ssed like a

d of cedar and sin. Her body pulsed with heat, even in stillness. The red liquid

once, the craving didn't feel like a monster clawing o

presence even

her body damp with sweat, her mind ac

n entered the r

with a silver pendant around her neck-an inverte

first," the wo

ng herself instinct

marked until they're claimed

ened. "I already s

eyes unreadable. "Signing is not obedience. W

gowns, corsets, ropes of crimson silk. She chose a sheer b

it

hesit

ance when it's asked for. Don't confuse submission wi

Stripped. Slid the dress over her na

ied her. Nodde

and silver threading. No lock. No tag. Just a sym

"You want me

d said. "It's not punish

ing inside her settled-l

" the wo

s time, Lucien's office was empty. But the doors

was no

s a s

throne of iron and velvet. A

a silk shirt open at the

t hers and

obeyed,"

pped to

before her mind could catch up. T

t h

er, each footfall e

d gi

melted i

chin, lifting her gaze. "

allowed

en remember this: your pleasure belongs

t, the true