“Trust me,” I cajoled, desire already gathering at the base of my spine. I craved her trust, her true submission. She would surrender completely to my will, and she would love every ecstatic second of it.

Her eyes were wide and wary on mine. She didn’t trust me at all. Not yet.

That would come with time. For now, I would revel in corrupting my innocent bride.

“Close your eyes,” I ordered, tone soft and encouraging. My kitten could be very sweet if I handled her gently. A barked order would make her bristle, and I didn’t want to treat her harshly today. This was all about her pleasure, making sure she enjoyed my kinkier games. She would come to crave them as much as I did.

She eyed me suspiciously, but as I lifted the cloth, her lashes obediently lowered to fan her cheeks. I drew the blindfold around her head, careful not to trap any of her glossy hair as I knotted it firmly in place. Her lips parted on a soft gasp, and she shook her head slightly as though to toss the length of cloth away.

I cupped her face in my hands, stilling the sign of defiance.

“It’s too late for that, kitten,” I told her, leaning in close so that she could feel the heat of my declaration on her neck. “You’re mine now.”

“I don’t like this.” Her protest shook slightly, but her voice was low and breathy. And she made no move to fight me off or tear away the blindfold.

She stood stiffly before me, small hands fisted at her sides as though she was willing herself to stillness.

I stroked my hand through her hair in the way that she liked. “You’re being so brave for me, Nora. Such a good girl.”

She huffed, her pride chafing. “I don’t like this surprise.”

I nipped at the shell of her ear, and she trembled.

“Liar,” I whispered, the truth snaking into her mind.

I wrapped my fingers around her nape, squeezing gently. Her lips popped open on a soft gasp, all her senses heightened now that I’d taken her sight. My arrogant chuckle was slightly cruel.

“But this isn’t your surprise,” I said, allowing the words to fan her neck with heat. Her sensitive skin pebbled, and I ghosted a kiss over her throat.

A soft keening sound slipped from her, and she quickly pressed her lips together, cheeks coloring with a touch of embarrassment at her lustful response.

“Come with me, kitten.”

I eased back, and she swayed toward me. I laughed again, delighted with her responses. She truly was perfect for me.

I took her dainty hand in mine and led her out of the library. Her first steps were slow and hesitant, but not clumsy. Graceful Nora would never be clumsy, even blindfolded and disoriented.