Beneath the hot spray and the billowing steam, Quinn issued a low curse. After forcing himself to pull out of Ava’s snug little cunt, he suspected his throbbing cock wouldn’t forgive him for a couple of centuries. Alone behind the frosted glass of the shower, Quinn found his own private hell. He desperately wanted to wrap a tight fist around his screaming dick and relieve the pressure before his skin split wide open. With a shake of his head, he denied himself once more, opting to let Ava eventually sate the fire churning in his balls.

After stepping from the shower, he wrapped a towel around his waist before peeking into the bedroom. Ava stood in front of the mirror, skimming a slender hand over the dress and down the sensual flare of her hips. The gown clinging to the sinful curves of her body looked erotic as hell. Still unaware she was being watched, Ava tugged the matching evening gloves up past her elbows, and he smiled.

“Why on earth did he buy me gloves?” she muttered. “They’re as soft as velvet, but I can’t wear my rings.”

Quinn cleared his throat, grinning as she started and spun toward him. “It’s a test.”

“A test?” Her brows furrowed.

“Yes. You’ll understand…eventually, I hope,” he answered cryptically on purpose. Moving in behind her, he held her gaze in the mirror. “You look alluring…stunningly enchanting, my love.”

A blush climbed up her chest and settled on her cheeks. “Thank you, Master. This dress…it makes me feel like Cinderella. It’s gorgeous. I can’t thank you enough.”

He smiled proudly before pressing a sweet kiss on the back of her neck. Only then did he realize she’d tucked her long chestnut curls up on the back of her head. Only a few swirling tendrils spilled from the elegant arrangement. They tickled his nose as he breathed in her sweet scent.

“Seeing you in the gown is thanks enough, and trust me—you’re far more gorgeous than Cinderella, princess.”

Drinking in a long, zealous look at his girl, Quinn grudgingly stepped back and began to don his black tuxedo. He could feel her eyes boring into his back as he made his way into the dungeon once again. With a grin, he snagged the items he wanted, hiding them behind his back as he turned and strolled into the bedroom.

“Would you like to wear this to dinner for me, princess?” he asked, holding out a fat latex butt plug and a tube of lube.

Ava’s eyes grew so wide Quinn nearly burst out laughing. Instead, he bit the inside of his lip to maintain a somber expression.

“Do I have a choice?” she choked out, eyeing the plug dubiously.

“Of course. You always have a choice, Ava. This aspect of our relationship will never work if it isn’t consensual.”

A pensive expression crawled across her face as she darted several glances between him and the toy. He could almost hear the thoughts stampeding through her head…see the indecision flickering in her pretty hazel eyes.

“I will wear the plug to dinner if that’s what you want, Master.”

“Ah, but I didn’t ask what I wanted, girl. I asked what you wanted.” He watched her mouth open and close as if afraid to give him the wrong answer. Quinn frowned and pinned her with a steady gaze. “And I expect you to give me the truth.”

As if he’d driven a sledgehammer through a frozen lake, the tension drained from her body, and she quickly licked her lips.

“The truth is…no. I don’t want the plug anywhere near me. And I especially don’t want to try and enjoy a romantic dinner with you with that…thing shoved up my butt.”

“Very well.” Quinn nodded as he placed the lube and plug on the nightstand next to the bed. “We’ll save it for after dinner then.”

Ava paled but nodded as a look of anxiety skittered over her face.

“I’ll help keep your mind off the plug, princess. I promise.” Quinn couldn’t hold back a smile any longer. He’d keep her thoughts occupied…very occupied. “Shall we go?” he asked extending his arm.

Inside the posh elevator, he noticed Ava rubbing the tips of her glove-covered fingers together. Reaching out, he threaded his hand through hers. Being unable to touch her skin felt foreign to him, and no doubt to Ava, as well. What he planned next would be equally alien for them both, but Quinn was dying to see how she would respond.

