Elemental Desire by Denise Tompkins

iniquity. A Saint Andrew’s cross stood against the long living room wall. Shelves and hangers held a wide array of tools, some made to enhance pleasure while others simply delivered pain. Dark wood floors, grey walls and a variety of bondage pieces rounded out the open space. The bedroom, while it had a bed, was used more as a sitting area. It was the living room that saw all the action, with its bondage furniture and toy boxes.
    Seth took it all in with a clinical yet dismissive eye. Stopping abruptly, he was shoved forward a step when the witch crashed into him.
    “Sorry,” she murmured, hands parked on his waist.
    “That’s two strokes because you weren’t invited to touch me again.”
    “I would have thought I’d just earned a few points,” she said snarkily.
    He stepped out of her reach before facing her. “You performed a physical act. Intimacy wasn’t required for it to be pleasurable.” Looking the room over, he made his decision. Might as well enjoy himself, and that meant seeing that the woman had an experience she’d never forget. “Shed your clothes. Fold them and put them on the counter. Shoes stay on.”
    Small movements and the rustle of clothing preceded the click of high heels across hardwood.
    “Step to the cross, face first, hands and feet spread.”
    She looked at him, eyes wide.
    “You look surprised.”
    “I didn’t think—”
    “Because that’s not your job tonight. I’ll handle the play. Your job is to figure out for yourself why you’re here.”
    “Sounded like you had me all figured out earlier. Waffling now, oh, great and mighty Dom?”
    Seth forced his tightening muscles to relax. “Let’s skip straight to five.”
    “What? Why?” She shoved her hair out of her face.
    So many ways he could answer that, but the primary truth was simplest. “Because belligerence isn’t tolerated up here. As to the why, I’ll assume you aren’t being catty when you ask. I believe you’ll release my element when you figure out how to willingly let go and let the moment rule you. That’s what happened when you orgasmed earlier, isn’t it?”
    “Oh.” Her shoulders slumped before she caught herself and straightened. “I suppose.”
    “Have I disappointed you?” he asked, jaw tight.
    “What?” She whipped her gaze to his. “No. I just kind of hoped I might figure out why letting go is so appealing.”
    “You know why. You just haven’t acknowledged it yet.”
    Without further comment, she followed his earlier instructions.
    “Excellent.” Seth moved in behind her, his cock twitching as he leaned against her heated skin and fastened the restraints he had in place. Waving a hand, he startled when the candles around the room failed to light. Mood darkening, he went through the scene in his head. He’d promised her five strokes. Might as well deliver.
    Palming his semi-erect shaft with one hand and cupping his balls with the other, he leaned in and traced the shell of her ear with his tongue. His grip tightened when she shuddered. A soft cry escaped her when she tried to press her ass against him. The waist restraint stopped her. “I’ll initiate all touch. That’s your last warning. If I have to tell you again, punishment will shove right up against what you think you can take.”
    The woman whimpered. Her hips jerked and brushed his swiftly hardening cock.
    “You were warned.” A toy box sat open to one side, a variety of new items spilled across paddles, whips, weights, clamps and more. He spied his preferred item near the top. Grabbing the small, black latex cone, he peeled it free of its packaging and slathered it with lube. Fingers slick, he ran them along the seam of her sex, front to back.
    “Holy shit,” she breathed.
    He didn’t stop until he reached her rear entrance.
    “Holy shit!”
    “Shouting won’t change your fate.” Spreading the excess lube around, he paused to press one finger against the virginal opening. “You have one opportunity to safe-word