~SCARLETT.

Slowly, he stepped forward, halting in front of the kneeling woman. His gloved fingers grazed her shoulder, making her shudder.

"Submission is a gift," he said smoothly. "Control is an art."

The room was silent, so silent you could hear everything. No whispers. Just the sound of his calm and commanding voice, carrying through the still air.

He let the words sink in, his fingers lingering a moment longer before pulling away. His gaze shifted to the man behind her, a silent exchange ...