CHAPTER ELEVEN

The next morning I took a long shower and then ventured outside to find breakfast, looking forward to doing not much of anything. At the start of the year, I promised myself I'd take one Sunday a month off from work entirely. When you work for a big law firm, it's easy to lose all sense of balance. One day a month doesn't sound like much, but it's enough to feel like you've still got some semblance of control over your life.

I brought a book along with me. I used to love to read in high school, but with free time an ever shrinking commodity, my 'to read' pile kept growing faster than I could get through it. Those Sundays were about the only time I ever made any progress.

I leafed through a few pages, trying my best to concentrate, but my mind kept wandering back to Sebastian. It annoyed me. I wasn't the sort of girl who pined after men. For me, sex had always been just another fun way to pass the time. Except with Sebastian, it was something more.

I wasn't sure whether to be afraid or excited about the coming evening. He'd given me almost no clues about what to expect.

Almost.

That morning, I'd received a text message.

I want you to bring something with you tonight. A length of red ribbon, about three feet long.

I didn't know why he couldn't simply bring it himself, but at least I had some vague idea of what lay in store. As far as I could see, a ribbon could only be to bind me, so I knew I'd likely be restrained, but beyond that I was still in the dark. I suspected that was part of the experience. On the plus side, I now had his number.

I finished my breakfast, stubbornly forcing my way through a few chapters, before throwing in the towel. It was time to go shopping.

There was a fabric store just a few blocks from my place. It was a little strange to be hunting for something so kinky in such a mundane location. Sebastian had turned a simple act of shopping into something decidedly more sordid. As I walked the aisles, I found myself staring at the ground, trying my best not to meet the eyes of the other customers. It didn't help that the store seemed to be entirely populated by little old ladies. There was no way they could know why I was really there, but nonetheless, after I paid, I hustled out of the store as quickly as possible, burying the ribbon in the bottom of my bag.

The rest of the day passed at a snail's pace. I tried to enjoy my time off by catching up on some television I'd DVR'd, but I found it difficult to concentrate. I was nervous and buzzing with energy.

Seven thirty rolled around, and after finding nothing that screamed 'kinky hotel rendezvous' in my wardrobe, I threw on the closest thing I had — a bright red cocktail dress that flared at the bottom — and headed for Circular Quay once more. I was probably going to be early, but I got the impression that tardiness would not go down well tonight.

The hotel was only a minute's walk from the restaurant we'd been at a few weeks back. A girl could get used to this kind of living, I thought, as I walked along the wharf.

There was a storm rolling in from the south. The sky looked angry, bruised purple and swollen with rain; sea spray rode on the whipping wind. People seemed to have wisely taken the hint and stayed inside. Aside from a few gallant restaurant patrons, the area was largely empty.

The Royal Bay was a deceptively simple looking building. Unlike most city hotels, it was only a few stories tall, and the warm glow that trickled from the windows lent it a homely feel. But sitting on the docks, just meters from the water, it was definitely a step up from the Holiday Inn.

" Hi, " I said to the elegant middle aged woman behind the reception desk, " I'm here to meet a friend of mine. He said to come to room 400. "

Her smile wavered for the briefest instant before returning to full strength. Shit. It hadn't occurred to me before, but sexed up like I was and visiting an unnamed male guest in his room alone, I realised what I looked like. Yep, lawyer by day, high class hooker by night. That's me. I could have laughed if I wasn't so mortified.

" Of course, just take the lift over there up to the fourth floor. It's the first door on your right. "

" Great, thanks, " I said, doing my best to keep my expression neutral. Trying to correct her seemed like more trouble than it was worth.

As the lift gradually ticked its way upwards, my nerves continued to build. In the past, my sexual encounters had always been vaguely predictable. Even when the relationship was new, I had some idea what to expect. It was still exciting, but there was a comfort in that familiarity. With Sebastian, however, I was going in blind. The whole thing was a mystery.

With my heart thumping, I made my way slowly down the corridor until I found the room. Taking a deep breath, I knocked twice. There was no response. I tried again with the same result. Had I gotten mixed up somehow? I was fairly sure I had the details right, but Sebastian didn't strike me as the flaky sort. Not knowing what else to do, I reached out tentatively and tugged on the heavy brass handle. The door fell open without a sound.