As they made their way toward the restaurant, he spread a wide hand at the small of her back. The Dominant inside him roared at the purely possessive claim, and a confident smile tugged the corners of his mouth as they stepped to the maître ‘d podium. Quinn watched as Ava skimmed a glance over the empty tables. Her delicate brow furrowed as she realized they were the only customers in the place.

“I reserved the entire restaurant for us tonight, princess.”

“You what?” she gasped as her eyes grew wide. “Why?”

“I wanted all your attention to myself, love.”

Ava nodded numbly as Dominique, a short, portly man in a well-tailored suit, greeted them. “Ah, Mr. MacKinnon. It’s a pleasure to see you again. The table you requested is ready. If you’d please follow me.”

“Thank you, Dominique.” Quinn nodded.

As he slid his arm around Ava’s waist, they followed the maître ‘d up three low stairs to a large, round table situated in the center of the room. All the surrounding tables had been removed per Quinn’s request. He darted a quick glance at the long white tablecloth that hugged the carpet, as a sly smile played over his lips.

He helped Ava into her chair, and he leaned down close to her ear. “Make me proud, pet.”

She snapped her head in his direction, gazing up at him with a quizzical expression, then banked her confusion with a courageous nod. A rush of hope filled him. Ava seemed to be coming around quite nicely. He was already proud of his girl, but her real test was about to begin.

No sooner had Dominique turned to leave than the young waiter, Brice, appeared with an icy-cold bottle of champagne. Quinn had been very specific with his instructions when he’d met with the two employees the day before. Discretion was the better part of valor, and he felt confident his unusual requests would be honored. Without a word, Brice filled their glasses and retreated.

Quinn raised his flute and flashed her a broad smile. “A toast, to the single most amazing, and beautiful woman on the planet. My sweet, succulent Ava.”

A shy smile curled at the corners of her mouth as she tipped her glass to his toast and took a sip. The sweet effervescence fizzed on his tongue and tickled the back of Quinn’s throat as he swallowed.

Ava then raised her glass with a mischievous smile. “To the most handsome and loving Master on the planet.”

A breathless quiver fluttered over her lips before she clinked her glass to his. Quinn tossed back a healthy gulp and set the empty flute on the table. He studied her for a long minute as his Dominant desires smoldered hot and deep.

“Come stand next to me for a minute, princess,” he instructed with a wicked smile.

* * *

Quinn’s low, decadent command slid over Ava’s skin. She swallowed tightly as she set her glass on the table. The tips of her gloved fingers still held the chill of the crystal, and she struggled to keep from peeling the material down her arms and off her hands. Being unable to feel any texture at all was curiously maddening.

Rising to her feet, she was all too aware of Quinn’s feral gaze. As she made her way around the table, she paused, unsure if she was to kneel or remain standing. Butterflies took flight in her belly as she awaited his instructions.

Without a word, Quinn slid his hand down the satin fabric of her dress. Bending, he pinched the hem between his finger and thumb. “You look simply edible, love,” he whispered before fully lifting the front of her gown.

In a rush of embarrassment, Ava reached out to grab his wrist but paused and squeezed her hand into a fist. Her heart slammed against her ribs as Quinn continued bunching the front of her dress around her waist. Panic rose like a flooding river as she quickly darted a nervous glance over her shoulder.

“I have you facing me so that no one can see what I’m doing, princess,” he murmured, gazing up at her. “So you can wipe that look of terror off your face.”

The hint of annoyance conveyed in his tone filled Ava with regret.

“Have I done something that’s caused you to take back your trust…your submission, girl? If I have, I demand to know what it is.”

Ava blinked in surprise. “No, Master,” she answered vehemently as she shook her head. “You’ve done nothing of the sort. I trust you…trust you with my life. I’ve not taken back my submission…not at all.”

“You act as if you have.”

“I’m sorry. I don’t mean to disappoint you or make you think I’m unhappy. It’s just that…I’m floundering here. I know I’m fighting my submission, but it’s not intentional. I swear.”

