“I got you, babe.”

“I know.”

When I start to move, the board wobbles precariously and she grabs ahold of it. I push deep, wanting to drown myself in her. I wish I could spend my days just like this. I don’t need anything else but my dick encased in her tight, wet pussy. She tightens her grip on me, shutting down a part of my brain. I pump into her, gradually increasing the pressure on her neck.

“Gage!”

I remember the little gift I have for her and take her to the bed. When I lay her down and pull out of her, she quickly moves up on her hands and knees, waiting for me. Perfection.

“Turn around, doll. I have something for you.”

“What?” She faces me, staring up with wide eyes.

I search my discarded jeans for the box, open it, and present it to her.

“What’s that?”

“Nipple clamps.”

She smiles, motioning to me eagerly. “Put them on.”

I clip one nipple first, adjusting the pressure to her liking, then repeat with the next, and watch as she squirms.

“Does it hurt?”

“No. They feel good.”

I pull on the chain gently, testing her. She moans, throwing her head back. I pull a little harder, amazed that she’s not averse to this kinky shit. There’s so much I want to show her, but I’ll take it slowly.

“Gage…I want you to do something.”

“Tell me.”

“Tie me up.”

“What? No,” I answer, the memory of how she freaked out when I held her hands together fresh in my mind.

“Please. I want to.”

“No, Raven. I’m not doing it.”

She kneels in front of me, placing her hands on my shoulders. “I understand why you don’t want to, but I need to do this. I know you want to.”

“Doesn’t matter.”

I can’t have her reverting to zombie land. I couldn’t handle it, especially if it was my fault. She pulls my face down to hers.

“Tie me up,” she whispers. “Do whatever you want to me. I trust you.”

She lies back on the bed, spreading her arms, waiting for me. I stare down at her, conflicted. God knows I want to, but how can I? I’d kill myself before I hurt her.

“Please,” she begs.

I take a deep breath, praying I don’t regret this decision. Heading to the bathroom, I remove the sash from her robe. When I return, I stand over her hesitantly, but she seems excited.

“I’ll do one wrist – a simple knot. Anything happens, you either tell me to stop and I’ll release you immediately, or you can reach over and untie it yourself.”

I wrap the material around her wrist, pausing to give her a chance to back out. She takes a deep, calming breath then gives me the go-ahead with a dip of her head. I tie her wrist to the headboard and show her how to undo it with one pull.

“Got it.”

I drag my shirt over my head, climb between her legs, and lean in close, our faces an inch apart. “Okay?”

“Yes,” she answers on a shaky, exhaled breath.

I take the chain from the clamps and place it in her mouth, telling her to bite down. Her chest rises and falls rapidly, anticipation and expectation speeding up her heartbeat. I kiss down her neck, closing my eyes at the sound of her moan. I lick around the clamp on her nipple, watching as her head falls back, pulling on the chain. She groans but doesn’t let it go. I nip at her other breast and draw a whimper from her.

“Please.” She grabs my shoulder. “Do both hands.”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes.”

I stretch the sash across and secure her other wrist. After placing the chain in her mouth once more, I begin kissing down her stomach.

“Please, Gage. Please, fuck me,” she mumbles around the chain.

I spread her legs wider and slide home. She tugs at the restraints but doesn’t ask me to stop. Wrapping her legs around my hips, she pulls me deeper. Her eyes are closed, back arched, head back, lost in ecstasy. With each thrust, I become less worried. Her head is thrashing from side to side, effectively pulling on the chain attached to the nipple clamps. She’s moaning and groaning, lifting her hips to meet mine. The sight of her like this is too much for me and I slam into her repeatedly, needing to feel her come again. I find her clit with my thumb, rubbing tight circles. She starts to tighten around me, the headboard rattling from her movements.

“Gage…Gage…Gage…”

Fuck. I throw her leg over my shoulder, pumping into her tight heat. I feel her coming and her back arches, the movement pulling the clamps free. She screams, the spasms from her pussy beckoning my own orgasm. I shoot off inside her with a grunt.

“Raven!”

She watches with a grin as I twitch above her. I release her hands and she pulls me down to her, slapping a kiss on my lips.

“Thank you. That was…” Dumbfounded, she shakes her head. “I have no words.”

Relieved, I lie next to her, curling my arm around her as she settles on my chest. I was thinking about converting one of the bedrooms at the house into a sex room, but now I’m definitely doing it. I’m no Dom, but who doesn’t like a little kinky shit? I think I’ll try blindfolding her next.

“Mmm,” she moans, burrowing closer. “Damn, you’re good.”

“Yeah, I know.” I chuckle.

“I’m not even going to argue with you. Not when I can’t move.”

“Get used to it, babe. I plan on fucking you every chance I get.”

“Hmm…I’m inclined to agree with that plan.”

“It’s cute that you think you have a choice.”

“Whatever.”

After a while, she slides out of bed and heads to the bathroom. I use the opportunity to get the other box I have for her from my jeans. I don’t know how I became the type of man who gives flowers and gifts to women, but I like doing those things for her, seeing the look on her face. Then again, her face lights up just by seeing me. That I will never understand. Lust, I know and recognize easily, but she’s the first woman who actually looks happy to see me. How does my very presence make her happy?

“What’s that?”

I turn my head in her direction, realizing she’s back and getting dressed. “Something for you.”

“Ooh. Is it another kinky gift?” She gives me a bright smile and drops down next to me excitedly.

“No.” I chuckle and hand it to her. “Open it, freak.”

“It’s your fault. I told you you were going to turn me out and I was right.”

She flips the lid on the box, looks at the ring inside then turns to me, her smile going from excited to flattered.

“Gage…it’s beautiful.”

She places it on the third finger of her right hand, extending it in front of her and admiring the ring.

“It’s so cute. Why ropes, though? Is it because you wanted to tie me up?” She winks.

She trails her fingers over the top. It basically looks like a length of gold rope tied into a bow. I saw it and was instantly drawn to it because I think it describes the way she makes me feel.

“No, doll.” I pull her onto my lap, grasping her chin and directing her lips to mine. “Because you tie me up in knots.”

CHAPTER 23

***Raven***

I drag my tired ass out of bed, leaving Gage sleeping soundly. Between all the sex and going out with Chrissy last night, I’m exhausted. I stand in front of the sink and inspect my reflection. I definitely look tired but other than that, my neck, breasts, and stomach are covered in hickeys. There are still red streaks in my hair, too, but I’m thinking of keeping them. Gage likes it. I’m also accumulating some pretty bitching jewelry. I have my diamond earrings, ‘12 Gage’ necklace, charm bracelet, and now my cute bow ring.

As I brush my teeth, I think about what he said last night – that I tie him up in knots. What’s he conflicted about? His feelings? Or maybe his lack thereof. Just because we’re great together and have amazing sex doesn’t mean he’s in love with me. I tried to convince myself before but without confirmation from him, I can’t be sure. If I ask him, I risk getting an answer I’m not prepared to hear. Then again, I may wait in vain if I don’t. I know he loves me – Stevie Wonder could see he does – but I need to know if he’s in love with me. It seems I’m the one tied up in knots. He warned me, didn’t he? He doesn’t do love and relationships. I knew the rules when we started this game; I can’t go asking him to change them now.