“Very good, sir.” He turns and I follow him out into the corridor. A quick glance in the living room reveals Ana is not there. Sawyer heads into Taylor’s office while I go in search of Miss Steele. I find her in the bedroom, where she’s unlacing her boots.

She looks up. “Mr. Grey, you are truly evil.”

“I try my best. Playroom. Ten minutes.” I turn on my heel and leave her, mouth open, in my…our bedroom.

The playroom is softly illuminated, the light glowing off the red walls. It feels, once more, like my haven. It’s been a few weeks since we’ve been in here. Why is that? Where does the time go? I chuckle—I sound like my dad. I strip off my jacket, and remove my shoes and socks, enjoying the warmth of the wooden floor on the soles of my feet. From the bottom of the toy chest, I remove a leather suspension harness; it’s going to be fun strapping Ana into this. I can barely contain myself. She won’t be fully suspended, so I think she’ll be within her limits. I lay it out on the bed, then retrieve a few other items. Putting a couple of them in the back pocket of my jeans, I leave the rest on the chest, then head next door to the en suite in the submissive’s room.

I pause when I come out of the bathroom. The room is unchanged since Susannah left. Ana never really occupied this space; it has an empty, abandoned feel. The decor is still neutral. White. Cold. Susannah never wanted to decorate.

Grey, stop.

I don’t want to go down that rabbit hole right now. Not when my girl should be waiting for me.

When I enter the room, Ana is barefoot by the bed, examining the harness. The sight of her halts me in my tracks. She’s changed into some lacy lingerie. She’s all long legs, arms, and black lace, and fine see-through panties.

Just for me.

I can see everything.

Everything.

Shrouded in lace.

My mouth dries as she steps toward me, her hair free, falling and curling under her breasts. “Mr. Grey. You’re overdressed.”

I could play this one of two ways. We are still finding ourselves in here. Today, the Dominant wins. “You want to play?”

“Yes.”

“Yes what?”

Ana’s lips part in surprise. “Sir.”

“In that case, turn around.”

She blinks, astonished at my tone, I think, and a furrow forms on her brow.

“Don’t frown.”

“Suspension?”

“Not fully, no. Your toes will be on the floor. It’ll be intense.”

Come on, Ana. Don’t lose your nerve.

“We don’t have to do this,” I whisper.

Her mouth twists into that challenging smirk I know so well, and I think she’s considering her options. I cock my head to the side as her eyes stray to the harness on the bed. They linger on it—she’s intrigued, I can tell. I tip her chin up and brush my lips against hers. “Do you want to wear this harness or not?”

“What will you do to me?” Her words are breathy and barely audible. She’s turned on. Just at the sight of it.

“Whatever I want.”

She gasps and turns around immediately.

Yes!

From the top of the chest of drawers, I grab a hair tie and gather her hair in my hands and begin braiding it.

It would never do to get her luscious locks caught in any of the straps.

I make quick work of her braid and, once it’s fastened, give it a tug. She steps back into my arms. “You look mighty fine, Miss Steele,” I murmur into her ear. “Love the lingerie. Remember, you don’t have to do anything you don’t want to do. Just tell me to stop. Now, go and assume the position by the door.” She gives me a most unsubmissive look, which in another lifetime would have earned her a good spanking, but she moves to the door and kneels, resting her palms on her thighs and parting her legs.

That’s my girl.

She looks gorgeous. I could come just looking at her.

Steady, Grey. Get a grip.

Ignoring my arousal, I go back to the chest, pull out my iPod, and place it in the dock. I switch on the Bose system, choose a track, and press repeat.

“Sinnerman.” Nina Simone. Perfect.

Ana is watching me.

“Eyes down,” I warn, and she dutifully casts them to the floor.

I close my eyes. Every time she does as she’s told it’s music to my soul. I can’t get her to obey outside this room, but I’m going to take full advantage in here. I amble back to her and stand directly in front of her. “Legs. Wider.”

She shuffles and moves her thighs. I groan in approval, strip off my T-shirt, and toss it on the floor. Slowly I unbuckle my belt and pull it through the belt loops. Ana’s fingers flex on her thighs.

Is she wondering what I’m going to do with the belt?

Those days are over, Ana.

But, for maximum effect, I drop it and it clatters to the floor. She flinches at the sound.

Shit.

Reaching down, I caress her hair. “Hey, don’t sweat it, Ana.”

She gazes up at me, every bit a Dom’s wet dream, and I know my cock is bursting in anticipation. Taking my sweet time, I unbutton my fly and tug down the zipper while I tighten my hold on her hair. My intention is clear and she regards me with a look that could set me alight from head to foot, and I think that’s a good thing, because she opens her mouth, ready for me.

“No, not yet,” I whisper, and, still clutching her hair, I ease my hardened cock from my jeans and run my hand up and down the length. Her eyes do not leave mine. With my thumb, I rub the bead of dew that’s emerged, into the head, and run my hand along its length once again. I want nothing more than to take her mouth. But I want to make this moment last. “Kiss me,” I murmur.