A Whole New Light by Julia Devlin Read Free Book Online Page A

rise and fall of her shoulder blades as she breathed. He could practically see the wheels turning in her head as she plotted a way out of obeying. Now that her impending orgasm had waned, she was more conscious of her actions, of her position, and that he was taking control.
    For a woman like Violet, the lack of power was hard to accept, to submit to—even when she wanted it. And she did want it, she was hungry for it—her mind just refused to cooperate.
    Ethan understood her confusion, understood the war going on in her head as she fought between her desires and what society told her a modern woman should want. He’d spent enough time talking to Violet to know she considered herself a feminist. She’d been reared in a matriarchal environment and was a successful female in a long familial list.
    Even in her relationships she’d had the control. The men she dated were promptly eating out of the palm of her hand within a week. But not him. Not even when he’d been in the throes of unrequited infatuation. Now he realized it was what had drawn
    her to him like a moth to flame. All too clearly he saw their past with new perception. He’d been so sure she hadn’t returned his sexual feelings he’d never paused to consider why she had been so adamant they were close. But like everyone else, he’d been so dazzled by her he’d never questioned her motives. Now he knew. He was the only man Violet trusted. On some base level, Violet had recognized him as her Master and had claimed him as hers.
    Tonight was about showing Violet that he was more than up for the challenge. About showing her that even though he wanted her more than he wanted his next breath, he had the self-discipline to maintain the control and power.
    Just as she needed.
    She’d manipulate him and test him. Hoping he’d succeed and fail in equal measures. And, although sometimes she’d hate it, Ethan had no intention of failing.
    Still, she made no move to comply and he took it as her first true test of his dominance. This didn’t feel like the confusion that had her tied up in knots. She darted a glance out the corner of her eye and squared her shoulders before her lips curved into a small smile.
    Oh, she needed proof.
    And he’d be giving it to her. He stroked her hair, combing through the silky black strands until her muscles relaxed. The second the tension left her, he fisted it at the nape of her neck and yanked back, twisting as he pulled so she’d feel the sharp tug and prickles of pain in her skull.
    She let out a startled yelp, hands digging into his thighs as she struggled for balance.
    He held her fast and bent down to the shell of her ear. Lowered his tone to his best hard-ass, don’t-fuck-with-me voice. “Obey or go home. What I’m asking for is easy. But since you continue to defy me, I’m going to make it harder. Now the other leg has to go up too. You’re going to sit on my lap, skirt hiked up, legs wide apart just like I promised.” He knew with the spotlight Caleb and his sub really couldn’t see them, but
    Violet wouldn’t be thinking about that right now. All she’d be able to think about was how exposed and vulnerable she felt. “Do what I say. Or don’t, and we’ll call it a night and I’ll take you home. You have thirty seconds to decide. Your choice.” He let go and sat back.
    Her jaw set, her spine stiffened, but she couldn’t hide her reactions. Breath fast, her skin pink, he’d bet her nipples were hard and her cunt wet.
    He looked at his watch.
    Up front, Caleb had rebuttoned his pants and now kneeled on the floor, scissors in hand, cutting off the fabric of the conservative navy skirt. Naked, the sub’s chest heaved.
    “Spread those legs like a good little slut.” Caleb’s voice boomed.
    Violet took in a sharp intake of breath. The cords of her neck worked as she swallowed.
    Ethan grinned. Obviously his friend had heard enough of his conversation to mirror the command. Of course, unlike Violet, the sub