Red Hourglass : Dark Coming Of Age Romance Thriller

Turn The Tables

Conan picked me up at my apartment on Friday. He put his arm securely around my waist as he walked me to the limo, but he was unusually quiet as we drove to a diner in Queens.

We walked into the diner with his two bodyguards, but they sat at a table on the other side of the restaurant.

"How was your week?" Conan asked, his eyes darting from side to side as we waited for our food.

"I had a good rest."

"I was worried when you didn't reply to my messages."

"I needed a break."

"Have you thought about being exclusive with me?"

"Yes. I've thought about it long and hard." I was stronger than anything this man could throw at me, and I was determined to complete my mission. "I agree."

"Good. I was worried that you were having second thoughts."

"I was, initially, but I don't see why we shouldn't try it."

"I'm glad." He took a sip of water. "I was thinking about you all week. It took a lot of self-control not to visit."

"Are you into sadomasochistic games?"

"That's a rather direct question." He hesitated. "But yes, it's one side of my personality. Does it bother you?"

"Ha." I laughed. "You don't know me very well."

"You surprise me Scarlet." He put his muscular arms on the table. "Are you surprised by my kinks? Are you sure you're comfortable with them?"

"Nothing surprises me anymore." That was the truth. "I'm okay with your kinks. In fact, I enjoy them." I was ready to up the stakes of this game.

"Really?"

"Yes. I had fun the last time we were together. It was better than vanilla sex. But the thing is, I think we need to take turns."

"What do you mean?" He looked alarmed.

"You can be dominant sometimes," I said, staring him in the eye. "But you also have to submit to me."

"Hold on, I don't know about that." He looked down at the table. "It's not in my nature to submit to anyone."

"Being in control all the time is tiring. Yes?" I knew every man who sought control held a deep longing for someone else to free his body and mind.

"Um," he lowered his voice, "sometimes." He picked up his glass with trembling fingers.

"That's why we should take turns," I said softly, reaching across to steady his hand. "Reversing roles sometimes is good. I'll free you from having to be in control all the time. I'll take you places you've never been." If I ever hoped to regain control in this relationship, I had to make him my slave.

"I'm not agreeing to anything yet." He shifted his weight. "I've never submitted to a woman. I suppose I could try ... for you. You're gorgeous and those beautiful legs drive me wild."

"Good." I smiled and ran my foot up the inside of his leg. "We'll explore this together."

* * *

The chauffeur drove us to Conan's apartment after dinner. It was time to turn the tables.

I went into the powder room off the front hall and changed into a very short black silk chemise with white lace trim. Conan had a weakness for my legs, and I was going to exploit it. I put on sexy red lipstick and black patent leather stilettos with three-inch heels.

I perched myself on the edge of the sofa with my arms back and my legs crossed. I was ready to go in for the kill.

"Oh," he said, walking into the living room. "You're ready, huh?"