The room was bathed in soft evening sunlight when Thea next awoke. She lifted her eyelids slowly, orienting herself to the strange room and the play of shadows on the wall. Feeling refreshed after her nap, she started to stretch, and then realized she couldnat move her arms.

Confused, she looked around her, twisting her head and trying to move her legs. Sheer feminine panic set in. She was tied to the bed! Spread eagle, her arms and legs were bound to the four bedposts, leaving her totally helpless. As she thrashed, the s.h.i.+rt rode up her thighs, exposing her crotch to the shock of cool air.

aBlake!a she screamed in terror, her panicked gaze searching the room.

aIam right here.a He materialized out of the shadows, looking big and dark and forbidding as he moved to the side of the bed and stared down at her. His expression was so intense and brooding that it made her even more frightened.

Thea struggled for a better grasp of the situation. aWhatas going on? Why am I tied up?a She couldnat control the underlying panic in her tone.

She trusted Blake. Totally. Didnat she?

At least, she thought she did. The longer they were together, the less she felt she knew him. How furious was he about Ted? Could he want to exact more revenge?

aYouare tied in silk neckties with slip knots. They wonat hurt you, just donat strain against them too much.a She did exactly the opposite, tugging fiercely against the bonds. All the struggling accomplished was to hike his s.h.i.+rt higher, leaving her completely exposed and vulnerable, with her legs lewdly spread. More air wafted over her bare flesh, making her feminine muscles clench. The thras.h.i.+ng renewed the fire in her behind, and she gasped at the wildly differing sensations.

aTake them off! Right now! I donat like this!a Blake didnat comment. Instead, he dipped his fingers in a wine gla.s.s on the bedside table. Then he began to bathe her lips with the sweet-tart liquid while silently demanding she look him in the eyes.

aBlind obedience,a he reminded. aIf you want unconditional trust, you have to be willing to give it.a Theaas heart hammered in her chest. Her breathing was labored, but his touch was gentle, his tone hypnotic. Like the spider to the fly? The thought brought a resurgence of alarm.

Did he plan to punish her? What other fetishes did he have besides bondage? Sadism perhaps? Whips and chains? Other instruments of torture? h.e.l.l and d.a.m.nation! Her muscles clenched tighter. Her a.s.s simmered with heat.

What if he wouldnat be satisfied with a private punishment? What if he had some weird obsession for threesomes or swapping or slavery? How well did she really know him?

aYouare scaring me,a she whispered, lapping the wine from her lips, wis.h.i.+ng for a sip to wet her dry throat.

aWhy?a he asked, his hand cupping her chin and then sliding down her throat. His eyes remained dark and shuddered, his voice rough. aBecause you cheated on me and youare afraid I might want retribution?a Fear clutched at her throat, getting tangled with desire as his hand strayed down to her breast. He palmed the soft mound, and then pinched her nipple between his thumb and forefinger. As she stared at him, wide eyed, he increased the pressure to the borderline between pleasure and pain.

Her next words came out in a strangled groan. aI didnat cheat on you.a aSo you keep saying. But you canat deny causing me a lot of public humiliation. I think you deserve a little punishment for that. I donat believe in sharing or I could have invited some friends along.a A tremor shook her body and her breathing was coming in hard little pants. Blakeas intense scrutiny finally s.h.i.+fted her chest, where her b.r.e.a.s.t.s jutted against the thin fabric of his s.h.i.+rt.

His jaw clenched, and his eyes glittered with anger. aI donat like sharing at all,a he reiterated, tugging on one nipple until she shuddered.

aJust you and me?a she demanded gruffly, her eyes wide and worried.

aJust you and me,a he promised, leaning over to brush his mouth back and forth across hers.

Her breath rushed out in a sigh. He was finally going to kiss her. She knew he wouldnat be kissing her so gently if he were still furious. Her body felt strung as taut as wire, but she relaxed a little as his kisses grew bolder.

She wanted his mouth and all the kisses head been denying her. The tantalizing taste wasnat nearly enough. She s.h.i.+fted her head until their lips were aligned. He still teased her with fleeting touches, but she strained as far as her bonds would allow and ground her mouth against his in urgent demand.

She badly needed rea.s.surance.

