Free Sweet Persuasion by Maya Banks Page A

loafers, she was dead wrong.
    The man was simply to die for in a pair of tight-fitting jeans and a T-shirt that molded to his muscled arms and chest. His loose clothing from before had disguised just what a tight body he had.
    He kissed her cheek in a casual manner before turning to guide her inside. Cooler air washed over her when they walked into the house. She followed him into a luxurious sitting room where a fire burned in the hearth of a large stone fireplace.
    She did a double take and then turned to him with an expression of surprise. “A fire? In this heat?”
    “I like the ambience,” he said. “It lends the room such a homey feeling, don’t you think?”
    It did at that. “I love it. It was just a shock to see at this time of year. Heck, it doesn’t get cold enough down here in the winter for a fire most years.”
    “I very much like my creature comforts,” he said with a smile. “You might even say I’m spoiled, but my needs are few, and I like to see that they are met.”
    Oh, yes, he would take such good care of her. She could feel it, and God, she couldn’t wait.
    “Please, make yourself comfortable,” he said as he gestured toward one of the leather couches. “Would you like something to drink? A glass of wine, perhaps?”
    “That sounds lovely,” she said as she settled in the soft comfort of the couch. “Whatever you choose will be fine.”
    He smiled that predatory smile, one that said he liked making her choices very much.
    She kicked her sandals off and tucked her feet underneath her as she settled further into the couch. He was right about one thing. The room was homey and comfortable, and thanks to the rush of cool air being pumped in by the air-conditioning, the fire didn’t warm things too much.
    Damon returned a moment later and extended a crystal wineglass down to her. Then he retreated to the armchair across from her and sat down.
    She took an experimental sip and let the flavor burst over her tongue.
    “Good?” he asked.
    “Perfect.”
    He nodded and smiled.
    She drew the glass away after taking another small swallow and stared at him over the rim. “Did you get the fax I sent you this afternoon?”
    “I did, but then I had no expectation of anything but a perfect bill of health.”
    A smile quirked the corner of her mouth. “Wouldn’t you have been surprised if I’d tested positive for some scary STD?”
    He chuckled. “That would have been a shame, indeed.”
    “Are you a good lover, Damon?”
    Even she was a bit stunned at how easily the question popped out. To his credit, Damon didn’t so much as flinch. He lowered the wineglass to rest above his knee and his warm brown eyes found her own.
    “I like to think so. I’m demanding but generous, though somehow I think the demanding part will mesh quite well with your desires.”
    Heat tinged her cheeks but she nodded.
    “There are things we should talk about before we sign a contract,” he said.
    Again she nodded, but for the life of her, she had no idea where to start. Thankfully he didn’t suffer any such difficulty.
    “You’ve outlined quite well what you’d like, or at least where you’d like to start.”
    “Yes,” she croaked.
    “Then perhaps we should get to my expectations,” he said levelly.
    Her eyebrows went up in surprise, and he smiled.
    “I know what you’re thinking. This is your fantasy. You’re in control. But your fantasy is to relinquish your power. You will submit to me and my wishes. My wants and desires will be your own. You will please me, and in return I will please you.”
    Her hand shook as she raised the wineglass to her lips again.
    “For the times you are with me, I expect complete obedience and respect.”
    Her hackles rose at the way he stated obedience, but she could see him studying her, waiting for her protest, almost as though he was waiting to call her a fraud.
    “Does that bother you?” he asked.
    “I assume you mean sexually.”
    His expression didn’t change.