His black hair, tousled from the humidity of our bath, falls in thick waves that tempt my fingers. He smells fresh, with something deeper underneath—a hint of earth wrapped in mahogany.

“Novalee?” His gravelly voice reels me in, and I blink, caught staring with an ember of attraction too raw to hide. “What’s on your mind?”

“What about…?” I trail off, nodding toward the unmistakable bulge between us.

“Ask what you want to ask.”

“Don’t you want to…finish?”

“I finished you six times. Was that not enough?” The question’s blunt, but his tone teases.

“I meant you.”

“Tonight’s not about me.”

I open my mouth, but nothing comes out, so I snap it shut.

He watches me a moment longer, dark lashes heavy over eyes that haven’t lost their heat. “This confuses you.”

“Yes! None of you have ever put me first.”

Except Sebastian.

I lock the thought away before it guts me.

“Don’t mistake my restraint for an act of gentlemanly behavior. I’ve had plans for you since you walked into my house.”

The warmth seeps out of me, chased off by suspicion. “You used Dr. Price to groom me, didn’t you?” I glance around the room, taking in the apparatuses Oliver introduced me to.

“I did. But only because you needed preparation.”

“Preparation for what? This?” As soon as the words settle between us, I know better.

He means the trip to the States in two days.

“The initiation,” I say, anxiety fluttering in my stomach. “What’s going to happen there?”

“Tonight was about you. What happens in the circle is about what I get to take from you.”

“And what is that?”

“Your sassy mouth.” He slips a finger between my lips. “My cock will initiate all the places I’m allowed to explore.”

“You plan to take me anally.”

“Yes.”

“And orally.”

“Most definitely.”

“And I’m not allowed to come.”

All statements. All true.

“Not in the circle, but if you behave, I might give you relief later that night.”

“I’m more worried about my safety than an orgasm, Oliver. The last time I went abroad…” My voice thickens, and I have to swallow past the remembered anguish. “Well, you know how that turned out.”

“I won’t let anything happen to you.” His palm curves over my cheek. “I’ve already hired private security.”

“Why do we need security?”

“Just a precaution.” His calm voice steadies the fragile trust growing between us. “It’s a team I’ve worked with before. A guard will be stationed outside your suite the entire time we’re at the Davenport Estate. I want you to feel safe.”

“We’re going to have our own rooms?”

“Of course.” His brows furrow. “Outside of this room, I don’t share my personal space with anyone.”

Something about that stings. “I wasn’t assuming anything.”