WINNER: JANET RODMAN
Excerpt from "Crimson Psyche," Kismet Knight, Vampire Psychologist book #3
This is from the UK version.
Devereux and Kismet, finally alone, after a terrifying night . . .
‘That is music to my ears.’ He sat up, pulled off
his boots and tossed them onto the floor. Then he stood and gazed down at me,
an unfamiliar – almost hungry – expression on his face. ‘Since that is the
case, I would like to share something new with you.’
‘New?’ What
now? More paranormal delirium? ‘Well, don’t keep me in suspense.’
He gave a slow blink. ‘I was recently surprised and
pleased to discover that there is a lustful part of you that enjoys being
restrained. That appreciates sexual games, and likes to play . . . rough.’
My cheeks warmed. Even though I hadn’t sorted out
those desires yet – or the sexually aggressive part of me that liked that sort
of thing – I couldn’t deny them. If he only knew what I really fantasised about . . . At least he wasn’t inviting more
naked vampires to perform a ritual around the bed. I hoped. ‘That’s true. I was
surprised by those urges too.’
He tugged his shirt over his head, and threw it
across a chair, baring his sculpted, smooth chest. ‘And were you pleased?’
Even without the enticing view of his muscles, the
sensuous tone of his voice sent shivers down my body. My nipples hardened and
my toes curled. I sat up. ‘The jury’s still out about that. Why?’
He lowered his voice. ‘You have often mentioned the
fact that I am domineering and bossy.’
‘Yeah, so? I think everyone who knows you would
agree with that.’
‘Are you familiar with dominance and submission?’
‘What?’ Yikes!
My brain froze, but my traitorous body immediately reacted, becoming so acutely
turned on that my breath caught.
‘Breathe, Kismet,’ he whispered.
I blew out a deep breath and tried to calm my pulse.
‘Dominance and submission?’ Totally flummoxed by my own dissonant emotions, I
gave a hysterical laugh. ‘Is that a new video game?’ I began practising the
mental hum so I wouldn’t blurt out any more ridiculous words. Cerridwyn’s
mystical sound-healing tool came in handy, not only to keep vampires from
damaging my brain, but to relax me.
‘Answer me, Kismet.’ His voice shifted subtly and
now held a dangerous edge. ‘Do not deflect. Are you familiar with the terms?’
I cleared my throat and licked my dry lips. I’d seen
Devereux in his Lord and Master persona many times, but there was something
extra dark and unsettling about his behaviour now. What’s up with him? ‘Yes. I have many clients who explore the
lifestyle.’ I sat up straighter. ‘Why are you talking about this?’
‘I am excited to unexpectedly be in a position to
talk about it.’ Charm once again permeated his tone. ‘Until the events of the
last week, I had not given much thought to the topic. Previously, you gave no
indication that you were interested.’ He combed his fingers through his hair,
pushing wayward strands back from his forehead. ‘As it turns out, I have quite
a bit of experience as a dominant – a dom.
My need to control is likely why I chose to be a master vampire. I find the
role enjoyable and arousing.’
Oh. Shit. A dom. My brain sputtered. Devereux’s secrets were apparently
endless. ‘What’s this got to do with you saying you want to make love to me?’
As if I didn’t know.
‘I thought it might be time for us to push the
boundaries of our sexual relationship, since you have opened the door, so to
speak.’
Push the boundaries? Terror and excitement wrestled
for control. ‘What does that mean, exactly?’ Why was I being coy? I knew
precisely what he meant.
He gave a wicked grin. ‘It means I would like to tie
you up, have passionate sex with you, and then partake in a little blood-play.
And I would like you to struggle. Merely a simple introduction to another level
of pleasure. If you are emotionally able, that is.’
I sucked in so much air, I bent over in a coughing
fit.
posted by Lynda Hilburn at 5:04 PM
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