Free King of Diamonds by Cheyenne McCray Page B

scary. The look in his eyes both excited her and frightened her all at once. It was the fear that made her whisper, “Yes, Sire.”
    The corner of his mouth curved, a carnal smile that made her clit throb. “Very good, kitten. Now put your hands behind your back and turn away from me.”
    Strangely enough, it felt almost natural following his instructions. Not to mention that being naked outside in the middle of a garden felt naughty. Exciting, even. After she put her hands behind her back, Karn guided her by gently pushing her around so that her back was to him.
    Next thing she knew he was binding her wrists together with the silk scarf. Her throat went dry and her pulse raced. What was he going to do?
    “Kneel,” he commanded even as he placed his hands on her shoulders and applied light pressure, forcing her to comply.
    The grass was wet beneath her knees and her long hair slid across her breasts and along the top of her buttocks. Cool air brushed her nipples and mound, causing goose bumps to prickle her skin. With her hands tied behind her back, her breasts thrust forward. Annie didn’t know whether to be embarrassed, angry, or excited. She felt a little of everything, and the feelings confused her.
    “What are you going to do to me?” she asked as he came around to stand before her.
    This time a short red leather strap was in his hand and large diamond-shaped crystals glittered along its surface.
    “You belong to me, Annie.” He trailed the strap over her shoulder, up her neck, and along her cheek. “You will wear this collar to make it clear to you and to anyone who sees you.”
    Her jaw dropped. She stared at him, certain he was out of his ever-loving mind. “I’m not a possession!”
    “You are my possession, kitten.” He smiled and it was so sinfully sexy that all the protests that had been building inside her just melted away. She could hardly think as he fastened the collar around her neck.
    Annie couldn’t believe she was wearing nothing but a collar and had her hands bound behind her back.
    A forbidden thrill shot through her.
    Moral indignation and feminist rage aside, she actually liked how it felt.
    A red leather strap appeared in his hand, and he gently caressed her shoulder with it. “It is time for your first punishment.”
    Blood pounded in Annie’s ears. “You’re not going to beat me or whip me, are you?”
    Continuing his erotic caress with the strap, Karn slid it over her breasts, teasing her nipples. He moved around to her backside where she could no longer see him and he trailed the strap over her shoulder blades and buttocks. “You will feel both pleasure and pain in your punishment.”
    “It’s the pain I’m not too sure about.” Annie’s voice trembled slightly. “Karn, I’m scared.”
    Karn came back around and knelt before her. He placed a light kiss to her forehead then caught her chin in his hand. “I would never hurt you, kitten. Trust me.”

 
     
     
    Chapter Six
     
    Desire roared in Karn’s gut. He was almost crazy with lust at the sight of his woman on her knees, wearing his collar, her hands bound behind her back, her body naked and waiting for him. He inhaled her perfume of vanilla and her woman’s musk, drinking it in until he felt as though the intoxicating scent roared through his veins. She was frightened of the unknown, yes, but she was clearly aroused.
    He released his hold on her chin and studied her for a moment. With his thumb and forefinger, he pinched the folded leather strap and gently brushed Annie’s lips with it. “This time I will spank you with my bare hand. As I said, you will feel both pain and pleasure.” He brought the strap down, lightly touching first one nipple, then the other, and the taut nubs grew harder yet. “Next time I will not be so easy on you, my pet.”
    Behind her eyewear, Annie’s eyes were wide with concern, but her pupils were large with desire, too. She licked her lips and her voice was husky when she spoke,