“Yes, that’s it. Let the air ground you. Let it be the one thing that holds you in check.”

But I’m not sure I can control myself with him so close. His commands direct every aspect of this show, and I’m an actress under his tutelage.

“You’re doing so well. Now push your finger into that pretty cunt. I want to hear how wet you are.”

I work a single digit into my tight, slick walls. Need builds as my thumb drifts back to my nub.

“No more clit.” His fingers thrust into my throat, triggering a gag that rips my focus away. “You’re too close.”

Unbidden, my groan turns guttural, but the edge stays out of reach, held at bay by Oliver’s maddening pace.

He’s the master of patience, demanding I surrender with every slow stroke against my tongue. So when he suddenly yanks my wrist away and sucks my soaked fingers into his mouth, I’m caught off guard.

“Mmm, you taste incredible.” He guides my hand between my thighs again. “What do you want, Novalee?”

“I want to come.”

“I can leave and let you finish alone.” He nips my ear with his teeth. “Is that what you want?”

“After all these weeks, that’s your move?”

“If you want me to make you come, you have to say the word.”

“What word?” I gasp, dazed with lust. “What are you talking about?”

“You know what I’m talking about.” His pointed statement sends my mind straight to that locked door.

I do know, and it’s the knowing that winds around my windpipe.

“Please, Oliver,” I whisper, pride nowhere to be found.

“Please, what?”

“Please…” Primed and shameless, I close my eyes and succumb to the inevitable. “Sir.”

That’s all he needs. In a fluid motion, he sweeps me into his arms and carries me to the forbidden door I’ve spent the month avoiding.

“Once we step inside,” he says, lowering me to my feet, “your virginity is the only thing off-limits.” He grasps my nape. “You’ll be mine until morning.”

“The whole night?”

“At my mercy until sunrise.”

“Will you hurt me?” My voice cracks, tendrils of fear snaking free.

“I don’t give pain without pleasure.”

“That doesn’t reassure me.”

“I’m not here to reassure you. I’m offering to take you to a place where the two are intertwined. If you want to know all the ways I can make you feel, then say the word one more time, so I know you’re certain.”

My attention veers from his face to the door. Sir is already clamoring to spill off my tongue again, but my vocal cords won’t cooperate. Seconds sneak by as I swallow down my instincts, both fight and flight, before giving myself over to the unknown.

With a choked plea, I seal my fate and utter what he wants to hear.