King of Diamonds by Cheyenne McCray Page A

what they were for, he reached up and pinched her nipple, causing her to gasp and the taut nub to grow even harder. He released her then slipped the looped end of the diamond dangle over her nipple, then slid a golden band up the loop so that the ring was taut. Her nipple turned darker red, almost purple, and the sensation was one of both pain and pleasure.
    Annie watched in amazement as he repeated the process on her other breast then examined his handiwork. It felt exotic to have the charms dangling from her nipples, the loops tight and keeping the nubs erect.
    “You will wear these and think of me touching you, tasting you,” he murmured as he flicked one of the crystals. “Put on the boots now.”
    When she bent over to put on the soft leather boots, the diamonds swung and she almost gasped from the sensation of the nipple charms tugging at her as they rocked back and forth. After her boots were on, he held the cloak over one arm then took her hand and led her out the doors that opened with his magic as they approached.
    Panic rose inside Annie as he guided her through the doors and into the hallway. “You’re not going to make me walk through the mansion like this, are you?”
    He frowned down at her, and Annie was quick to add, “Sire.”
    “Do not question me,” he said as he led her toward the stairs. “Or another punishment will be added.”
    Annie clamped her teeth together, caught between the urge to rage and the desire to submit.
    When they reached the landing, Annie stopped walking, literally digging her heels in. Karn could have used his massive strength, dragging her on, or simply have thrown her over his shoulder, but thankfully he didn’t.
    Karn looked down at his mate, but this time he did not frown. She looked so upset. A key twisted in his heart, unlocking emotions he had not allowed himself to feel in decades. “What is it, kitten?”
    She bit her lower lip then took a deep breath. “I can’t do this. Punish me if you want, but I can’t walk around other people like-like this. I didn’t mind while we were alone in the bedroom, but I just can’t with anyone else.”
    Annie’s voice had trembled as she spoke, and that key in his heart turned a little more. She was such a gentle creature, yet willing to stand up to him if he crossed her boundaries. He did not want to hurt her. Even though he would not allow himself to love her, he could not help but care for his future Queen.
    Without saying a word, he took the cloak and wrapped it around her, helping her to put her arms through the holes, then fastening it so that it covered her breasts. When he finished he hooked his finger under her chin. “If ever there is something I ask of you that you do not enjoy, then simply tell me. I feel no pleasure in your distress.”
    He leaned down and brushed his lips over hers, then forced himself to back away and take her hand again.
    Annie sighed with relief as they walked down the stairs together. No doubt in Karn’s kingdom he was used to his subjects obeying his commands. They probably enjoyed it, even. But the fact that he had listened to her, and cared enough to cover her when she was truly embarrassed and pushed beyond where she would ever want to go, raised her estimation of him even higher.
    While they walked together, Karn was silent. The cloak chafed her nipples and the dangles bounced against her breasts, keeping her stimulated. The leather outfit felt exciting the way it held her breasts in the holes, and the way the bottom of the dress brushed her mound as she moved. Even the collar she wore for Karn was a turn on.
    Yet the walk through the mansion was a little nerve-wracking. What did he have planned for her next punishment? Annie’s cheeks burned every time they passed a castle servant. What if they knew what she had on beneath the cloak?
    When he took her down a flight of stone steps, deep below the mansion, her heart started to pound like crazy. Odd looking torches lit the way. Rather