“Yes, of course,” she replied instantly.

“Then think about why you’re afraid. Is it that you’re afraid of giving up your power?” He paused for a moment, watching her. “Or is it that you’re afraid of coming into your power?”

She realized her jaw had clenched again and she concentrated on releasing it. Damn, how did he know her so well? Her philosophy of life was that the choices we make are often based on fear of success rather than fear of failure and we will often make choices that will sabotage what we believe we want.

She pursed her lips. She wanted to do this project. It would help her move ahead in her career. If that meant playacting with Darien Gallagher, then fine. She could do that.

“Okay. I’ll do it your way.”

His lips turned up in a smile. “Good.”

* * *

Ashley gazed at herself in the mirror. She’d escaped to the bathroom for a few moments to collect herself. This wasn’t at all what she’d expected. The intense feelings she’d had when he’d controlled how she responded to him … God, his authoritative tone … and his stern expression … it all took her breath away. He was so powerful and masculine.

Right now she felt like her world had turned upside down.

Dare had made a powerful case. To write an effective article about the Dominant-submissive relationship, she needed to experience it directly.

It made sense he’d show her by example, and it wouldn’t have to lead to sex. But the thought of him commanding her … taking control …

Her heart stammered.

As much as she’d insisted there would be no sexual relationship between them, she knew that she was in danger of falling under his masculine spell. That she would lose herself completely to the role of being Dare’s submissive was an option that felt all too attractive right now.

Once he started to command her … she knew in her heart she would do anything he said.

She stared at herself in the mirror. She was thinking crazy thoughts. This was role-playing. She wasn’t just going to fall into bed with him.

And he probably didn’t look at her that way anyway. He was wealthy, handsome and powerful. She wasn’t his type of woman.

He was just helping her with her research. Because she was a friend of Helen’s.

A look of determination crossed her face. She was just looking for an excuse to run away. Because the situation was a little awkward.

She opened her purse and grabbed her brush, then pulled it through her long, dark hair.

She was going to get a grip on herself and march right back in there and get on with this.

* * *

“So how do we get started?” she asked as she sat on the couch again.

“Stand up and come over here.”

At his tone, she instantly pushed herself to her feet and walked toward him.

“Good. As I told you, a submissive follows her master’s commands instantly and without question.”