"What's good for the goose is good for the gander."

Lucas slanted smile made her melt a little in spite of it all. "If I allow you to tie me up, you will let me tie you up? Is that what you're saying?"

Amber rubbed her hand against her forehead. "I'm not saying that at all."

He flattened his hands on her desk and leaned closer. "Come on, baby. What are you scared of?"

She dropped her hand and glared at him. "Nothing!"

"I won't hurt you." The words came out rough, as if it pained him that he had to make that assurance.

Amber closed her eyes, trying to maintain her composure. "I know that."

"Then what is the problem?"

"I don't trust you!" She blurted out the words and instantly regretted it. Amber pressed her lips together, but it was too late. The damage was done.

She reluctantly opened her eyes and saw Lucas's face. The sexy gleam in his eyes was gone. She had snuffed it out with that statement, and she wanted to take it back. The problem was, it was true.

"I know you don't trust me," Lucas said, his voice rough and gravelly. "That's why this is my fantasy. I can't imagine anything sexier than you naked and tied up, willing and trusting to follow my lead."

That was his sexiest scenario? Try scariest! Her chest constricted so tightly she felt like she was wheezing for air. "You want me to be your sex slave for one night and I should expect nothing out of it?"

"I'll make sure you'll enjoy it."

His arrogance made her want to scream. He was so confident that this would work. He truly believed that she'd love it and wouldn't be able to wait to do it again. After all, he wasn't sacrificing anything.

Amber paused as she considered that. What if he had to make a sacrifice? How much did he want this fantasy? How much longer would he push for it, if he had to risk something?

"What?" His gaze sharpened on her. "Come on, Amber. I know that look. What's up?"

"I'll make a deal with you," she said slowly, her stomach flipping like crazy. Her heart pounded so hard against her chest that she thought it was going to burst.

He raised an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

"I will let you tie me up tonight…" Oh, God, she couldn't believe she was saying this. She should think this through, try to plug up any loopholes and make it to her advantage.

His expression was so primal that it took her breath away.

"…if"—she paused, trying to think straight—"if you let me act out my fantasy with the scarf tomorrow night."

Lucas pushed away from the desk as he thought about it. He slid his hands in his pockets and braced his legs apart. It was his classic negotiation pose. "What's your fantasy?"

She had no idea, but she'd come up with something that would make it worth her while. "You'll find out tomorrow."

"No, forget that." Lucas saw right through her plan. "You're going to try to break me. Humiliate me or something. I just know it." His expression darkened as he thought of all she could do to him.

"Lucas, I'm hurt." She playfully put her hand against her heart. "Do you really think I'm capable of something like that?"

“Yes,” he said with no hesitation.

She clucked her tongue. "Okay, how about this." She held up her hand as a pledge. "I solemnly vow that I won't do anything that would cause permanent injury or mental anguish."

His eyes narrowed into slits. "Yeah, right."

"That's the deal, Lucas." She tapped her finger against the desk. "I'll be your sex slave tonight, but you have to be mine tomorrow."

Lucas didn't like the terms and he wasn't going to hide his true feelings. "You don't have a bondage fantasy," he argued. "You just want to hedge your bets. If I do anything you don't like tonight, then I will suffer the consequences tomorrow."

And it was a brilliant insurance plan if she said so herself. "Lucas," she said with a pout, "don't you trust me?"

He studied her with a penetrating stare. It felt like he was stripping away layer upon layer until he saw her very heart. Suddenly the wicked gleam in his eye reappeared.

"I do trust you," he finally said, "and I'll take you up on your offer."

Amber's eyes widened as her stomach did a free fall. Lucas had called her bluff? Oh, damn.

End of excerpt. Like it? Order it.