The Sacrifice Read online

When I look at myself in the oval mirror over the dresser after putting on the outfit, I gasp in dismay. I might as well not be wearing a top at all. The white silk is so sheer you can see not just the outlines of my nipples but the nipples themselves along with my wide pink areolas and full breasts. I literally feel more naked wearing this blouse than I do when I’m actually naked.

  As for the skirt, it’s not nearly as normal as it looked at first. It’s a close fitting sheathe that goes to mid-thigh but it has two very high slits, which I didn’t notice at first. When putting it on, I assumed these slits went to the sides but then Aiden called me over. To my dismay, he rearranged the skirt so that the slits are in the front and back. They’re cut so high you can actually see my ass cheeks and the slit of my bare pussy if I move just the right way.

  “I can’t go out in public like this,” I tell Aiden. “I’ll be arrested for indecent exposure!”

  “No, you won’t.” His eyes flash. “No harm will ever come to you while I’m with you.”

  “But…but what if I see someone I know?” Or anyone at all, for that matter.

  “The only person you need to be worried about seeing is me, your master,” Aiden tells me sternly. “Have you already forgotten the point of our dinner date tonight, Emma? You are supposed to be proving that you’re ready for me to take you completely. So far I am not impressed.”

  “Yes, I know but…” I twist my hands together and look at myself in the mirror again. Yup, still obscene.

  “You’re beautiful,” Aiden assures me softly. “And I want to show you off. But since you’re still so shy…” He removes a long black silk wrap from the wardrobe and puts it around my shoulders. It hangs just long enough to cover the top part of the skirt and drapes around my front to cover my breasts as well.

  I feel immediately better. “Thank you,” I say.

  Aiden frowns. “As long as you know you’re going to have to remove that when we get to our private room in the restaurant.”

  Well, as long as it’s private I don’t mind. “Fine,” I say, agreeing easily. I don’t mind Aiden seeing me dressed like this—I just don’t want anyone else looking.

  Bern's is a large, white, windowless building in the SoHo district of South Tampa. I look around avidly, interested in everything as we walk inside. The interior seems to be designed like an old fashioned bordello with lots of red velvet and gold fixtures. To be honest, I’ve always wanted to come here. Lexy’s tale of a steak so expensive it pretty much cost five dollars a bite is both intriguing and horrifying—especially to someone like me who spends less than thirty dollars a week on groceries.

  Aiden is looking everywhere too, but not out of curiosity, I sense. He seems to be looking for trouble, his gray eyes narrowed for possible threats as he keeps one arm around me in a way that is equally protective and possessive.

  I don’t know what he’s so worried about. Despite his warning that he has enemies, I can’t imagine anyone ballsy enough to assault the new Sovereign who also happens to be a frighteningly powerful vampire. And even if they did, would they really choose the swankiest restaurant in Tampa to launch their attack? I seriously doubt it.

  Aiden mentions his name to the maître d' and the man snaps instantly to attention. “Of course, Mr. James. Right this way, sir. It’s an honor to have you dining with us tonight.”

  Wow. I look at Aiden with wide eyes. Either he comes here often or he dropped a ton of cash on renting the private room. I hope it’s the latter—I don’t like to think of him bringing other women here. Or anywhere, for that matter. Hmm, should I really be letting myself feel so attached and possessive of my vampire master?

  Before I can answer that question to my own satisfaction, the maître d' himself takes us to our table, which is round with cushy, booth-type seating on one side. The table is draped in spotless white linen with a single white candle in the center. It’s actually not so much a private room as a slightly less public space, being located in a small, concealed alcove in a shadowy corner of the massive restaurant. Occasionally I can see servers passing by carrying trays of wine or food but for the most part, there’s no one but us, once the maître d' gets us seated.

  Aiden sits beside me with one hand on my thigh. The entrance to our little alcove is directly in front of us—apparently you’re meant to sit in the round, half booth and enjoy the ambiance of the restaurant.

  “Now that we’re settled,” he murmurs and removes my black wrap.

  I bite my tongue to keep from protesting. He did say I’d have to take it off as soon as we got seated at the restaurant so I’m pretty sure there’s no point arguing. Still, I can’t help being embarrassed. I cross my arms over my breasts self-consciously but Aiden shakes his head.

  “No, darling. It’s my wish that you be on display tonight. Put your arms down, please. And uncross your legs.”

  I’m not very comfortable obeying either of these orders. The minute I sat down, my skirt began riding up, pushing its high slits even higher. Though I’ve tried to adjust it, I can still look down and plainly see my naked pussy slit framed by the black fabric. Aiden seems to enjoy the view.

  “Don’t hide yourself from me,” he murmurs, his breath hot in my ear. “You’re beautiful, Emma. It’s my very great pleasure to show you off tonight.”

  Miserably, I try to relax and not think about how naked I feel. I tell myself that the table will block the view of anyone passing by. But the tablecloth isn’t that long—I hope no one drops a fork and bends down to get it. Still, at least my skirt and what it reveals is mostly hidden from view, but there’s nothing I can do about my blouse. It’s simply transparent, putting my ample breasts on display whether I want them to be or not.

  “It doesn’t matter if you want to show yourself or not, Emma,” Aiden murmurs sternly—reading either my face or my mind. “What matters is that I am your master and I choose to show you. Now sit up straight, I think our server is here.”

  I sit up, my cheeks flaming as a young man who looks to be around college age steps into our shadowy alcove. “Hello, sir, madam and welcome to B—” He catches sight of my fully displayed breasts and the words die on his lips. “I…uh…” He fumbles with the menus in his hands. “I mean…” His eyes are darting everywhere in a desperate effort not to look, but they keep returning to my nearly naked cleavage and nipples, as though he just can’t help himself.

  “It’s all right, young man,” Aiden says, his deep voice soothing. “You may look if you want to.” He puts an arm around me, drawing me to him, and cups one of my breasts. Casually, he begins teasing my nipple. “My lover has beautiful breasts, don’t you think?”

  “I…uh…” The young server swallows hard. “I…yes, sir,” he croaks, his eyes flickering over my chest again. “Yes, she does.”

  “They’re very sensitive, you know,” Aiden continues. “Watch.” He pinches my nipple, drawing a low moan from my lips. “Sit up a little straighter, darling,” he tells me. “Let our young friend see how lovely you are.”

  I stare straight down at the tabletop, wishing I could sink right through the floor. And yet, as overwhelming as the embarrassment is, there’s another emotion behind it. Can it be…pride? It’s strange and perverse but I like it that a man as powerful and handsome as Aiden James is proud to have me on his arm, that he wants to show me off. And there’s an even more insidious feeling under all that—a little voice that whispers that I want to please my master. That I want to do whatever it is he wants me to do.

  I fight that little voice with all my might but it’s a losing battle. Aiden’s casual touch on my breast has started a familiar fire under my skin. All I can think of is the fact that if I please him, he might finally take me as I so desperately need to be taken.

  Taking a deep breath, I sit up straighter and throw back my hair, giving the server a clearer view.

  “Very good, my darling.” Aiden sounds extremely pleased. He nods at the server. “You may give us the menus and tell us the specials now, if you wis