At first I thought I was in the wrong place. The lights were dim and the room appeared to be empty. I made my way inside, glancing around nervously like a girl in a horror film, but Sebastian was nowhere in sight.

The room was stunning. Decked in soft creams and whites, it offered the kind of open space most hotel guests could only dream of. In front of the giant king sized bed was a rolling window that opened directly on to a balcony, offering me a perfect panoramic view of the harbour. I gazed out for several seconds, watching a lightning bolt sear the sky a blinding white. The storm was drawing closer.

It wasn't until I spotted the envelope that I realised I hadn't messed up. It was resting on a chair in the middle of the room. Oh so that's how we're playing is it? A thrill surged through me as I approached.

There was something else sitting beside it; a strip of dark silk about as long as my arm. I picked it up, running its softness through my fingers and trying to imagine what it was for. More restraints? Or something more sensual?

The whole situation had a clandestine flavour to it. The dark room, the mysterious props, the secret instructions, they all made me feel incredibly naughty; like I was doing something much more illicit than simply having sex.

Written on the front of the envelope was a single word. 'Sophia'. There was something about the way he said my name that carried more weight than normal. I found myself hearing the word in his voice as I read it.

Inside was a simple set of instructions:

Sophia.

I'm happy you could join me. I think you will find tonight's activities most enlightening. To prepare, I want you to strip down to your panties. I trust you've discovered the blindfold I left for you. Once you're undressed, stand in the middle of the room. Place the ribbon I asked for on the bed next to you and then cover your eyes with the scarf. Wait like that until I come for you.

-S

I picked up the silk gingerly and held it up to the light. It was completely opaque. Once it was secured in place, I'd be utterly blind. He'd be able to do whatever he wanted and I wouldn't even see it coming. The thought made me tremble.

For the hundredth time I considered calling it off. He'd promised to leave me alone if that was what I wanted. All I had to do was turn around and walk out of the door and everything would return to normal.

Except I knew that wasn't really true.

The fire that had been lit inside me wouldn't just disappear. As frightening as the thought of presenting myself for him - exposed, blind and helpless - was, the alternative was even more so. For better or for worse, I had to know.

I began to strip off, folding my clothes neatly on the bed, before pulling the ribbon from my purse. Just looking at it again made me blush. Mindful of my skin, I'd bought the softest, lightest weave I could find. I played with it for a few seconds, winding it around my wrists, trying to imagine what it would feel like to be bound with it, before placing it on the bed too.

I fidgeted for a few more moments, ensuring everything was in order, but eventually I knew I was just making excuses. Christ, here goes nothing. Picking up the blindfold, I gazed at the room one final time, before slipping it over my head and knotting it at the back. Everything went black.

My pulse instantly quickened. Stripping off my clothes was something I did every day. It hadn't felt unusual. But the second I covered my eyes, I'd crossed a line into the unknown. Anything could happen now.

We'd begun.

I wasn't sure how long I stood there. Unable to see, time seemed to slow down. Every tiny hotel noise made me jump, and my mind was racing at a million miles a minute. Was he even coming at all? Maybe this was a test of some sort, to see how long I'd stay put. And if he did show, could I ask him to remove the blindfold? It really was terrifying, but that might be against the rules. I didn't even know what the rules were. Was I allowed to object? Oh Christ, what the hell was I doing?

" Hello Sophia, " said a voice from behind me.

I squealed in surprise. He'd made no noise, nothing to give himself away. He must have been hiding in the bathroom the whole time, simply watching and letting me stew.

" Hello, " I managed.

" I'm very happy you didn't have a change of heart. I think we're both going to have a lot of fun. "

" That's easy for you to say, you're not naked and blind. "

He laughed. " Believe me, that's just the beginning. "

Being unable to see made me incredibly tense. I had no idea what was going on around me. He could have filled the room with a live studio audience and I wouldn't have known. My muscles were tight with anticipation, my body primed, although for what I wasn't certain.

