My heart seemed to stop, then resuscitate and gallop at a speeding pace. My hand was poised above the door leading to Maddox's office.

The look on his face when he issued the command. It filled me with anticipation and fear all at once. And lust. God, so much lust. 30 minutes should have been enough to remind my cock it's not seemingly to walk around a decently staffed mansion with a hard on.

But it wasn't. The telltale bulge had left what felt like a permanent blush on my face. From embarrassment or desire, I wasn't quite sure.

My hand clenched into a tighter fist where it hovered. I could walk away...

Who was I kidding? I don't have a choice. It's easier to go along and accept the outcome, instead of fighting it and ending up with the same, or worse outcome. A voice in the back of my brain cursed how easily I gave in.

But the aching pulse in my cock couldn't disagree with that voice more. So, I swallowed my nerves, and knocked on the wooden panelling.

Silence descended around the hallway, as if time stood still. Not a soul besides myself could be seen or heard. Until...

"Enter."

That single word struck a chord deep within me. The power and expectation of the order being followed sent a jolt to my knees, causing them to nearly buckle. My mind flashed back to kneeling on the carpet by the fireplace. Naked, exposed.

Another jolt of red hot desire spread through me. Pushing into the office, my mouth went dry at the sight I saw.

Light streamed through the large glass panes, framing Maddox as he stood gazing through it.

His jacket discarded on his chair, hands clasped in their leather embrace, sex hair, he looked like a demon disguised as an angel.

"Ah, Austin. Good." He lifted his wrist. "I'm glad to know punctuality is a skill you can improve on. Gives me hope I can train some manners into you."

I felt my brows furrow as I tried to fully comprehend what every word in his sentence meant when Stone's next words nearly short circuited my brain.

"Kneel."

I sought his gaze, finding he was now leaning against the front of his desk, hands planted firmly on the wood behind him and ankles crossed in front of him. Sexy, sinful man. God really did have favourites, I thought, as I watched his muscles flex and tense beneath the indecently tight button up.

"I believe I gave you an order, pet."

My balls felt heavy. My cock ached and my nipples pebbled. The phantom sensation of the carpet so close tickled against my skin.

Yet, something in me resisted. Almost like I wanted to see how far I could push.

I had clearly stood still too long, as Maddox sighed and shook his head. Sliding a paper from the corner of the desk, he angled just enough for me to recognize it.

The contract. The damn contract.

Maddox's stare was heavy on me. I took a halting forward step. The jarring movement sent line after scorching line of electricity through my body.

Another jarring step. Followed by another. Until I reached the plush rug. A circle of moisture spread across my groin. I was panting heavy, lust filled breaths.

Running my tongue across chapped lips, I sank to my knees.

Watching Austin lower himself onto the carpet was mesmerizing. The very clear signs of his arousal fanned the flames of my own desire. With a smirk, I stepped in front of the kneeling form.

"Legs apart," I nudged his legs into proper position before continuing. "Hands on thighs, ass on heels, gaze lowered."

After a few beats of hesitation, Austin did as told and assumed the proper position. Leaning down, I grasped his chin to bring his gaze up.

"Good boy," I purred. "This is the form you must take when ordered to kneel. Remember it."

His cock twitched against its prison. It was pressed firmly against the fabric of Austin's pants, wanting to break free. Letting go of his chin, I watch as his gaze dropped once more to the floor. But I didn't miss the dilated pupils, or lust hidden in its depths. A zing of satisfaction flickered in my brain as I headed to the back of my desk.

Grabbing the standard black box nestled in the bottom of one drawer, I made my way back to my pet. So still and silent, except for the pants of his breath and the tent of his zipper.

Placing the box in front of Austin, I resumed my relaxed position against the lip of my desk. I could see Austin's gaze flicker towards the box, but he made no move for it.

"We can stay here all day, Austin. But be aware, the longer you wait to open my present, the worse the punishment. It's rude to not accept a gift."

That delectable chocolate gaze connected with mine. "Punishment?" he squeaked out.

I chuckled. "First, lose the clothes." I stepped around towards my chair, easing into it, resting my ankle on my knee. "I'm in the mood for a show."