Blake didnat disappoint her. He took her mouth with swift, hard possession, forcing her head back to the pillow, as he pressed closer. His big body blanketed her in warmth. She opened her lips and hungrily welcomed the thrust of his tongue. Then she stroked and sucked it until they were both moaning and gasping for air.

Time stood still as they kissed, caressing each other with teeth and tongues and lips. Every kiss made them hungrier for the next, rekindling a fire that had been repressed by emotional uncertainty. Thea squirmed beneath him, wanting the freedom to hold him in her arms. The silken bonds kept her from attaining the closeness she so desperately craved.

Blake finally tore his mouth from hers and leaned back. She groaned her displeasure, opened her eyes and watched him visibly struggle for control. Perspiration dotted his brow and tension locked his jaws. She wondered how long head been sitting in the darkness, watching her and feeding his own hunger. The evidence of his tightly coiled desire stoked hers even higher.

ad.a.m.n, you make me lose my head faster than anyone Iave ever known,a he snarled in self-disgust.

She understood exactly how he felt, and hated his withdrawal. She wanted to drag him back to her for more mindless kisses, but her arms were shackled. Frustration gnawed.

aIs that such a bad thing?a aIt is right now.a aWhy?a aBecause I need to concentrate on teaching you a lesson, not being seduced.a Her stomach fluttered and her nipples pearled. She licked her lips. Blake reached for a gla.s.s of wine and tilted it slowly so that she could take a drink. Then he lowered his head and sipped at her mouth, but refused to deepen the kiss.

She grumbled a complaint against his lips. aMore. I want more.a aPatience, honey, and I promise it will be its own reward,a he said, turning his attention to the rest of her body.

Her b.r.e.a.s.t.s strained against his s.h.i.+rt, her nipples begging for attention. She watched, mesmerized as he slowly began to unfasten the b.u.t.tons. His total absorption in the task sent a quiver through her. The brush of his skin against hers electrified the nerve endings. Just watching his concentrated efforts made heat curl through her body like a simmering, yet carefully regulated fire.

Cool air touched her skin, causing goose b.u.mps as he parted the sides to reveal her pale flesh. The urgent flare of need in his eyes as he studied her bared body started a deep, throbbing ache low in her belly. His expression went dark and hungry, alive with a need so intense that it stilled her breathing.

aYou are so beautiful. Do you know how much I want you?a he whispered, locking gazes with her.

Thea thought her heart would surely explode in her chest as his gaze slid along the flesh head exposed. She desperately wanted to believe him. For once, he didnat hide behind a mask of control. He feasted on her with his eyes and made her quiver with longing.

She couldnat seem to catch her breath or still her rioting nerves. aYou canat want me any more than I want you.a aOh, I want you more, all right. More than you could imagine. More than youave probably ever experienced,a he insisted gruffly. aBut thatas going to change. Iam going to teach you what it is to really want.a A soft whimper escaped her.

aYouare more afraid of that than of any physical harm I might do, arenat you?a he asked, studying her features intently. aYou donat like losing control any more than I do, but I want to make sure your desire is as fierce as mine. Then Iam going to show you the meaning of awesome, mind-blowing satisfaction.a The low, pa.s.sionate promise sent a tremor of longing over Thea. She felt moisture trickling between her legs as he continued to study her with his gorgeous, mesmerizing eyes. Her skin sizzled at the touch of his gaze, and then he began to use his hands and mouth. She closed her eyes on a swelling moan of pleasure.

Shead never been particularly interested in s.e.x for the physical aspects, but more for the closeness and intimacy it provided. Blake had never really tested the depths of her sensuality, but now he seemed determined to do just that.

Bracing himself with hands on either side of her head, he kissed her eyelids, then her cheeks and the curve of her throat. His nibbling on her shoulder sent a wave of s.h.i.+vers over her, making her nipples ache.

They poked at his bare chest until he finally s.h.i.+fted his attention to the fullness of her b.r.e.a.s.t.s. He cupped them both in his hands, kneading and shaping, his dark hands a shocking contrast against her pale skin. He took one nipple into his mouth while thumbing the other into a turgid bud.

She uttered a low, mewing sound and began to squirm as much as the restraints would allow. She wanted to sink her hands in his hair and hold him tight: To wrap her legs around him and feel all of his weight on her. She wanted him to fill her emptiness with his big, hard c.o.c.k.

