But Helen was just down the hall and that thought was like a bucket of cold water splashing over her.

Reluctantly, she drew her mouth from his. “I’ve got to go.” Then she turned and slipped out the door.

* * *

When Ashley got to work, she walked past Adam’s office to her desk in the pit, as they called it. An open workspace with half dividers where the staff writers and production staff worked. Adam’s door was closed.

She dug her journal from her purse and started up her computer. After opening a new document in her word processor, she began compiling the notes she’d been keeping about her research. She kept an eye on Adam’s office door but it was closed all morning. She didn’t know what she’d say or do once she saw him, but they had to find a way to get past the tension between them. They were both professionals, so she knew they’d get by, but she wanted more than that.

He was her friend. And he could be so much more. But it seemed that would only happen if she was willing to give up her time with Dare.

Why did things have to be so complicated?

After lunch, she did some online research to incorporate into her article, digging more into the BDSM lifestyle. It was fascinating to discover the levels of control people allowed. There were submissives—subs, for short—who gave up control to their Dominant, the latter often spelled with an uppercase D, but some people took it even further. Some people would essentially become a slave to another person, often calling that person Master. Surrendering so completely to their Master that they made no decisions of their own, even signing over all their possessions.

She learned more about punishment, too. Flogging, spanking, paddling. How the sub would get excited by the pain. Even come to crave it.

Her cheeks heated as she remembered how it felt to be spanked by Dare. How much it had turned her on.

She closed her browser and tried to focus on organizing and reviewing what she had pulled together, but it all reminded her of Dare and his fiery touch. The way his commanding voice burned through her to kindle a flame deep inside her that burned hotter than anything she’d ever known before.

This craving to be dominated—to allow herself to surrender totally to his will, and her own desires—was powerful. So powerful she was willing to give up what she might have with Adam just to have another few weeks of it with Dare. Because Dare wielded a control over her that set her free.

“Ashley, come into my office.”

Startled, Ashley glanced up to see Adam standing beside her desk. His words were curt, unlike his usual friendly tone. She stood up and followed him, becoming aware that the pit was empty. She hadn’t realized how late it was—after six—and most people had left for the day.

She followed him into his office.