That evening, Dante returned.
He came in with a bag. Black leather. New.
"Good evening, little star." He smiled. "Did you miss me?"
Novalee said nothing.
"I'll take that as a yes." He set the bag on the dresser. "I have something special planned for tonight. A new phase in your training."
Her stomach dropped.
He opened the bag slowly, deliberately. Pulled out items one by one.
A collar. Black leather with silver studs.
A leash. Attached to the collar.
Nipple clamps. Connected by a chain.
A ball gag. Black rubber.
A blindfold. Silk.
"Tonight," he said, "we're going to play a new game. It's called obedience."
Her stomach dropped.
"But first—" He moved to the bed. "I want to hear you say something."
"What?"
"Tell me you're mine."
"No."
He grabbed her throat. Not squeezing. J