The deep, pulling suction of his mouth made every muscle in her body constrict and the blood roar through her veins. Twisting and tugging against the confines of her restraints, she tried to ease the sharpening ache.

aBlake!a she urged him to hurry.

He resisted, taking his time with one breast and then the other, using his teeth and tongue and lips to drive her higher. He plucked at her nipples while his mouth planted hot, wet kisses across her ribs and stomach.

She tossed her head from side to side. His touch left a trail of fire on her flesh until she feared shead burst into flame. Shead never experienced such consuming desire, and she didnat think she could get more aroused. Then his caresses s.h.i.+fted lower. With her legs spread wide, she had no defense as his attention settled between them.

He grasped her upper thighs in his hands, and then used his mouth to part the damp folds of her feminine lips. His tongue jabbed at the heart of her desire, startling a scream from her. Flames of fire spiraled through her body, staggering her breath. She arched against him in a wild frenzy of need.

aOhmigaud!a she said on a gasp. aBlake, no, I canat stand it!a It was too much, too scary, too out of control.

In response, he thrust a finger inside her, redoubling his efforts. She didnat even try to m.u.f.fle her cries as he prolonged the deep, potent caresses, pus.h.i.+ng her harder and higher. Then two big, male fingers were working her along with the jabbing of his tongue. A maelstrom of unrelenting excitement pulsed in the center of her body, stabbing her between the legs.

When she felt herself nearing release, he abruptly halted the sensual a.s.sault. Frustration clawed at her, mingling with a strange relief at having been pulled back from the brink of control. Panting harshly, her lungs burning, she watched as he climbed from the bed and shed his jeans.

He hadnat bothered with boxers. His erection jutted out, ruby red, hard and throbbing with antic.i.p.ation. Her body shook with matching excitement. This time he wouldnat disappoint her. He had to need her as much as she needed him. She wanted him desperately, and soon he would fill her.

She dared to look him directly in the eyes, knowing how exposed and vulnerable she must look, how flushed and excited. Shead never seen his expression so raw and hungry. The tightly leashed control was for his body only, but the primitive desire was evident in the tautness of his features.

Her pulse galloped again as he settled his weight over her. He licked both her nipples, and then took one deeply into his mouth as his c.o.c.k found her already dripping c.u.n.t. He began easing inside of her until she felt the familiar fullness.

Then he pressed deeper. Theaas eyes went wide as she realized shead never taken all of him in. Their lovemaking had been so conventional and controlled in the past. She hadnat even known the full size of him until today. Her mind conjured an image from the poolside and she moaned.

Their gazes locked as he pushed deeper, and then still deeper. Even with her legs spread as wide as possible, she feared she couldnat take any more. She went completely still, hardly daring to breathe as he continued to ease himself inside of her.

It felt like being impaled by a hot steel rod, her body invaded by a thick, throbbing pole. She was afraid to move, afraid to even drag air into her lungs.

aRelax,a he ground out roughly as he plunged the last inch into her. Then he stilled, waiting for her to adjust to the fullness. He rested his forehead against hers. They were both strung tight.

aJeezus, baby, youare so hot and tight and sweet.a The warmth of his breath whispered over her lips. aI thought I might die of wanting. Thereas no place in the world Iad rather be than inside of you. Suck me with your body.a aI canat,a she whispered hoa.r.s.ely.

aSure you can.a He dipped his head to her breast, his hot mouth sucking greedily at her nipple. The caress sent a jolt of heat to her v.a.g.i.n.al muscles, helping them relax and increasing the flow of juices to lubricate him.

She tentatively flexed her muscles around him and he whispered encouragement. But the instant her body lifted against his in demand, he pulled out of her. She whimpered, but he immediately plunged back in, swiftly and deeply. Thea caught her breath and stared into his eyes. His face was tight, his expression savage as he withdrew and then plunged again.

aWhen I think about you with another man,a he said on a low, snarl. aIt drives me insane.a Thea moaned in distress. She didnat want his thoughts wandering in that direction. She felt the sudden rigidity of his body as a resurgence of anger swept over him. His big, hard frame pulsed with it, swelling and pressing more heavily upon her, pounding into her deeply.