His voice moved around me in a slow orbit. " I didn't really get to look at you the other night. Things were a little... rushed. " I flinched as a hand trailed across my stomach, moving tantalisingly close to my breasts. " God, you're gorgeous. You look every bit as ravishing as I expected. "

There was something vaguely dirty about being ogled so openly by a virtual stranger, but part of me was enjoying the attention.

" Are you afraid? "

I hesitated, before nodding slowly.

" That's okay. But don't worry; I'll take care of you. " His voice was soft now, and it hovered just inches from my ear, the heat of his breath tickling my neck. " We both know you want this as much as I do. You need this. "

And despite all of my apprehensions, I knew he was right. I couldn't help but think back to the previous night when he'd pinned me down. The surge of adrenaline, the primal need that had seized me in that moment, was unlike anything I'd experienced before. I had to have that again.

" I know, " I said, my voice barely more than a whisper.

His hands continued to traverse my body, gently teasing my back, my arms, the slope of my neck. He never stayed in one spot for very long, pulling away before surprising me from another angle. Every stroke left my skin tingling. In the darkness, the tension inside me grew. On some level I knew this was part of the game, drawing things out until I was at breaking point, but it was hard to be rational in such a position.

Eventually I felt him slide in behind me. " Are you ready to begin? "

I swallowed loudly. Last chance, Sophia. But there was no going back now.

" Yes. "

" Good. Then put your hands behind your back, arms together. "

Shaking, I did as I was told. I stood there, waiting to feel the soft touch of the ribbon, but instead something slick and fibrous wrapped around my wrists.

" What about the ribbon? " I blurted out.

" What about it? " he replied, looping and tying off the rope. " I never told you what it was for. Don't worry; we'll make good use of it later. "

I took a deep breath and tried to rein in my pounding heartbeat. " This just isn't what I expected. "

He gave a little laugh. " The game's no fun if it's predictable Sophia. And on that note... "

Before I knew what had happened, another length of rope was passed around my ankles. I cried out in alarm.

He worked quickly, and in a matter of seconds my legs were pinned as tightly as my arms. " Perfect, " he said.

Instinctively I tried to wriggle free and nearly fell over in the process. A wave of panic washed over me. Trying to remain calm, I tested my bonds more carefully, but it quickly became obvious that there was no way out. The knots were firm, the pressure high enough to restrict mobility while not being painful or dangerous. He was clearly a master of his craft. I was held as thoroughly as any prisoner.

I came incredibly close to just ending it there. My safe word sat on the tip of my tongue. But I managed to subdue my fear. Harden up, Sophia. This is what you signed up for, remember?

I'd been expecting him to bind me. That was BDSM 101. I just hadn't realised how thorough he'd be. I'd had this image in my mind of being playfully tied down, able to escape but choosing not to. The reality was far more intense. I couldn't move. I might have been able to hop to the door given time, but I wasn't even sure what direction it was in, anymore. He could now do anything he wanted to me. I was totally at his mercy. It was as exhilarating as it was terrifying. Like the helplessness of the previous night, but a hundred times stronger.

The rope also surprised me. If the ribbon wasn't to hold me, then what was it for? What other surprises did he have planned? The only certainty I had left was that I was completely in his hands.

A low rumble resonated from his throat. " I haven't been able to stop thinking about this all day. Our night together was amazing, but it wasn't enough. I need to have you all. For tonight, Sophia, you're mine. "

I nodded, not trusting myself to speak.

Hands encircled my body. " I want to hear you say it. "

" I'm yours, " I said, my voice quaking. There was a sense of finality about that statement that echoed within me long after the words were gone.

" Louder. "

" I'm yours, " I said more steadily.

He purred softly against my neck. " And I plan to take full advantage. "

I suppressed a squeal as his powerful arms wrapped around me and scooped me into the air. For the second time in as many days he carried me across the room and lay me gently on the bed.

" God you look sexy, all tied up for me. "

The mattress shifted under his weight as he straddled me, and then his lips were on mine. The kiss was strong and urgent, and my body turned to liquid beneath it. His tongue slipped into my mouth, exploring, teasing, exciting, while his hands found their way to my chest.

