“What changed your mind about telling me?”

“Your discipline. As much as I disliked it, I understood why you did it. And I realized if I did lie to you about my round of self-love, I’d be doing both of us a disservice. I’m supposed to be exploring this side of myself, and if I’m lying, that’s holding back. I don’t want to hold back.”

Not entirely what she wanted to hear, but it was a start. “I appreciate your honesty. I’m not happy that you blatantly broke the rule, but you were thinking about me, which is different from if you’d been watching porn.”

“You are far sexier with your gi on than most women are naked.”

Shiori curled her hand beneath his jaw and tipped his head back to gaze into his eyes. “Hoping flattery will soften me up?”

“No, ma’am. It is the gospel truth.”

“What was the sexiest thing about fucking me tonight, Knox?”

Sexual heat flared in his eyes. “That the urgency between us had built to the point we went at it in an alley with most of our clothes on and we forgot a fucking condom. That never happens with me. I’ve never craved a woman like I do you.” He groaned and briefly closed his eyes. “I’m sitting here on my knees, my ass stinging, knowing I’ve got more punishment in store, and my dick is getting hard just imagining being with you again.”

“Once you get going with the honesty, it’s hard for you to stop,” she murmured.

“I’m a talker. Drives Ronin and Deacon crazy, but a lot of stupid shit can be fixed or changed by a simple conversation.”

“I’m happy you’re a talker. I don’t want to have to try to guess what you’re feeling.” She glanced down at his crotch. “Although sometimes physical reactions speak volumes.”

He grinned.

“What am I going to do with you?” she murmured, mostly to herself.

“Are you asking for suggestions?”

She cocked her head. “If I were? What would you suggest?”

“You let me take you to bed.”

“And then?”

“We either fall asleep twined together, or we stay awake a little longer.”

“Meaning we could watch TV or something?” she teased.

“If you want.” But it was apparent that wasn’t what he wanted.

Since when does what a sub wants factor in?

Always.

“Tell you what. I’m going to indulge in a hot shower in your stadium-sized bathroom. While I’m in there, get ready for bed. I’ll need a T-shirt to sleep in. And I’d like a cup of tea before I go to sleep.” She paused. “Do you have tea?”

“No, ma’am. Would you like me to go to the store and get some?”

She scraped her fingernail along his collarbone. “They wouldn’t sell to you because I’d insist you go like this. But in the future I’d suggest you stock up on chamomile tea.”

“Of course. Whatever you want.”

“Stay in this position until I’m in the bathroom. Then you can make preparations for bed.”

“Yes, Mistress.”

Once inside the bathroom, she pinned her hair up. After she’d stripped and climbed in the huge shower, she wished she’d asked for instructions on how to turn it on since there were five different handles. She messed around until blessed hot water hit her.

Normally she didn’t shower at night, but she needed a moment to find her balance. Because Knox was certainly doing his best to keep her off balance. He’d gone from possessive and unapologetic to contrite, then to teasing. She’d never met a man like him who wasn’t afraid to show all the facets of himself.

She dried off and returned to the bedroom.

Knox lay in the middle of the big bed, the white sheets a perfect foil for his golden skin. He pushed up on his elbows when she approached. “How was your shower?”

“Excellent. But I think I might’ve pulled something in my back when I used that spanking board.”

“Would you like a massage?”

“Yes.” Shiori dropped the towel and stretched out facedown on the bed.

Knox straddled her butt, being careful not to sit on her. When he dug his thumbs into her neck, she moaned. He was gentle but thorough.

“You’re quiet,” she remarked when he started down her spine.

“I’m trying to relax you.”

“It’s working. I feel like I could just nod off.”

“Go ahead.”

“You have great hands.”