“What do you need me to help you with, girl?” he asked, smoothing his free hand up the insides of her thighs and making her quiver. “What’s it going to take for you to hand over all that feisty power?”

Ava tried to concentrate, but Quinn’s warm caress, coupled with her fear the waiter would return and find her dress bunched to her waist with her bare pussy exposed, made it impossible. He’d definitely kept his promise to push her further.

Closing her eyes, she drank in the soothing warmth of Quinn’s wide, capable hands, desperately searching for a fragment of submissive peace. But her thoughts were consumed with visions of the waiter tiptoeing up beside them, watching as Quinn touched and fondled her bared flesh. A heightened sense of arousal took hold of her, successfully snuffing out all hint of the embarrassment she’d felt earlier. What is wrong with you? the little voice in her head scolded. Being watched can’t seriously turn you on…can it? Where’s your sense of decency?

Obviously it turned her inside out, because Ava’s modesty had suddenly left the building. She whimpered as Quinn’s fingers inched higher up her thigh. His knuckles wisped over her aching folds in a feather-light brush. Her whole body quivered from his torment, and she held her breath, waiting for him to plunge his fingers deep inside her wet center. Why had she vacillated back in their private little dungeon? And why did it take the thought of being watched to break her from the inner chains that bound her?

Because you’re a kinky little freak who’ll break Quinn’s heart if he suspects you’re turned on by others watching you being aroused, her conscience volunteered, uninvited.

Suddenly Quinn landed a hard slap on the mound of her pussy. Ava’s eyes flashed open wide in alarm before she quickly darted another glance over her shoulder.

“I’m waiting for an answer, girl,” Quinn barked, frowning as he followed her line of vision. “I told you no one could see you, princess. Do you think I’m lying?”

“No, Sir,” she hastily replied. “I—I don’t know what it’s going to take, Master. But I don’t want to fail you.”

“Oh, I think we both know exactly what it’s going to take, my precious slave.” Quinn’s eyes held a mischievous, knowing glint. “Should I call our waiter, Brice, out to join us for a bit…hmmm?”

Ava’s mouth fell open and her heart clutched before pounding in triple time. Without a word, she shook her head vehemently.

“Aw, pet. Don’t be embarrassed. You like being watched, which is a good thing, because I do enjoy showing your stunning submission off.” Quinn slid a finger to her clit and rubbed ever so gently. “The only way you can fail me is by not trying. Now, spread your legs for me, gorgeous. I want to see my pretty pussy framed by your dress…framed by all that satin and lace.”

Ava automatically spread her legs as shock recoiled through her brain. How in the hell had Quinn known that she’d been fantasizing about the waiter watching them?

“And who knows, maybe Brice will return and you can show him how breathtakingly beautiful my sweet sub can be.”

A wave of excitement rushed through her veins. Quinn wasn’t angry over her naughty little fantasy…he encouraged the insanity. God in heaven, what on earth was she doing? The mortifying thought rolled through her brain as she stared, slack-jawed, at Quinn.

“You can do this for me, Ava. But most of all, you can do it for yourself…for us. This is just the first step I have planned for you. Trust in me, love. I won’t fail you. I won’t fail us.”

The passion and promise in his voice struck a place deep inside her…a part of herself she hadn’t known existed until now. Filled with a sense of self-assurance, Ava felt tears sting the backs of her eyes, felt her heart expand, and felt a sense of peace warm every cell in her body. Determination bubbled to the surface. Quinn wanted her unadulterated trust, her power, her heart, mind, body, and soul. Come hell or high water, Ava was ready and willing to hand all she was and could be over to him.

Ava tossed away all doubt and suffused herself in the glory of being Quinn’s slave.

Suddenly, she realized she didn’t need or even want the waiter returning to witness the things Quinn was doing to her. He’d fulfill all her fantasies. Quinn would protect her, keep her safe, and treasure her in all ways.

“I give you all of me, Master,” she whispered as she reached up and cupped his chiseled cheek.

