Secret Torment (Bend To My Will #9) by Emily Jane Trent Page A

around to see the sights while sipping champagne. They passed Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty, majestic no matter how many times Jacob had seen it. The hours drifted by, and Vivienne relaxed. She talked about other things, the trauma forgotten for a while. Jacob had no doubt that the pregnancy issue had impacted both of them, but it seemed they’d weathered the storm.
    They stayed out until sunset, when the horizon turned orange as if on fire. “In this light, the skyscrapers look like palaces out of a fairy tale, not at all like the bustling office buildings they really are,” Vivienne said.
    “It does seem more magical from out here on the water,” Jacob said, looking at the myriad of windows on all the buildings gleaming, richly hued by the radiance of the setting sun. “One of the best views of Manhattan is from the water.”
    The disappearance of the sun chilled the air, so Jacob had the captain take them back to shore. “Where would you like to eat dinner?” he said.
    “I was thinking of River Café. It’s a lovely place to admire Manhattan from the windows. I’m into the view of the city right now, and the sight of Brooklyn Bridge all lit up reminded me of the café.”
    Once the yacht had safely docked, Jacob took Vivienne ashore and had the driver take them to the restaurant. It was warmer on shore than out on the water, one of those idyllic evenings, the final days of summer.
    The River Café was just below the Brooklyn Bridge, brightly lit with the Manhattan skyline as a backdrop. The lights of the city sparkled over the East River as they dined in elegance. They sat on the covered patio, enthralled with the view.
    A jazz band played music inside the restaurant, and Jacob watched the trumpet player, marveling at how the instrument and his body seemed to flow as one. While sipping more champagne, they savored an appetizer of fresh abalone, oysters, and scallop ceviche.
    Vivienne looked out at the view, appearing to enjoy her food and wine, while Jacob watched her. The low restaurant lights were enough to allow him to admire her beauty. In that moment, he was reminded of how much Vivienne’s submission meant to him.
    Jacob was in a position to give her the freedom to explore the depths of her sexuality, to take her to places that she couldn’t go on her own, and to have experiences that she probably couldn’t ask for, not knowing they even existed.
    It was a high to know that Vivienne depended on him, and expected him to push her beyond any initial resistance encountered. So far, there had been little, but as the intensity of the scenes they played out increased, so would the challenge.
    With a seductive smile, Vivienne turned to look back at him. Jacob’s passion surged, making him anxious for the meal to be over. He treasured Vivienne’s natural sexuality enough to go far beyond where they’d ventured. It would be a liberating experience for her, touch upon her true nature, and allow her to reveal herself.
    “I’m looking forward to later,” Jacob said.
    Vivienne glanced down at the table, her blush visible, even in the dim room. It was endearing that she was still shy on occasion, despite all they had done together. She knew what he had in mind; they’d discussed it. She was a woman with a mind of her own, and he intended to stimulate her in a way she wanted. It wasn’t about forcing, but Vivienne’s desire to do as he commanded that was such a turn-on.
    *****
    Jacob’s yearning for Vivienne had increased throughout the meal, and well before he had her naked in the playroom, he was eager to have her. He was responsible for the scene he intended to play out, and he welcomed the power. Jacob intended to make it good for her, so all Vivienne would have to do was shut off her mind and obey.
    The urge to dominate consumed Jacob, and once the playroom door closed he ordered Vivienne to get on the bed. She walked to the back of the room and settled onto the satin sheets, with her hair