"I'm also fine with a shoe or a ruler," she said, her words a hurried rush as if she were attempting to cover the uncomfortable silence. "Anything, really. Feel free to be creative. I'm okay with a flogger, open to trying a bull whip and cane. There isn't a position I'm adverse to, over the knee, or a table, or a bed. Standing, kneeling over a spanking bench. Did I miss anything?"

"The Sir at the end of the sentence."

"Sir." She gave him another of her sunny smiles.

No wonder she ate other Doms for breakfast. She seemed so guileless, he'd bet it would be difficult for some men to hold her accountable. "Clamps?"

She nodded. "The harder the better. As you're probably gathering, I find it easier to get off when there's erotic pain involved."

"Anal plugs?"

She fidgeted then said, "If you insisted, I'd try it."

"No one has claimed your ass?" he asked, stunned.

"No."

The idea of being the first to take her there made him even harder, his erection pressing against his jeans. He wanted to readjust his cock, but he reminded himself to focus on her. There were a few other things he needed to know before they got started. "Handcuffs?"

"Any kind of bondage," she said.

"I've haven't lassoed a woman." He paused. "Yet."

Her eyes widened. "Sounds interesting."

Michael was suddenly glad he'd ignored Gregorio's advice. The idea of dragging a helpless Sydney towards him thrilled him. If she were barefoot and naked, it would be all the better. "And actual sexual penetration?"

"Like I said, I have condoms. In assorted sizes."

When he said nothing else, she gave a little flip of her hair and turned away, heading towards the house.

"Where are you going, Sydney?"

She stopped and looked over her shoulder. With a puzzled frown, she said, "Inside." She moistened her lips quickly then added, "I thought that was what you wanted."

"Did I say so?"

"No." She returned to stand in front of him. "I apologise."

"I'm going to spank you over there." He nodded towards a short metal fence in the distance. It bordered the grassy area beyond the horseshoe pits, far enough that they'd have some privacy. Still, since it was lit by a number of solar lights and torches, anyone who wanted to watch could.

She glanced around, and he waited patiently.

At least a dozen people were outside, a small group gathered on one side of the fire pit. Some stood around high tables. Elsewhere, a woman sat on a porch swing while her male sub licked her boot.

Another evening at the Den. "I think you need reminding that I prefer to be addressed as Master Michael and Sir. When we play together, Sydney, I make the rules. I will be sure you understand them and agree with them, but once that happens, they will be enforced. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir," she whispered.

"Do you agree to address me the way I prefer?"

She nodded.

"Please pull your dress up to your waist."

She couldn't have taken more time. He didn't complain, though. Watching her was its own reward. She was softness and sensuality all wrapped within a woman who was temporarily his.

"Ah," he said when she was exposed. "Such a pretty little pussy. I like that it's shaved." He looked at her expectantly.

"Thank you, Sir."

Interesting, since he'd drawn harsher boundaries, she'd seemed softer, more compliant. Everything she said and did seemed to be a contraction. "Please put your hands behind your neck and bring your chest forward."

She did. "Would you like me to take the dress off entirely, Sir?"

"I'd like you to do as you're told, Sydney. Nothing more. Are you able to comfortably spread your legs a little farther apart? You can take off your shoes if you need to."

When she was in position, more open, he slid a hand between her legs. Her response delighted him. "You're moist, Sydney."

He kept his hand still, but she moved her hips a bit, sliding herself against him. "I generally won't mind if you come without permission. In fact, the more you orgasm, the more I get into the scene," he said. "But not tonight. Tonight I want you more aroused than you've ever been." He waited until she let out a tiny moan then he pulled his hand away. Before she could react, he slapped her cunt, hard.

She screamed and pitched forward slightly. He caught her and held her against him longer than necessary, liking the way they fit together.

For a moment, she stayed there before drawing in a deep breath and moving away. "That was unexpected. And unbelievably hot, Sir."

"Turtle?"

"No. More like that, please."

"Stay where you are. I'll be right back."

He went inside. Brandy, a sub who regularly helped with house functions and parties, fetched him a blanket and a two separate cuffs.

"My pleasure, Sir," she said when he thanked her.

When he went back outside, Sydney was still in the same place. She was shifting from side to side a bit nervously, but she'd yet to bail out of the scene. "Are you doing okay?"

"Feeling a little exposed," she admitted. "Sir."

"Seeing you when I came back outside pleased me."

She visibly exhaled.

"Would you like to continue on?"

"Yes, Sir. I'm not scared," she said, but her voice didn't sound as sure it had earlier.

He nodded. "In that case, when you're ready, walk over to the fence." Then he scowled. "Are you okay in those shoes?"

"Completely."

"Good. I'll stay a step or two behind you so I can watch your ass move."

The view was all he hoped for. There was grace and sultry elegance in her every step. But when she reached the edge of the paved patio, he took her elbow. He helped her over the uneven terrain then draped the blanket over the rail.

Without being told, she kicked off the shoes and positioned herself, even remembering to spread her legs wide. No doubt this was a woman who knew what she wanted. And, whether or not she recognised it, by having her beautifully curved ass upturned and waiting for his attention she was already giving him what he wanted.

"Use your safe word if it's too much, your slow word if you're uncomfortable or get a muscle cramp. We can get you readjusted."

"Yes, I understand."

"Your choice, I can secure your legs in place or I can cuff your wrists."

She answered unhesitatingly. "I'd prefer you fasten my ankles so I can't get away, Sir."

"I'll expect you to keep your hands wrapped around the bars."

"Yes, of course, Sir."

He crouched to attach the cuffs, and he inhaled the heady scent of her muskiness. Keeping her turned on without letting her come was going to be exquisite. To test the bonds, he trailed his fingers up the insides of her thighs. She squirmed and pulled and yet she helplessly remained where he wanted her. Sometime in the future, he'd stick a plug up her ass, too, to intensity her sensations. "I'm going to warm you up with a few spanks," he informed her. "Then I'll make you beg for more."

"You sound sure of yourself, Sir," she said, her voice muffled.

"I am, Sydney."

"You know, Sir, I have never begged for anything my entire life."

"And you've never been spanked by me."

Pre-order available from 13th May 2013.

About the Author.

Born in northern England and raised in the Wild West, Sierra Cartwright pens books that are as untamed as the Rockies she calls home.

She's an award-winning, multi-published writer who wrote her first book at age nine and hasn't stopped since.

Sierra invites you to share the complex journey of love and desire, of surrender and commitment. Her own journey has taught her that trusting takes guts and courage, and her work is a celebration for everyone who is willing to take that risk.

Also by Sierra Cartwright.

Signed, Sealed and Delivered.

Bound and Determined Her Two Doms.

Clandestine Classics: Jane Eyre Mastered: With This Collar.

Naughty Nibbles: Fed Up Naughty Nibbles: This Time.

Bound Brits: S&M 101 Night of the Senses: Voyeur.

Subspace: Three-Way Tie.

Bound to the Billionaire: Bared to Him.

Halloween Heart Throbs: Walk on the Wild Side.

Homecoming: Unbound Surrender.

end.