“That’s my girl,” he murmured. The tips of his fingers continued to toy with her folds, making her tremble. And when he pressed harder against her clit, Ava cried out. She didn’t care if there were one or a thousand people in the room—her focus was on Quinn, and only him. Repositioning his hand, he delved two fingers inside her clutching tunnel. Sparks ignited and burst behind her eyes as he used his thumb to tease and torment. Ava clutched the hem of her dress and closed her eyes, basking in the tingles that skittered through her.

“So hot. So soft. So fucking silky,” Quinn uttered before bending to glide his warm lips up her thigh.

Ava released one hand from her dress and sank her fingers into his hair. Inwardly cursed the gloves that kept her from feeling the texture of his thick cinnamon mane.

“The scent of your cunt is the sweetest perfume on the planet. Everything about you turns me into a howling beast. You make me feel invincible, my love.”

His praise not only vibrated over her flesh but also filled the deepest recesses of her heart.

“Would you like for me to bring your appetizers now, Sir?”

The waiter. Jesus Christ! Panic flooded her system as her eyes flew open wide. Ava tried to jerk away, but Quinn’s embedded fingers held her in place. As the air in her lungs seized, she closed her eyes while her cheeks caught fire.

“Yes. That would be fine, thank you, Brice,” Quinn replied without lifting from her thighs.

“Certainly, Mr. MacKinnon. However, I suspect the item you selected will pale in comparison to the delicacy you’re enjoying now.”

Ava swallowed back an irrational laugh as she listened to Brice retreat. Through half-lidded eyes, she gazed at the top of Quinn’s head, savoring the sensations he granted.

Slowly, he raised his head and eased from inside her before locking eyes with her and licking her slippery nectar off his fingers. Pride twinkled in his moss-colored eyes. She felt treasured and adored, and a rush of peace flooded her soul. She’d never known the kind of love she and Quinn shared…the kind that encompassed every aspect of her being.

Her heart tripped when Quinn stood and placed his napkin on the edge of the table. A hungry look of longing flared in his eyes. Without a word, he gathered the entire bottom half of her dress, bunching it behind her back as he lifted her and set her butt on top of the table.

“Lay back for me, princess,” he instructed before reaching down to lightly pet her pussy.

He wanted to have sex with her here? Here? Now? A flutter of excitement hummed inside her. She wanted to please Quinn in every way, but the indescribable thrill of being watched had slithered back into her veins.

“Hurry, pet. Unless you want me to wait until Brice returns before I devour your luscious pussy.”

The slight smirk on his face told her Quinn intended to taunt her fantasy to the hilt. Her pulse quickened. Suddenly Ava realized being watched wasn’t at all what she wanted. Her lurid fantasy was simply that…a fantasy. Living it out…well, she wasn’t sure she could follow through with that.

Ava darted a quick glance over the restaurant.

“This isn’t for you, princess. It’s for me,” he reminded, watching her keenly with a perceptive gaze.

Quinn had gone to great lengths to orchestrate this scene. Ava knew he wanted to seal the commitment and pledge of their Master/slave relationship. No way was she going to disappoint him. With a smile, she stared at his erotic features and blocked out the rest of the world. Ava centered her mind on Quinn and making all his kinky fantasies come true.

Ava eased her back onto the table, careful not to knock over the champagne glasses or disturb the gold-rimmed china place settings. The tips of her toes rested on the rich, earth-toned carpet as she watched Quinn’s chest expand. His eyes sparkled with stark approval as he gazed down at her.

“So fucking beautiful,” he murmured as he shoved the hem of her gown up over her chest that now heaved in anticipation.

Cool air wafted over her heated pussy, and her tunnel involuntarily clutched. Quinn tapped his fingers on her bare mound.

“Lift up for me, beautiful.”

As she arched her hips, he tucked his napkin beneath her. Ava lay splayed out, totally exposed from the waist down. Her body rippled as a shiver raced up her spine. But the look of pride and love etched over Quinn’s features pushed all her reservations aside.

