Electric Engagement
Christmas only comes once a year. The love that I have for you comes only once in a lifetime.
    ―UNKNOWN
    E lectric
    Engagement
    Boundaries were made to be pushed. At least that was what Carla had always believed, though at this moment she wasn’t so sure. Ryan had her tied spread-eagle in the archway leading to her dining room. The ropes created a spider-like web around her, which she could barely make out in the dim light produced by the Christmas tree. Her home was decked out for the holidays, with lights at every window and a tree in almost every room. It felt naughty to be trussed up like this with all the innocent, festive décor, but she liked it. She liked everything Ryan did to her.
    The rope had the barest amount of give, allowing her to lean forward and backward only a few inches. Ryan had taken care, not only tying her at the wrists and ankles, but also fashioning a harness around her chest and hips to support her. Or restrain her better. She wasn’t sure yet. Rope marks were some of her favorites. The beautiful, woven, swirling patterns on her skin were like a hug that wouldn’t let go.
    It was the only comforting thing about the evening so far.
    Carla wanted Ryan to challenge her. She wanted to be the woman who deserved him. They’d been together—what? Ten months? It felt as though they’d always known each other. As if he were the missing part of her soul she’d been looking for when she’d pushed her ex-boyfriend out of the door. She’d known, deep down, that she wanted more than feathers and silk restraints, and asking for it had opened the door to meeting Ryan. He was it for her. She just hoped she didn’t disappoint him. She was still so new to his world. Would she enjoy tonight?
    Carla shivered as something clicked and an electrical hum blossomed on the air. Her neighbor was playing holiday tunes on his stereo outside again, but the hum nearly drowned out the vocalist singing “Please Come Home for Christmas”. She sucked in a deep breath, her nipples tightened and she clenched her inner muscles. The way her nerves were all tied together, she didn’t know yet whether she regretted asking for this or she was drunk on the adrenaline of fear.
    Buzz.
    Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God.
    She pulled against the hemp ropes again.
    This might not have been a good idea after all.
    A hand splayed against her stomach and Ryan pressed his body to her backside. His head dropped to her shoulder and he gently bit the tendon along her neck. Carla gasped at the sudden warmth, and flinched—but the expected zap never came.
    She panted for breath and wiggled her wrists, feeling the burn of the rope biting into her skin.
    Ryan cupped her breast, pinching the tight peak between his fingers. She loved his rough hands and the strength in his arms. Every day he saved lives and came home to her. Her personal hero.
    “Ah.” Carla arched her back and squeezed her eyes shut, loving the combination of almost-pain and pleasure.
    Ryan kissed along her shoulders and eased his hold on her flesh. The ominous buzzing was a constant sound in the background. An evil promise of what was to come.
    “Remember, you asked me for this, Carla.” Ryan’s voice was gruff, a quality that only came out when they played.
    “I did, Sir,” she managed despite a wavering voice.
    Oh, God. Oh, God. Oh, God.
    “Good girl.” He slid his hand over to caress her other breast, a mere flick of fingers over sensitive skin.
    Carla stretched, arching into his touch as his palm coasted over her stomach and lower.
    “When did you wax?”
    She bit her lip, trying not to smile, and let her eyes drift closed. His fingers slid over her pubic mound and she wiggled her hips. The sensation was different now. She’d always kept herself neatly trimmed, but the promise of tonight’s play had pushed her to do something different. Something he might not have expected. It wouldn’t last. She felt too bare, but for one night, it was worth it.
    Ryan withdrew his

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