into the room, tossing back the rest of my drink. I couldn’t bear to be restrained during sex, unless it was by Gideon. By his hands or the weight of his muscled body. We’d never gone beyond that. I wasn’t sure I could.
I set my empty tumbler on the nightstand, my hand shaking slightly. I didn’t know if that was due to fear or excitement.
I knew Gideon would never hurt me. He worked so hard to make sure I was never afraid. But what if I disappointed him? What if I couldn’t give him what he needed? He’d mentioned bondage before and I knew one of his fantasies was to have me completely restrained and open to him, my body spread and helpless for him to use. I understood that desire, the need to feel total and utter possession. I felt that way toward him.
I undressed. My movements were slow and careful, because my pulse was already thrumming too quickly. I was practically panting, the anticipation painfully acute. I hung my clothes on a hanger in the small closet, then climbed gingerly onto the raised bed. I was holding the restraints in my hands, doubting and second-guessing myself, when Gideon walked in.
“You’re not lying down,” he said gently, closing and locking the door behind him.
I held up the restraints.
“Custom made, just for you.” He approached, his nimble fingers already freeing the buttons of his shirt. “Crimson is your color.”
Gideon undressed as slowly as I had, affording me the opportunity to appreciate every inch of skin he exposed. He knew the rippling of his muscles beneath the rough silk of his tanned flesh would be an aphrodisiac to me.
“Am I ready for this?” I asked softly.
His gaze stayed on my face as he removed his pants. When he stood in just his black boxer briefs, his c*ck a thick bulge in the front, he answered, “Never more than you can take, angel. I promise you that.”
Taking a deep breath, I lay back, setting the cuffs on my belly. He came to me, his face tight with lust. He settled on the bed beside me and lifted my hand to his mouth, kissing my wrist. “Your pulse is racing.”
I nodded, not knowing what to say.
He picked up the cuffs, deftly unhooking the strip of crimson silk that held the two suede wrist pieces together. “Being bound helps you surrender, but it doesn’t have to be literal. It just has to be enough to get you in the right headspace.”
My stomach quivered as he laid the strap across it. He set one cuff on his thigh and held up the other.
“Give me your wrist, angel.”
I extended my hand to him, my breathing quickening as he fastened the suede snugly. The feel of the primitive material against my fluttering pulse was surprisingly arousing.
“That’s not too tight, is it?” he asked.
“No.”
“You should feel the constriction enough to be constantly aware of it, but it shouldn’t hurt you.”
I swallowed. “It doesn’t hurt.”
“Good.” He bound my other wrist similarly, then straightened to admire his handwork. “Beautiful,” he murmured. “Reminds me of the red dress you wore the first time I had you. That was it for me, you know. You devastated me. There was no coming back from that.”
“Gideon.” My apprehension left me, chased away by the warmth of his love and desire. I was precious to him. He would never push me further than I could go.
“Reach up and grip the sides of the pillow,” he ordered.
I did, and the tightening of my wrists made me even more aware of the cuffs. I felt bound. Captured.