" I've been waiting to play with these since the first time I saw you, " he said, squeezing my breasts gently. Wrapping his lips around one nipple, he flicked his tongue over the hardened peak before circling the areola lazily. I arched beneath him, stretching against my bonds, powerless to the pleasure that was coursing through me.

Unlike our last encounter, he took his time. He worked his way down slowly, stroking and kissing every part of me as if claiming uncharted territory. Places that had never seemed sexy to me lit up under his touch, leaving me a trembling, panting mess.

By the time he reached the top of my panties, I was soaking wet. Every touch of his tongue seemed like a promise.

" Fuck, you smell so good, " he said, his lips softly caressing my thighs. " But tonight you have to earn that kind of pleasure. From now on, you aren't allowed to come until I say so. Understand? Your orgasms are mine. "

I moaned in protest.

" Good things come to those who wait, " he chided. " Right now I want to see your ass. "

He climbed off me, slid his hands underneath my body and turned me over. With my wrists bound behind me, I had nothing to rest on at the front, which left me kneeling at an angle, my head resting on a pillow and my bottom jutting out into the air.

He made an appreciative sound. " Fuck, it's perfect, " he said, stroking me roughly. There was something in the way he touched me there that made my stomach tighten. It conjured memories of Hannah bent over the desk awaiting her punishment. I had an uneasy feeling I knew what came next.

" You know, we still haven't dealt with your little penchant for teasing, " he said, as if on cue, punctuating the statement with a single gentle smack.

I tried to recoil, but there was nowhere to go. " I'm not sure... I mean... " but I couldn't get the words out. The conservative part of my mind was screaming at the indecency of what was about to happen, but the deeper I went down the rabbit hole, the more muffled that voice got. The whole thing felt unavoidable. There I was, bound, bent and blindfolded in front of a man I barely knew, my skin hot, my body flushed with hormones. He'd told me he'd stop if I gave the word, but at that point I wasn't really sure if that was true. What was scarier was that I didn't know if I wanted him to.

" Shh, shh, " he said. " It's your first time. I'll be gentle. "

Before I could complain, he swept me up in his arms again and spun me around until I came to rest over his knee. The ease with which he could manipulate me was a huge turn on. Even if I wasn't bound, I couldn't have stopped him.

He tugged my panties together in the middle, exposing more of my skin to the air. " Now this will sting at first. Give it a chance. Try to embrace it. Pain and pleasure are closer than most people realise. " He rubbed my ass tenderly. " Are you ready? "

I quivered. I didn't know if I'd ever be ready. But nonetheless I found myself nodding.

With my eyes covered, I couldn't even see it coming. One second his hand was resting lightly against me, the next it was crashing into my left cheek. The pain was hot and sharp and instant, like a tiny explosion against my skin. I grunted through gritted teeth.

The blows began to fall in a steady rhythm. There was no conversation, just the meaty crack of flesh on flesh. At first, I felt nothing but pain. My skin burned under the onslaught, and every slap seemed to sting a little more than the last.

But as my body adjusted, a strange sense of peace began to settle over me. Each smack was as inevitable as the last, so rather than shy away, I did as he'd suggested. I began to embrace them. They still stung on a physical level, but gradually I began to realise that there was more to the experience than just pain.

My skin had grown more sensitive than I'd ever thought possible, and every touch sent waves of sensation rolling through me. Pain and pleasure wound themselves together, until it was difficult to see where one ended and the other began. It was an exhilarating combination.

There was also something incredibly erotic about being turned over Sebastian's knee, having him do those things to me. With the ropes, I'd given control over to him, and now he was exercising it. The intense display of dominance I'd witnessed while crouched in the wardrobe was now directed at me. And it felt fantastic. The simple satisfaction of complete submission.

Again, Sebastian showed an uncanny ability to read me. " You see? It feels good doesn't it? "

" Yes, " I replied. And I meant it.

Feeling more confident, I began to experiment. I shifted against him, lining my crotch up with the curve of his thigh. The next blow caused them to grind together, chasing the pain with a tremor of ecstasy. My cries began to dissolve into moans as the line blurred even further.

