The Arrangement Anthology 2(59)
“Mr. Jones.” I smile with a lazy sated grin.
He leans in with a devilish look on his lips that makes butterflies erupt in my stomach. “Now that we’ve tried out the chair, I think it’s time to sample the box.” He stands and holds out his hand.
I giggle and sit up, not quite understanding him. Taking his hand, I ask, “Sample?”
“Yes, sample.” He takes my hands, sweeps me up in his arms, and twirls around. I shriek and cling to his slick, naked body, before he stops over the box. “First we need to fill it with something.”
“Do you mean me or the box, because I think you already filled me rather well.”
Sean kisses my nose and drops me. I fall the short distance into the packaging peanuts and yelp. When I look up at Sean, I stick my tongue out at him. “Very mature.” He finds his phone and asks, “May I?”
My heart skips a beat. I have no idea what he wants to do, but I say, “Yes.”
CHAPTER 9
A boyish smile crosses Sean’s lips as he takes a picture. “One to remind me that the box can be as much fun as the present.” The corner of his mouth tips up and he laughs, before pushing his dark hair out of his eyes. It’s damp and laying in thick waves, almost as if it wanted to curl.
The moment is surreal. I’m lying in a box, surrounded by those earth-friendly packaging peanuts, half covered. My breasts are bare and my hair is over one shoulder. My body is still slick with sweat and the little pieces of foam are sticking to me.
As I lay there, breathing slowly, I twist a lock of hair and look up at him from under my lashes. My mind wanders into the future, of what it will be like to become this man’s wife. He bought me a sex chair for an engagement gift, and then this. I’ve never laid in a box naked before, and certainly not with someone watching, and that’s what Sean does—watch. His eyes sweep over my bare curves, drinking in each one, savoring the glimpse as if he might not get another.
Every time I breathe my lungs fill and my chest lifts. His gaze drifts back to my breasts and lingers. His lips part like he wants to say something, but he doesn’t. The phone remains in his hand, but he doesn’t take more pictures or record anything. Instead, he stares until he finally says, “Avery, there’s something I want to tell you.”
I feel so sated and serene. My mind is lost in Lustland and all serious thoughts are scattered. I extend my hand toward him, inviting him to join me. Sean steps forward and takes my hand, but that’s it. “Avery,” he tries again and I can tell that the conversation is going to wipe that look off his face, so I stop him. I want him to be happy and it’s so damn rare.
I won’t let the moment go. I can’t. “Close the lid.” I know those three words will stop him. It’s a total derailment and I can see the mental train wreck on his face when I offer.
“What did you say?” his voice is a breath, barely audible.
“Close me in.” I take a deep gulp of air and bite my lips. The claustrophobic girl is asking to be locked in a box. I’ll be terrified, just the way he likes it. The offer is too great to pass up.
“You’re diabolical.” He doesn’t blink and I can tell he’s torn. Part of him does not want to do it to me, but the side of Sean Ferro that loves to dominate and instill fear is prowling, ready to pounce. I see that dark hunger in his eyes, the need that’s been evading him for too long.
“You know you want to do it. I won’t offer again. Close the box.” My lips part, and I breathe harder as my heart picks up the pace. If he closes me in, I’ll totally freak out. The corners of my lips twitch as if they wanted to smile.
Sean watches the movement, but says nothing. He stands over me and takes one side of the box top and lifts it up before lowering it into place. My heart lurches inside as my hands tense at my sides. Our eyes are locked. It’s almost like I’m daring him to do it and I have no idea how long he’ll leave me in here. Even so, I don’t look away. My chin lifts slightly as I fill my lungs. Sean reaches across me and grabs the other flap. He lowers it slowly, increasing the effect of the shadows closing in around me. My pulse picks up as my eyes dart around the box. Suddenly, I want to jump up and stop him, but I don’t. I force myself to remain still, my eyes are glued to his.
Sean leans in close. When he speaks, his voice is so deep. “Last chance to bow out, Smitty.”
I love it when he calls me that. I shake my head. “I’m as twisted as you are, remember?”
“I know, and I love it.” His eyes are hungry, and I know how much he wants this—how much he needs it. I wonder why he hasn’t asked. I would have let him. Before I can say another word, Sean closes the lid.