Never had she been more aware of his superior strength. Nor had she ever felt so exposed and defenseless. Bound and unable to protect herself, she was totally at his mercy: At the mercy of his badly wounded pride. He had the power to heal or to hurt her. She s.h.i.+vered with apprehension.

aI swear on my life that I never slept with him,a she whispered raggedly.

aHow about on your parentsa lives?a he demanded.

aMy parentsa lives, my career, and everything I hold dear, I promise you that I never made love with Ted.a In response, Blake rose onto his knees and withdrew from her. Thea closed her eyes tightly and swallowed a sob at the thought of him rejecting her againa"rejecting her confession and her body as well as her love.

Suddenly, her legs were freed. The silk bonds stayed on her ankles, but head slipped the loops from the bedposts. Then he slowly resettled over her, enveloping her with his simmering heat. He took a nipple into his mouth and suckled as his hot shaft found its way back into her body. She swiftly wrapped her ankles around his thighs and arched into him.

aMy arms,a she coaxed.

aNot this time,a he said thickly, sliding his hands under her hips. His touch seared her sensitive flesh, stinging and stroking her excitement. Then he lifted her into his thrusts. aI come apart when you touch me and Iam already about to explode.a He started slow and easy, but steadily increased the rhythm until their bodies were grinding and slapping with heated fervor. The bed rocked and rattled while Thea welcomed each pounding thrust, holding nothing back as they both strove for satisfaction.

She screamed when the o.r.g.a.s.m finally hit her, crying out as spiraling heat arced deep within her, stealing her breath and her strength.

But Blake wasnat finished. Her screams spurred him to hotter, harder, deeper thrusts. His body pumped against hers in a fierce, primitive rhythm, the slap of flesh on flesh echoing in the room. The bed shuddered and slammed against the wall as his powerful body pumped against hers.

A second, more powerful o.r.g.a.s.m rolled over her with a shuddering force just as she heard his low groan and felt his hot seed spurting into her.

CHAPTER THREE.

Twilight had settled upon the room as their breathing slowly returned to normal. Theaas chest still heaved in her effort to get enough air. Blake eventually s.h.i.+fted his weight onto his forearms to give her more breathing s.p.a.ce.

She opened her eyes as his fingers gently brushed tendrils of hair from her sweat-dampened cheeks.

aYou are so incredibly s.e.xy,a he whispered, his eyes dark and probing.

He looked as though he wanted to see into her soul. She yearned for words of love. They didnat come, but the sincerity of his compliment warmed her heart.

aYou make me feel so s.e.xy and so special,a she said, and then dared to confess even more. aIall go crazy if you leave me.a His eyes narrowed. He studied her more intently. aWill you, Thea? Will you miss me or just the way I can make you feel?a Before she could respond, head lifted himself from her and headed for the bathroom. She closed her eyes and sighed, wondering what it would take to convince him. What would it take to win his love?

He returned with a warm, wet washcloth. She gasped in surprise as he spread her legs and began to tenderly bathe her. Despite what theyad just shared, she felt the heat of embarra.s.sment at the intimate attention.

aBlake!a aDonat be shy,a he insisted. as.e.x is messy, and I donat ever want you to feel stained by it.a Theyad never made love without a condom, even though she was on the pill. This was her first experience with such total intimacy, and she loved the feel.

aIam glad you didnat use a condom. It felt fantastic. How can you worry about anything else?a she said softly.

His gaze met hers again, his brow furrowed in a frown. aI thought you might be disgusted by the mess.a aYou could have asked.a Blakeas frown deepened, then he s.h.i.+fted his gaze. aMaybe there are a lot of things we need to discuss.a aNot just physical barriers, but emotional ones?a Instead of answering, he rose from the bed and made a trip back to the bathroom. Thea tugged at her bonds, noting that each had two slipknots, one for her wrists and another to fit over the bedposts. She just couldnat wiggle her way out of them.

When he returned, she said. aHow about removing these ties. Iam thirsty.a He didnat release her bonds, but brought a gla.s.s of wine to her mouth, holding her head so that she could drink. Then he sipped the wine from her lips. They kissed; sweet, drugging kisses that stirred their desire back to life.

He finally slipped the knots from the bedposts, but quickly turned her onto her stomach and slid the ties back over the posts. Before Thea could react, he had her legs bound again as well. Now she was spread eagle on her stomach, feeling even more vulnerable.

aBlake!a she moaned her frustration.

aPatience, sweetheart. I want plenty of time to love you. This way, my desire wonat get out of control.a Thea wasnat too pleased by his comment. She wanted him totally out of control, pushed beyond the limits of his endurance. Still, she didnat complain much when she felt him beginning to ma.s.sage the taut muscles of her thighs and then b.u.t.tocks.

