Seeing him seemed to clarify something in her mind. No longer confounded by her intense attraction, she embraced it—and him. “Tonight, and longer if you want it, you belong to me,” she whispered. Gus became still. His gaze glittered as he stared down at her, and his jaw firmed. Aislinn gave him a soft smile then lowered, barely resisting the need to kiss his mouth. Later, she’d give him everything he deserved for giving himself completely into her care. A stirring of deep emotions, of gratitude and something else she was afraid to name just yet, filled her, strengthening her to continue. She’d never felt like this before. As though a bond had formed, that his pleasure was hers, and his sacrifice of pride and control was somehow a selfless gift—a token of his love. Soft murmurs rose from the crowd. And she knew what they must be saying. That such a bull of a man, restrained and acquiescent, was a wondrous thing. How would he react? How far would she take him? Even Aislinn wasn’t sure.
