Bondage Unlimited by Tori Carson

to force. “Yeah, I can keep a distinction between the two.” He infused confidence into his voice—a confidence he didn’t feel at all. “How about you? Can you scene with me without feeling the sting of Cupid’s arrow?” He used his voice to make sure she knew he was teasing.
    She laughed, just like he’d hoped she would. “Yeah, I’m pretty sure I’m immune to that bastard’s influence.”
    “Then there won’t be any problems. How is it done at DiscipliNation? Do you want a written contract?” He knew he was jumping ahead of himself. He hadn’t actually asked her if she was willing to scene with him. So far, they’d been speaking in generalities. If his luck held, she might let him get away with it.
    “André prefers everything to be spelled out in a contract, but ultimately it’s left up to the people playing. He wouldn’t cancel a membership if consensual partners neglected to put their agreement in writing. He would, however, throw someone out for violating a contract.” She had answered half his question.
    If that were the case, then Gio would prefer not to have anything in writing. “What’s your preference, Eva? Do you want all the i’s dotted and the t’s crossed or do you want to keep this casual?”
    Eva shook her head and put her hand on his chest, pushing him backward. “Gio, I never said I wanted to scene with you. I said I wasn’t afraid of Cupid.”
    “You wouldn’t have slept with me if you had an interest in someone else. So that means you’re in the same boat I am—single and without anyone waiting in the wings. Will you give me that much?” He had to tear down her resistance one issue at a time.
    “Yes, I’m single. As far as prospects go”—she shrugged—“there’s a few untapped potentials.”
    “If that’s the case, then they’re untapped for a reason.” He used his ‘I mean business’ tone and he was pleased when she blushed. “The offer of good sex with someone you feel safe with isn’t something you toss out the window as worthless, Eva. If there’s another issue, let’s hear it.”
    He wasn’t giving her any wiggle room. Either she agreed to scene with him or she had to admit to having feelings for him—be they positive or negative feelings.
    “Just sex and only on the club’s premises? We will not see each other in a social setting beyond the club?” She was obviously reluctant.
    “That would meet my requirements. Would you be agreeable to occasionally scening at my family’s club?” It wasn’t the most exuberant negotiation he’d ever participated in, but he’d take it.
    “Why?”
    Why? She was going to fight him every step of the way. “We may have different equipment.” He hadn’t expected that question and was reaching for an answer. André’s club, what little he’d seen so far, seemed perfectly outfitted. He’d need to do better than that lame excuse. “We sometimes have themed nights or special events that you might find entertaining. And besides, I’d like you to see my club. My company did a lot of renovations and I’d like to show it off.”
    He wondered how much it was safe to share with her. “I’m happy, Eva. As far as my career goes, I’m living my dream. Leaving Columbia didn’t ruin my life. It delayed it a bit,” he conceded. “After coming home, I got my head together and I focused on school like I never would have at Columbia.”
    Eva looked up with unshed tears in her eyes. He wished he had a clue how to reach her. Everything he tried seemed to backfire.
    “I’m relieved to hear that, Gio. I’ve always felt guilty for you leaving school.”
    “That’s ridiculous, Eva. It was my choice, my mistake. I should have talked to you. I should have told you what I was thinking. You, my sweet subbie, have nothing to be guilty about.” Gio watched as she blinked away the tears. “So how ‘bout it? You gonna prove you’re smarter than me and take advantage of this great offer or are you going to follow my