With Thomas once more at her side she started to feel less nervous. He took her elbow and, bowing to the older couple he turned away.

"Can we go back to the hotel now, Thomas? - Please" she whispered as they got out of earshot.

She had tried not to sound too desperate but she winced as she realised she had called him by his given name. He smiled and kissed her cheek to let her know it was fine now; suddenly she just wanted to be alone with him. Thomas slipped his arm protectively around her shoulders as they walked across the dance floor towards the lobby where their coats were.

He took the black cloak and draped it around her shoulders, then he buttoned him self into his overcoat. Outside, in the chilly wind, he hailed a cab and the two of them climbed inside. Once settled in the warm interior of the cab Sophie heaved a deep sigh and slumped down.

Laughing, Thomas looked down at her. "Was it really that bad?" he asked.

" Well, I am glad that's over." Sophie said from the depth of the cab seat. "But I have a feeling it's not the end -." She looked up at Thomas. He took her hand, cool in his, and brought it to his lips. "Tomorrow we will both be tested, Sophie. I also will be under scrutiny."

"Why, Thomas? Why do you have to be tested?" She asked trying to meet his piercing gaze but he avoided her eyes.

"Jeremy and his lady, Amber, are the founders of an exclusive club and I have been invited to join, it is a great honour. In order to be accepted I must perform several deeds. I must present a sub that is acceptable to the members, so far - thanks to your presence this evening - so good." She felt him gently squeeze her hand and smiled.

"What will happen tomorrow night?" Sophie asked moving to sit closer to his warmth.

"I don't have a clue, but we will both be severely tried I think. You'll have to be strong, Sophie, for us both." His arm wrapped her to him. For a few minutes they travelled in silence then Sophie looked up into Thomas' face.

"I love you so much. I would do anything for you - even die." Thomas let out a bark of laughter.

"Good Lord, Sophie, it won't come to that!"

At the hotel they stopped in the bar for a nightcap and, for one moment, Sophie felt a pang of disappointment when she saw the two men who had ogled her earlier were not there. After taking her cloak Thomas guided her to sit at a table and reached across to smooth some stray hair from Sophie's face.

"I have never wanted you as much as I do right now." He said hoarsely.

She looked up at him quickly and saw his dark eyes on her; the longing and passion were there for all to see. She hardly tasted her martini and felt herself aroused in anticipation of the night to come.

Upstairs, in their suite, Thomas hung her cloak and his coat in the closet and turned to her where she stood in the centre of the room. She could feel his control as he walked slowly to her. With his hands on her shoulders he drew her to him and kissed her gently on the lips. She allowed him to penetrate with his tongue and moved closer so that the length of her body was against him. All at once she felt his arousal and dropped a hand to acknowledge it. He gave a sharp gasp at her touch and his hands slid down to the curve of her buttocks. Still their lips were joined in a long deep kiss.

He broke away from the kiss and scooped her up in his arms, carrying her to the bedroom. He laid her down with a kiss and turned away. She watched from the bed as he slowly disrobed until he was naked. He stood before her, a well-muscled, tall man with dark body hair and an impressive erection. She smiled and stretched a hand towards the gently bouncing member but he stepped away out of reach. She raised herself on one elbow and looked up at him questioningly.

"No clothes please."

She laughed and jumped off the bed, quickly slipping off her dress and bra. He caught her around the waist as she started to undo her suspenders.

"That'll do. I'll see to the rest." He said into her neck as he nuzzled her.

He allowed himself to sink to his knees in front of her, keeping his eyes on hers. His hands slid down her body, over her breasts making them spring away from his touch. They slid over her belly and hips to her thighs where they smoothly moved to the insides and indicated that she should part them.

Her skin felt cool and silken under his touch and she obligingly spread her legs for him. He pressed his cheek to her belly and inhaled her musky scent. It aroused him even more because it told him she wanted him. Sophie rested her hands on his dark hair, conscious of his breath on her and the growing dampness between her legs.

Thomas put a hand on her mons, cupping it. His other hand cupped her buttock. He allowed his thumb to explore the slippery interior of her, dividing the lips, seeking her clitoris. When he found it her legs gave away a little and she drew in a "hiss" of breath. Holding his head more firmly she spread her legs wider, inviting him.

He pressed her back gently so that she fell on the bed with her feet still on the floor and Thomas moved between her bent knees. He buried his face in her, he wanted to bite the sweet, soft skin and she rose to him. His tongue snaked into her, over her, and electricity shot through her as he manipulated her sensitive spots expertly. He took her legs at the knees and brought them up so that her stockinged feet rested on his shoulders. She was open to his mouth and he devoured her hungrily. She could feel his teeth gently teasing her clitoris and arched her back in response. He raised his eyes to look at her face. Her eyes were closed in ecstasy and her hands held his head tenderly. When his warm mouth left her she opened her eyes and he settled back on his haunches.

"Do you want me, Sophie?" He asked softly.

"Yes Thomas! I do want you. Now!" Her voice sounded strangely strangled.

Still he held back, one hand resting on her thigh the other stroking his erection, he was watching her face. She tried to sit but he pressed her back. The scent of her rose to him, hot and spicy and his penis grew in his hand.

"Please -." She whimpered.

She looked down the length of her own body to where he crouched. She saw her breasts with the nipples painfully erect. Past them her flat belly rose and fell with each breath. Beyond that the low mound of her trimmed mons and her open, waiting thighs.

Thomas' hand was now moving faster as he stroked himself with more urgency. She felt the bed shaking and heard his breath deepen and speed up. With a low moan he came and she felt the warm splatter of cum on her belly and breasts. She had been aching for him and he had denied her his gift of life - wasted it on her skin. She closed her eyes and turned her head away as he stood up.

"Look at me, Sophie." He said sternly and she did but her eyes were hurt and accusing. "What?" He asked, knowing that she was mortified at his actions.

"I don't understand." Her eyes were brimming with tears. "You knew I wanted you. Why deny me? Who are you now, Thomas my lover or my Master and punisher?"