Keeping the chain in my fist, I lifted her hands above her head, preventing her from punching out at me. With my free hand, I grasped the hook that hung from the ceiling and locked it through the short length of chain, leaving her dangling by her wrists. She kicked out at me, so I stepped away, enjoying the pretty jangle of metal as she struggled.

I crossed to the corner and grasped the opposite end of the chain, which extended from where I had it running through a metal ring directly above her head. I pulled on it slowly, watching as her flailing movements became gradually restricted, her body drawing taut until she was forced to stand on her toes.

A wicked image of her wearing pointe shoes in this position flashed across my mind. Yes, I’d keep her in that predicament another day. Soon.

As it was, she couldn’t do more than stretch her body to its limit and quiver, waiting for my next move.

“Are you uncomfortable, darling?” I asked, teasing her.

“Fuck you,” she seethed.

I laughed, delighted at her fire. Taming her would be a pleasure.

“Not yet,” I reminded her. “Not until you beg.”

She pressed her lips together, as though sealing the words inside forever.

My low, cruel chuckle rumbled through the room, and she shivered as though it was a physical touch.

She was truly breathtaking, her lithe body barely concealed by the black lace I’d dressed her in. The robe parted slightly between her breasts, and it was short enough that it barely covered her shapely ass in her current stressed position.

“Should I show a little mercy?” I asked, soft and reasonable.

“I doubt you’re capable of mercy,” she hissed, turning her head to the side as she struggled to spear me with her hazel glare.

I clicked my tongue at her. “So hostile. You don’t know me at all, my pretty bride. You have no idea what I’m capable of.”

I loosened the tension on the chain by two inches, allowing her feet to stand flat on the black tile floor. When she was in the position I desired, I secured the chain and went to retrieve the next item for her torment.

Her wide, fearful eyes darkened with confusion as I approached with the long metal bar and knelt before her. She tried to kick at my face again, but I released a small, warning growl and grabbed her ankle. Her weight dropped on her bound wrists, and she cried out at the flash of pain. I stared up at her, keeping my firm hold on her ankle as she struggled to find her balance on one foot. Her eyes shot daggers at me, and she bared her teeth like a trapped animal. I brushed a kiss over her calf, communicating my pleasure with her.

She was responding to my games beautifully.