“Yes. Just not sure I trust you enough to do that yet.”
She held her breath, hoping he didn’t take offence.
“That’s fair enough. We’ll revisit that later, then. That’s all?”
“No blood play. No whips.”
Playing with him was probably a really stupid idea. She’d be vulnerable. What if things slipped out that she didn’t want him to know?
“Easy, wildcat, your pulse is racing.” She looked down to find he had two fingers over the pulse point on her wrist. “Nothing happens you don’t want to happen. You don’t have to trust me yet. But you know there are monitors everywhere. I won’t gag you, so all you need to do is scream out red and they’ll come running.”
“I know. Sorry.”
“Nothing to be sorry about. You sure you want to do this tonight?” He was starting to look doubtful. And she couldn’t have that. Now that she’d made this decision, she couldn’t back down. She might not have the courage or opportunity to do it again.
“I’m fine. I want to do this.”
He studied her, his thumb rubbing circles on the back of her hand. “All right. But just so you know, if I think that it’s all become too much for you, I’m going to call it. And then I’m taking you home and putting you to bed.”
With him in it as well?
Shit, Ria. Get it together. That isn’t what he meant.
Maybe she needed to invest in a better vibrator. Then maybe she wouldn’t feel quite so desperate for his touch.
/> “Ria? It won’t be a rejection. But your health and safety come first.”
It was just something people said. Especially over-protective, all-up-in-your-business Doms. They were big on health and safety when it came to their subs. Or at least some were.
Others, like Martin, were all about themselves and getting what they wanted with no thought for anyone else.
“Ria?”
“Okay, I agree. You’ll call it if you think I can’t handle it.” She squared her shoulders. “But I can handle it.”
He cupped the side of her face. “Baby, you’re not going to war. This is for your enjoyment. It’s to help you get out of your own mind for a while. It’s not meant to be something you handle. But something you want.”
“Right. I know that.” She blew out a breath. “You sure you want to do this with me? I’m certain you could find a sub who has a lot less, um, baggage.”
He grinned. “I’m sure I could.”
She narrowed her gaze at him. That wasn’t the answer she’d thought she’d get.
“But they wouldn’t be nearly as fun as you. And I wouldn’t be attracted to them like I am to you.” He ran his thumb over her lower lip. “Talk time is over. But, remember, if at any time tonight you’re unsure, I want you to say yellow. If you’re scared or hurting, then you say red. I won’t be happy if you try to solider through and don’t use your safewords, Ria.”
The stern note in his voice made her tummy warm.
Shit. Fuck. She was in so much trouble.
“Understand?”
“Yes, Sir.”
His gaze warmed. “Good girl. Come on, let’s go.” He slid off the stool then surprised her by wrapping his hands around her waist and lifting her down. She got the feeling he was hiding some muscle beneath his baggy shirt.
He wrapped his arm around her waist and steered her towards the passage that led to the dungeon. There was a bouncer just through the doorway who didn’t let anyone near the dungeon who wasn’t a member. He didn’t leave his post. Not even when there was a bar brawl going down, apparently.
He nodded his head at Connor then looked down at Ria in surprise.