With the last of my resistance bleeding away, everything began to take on a new dimension. The ropes that I'd struggled so hard against became exciting in their strength. My blindness, once terrifying, now amplified every sensation. I was no longer afraid to discover what wicked secrets Sebastian had planned; I was excited.

He paused and ran his hands lightly over my burning flesh, soothing it in small circles. " Mmm, cherry red. I love a good spanking. I'm not really much of a sadist as far as doms go — whips and chemicals are a bit beyond me — but the sight of a girl bent over my knee, red ass in the air, just drives me wild. "

His fingers slid down and slipped inside my panties, parting them to one side, causing me to moan in anticipation. " It looks like I'm not the only one who enjoyed that, " he said, running his fingers slowly up my slit. " It's a pity you can't feel how wet you are for yourself. But I think I can do one better. "

There was a pulling sensation against my legs and a loud rip. He'd torn my panties free! I opened my mouth to object, but before I got out so much as a word, he crammed them between my lips.

" You were wondering what the ribbon was for, " he said, as I felt something soft loop around my head. " Well now you know. I want you to taste yourself, to taste how wet I made you. I want you to understand how much you enjoyed getting bound and spanked. "

The scent of my arousal was almost overpowering. It filled my nostrils and rolled down my throat. He was right; I'd never been so turned on before.

He tied the ribbon off behind my head. " Perfect. "

With the gag in place, my helplessness grew. One by one, my freedoms were being stolen away. I couldn't move, I couldn't see, and now I couldn't even talk properly. He'd reduced me to little more than a life-sized doll that he could pose and play with however he wished.

" Seeing as your mouth is currently occupied, if you want me to stop at any point, clap your hands. Understand? "

It hadn't occurred to me that my safe word would be useless, but once again his experience shone through. I nodded.

" Excellent. You know, you're doing so well, I think you've earned a reward. "

I nodded again eagerly. My whole body ached for him, begging to be satisfied.

For a few agonising seconds nothing happened. I began to think maybe he had another surprise in store, but then his finger was pushing into me. I moaned into the gag.

" Fuck, you're so wet for me, " he said, slipping past my folds with liquid smoothness. " I love that I can do this to you. You have no idea how hard it makes me, seeing you like this. "

I made a noise, something between a cry and a plea. His finger felt amazing, but it wasn't enough. I needed more. I bucked against him, pushing him deeper, and he responded, siding in to the lowest knuckle and crooking his finger in a 'come hither' gesture that made my insides melt.

" God, you're greedy tonight aren't you? Well, I've never been one to turn down an invitation. " A second finger joined the first, stretching me wider, while the rough pad of his thumb found my clit and began to work it in slow circles.

I knew I wouldn't last long. The night's intricate, sensuous torture had my body humming just millimetres below the edge. I braced myself against his legs, preparing for that sweet release to come tearing through me.

But right as I was on the brink, he pulled away.

" Now, now, " he said over my wordless protests, " remember what I said earlier? You can't come without permission. Your orgasms are mine. "

He set me down on my knees on the bed. There was a rustling of material, but I barely noticed, too focused on the pleasure inside me that was slowly ebbing away. I'd been so close!

" You know with a lot of practice, I may be able to teach you to come for me on command, " he said, stroking my back soothingly. " I gave one girl a screaming orgasm in a crowded mall with just simple instructions. It's amazing what people are capable of when they truly surrender themselves. "

It sounded ridiculous. Orgasms were hard enough to achieve the regular way. I doubted any level of submission would change that.

" I know you probably don't believe me. It's true, you're a long way from being able to do that, but you might be closer than you think. "

His fingers wrapped tightly around my hips as he leaned in close. " Now I want you to come for me, " he growled, and with a single violent thrust he rammed his cock inside me.

The effect was instantaneous. My orgasm roared back to life, exploding through my body in a surge of muscle curling warmth. The breath drained from my lungs as my pussy clenched tight around his hardness, until I was sure I must be hurting him. It was the most intense orgasm of my life.

" You see, you might be capable of more than you think. "

As my body convulsed one final time, I couldn't help but agree. I had a lot to learn about myself.

" I'm not done with you yet, " he said. " Christ, you feel good. You're wet enough to take all of me already. " To prove his point he thrust himself deep, burying his shaft all the way to the root. I moaned with the size of him.

