Love Slave to the Sicilian Billionaire(37)

Feeling a little left out, Ella became startled when Lexi finally turned her attention to the job in hand. “My, you look like a frightened little rabbit caught in the headlights.” Ella forced a smile, even though she didn’t feel like it. Maybe it did the trick, because Lexi said, “That’s better. Now don’t move. Take a deep breath, sweetie.”

Max placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder as she breathed in. Before she had time to expel the air, a sharp pain stabbed into her clit. She couldn’t help yelping, “Oh my God.”

“Nearly done, sweetie,” Lexi soothed as she continued the procedure. “What a brave little kitten you are.” She tenderly stroked Ella’s arm. “All done now.” She turned her attention to Max. “I know you like to finish the piercing.”

By this time Ella couldn’t care less about her embarrassment. She just wanted it over and done with. Max spoke as he began to screw the chromed balls onto each end of the barbell, his voice deep and gravelly. “Ella, please accept this piercing as a token of my respect for you.” His wonderful silver-gray eyes held hers. Ella could no more look away than stop breathing. “You belong to me. You are mine in body and soul now. By giving yourself freely into my care, I promise to keep you safe and protected. I promise to nurture your well-being on your journey of self-discovery and happiness.”

The way Max looked at her made her feel at one with him. She only had to look into his eyes to know each word he spoke was said with genuine emotion and feeling. What wonderful things had she yet to discover about herself? What else would he show her? She knew then that she would be with him every step of the way, because she loved him. This single thought made the hairs on the back of her neck stand on end. She’d fallen in love with a man who would cherish and protect her. She hoped more than anything that Max was falling in love with her, too. But even if he didn’t love her back, he would always keep her safe from the evils of the world. At that moment her future became clear. She would endeavor to be the best sub Max had ever had.

“Oh, Max. That’s so moving.” She quickly wiped a tear from her eye that threatened to run down her cheek.

He leaned down and kissed her lips. “You’re such a beautiful, special woman, Ella.”

Lexi cleared her throat. “Break it up, you two. Remember, Max, you shouldn’t have any sexual contact with the piercing for at least a month. You’ve gotta give it time to heal properly. So that means no sex.”

“No sex?” Ella’s throat croaked as she spoke. She’d gone through all that pain to remain celibate for a whole month?

Max smiled. “Don’t worry, baby. Lexi just means no vaginal sex. There’s plenty more of your beautiful body I’ve yet to explore. I’m looking forward to it.”





Chapter Seventeen





9:30 p.m., nine days later




Ella yawned and stretched her arms above her head. “I think I might get an early night, Max. It’s been a long day. What with the court hearing.”

“Hmm, you’re lucky the judge was lenient with you.”

“Max, he fined me one thousand dollars, plus costs. I’d hardly call that lenient.”

“It is what it is, Ella. You were foolish enough to break the law and now you have to face the consequences. Much like you do when you displease me.”

They’d been watching TV in the living room during the evening. Ella had lain on the leather sofa with her head resting on his lap. Occasionally he’d stroked a hand over her hair. As the night had drawn in, the air had started to cool, so he’d lit a fire in the free-floating black fireplace. The impressive chimney was the focal point of the room, and swept down from the ceiling. It opened out into an exotic teardrop shape that hovered about two feet above the black Italian marble floor. Its decadent design certainly wowed his guests when they first saw it, complementing the leather, glass, and hardwood furniture.

Max pointed the remote at the large plasma TV and switched it off. A hush fell over the room. Just the crack and spit of the logs in the grate could be heard. He then turned his attention to Ella.

Dressed in a pair of pajamas, Ella had gotten ready for bed early that evening. She rarely wore jammies, as they were less than flattering for her figure. Was she trying to look as unappealing as she could, hoping he wouldn’t want to administer a little light BDSM play as punishment for the large fine she’d received from the courts?

“Why are you going to bed so early, baby? Are you tired?”

“Not really, Max. I just thought I’d get an early night, that’s all.” She sounded a little edgy.