“You make me so proud, princess,” he cooed. “I love you, Ava.”

“I love you, too, Master,” she whispered with a brave smile.

She watched as Quinn lifted his glass of champagne. Expecting him to take a sip, she was startled when he tipped the flute and spilled the icy-cold bubbly over her sweltering folds. She yelped and jolted, but when he dipped his head between her legs and started lapping the chilly liquid from her pussy, Ava closed her eyes and moaned.

Lost in the sensation of his masterful tongue, flattened and laving the champagne-mixed- juices from her core, she marveled at his strong hands that gripped her thighs. Quinn held her open for his pleasure…and hers, and Ava didn’t care if the waiter returned. Hell, she didn’t care if the Dallas Cowboys football team sauntered in and circled the table to watch. All that mattered was pleasing Quinn.

Again, a trail of frigid liquid trickled down her sex, followed by the searing heat of his wicked tongue. As he licked and slurped the bubbly trail, her flesh warmed quickly from the heat of his mouth. Helpless, Ava rocked and writhed, whimpering pathetically as he ate at her like a madman. He thrust his tongue inside her fluttering tunnel while his thumb circled her pulsating clit. She issued a cry, then gripped her fists in his hair. Ava’s eyes rolled back in her head. All she could do was hold on while Quinn tongue-fucked her to oblivion.

As he drove her to the edge, hard and fast, she arched her hips. Her breathless pleas echoed all around her. Quinn greedily imbibed her cunt and her control as he flung her headlong toward the peak of release. And as the familiar tingles of orgasm prickled outward, engulfing her limbs, Ava screamed out a plea for help.

But instead of granting her permission, Quinn stopped and raised his head.

Her eyes flew open wide as she watched him stand. A look of command lined his face as he licked her slick cream from his glistening lips. His eyes were glazed in need, and beneath the zipper of his dashing, formfitting tux, Ava spied his massive erection all but bursting to be free.

“No…oh, god. No. Please, Master. Please. You can’t leave me like this,” she whimpered.

Quinn arched a brow as he pinned her with a dubious stare. “Oh, but I can, my love. And I just did.”

A string of obscenities lay on her tongue. Ava clenched her jaw to keep them from rolling past her lips as Quinn tugged the sodden napkin from beneath her. After folding the front of her dress back over her wet and throbbing sex, he extended his hand and helped her off the table.

Ava’s entire body trembled as unmet demand careened through her veins. When she went to stand, her knees nearly buckled out from under her, but Quinn snaked a strong arm around her waist before helping her back to her chair. He sat down across from her once again, and Ava dropped her gaze to the white linen tablecloth. Tears of frustration stung the backs of her eyes as she sucked in short, quivering breaths. How could he be so heartless…so mean…so damn tormenting? Where had his warm, loving, compassionate side gone?

“Look at me, princess.”

Ava balked. She knew the minute her eyes locked with Quinn’s he’d see the ugly emotions swirling inside her. It was at that instant that the waiter chose to return. She was thankful that he’d not reappeared a few seconds earlier, but also for the reprieve of Quinn’s scrutiny. She needed a few quiet moments to wrangle her unsubmissive attitude.

Seemingly oblivious to either her or Quinn, the waiter kept his head tucked down while arranging a platter of plump, pink shrimp in the center of the table.

“Ava. Look at me,” Quinn demanded in a sharp, stringent tone. “Or I’ll invite Brice to stay and observe all that I have planned to do to you next instead of stealing glances of you from the kitchen.”

She jerked her head upright. Darting a startled glance between the two men, Ava watched a slight, guilty smile tug the corners of the waiter’s lips. Quinn studied her reaction with a laser-sharp eye before leaning back in his seat and crossing his steely arms over his wide chest. Damn him. Even his movements held a masculine kind of gracefulness she found arousing. Still, it did little to soothe the dejection and anxiety humming inside her, nor erase the embarrassment warming her cheeks knowing that she’d been watched.