With no need to ease into it, the animal took over. He drove himself into me with a bestial urgency. One hand fell onto my back, pushing me into the bed, while the other seized my shoulder, grinding me against him in time with his thrusts.

I had never felt so utterly possessed before. In that moment, bound and held, I was his, every part of me, to tease and touch and fuck as he wished. I wasn't sure I'd ever get enough of that feeling.

His pace slowed and I felt his hand slide up to the back of my head.

" I think it's time to remove these, " he said, fingering the blindfold and ribbon. " I want you to see how you look trussed up for me. I want you to watch me as I fuck you. "

He gave a tug and they both fell to the floor. The room sprang into view. It was strange being able to see again. For a second I merely blinked, struggling to get my bearings. Then my eyes fell on the mirror that occupied the far wall.

" You see now what you've let me do to you? " he asked. " And this is just the beginning. I can show you a whole world of pleasure just like this. "

The image of my bound body being mounted from behind was almost too much. Sebastian had shed his clothes. He stood behind me naked, taut, and glistening with sweat. A pure, primal picture of masculinity. It was the first time I'd seen him fully undressed. There was barely an ounce of fat on him. From his perfectly toned biceps to his powerful chest to the magnificent V of muscle that hugged his pelvis, the sight of him took my breath away.

I watched with wild eyes as that magnificent cock disappeared inside me, his body quivering with barely restrained ferocity. My ass glowed red in the lamplight, still raw from our earlier games, and every thrust sent a little sting coursing through me, as his stomach brushed that tender skin.

" Yes, " I moaned, " I want you to show me. "

Shifting angles, he brought his hand up to my ass, his fingers playing gently across the delicate, rosy ring at the centre. Under other circumstances I'd probably have been shocked by that alien sensation, but as excited as I was, I took it in stride.

" Have you ever let a man fuck you here? " he asked, lubing himself with my juices and pushing just the tiniest way inside me. I felt an unexpected thread of pleasure shoot through me.

" No, " I replied. " I've done a little anal play, but it was a long time ago. "

" Then we'll go slow, " he said. " But I want to have you there eventually. I want to have you everywhere, Sophia. Every part of you is mine. " There was no question in his voice, and I didn't object. I knew it was true. Besides, of all the things I'd let him do, this seemed almost tame by comparison.

His breathing began to quicken. I could hear it in his sounds, those raw, animal grunts; he was getting close.

" I want you to come with me, Sophia. I want to feel you tighten around me as I blow inside you. "

" Oh god, oh fuck, " I cried, already well past the point of no return.

" Now Sophia, I'm coming! "

I'd always thought simultaneous orgasms were a phenomenon reserved for porn and cheap romance novels, but Sebastian seemed to be making it a mission to show me how much I didn't know. We rocked together, our bodies writhing in ecstatic unison as our climaxes took hold. There was an incredible sense of connection in that moment, like we were sharing one orgasm that burst outward into both of us. He buried himself inside me almost to the point of pain, and I pushed back, my whole body clenching and tingling.

When it was over, we both fell boneless and breathless to the bed. For a while we just dozed in silence, content to bask in the glow of what had just happened. It seemed like I should say something, but I wasn't sure I could put into words what I was feeling at that moment.

My arms and legs were still bound, but I didn't mind. Lying there with one of his powerful arms wrapped around me, I felt completely safe.

" That was wonderful, " he said, sometime later.

I nodded and let out a little sigh.

He reached up and began to unbind me. " You're a natural submissive, you know that? I know you were afraid, but once we began, you were perfect. "

" I didn't know being tied up was considered a skill. "

He laughed. It was a big, boisterous sound that shook the bed beneath me. " Don't think of it as a skill. Think of it as a mindset. It takes a lot of courage to give yourself to someone like that. Not everyone can do it. "

" I guess so. " A shiver rolled down my spine as I thought back on all the things I'd just let him do. " To be honest, it wasn't really what I was expecting, " I continued. " Even after the other night, part of me still thought it would feel... wrong somehow. Like I was being exploited. "

He nodded slowly. " Society has a lot of misconceptions about what we do. That's one of the big ones. Don't get me wrong, there are plenty of guys out there who use it as an excuse to abuse women, but that's not what submission is really about. A true dom only has as much control as their partner allows. It's a gift given from one person to another, and don't think for one second I'm not thankful for that. "

" Well, you're welcome, " I replied, feeling a little bewildered by his words. " I hadn't really thought of it that way before, but it makes me feel better knowing you're not just waiting for the right moment to chain me to the bed and never let me leave. "

" Only if you give me permission, " he said with a grin.

