Chapter 10

• Nathalie's body felt utterly exhausted, teetering on the edge of tears, yet Ethan wasn't finished with her. The tentative movements and cautious glances that marked their first few nights had vanished. It was the final night of their week together, and both were acutely aware of it. Despite the emotional and physical strain, so intense she felt sure she must be bruised, her longing for him was stronger than ever.
• Ethan guided her to her knees at the edge of the bed, positioning her exactly as he wanted. With her head buried in the blankets and her legs spread wide, he caressed her, lightly slapping before delivering a sharp smack that made her gasp with a mix of pain and desire.
• Throughout the week, Ethan had been building to this moment. Each new experience, each small increase in intensity was met with careful attention to her responses, ensuring she enjoyed every minute. On this last day, he seemed sure of what she wanted, understanding how pain intertwined with her desire. He'd already made love to her twice that night, with a fervor unmatched by prior encounters. Though her body longed to collapse, Ethan had other plans.