had a whirlpool at the center. What would she agree to, just to have more of those kisses?
Valerie’s body hit every hot button he had, Ghost thought. Her legs and arms were tanned, but her torso was paler, perfect for showing red marks. Full breasts with big nipples with the faint striations that showed she’d nursed her children.
Her lush hips were made to be squeezed by a man’s hands. Her belly was soft and rounded, and he looked forward to flattening her under his weight.
To taking possession in the most basic of instincts. How many wars had the desire for a woman started?
He moved forward to cup one heavy breast and enjoyed the faint gasp she gave as he touched her. “Damn, I like your body.”
Her eyes lifted, disbelief obvious.
He rather thought he might know how she felt in a way. Age, wear and tear, and war had caught up with him, too.
“Valerie.” He weighed her breast, thumb teasing the jutting nipple. “You’re softer than you were, I daresay, but I enjoy softness. Very, very much.”
Knuckles under her chin, he lifted her head so he could enjoy her mouth, her response, and the slight gasp as he squeezed each breast.
He stepped back.
Wasn’t she a lovely sight? Bound to the cross, legs open for his enjoyment.
He did a quick check to ensure the Velcro wrist and ankle cuffs weren’t cutting off her circulation. Then, taking his time, he ran his fingertips up and down her inner thighs, enjoying how her legs started to tremble.
“Such delicate skin,” he murmured. He’d have to take care. Her skin would be thinner, easier to tear, than if she was twenty.
He slapped the backs of her thighs, then her ass lightly, warming her skin, before moving up to check positioning. Yes, perfect. Her cheek rested against the upright cushion, and her arms were supported by the cross-pieces.
“Are you comfortable, Valerie?” He kept one hand on her, above her ass. Reassuring her. “You’ll be in this position for a while.”
She was still almost upright, tipped only slightly forward on the cross. “Yes, Sir.”
“Good answer.” He kissed her gently, then took the kiss deeper. Pain would feed the arousal in a masochist like her, but it all started with awakening the sexual response. Once they knew each other better, he’d be able to do it with a tone in his voice, with a look, but now, especially with her nervousness and self-doubt, he’d have to waken her deliberately.
He couldn’t think of anything he’d enjoy more.
Kissing her again, he nipped her lips, introducing the first sting of pain, before taking her mouth again. Possessing. Dominating.
Gripping her hair, he tilted her head back and enjoyed the sweet yielding response of a submissive. “Look at me.”
Her eyes lifted to meet his.
Keeping her hair fisted, he held her immobile. “I’m going to hurt you now,” he whispered. “And when I’m done, we’re going to find a bed, and I’m going to take you until I’m satisfied.”
Her pupils dilated with heat—and longing.
“What is your safeword? The one that stops the scene immediately.” He waited for her to remember.
It took her a moment. “Red. It’s red.”
“Use yellow if you want me to change something, but not stop the scene entirely.”
A tiny nod said she understood.
But her hesitation in remembering her safeword indicated it didn’t come automatically to her lips. For now, he’d have to be careful. Observant. Remind her.
“Let’s start with your favorite kind of pain.” Because she needed the intimacy of his bare hand.
He started light, working up to what should be a comfortable sting, before leaning his weight against her and pausing to enjoy her breasts. As he squeezed, tugged, and rolled those full nipples, he could feel how her breathing sped up. Her clean scent was like the fragrance of a garden at dawn as he kissed the lovely curve between her neck and shoulder. When he bit down, her nipples peaked in his palms.
“There’s a good girl,” he growled in her ear. He kneaded her breasts roughly, with his chest pressing hard enough against her back she couldn’t move away, letting her feel her helplessness as he hurt her.
Her body was warm; a faint sheen showed on her face.
Moving back, he picked up his warm-up flogger. Starting slow, he ran the soft suede strands over her shoulders, her breasts, and her ass. Letting her steep in the sensuous smell and feel of leather.
Then he slapped the falls against her back in a comfortable figure-eight pattern, going for a light pattering