" I'll keep that in mind. "

A few minutes later, he drifted off. I tried to join him, but sleep wouldn't come. My mind was spinning, still trying to process all the new sensations and emotions that were swirling inside me.

I no longer had any doubt that Sebastian was right. I was a submissive. The way my body turned to hot clay in his hands was proof enough of that. But I had to be careful. I couldn't let myself get in too deep. It was hard not to feel some kind of connection when you gave yourself to somebody so completely like that, but the fact was that this was just business as usual for him. Something fun to pass the time. Letting myself believe it was anything else was dangerous. All I could do was enjoy it for what it was.

After another twenty minutes of tossing and turning, I decided that maybe I needed a little help shutting down. Slipping out from under the covers I headed over to the mini bar. The tiny bottle of champagne was thirty dollars, but given the rate for the room was almost certainly more than my monthly rent, I figured Sebastian wouldn't mind.

I'd been so drained by what we'd done, I'd had no time to look at the aftermath, but standing there in the moonlight, gazing at the scattered clothing, underwear, and kinky paraphernalia that littered the floor, I couldn't help but smile. If anyone were to burst in at that moment they'd have no trouble guessing what we'd been up to.

Surveying the room really highlighted how impressive it was. I made pretty good money, and was no stranger to splurging on the occasional fancy hotel when I felt like a treat, but this was unlike anything I'd ever seen. It made me wonder again about the man I'd tangled myself up with. I knew that kind of wanton disregard for money was common amongst the super-rich, and although I'd had my suspicions, he'd had answers to all of my questions. It should have been enough, but I still couldn't shake the feeling that there was something more to him than that.

Then again, perhaps I was just being paranoid. I had no illusions about my trust issues, and I didn't put it past my subconscious to try and sabotage a good thing before it could hurt me.

My reverie was interrupted by a buzzing sound behind me. Turning, I discovered that Sebastian had left his phone on the counter above the bar. The screen was lit up with a text message that had just arrived. My eyes ran over it before I could stop them. It took me a few seconds to process what I saw.

His wallpaper was a picture of a girl. Slim and blonde with a stunningly beautiful face, she wore one of those serene smiles that screams 'young and in love. ' I felt a pang of jealousy gazing at those perfect features.

But it was the text message that had just arrived which really caught my eye.

Still thinking of you. Call me.

The number was not a listed contact, but there was an accompanying attachment. With shaking fingers I scooped it up and tapped the screen to open it, and a naked female body appeared before me. Her head wasn't visible, but her open legs and seductive pose left little doubt as to her intentions.

Nausea twisted my stomach, and the phone fell from my hand. I couldn't believe it. I'd just let Sebastian tie me up and do unspeakable things to me, and he'd been lying all along. My first instinct had been right. He wasn't any different, just another guy who would say and do whatever it took to get a girl into bed, and I'd fallen for it hook line and sinker. Who knew how many other women there were right now.

I suddenly felt dirty. Used. Nothing more than another water cooler story for the office next week.

Before I knew it, I was out the door, and then stumbling through the lobby. There was a different woman behind the counter now, younger and kinder looking. She gave me a sympathetic smile as I stormed past. It didn't surprise me. I was probably quite a sight. With my hair a mess, my makeup smeared, and my dress unfastened, I probably looked the epitome of a jilted lover.

Outside the storm had passed, leaving the ground slick and the air sharp. I wrapped my arms around myself to try and ward off the chill. It was late and I was a long way from my house, but I stubbornly ignored the taxis driving past. I couldn't stomach the idea of being around anyone at that moment.

The entire way home one thought just kept playing through my mind.

How could I have been so stupid?