Her arms wrap themselves around my waist before I can turn around.
“I’ve missed you, Professor James,” she whispers, taking a bite of my earlobe.
“Damn straight, you better miss me.” I turn to face her, holding back the grin that’s dying to erupt. “I haven’t seen you in twenty-hours. That’s criminal. Have you been a good girl?” I’m up for a game or two if she is. I’ll save the serious discussion for when we’re both worn out, unable to move because we’ve twisted ourselves into every damn position known to man. A smile creeps up, and I don’t stop it.
“I’ve been very, very naughty.” She lowers that forest of lashes and bats into me.
“It sounds like you’re due a punishment.” I give a quick sweep around the room for that riding crop I brought in from the barn. I meant to wash it, but I’m sure a little hay around the edges will only add to the adventure. I spot it standing erect in the corner looking ever so innocent. “Don’t move.” I hop over and accidentally catch my foot on the coffee table. Her purse knocks over and spills its contents onto the rug below. “What’s this?” I pick up a pair of navy velvet cuffs. I think I like where the night is about to lead.
“Did those little ‘ole things just jump out of my purse?” She bites down on her lip feigning innocence. “I hope you don’t mind.”
“Mind? I’m loving this development.”
“I was sort of hoping for an arresting development.”
Gently I land a cuff over her wrist before leaning in and whispering, “You’ve got the key for this, right?”
“Yes,” she hisses so low it sounds like a sigh.
“You have the right to remain silent”—I press my lips to her ear—“unless, of course, you’re moved to scream—and I hope to arrange for that.” Carefully, I pull her arms behind her back. “Anything you say or do can and will be used against your very naked body.” I secure her other wrist into the cuff. “If you cannot afford an attorney, then—well, you’ll be trapped in my bedroom forever. Do you understand these rights as they’ve been whispered, hot, in your ear?” I take an unapologetic bite of her neck.
“I’m catching on.” A hard groan comes from deep inside her. “I’m ready for a visit to the penitentiary. Lucky for me, I’m already undressed in the event any of the inmates demand to have their way with me.”
“I’m the only person allowed to do that.” I give her lips a gentle kiss. “You belong to me.” My eyes sear over hers, and, for a brief second, we share something real, something deeper than the fun and games we’ve plunged into. I lead her down the hall a little rougher than usual, scooping up the riding crop along the way.
“In need of reinforcements?” Marley smolders like a vixen as her high heels clop across the hardwood floors.
“The only reinforcement I’ll be needing is right here.” I rub my crotch over her back as I kiss her from behind. “You ready to serve hard time?”
“Only if you’re going to ask me to bend over and pick up the soap.” Her brow arches, hopeful.
“I wouldn’t take it off the table just yet.” I press her against the bedpost and pull the cuffs back, threading the riding crop through each one until she’s effectively pinned to the bed.
“How did you do that?” She marvels, slightly out of character, and I can’t help but find it cute as hell.
“I’m all about the surprises.” I’m hoping she’ll love the surprise I have for her later, when I ask her to be mine—when I promise her things I have never promised another woman.
The fire from the living room fills the room with a subtle glow, illuminating her beauty as I gently caress her cheek with the back of my hand.
“So you’re an officer of the law, huh?” She smirks, and it makes me want her ten times more. “I knew you were a Private Dick the moment I laid eyes on you. Take off your clothes, Officer James.” She swallows hard, gasping for air as if she’s ready to detonate long before I touch her. “And, if you don’t—I might be moved to place you under citizen’s arrest. You’re breaking contract with those things on. Clothes. Off. Now!”
“Aren’t you a little demanding, considering you’re the one in restraints?”
She lowers her chin. “I said now.”
I give my tie a hard yank. “I’ll make sure you say please when it counts.” I unbutton my shirt a little slower than usual. Apparently, being tied up brings out the commanding, iron-handed princess in her. Not that I mind. I’m all for Marley barking out orders. I pull off my shirt and ball it up before tossing it to the other side of the room.