She didn’t reply as quickly as he wanted. He tapped her backside with the switch. “Answer.”

“Yes, Sir. More than one.”

“Tell me about your favorite.”

“It’s not really what you do that makes one fantasy stand out, Sir.”

“Oh?”

“It’s what you say and how you say it.”

“Very interesting. Give me an example.” He brought the switch down harder and at the same time, teased the sensitive flesh between her legs.

“In one, you’ll tell me to take my panties down and bend over your lap. In another, you tell me to prepare for the spanking I’m about to receive. You make me get what I want you to spank me with and then ask you to work over my ass.”

While she talked, he continued his teasing with one hand and marking her arse with the switch with the other.

“Look at this bum, already turning pink under my hands. Show me how much you want me to continue. Lift it up for me.”

She moaned, but did it anyway.

“You’ve been a naughty slave, haven’t you? Teasing your Master and then fantasizing about him spanking you.” He pushed two fingers into her—fuck, she was so wet. “Look how turned on you are. I’m going to spank you and then I’m going to fuck you against a tree. How does that sound?”

“Like my new favorite fantasy, Sir.”

“I’m already living my fantasy. And that’s you on your knees, offering yourself for me to take however I damn well want.” He brought the switch down hard and at the same time thrust two fingers inside her. “Pleasure and pain. After a while, they start to feel the same, don’t they?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“Lift that arse back up. And stop wiggling on my lap. You’ll come when I say you can and not a minute sooner.” He spanked her again. “Hungry for my cock, aren’t you?”

“Always, Sir.”

“Good. Because I’m ready to give it to you.” He dropped the switch. “Go stand against the tree to my right. You’ll know the one when you see it.”

She crawled off his lap and walked toward the trees. He knew when she found the one he’d told her to stand against because she stilled momentarily. He imagined it looked a bit scary at first glance. He’d set it up with rope and chains.

“Put your back against the tree and reach up and grab the ropes.” He waited while she got into position and then walked to stand in front of her. He unzipped his pants. “How does the tree feel?”

“Rough, Sir.”

“It’s going to be rough on your back and you’ll have scratches. Are you okay with that?”

“Yes, Sir,” she said with no hesitation.

He pushed his pants down and stepped out of them. “Still wet for me?”

“Yes, Sir.”

He lifted her legs and wrapped them around his waist. “Keep them here. I’m going to pound you into that tree.”

She whimpered.

“Here we go. Going to slip inside.” He pushed into her. “Ah, yes. So good like this.”

She tightened her legs around him as he started moving deeper. He didn’t know what it was about Sasha. She told him that he made her strong, but the real truth was, she allowed him to be strong. When he was with her, he felt like he could be himself.

He moved his hands to her face. “Look at me.”

Her green eyes were hazy with lust. He continued moving inside her as he held her gaze. The intensity of their union struck him in the center of his chest. This woman who had come to him hurt and yearning for healing had somehow healed him.

“Too much,” she said, echoing his thoughts. “It’s too much.”

“No, little one.” His voice was far gentler than he felt. “It will never be enough.”

“I know. I know.” She pushed her head against the tree, but kept her eyes locked on his.

Suddenly, it wasn’t enough to be inside her. He needed more. “Touch me. I’ll hold you,” he panted. “I want your arms around me.”

It was precarious, but she let go of the ropes. And he had no choice but to be strong. After all, he had to secure her. She was held by only his arms and the tree. Her nails dug into his shoulders, and it was the most welcome pain he’d ever experienced because it was she who gave it to him.

He wondered if that’s what a submissive felt when under a Dom’s control.

The thought made him more forceful and he wasn’t going to be able to hold out much longer.

“Are you close?” He didn’t wait for a response and because he couldn’t risk moving his hand to help if she needed it, added, “Get there.”

“Harder. Mark my back.” Her lips parted and for a few precious seconds, they shared the same air.

He felt her start to tighten around him and her eyes beseeched him. He wanted to hold out a little longer. She felt too good. But her whispered request unleashed him and he gave her what she wanted, slamming her against the tree.

“Almost. Please,” she whispered.

“Yes,” he replied, feeling dangerously close himself.

Her release followed with her breath hitching in the most sensual way and the moan that came from her throat pushed him over the edge of his control. He pushed into her one last time and covered her lips with his in a kiss that came nowhere near expressing what he felt at that moment.

But his sadness at not being able to show or tell his feelings was overshadowed by one crushing thought.

This was only temporary. She wasn’t really his.

•   •   •

Sasha moaned as Cole gently helped her to her feet. For the moment, she ached all over. Not that she was complaining. Emotionally, she felt better than she had in a long time. Something about Cole set her at ease, even when he was being so commanding he drove her mad.

“Are you okay?” he asked.

“Just pleasantly sore, Sir.”

He nodded. “Let’s get you inside so I can take proper care of those pleasantly sore spots. You remember what I said about the brick patio?”

“Yes, Sir. You said by the time you finished, your submissive wouldn’t remember her knees.”

“Let’s see if I’m right.” He lifted her into his arms, ignoring her squeal of protest.

He carried her across the yard and into the house, not stopping until he’d placed her on the bed. He was still naked, but he pulled on a pair of shorts as soon as he put her down.