Forbidden

Initiation into Submission: High Protocol

Book Three

She was his salvation, but she’d also become his temptation. For both of them, he had to master his feelings, because to master her risked losing her. While she talked dirty to him now, her version of sex wasn’t the same as his. She wasn’t submissive, wouldn’t enjoy the sting of his flogger or the punishing intensity of BDSM.

“Don’t stand there and stare. Just because you don’t want to sleep with me, doesn’t mean you can’t fall asleep with me. Don’t worry, Gavin. You’re safe from me. I heard you when you said we’re only friends. I won’t hold you down and have my way with you.”

Gavin sat on the edge of the bed and leaned forward resting his elbows on his knees. “Claire,” he searched for the right words, knowing nothing he could say would fix the rift between them. He wanted more than she could give him. More than he’d ever be able to demand from her. “You’ll thank me one day.”

“Don’t make me feel worse.” Her softly spoken words cut through him like a blade to his chest.

He took off his boots. He wasn’t sure how he felt about this side of Claire. Not that he expected her to be virginal, but he also hadn’t expected her to throw down accusations…accusations that challenged his intentions. He had always felt the simmering attraction between them, never acknowledging or speaking of it.

He couldn’t ignore it or her now.

Gavin slid into the covers. Darkness settled over him, but he wasn’t going to sleep any time soon. Her soft breaths filled the silence. Warmth from her body seeped into him. The scent of her lingered in her sheets. He rolled to his side, drinking it in. His balls tightened, and a shiver raced along his spine.

He’d slept with her before, on the couch, up camping for a weekend at the lake, or crashed on the floor in front of the television. But never in her bed…or any bed. Shifting his legs, he reached into the front of his jeans and gave his erection room to stretch.

Lying in the dark, he remembered back. He’d been there for all the important milestones in her life. For all the heartache and pain as well. She shared everything with him. And he hid the darkest but most honest parts of himself from her.

Long minutes passed, and he finally began to relax.

Then Claire shifted in her sleep, her ass fitting perfectly against his groin. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply, afraid to move, to wake her and lose the delicious torment of having her pressed against him.

The pattern of her breathing changed. Shallow breaths fluttered her chest.

“Claire?” He ran his hand over her hip, the silk of her panties teasing his fingertips.

“Yes?”

He shifted in tighter behind her. “I never said I didn’t want you.” He slipped his palm onto the taut plane of her belly. “I said I wouldn’t be good for you.”

“But I’d be good for you.”