Stefan’s hand on my neck grounded me. “Where do you want to do this? Over a bench? On the St. Andrew’s Cross?”
I shivered.
Another step closer to making this happen.
“A bench, if that works. I think I’d prefer that.”
The Cross felt too big, too… adult, and I knew that didn’t make sense. I just didn’t feel ready for it.
His fingers were gentle, a light stroke that connected us. “We can do that.”
I finished the bottle. “Then let’s go back in there to claim a bench before someone else does.”
Stefan led me into the main room, and over to a padded bench. “Do you want me to leave your hands free? Or shall I use cuffs?”
I swallowed. “Cuff me. That feels… right.” I did my best to shut out the sights and sounds around me, anything that would distract me. The air was filled with moans, grunts, and low cries.
Then Stefan’s hand was on my face.
“Youareallowed to change your mind, you know.”
I squared my shoulders. “But I don’t want to change it.” I locked gazes with him. “Iwantthis, Stefan.”
He studied me for a moment, then nodded. “Then we proceed.”
Whatever came next?
I was ready to meet it.
Stefan
I hadn’t expected my fingers to fumble as I fastened the cuffs, securing him to the bench. Nor had I anticipated what effect the sight of his broad back with its light mat of hair, and his reddened arse cheeks, would have on me.
I wanted this too.
I ran my hand down his spine, loving the tremor that trickled through him.
“I’ll be aiming for your back and shoulders,” I told him. I placed my hand roughly over where his kidneys would be. “Not here, although I might aim for where I spanked you.”
He nodded, another shiver making its way through his body.
“Last chance?”
Kieran chuckled. “Would you just do it? The anticipation is driving me nuts.”
I laughed.
I reached into my bag for the flogger, then trailed it over his bare skin. “I won’t be going hard, okay? This will warm you up a little, but it shouldn’t hurt you.”
Another chuckle spilled from him. “I’m used to performing in front of people. It’s second nature. But not once did I ever think I’d be bending over a bench in a room full of naked men, my arse in the air, waiting for a leather flogger to strike.”
I leaned over, brushing my mouth against his ear. “Stay with me.”
He turned to meet my lips, and I kissed him. “Always,” he said in a low, firm voice.
I stepped back, not to create distance, but to prepare, to ensure that what came next remained exactly what it needed to be—controlled—but even as I did, awareness flooded through me.
This was no longer just an experience I was guiding him through.