She knew this might happen. She understood she'd feel the same if she ever caught him eyeing another woman—thinking about the intimacy they might share. Determined to put his mind completely at ease, she made up her mind. She had considered doing this earlier in the day after his little demonstration, but now felt like the perfect moment. She kept her thoughts guarded, careful not to let him sense what she was planning.
"Do you remember that strange phrase you had me recite this morning?"
*Yes, you know I do.*
For a moment, he wondered if she was about to invoke her rights as his mistress—perhaps to command him not to feel jealous or even compel him to like this Mark fellow. When he allowed himself to be owned in such a way, he'd known this kind of scenario might arise. It was an act of deep trust, a leap of faith in her. And now, that trust felt like it might be tested to its breaking point.
