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already
itching to call her to arrange their next outing. But he spiked his hand
through his hair as he realized the predicament he’d gotten himself into. He’d
already pushed the role of Bakushi too far to think of turning back, and
he had every reason to believe Sakura would flat-out refuse to listen to any
form of reason if she ever found out how he’d tricked her into his bed.
    Not that he had any intention of stopping his tutelage at
the Red Mask. She had the Tea Ceremony she needed to learn, and he had many
more things to teach her about how he wanted her to behave…starting with their
next session tomorrow night.
    And he had to decide if he could mold her into a worthy
mate.
    He already had his rope laid out, a sleek strand of nylon
he’d purchased to match her hair. Her silky, exotic, purple-streaked hair that
had captured his interest both times they’d met. And she was as beautiful as
he’d imagined, her sky-high cheekbones framing a face that he knew would haunt
his dreams this night.
    The entire day he had fought against the need to run his
fingers through her hair and every time she brushed against him or touched his
hand to show him some interesting sight, his body had responded with alacrity.
He hadn’t had a hard-on last this long since he was seventeen, and he relished
the return of his desire with abandon.
    He stroked himself as he headed for the shower, the throb in
his cock enough to make him surly. But he would have her soon, he vowed as he
stripped and turned the water up to a scalding temperature that left little
room for enjoyment.
    Very, very soon.
    * * * * *
    The next evening at the club, Sakura stared at the mask in
her hands. “It is lovely. Thank you, Madame Brisson.” Covered in cherry-red
silk, it was made to look as if worn by a geisha, the delicate eye-openings
almond shaped and tilting up at the corners, with kanzashi —traditional hairpins—rising
from each side, covered with perfectly shaped cherry blossoms in shades of pink
and white. It needed no other adornment, its simple design fitting in with both
her heritage and personal taste.
    “You are most welcome.” Manette held a great black cat on
her lap, the feline blinking as if he were indeed emperor of the palace. “It is
perfect for you…and your situation.”
    When nerves caused her fingers to tremble, Sakura set the
mask on the couch beside her so she would not damage the wispy creation. “What
can you tell me about the manI am to meet?”
    “That he is wealthy and well-respected among his peers. And
that you will be absolutely safe in his company.”
    “Are you certain?”
    “Yes.” The woman gazed at Sakura steadily, no hint of
deception in her eyes. “I have known him for quite some time. Despite his
reputation as a stern master he does have a compassionate side.”
    Sakura snorted. “I haven’t seen that side of him.”
    “Is it his compassion you desire?” Manette’s voice held a
note of surprise. “He does not show that side of himself to many. You will have
to earn his trust.”
    For an instant Sakura entertained the possibility of a more
permanent relationship with the stranger. Then she remembered Ian’s much more
pleasant personality and let the notion go. While it might be fascinating to
have an affair with such an intense and domineering man, she doubted she could
live with him forever.
    But she would revel in every whimper and squeal and scream
for as long as she could stand the pleasure.
    “Right now all I want is his darker side,” she admitted
truthfully.
    Manette’s expression tempered. “Then that is what you shall
have. And he is magnificent in his domination. You will be well pleased. Of
that I am certain.” Now the woman’s expression radiated wicked excitement,
causing Sakura to feel a rush of the same depraved energy.
    “Then I guess I better get started.” Still, her knees were
shaking as she stood and smoothed down the front of her plain black dress,
wondering if she should