Her breath caught as she antic.i.p.ated the sting of his hand across her flesh, and he didnat disappoint her. Whack! Whack! He quickly and firmly smacked her a.s.s again, searing her with heat. Her v.a.g.i.n.al muscles clenched in reaction and her juices start to flow again.

Then he showered her a.s.s with kisses, making her go warm and pliant. How could she complain about anything that felt so good? When he settled over her and sunk his teeth into her shoulder, she moaned her pleasure. He slid his hands under her until he could cup her b.r.e.a.s.t.s, then continued to suck at her neck while the hard length of his erection slid between her legs, seeking and finding its welcoming mate.

He moved inside her with torturously slow strokes, building her excitement until she thought shead lose her mind. The heat and weight of his body against her tender backside sent more heat coursing between her legs. She arched back against him, wanting him closer, tighter, harder. Blake didnat disappoint her. His thrusts increased, harder and hotter, as his control slipped. He plunged into her like a steel pinion until they both came in a wild surge of pleasure.

Temporarily sated, he removed her silken bonds and pulled her into his arms. Thea held him tightly and they drifted to sleep.

Hours later, they woke and were ravenous. They finished their pizza, and then cuddled on the front porch swing to watch the moon rise over the lake. They remained totally naked and unashamed. The night had turned cool, but they were coc.o.o.ned and comfy with an afghan wrapped around them.

aWe still need to talk,a Blake told her as he hugged her close.

Thea tilted her head to look at him. His sudden tension alerted her to the fact that he was ready for a serious discussion. She decided to brave the more intimate aspects of their relations.h.i.+p.

aWeave been lovers for a while, but tonightas the first time Iave ever really felt like your lover. Does that make sense?a He nodded, rubbing his cheek against her forehead. aWe were just going through the motions, leaving us both unsatisfied.a aSo why did you wait so long to really make love to me?a aI was taking my cue from you. You always seemed so modest and reserved that I didnat want to risk shocking you.a A silent groan bubbled inside of her. Head thought her reservations stemmed from indifference. If only he knew. She wasnat feeling quite bold enough to tell him the truth.

aIs that why youave been breaking dates and generally making yourself scarce?a aI was having a hard time keeping my desire in check,a he confessed. His hand had wandered to the curve of her breast and he cupped it gently, flicking the nipple with his thumb.

Theaas body reacted swiftly to his touch. She wanted to rub herself against him until he soothed the ache head created. But she was equally intent on listening to his explanation.

aIave been accused of being too possessive and demanding,a he said.

She snorted indelicately, and he pinched her nipple in punishment.

aI know I can be overbearing, but I donat want my possessiveness to destroy our relations.h.i.+p. aI never want you to feel trapped or smothered.a aMaybe Iam a little possessive too,a she said, stroking his chest and twirling the tight curls with her fingers. aI might be a little more demanding if you were a little less controlled.a aAnd I could feel a whole lot more natural with you, if you werenat such a slave to convention.a aI know,a she said on a sigh. aIt comes from years of social conditioning, but Iam making progress.a aHow so?a aWell,a she said, letting her hand glide over his taut stomach. She smiled in the darkness as her touch brought his flesh to swift arousal.

aOur relations.h.i.+p has taken precedence over my career. I never thought that could happen. Itas also more important to me than family wealth or social trappings. And I have enjoyed this day tremendously.a aEven if we can establish a terrific s.e.x life, that doesnat mean the relations.h.i.+p can survive long-term,a he warned. aThousands of couples have tried and failed to beat the odds.a aWhat odds, exactly?a aThe odds of a rich girl being satisfied with a self-made man on daddyas payroll.a Thea wanted to scream in frustration. aWhy do men view everything from the aspect of money and power?a she grumbled. aOur relations.h.i.+p shouldnat be controlled by either one!a aProbably not from your viewpoint, but then youare the one whoas always had it all.a aAnd you think I canat accept a different lifestyle? Do I seem that shallow?a she asked. aWhy donat you have any faith in our future?a aPartly because of the way you cling to family and job, which keeps me the outsider.a aA mistake Iam trying to remedy,a she insisted.