Read Online Avenger (Impossible #3) by Julia Sykes - Free Book Online Page A

absent from his eyes, overcome by that dark flame that flickered in their green depths.  The sight of it made me shudder in delight as I realized that he accepted my words; he had let go of his feelings of uncertainty, of self-loathing.  He was embracing the sexual dynamic that gave both of us such unsurpassed pleasure.  He was accepting himself.
    His expression turned more serious as he reached into his back pocket and pulled out something that glinted silver in the late afternoon sunlight that filtered through my curtains.  He watched me carefully, gauging my reaction as I realized what he was holding: handcuffs.  My heart skipped a beat and my breath caught in my throat as fear fluttered in my belly.  Memories of my cruel captivity at Bradley’s hands flitted at the corners of my mind.
    “I don’t want you to be afraid, Claudia,” Sean said soothingly.  “Use a safe word if this is too much for you.”
    I stared at the silvery cuffs, and I couldn’t deny that I was afraid.  I tore my eyes from the restraints to meet Sean’s gaze.  The concern that I saw warring with lust softened my heart.  I remembered the intense pleasure I had experienced when he had tied me up, and I realized that I trusted him implicitly.  Besides, I wouldn’t let the memories of Bradley’s cruelty control my life.
    “No,” I said definitively, lifting my chin.  “I don’t want to use a safe word.  I trust you.”  A thought struck me.  “But why do you have those?”  I shot him a mock-censorious look.  “It was rather presumptuous of you to assume that I would have sex with you.”
    His brow furrowed slightly.  Despite my joking tone, he was clearly worried that he had crossed a line.  When he spoke, he looked chagrined.  “Honestly?  I was prepared to restrain you if I had to in order to force you to hear me out.”
    I knew that I should be angry, or at the very least indignant, but all I felt was amusement.  His eyes widened in surprise when a giggle escaped me.  “You’re a ruthless bastard, Sean Reynolds,” I accused.
    He shot me a hard-edged grin, and his relief was evident when the tension visibly left his body.  “You should watch your language, sub,” he warned.
    Sub.  A delighted shiver ran through me at the word.  I had been uncertain about the term at first, thinking it demeaning, but now I knew that it was an expression of Sean’s affection for me.  He was vocally asserting his claim over my being, and I gave myself willingly, reassured by the knowledge that I likewise owned him in my own way.  He was claiming me as his own, but at the same time it was a pledge that he belonged to me as well.
    A wide, silly grin spread across my face.  He cocked his head at me.  “You look far too pleased with yourself,” he informed me.  “I won’t tolerate insults.  I’m warning you not to push your luck.”
    I tried to wipe the smile from my face and look properly intimidated, but there was still a pleased curve to my lips.  He tsked at me.  “It seems a lesson in respect is in order.  Arms above your head, sub.”
    I complied with alacrity, eager for the pleasure that I knew he would bring both of us.  A shot of residual fear returned at the sound of the first cuff clicking closed around my wrist, the cool metal encircling it causing unpleasant memories to surface.  Sean noticed my distress instantly, and his hand was beneath my jaw, tilting my head back so that I was locked in his gaze.  “Stay here with me, Claudia,” he ordered softly.  “I’m not going to hurt you.”  It was a promise.
    I swallowed hard and nodded, my muscles relaxing as I melted under him.  His thumb tenderly traced the line of my lower lip.  “That’s a good girl.”  He smiled down at me in gentle approval.  My clit pulsed at his words, and the heat that bloomed within me spread from my core to my fingertips, driving away the lingering fear as lust engulfed me.  Already my mind was going to that