I can’t help myself—there’s something about a man dressed to the nines, sitting all prim and proper across from me, knowing I’ve got him locked up tight under those fancy slacks. Alex looked a little on edge, shifting slightly in his seat at this high-end restaurant, and honestly, it was hard not to grin. The cage under his pants wasn’t just some accessory. No, it was a reminder. A reminder of who was in charge and who got to decide when—if—he’d ever get any release.

The night was just beginning, and I was having way too much fun already. I leaned forward a bit, letting him get a good view down the neckline of my dress. His eyes darted down, just a quick glance, but I saw that little flash of desperation in them. It was like he was on a tightrope, caught between being my perfect gentleman and wanting to beg for even the tiniest touch.

“Nervous?” I asked, letting my hand rest on his thigh under the table. Just a light touch. Just enough to make him squirm.

He cleared his throat, trying to keep his composure. “No…no, just…focused.”

“Hmm. Focused,” I repeated, pressing my hand a little harder. He didn’t flinch, but I felt him tense up, his leg going rigid. “You mean distracted?”

“Maybe a little.”

I smirked, trailing my fingers up his thigh until I felt that familiar little bulge of metal. He gasped, and I could practically feel his pulse racing through his leg. “What’s the matter? Don’t you like my touch?” I teased, knowing full well it was the only thing he’d been thinking about.

His eyes darted around, but he couldn’t hide the way his breathing had quickened. “Of course I do…” he muttered, almost embarrassed. Good.

I leaned closer, just enough to let my breath tickle his ear. “Good, because tonight, you’re going to be a very good boy for me. Right?”

He nodded, swallowing hard. “Yes, ma’am.”

I bit back a smile. Perfect. I let my hand stay right there, resting against his cage, applying just a bit of pressure, enough to remind him of exactly who held the key. Literally—I had it on a chain around my neck, resting just above my cleavage, where he kept sneaking glances.

“Here,” I said, picking up a piece of his dessert on my fork, bringing it to his lips. “Open.”

He did, leaning forward to take the bite, his gaze never leaving mine. I could see it in his eyes, the way he was holding back, trying not to give in completely, even though we both knew he would. Because at the end of the day, that was what he loved about this. About us. The complete, helpless surrender.

“You like being mine, don’t you, Alex?” I murmured, low enough that only he could hear.

“Yes, ma’am,” he replied, his voice barely above a whisper.

“Good boy,” I cooed, running my fingers along the line of his cage, a light touch that sent a shiver through him. He was practically vibrating with tension now, trying to keep it together with the waiter just a few feet away. That was the beauty of it, wasn’t it? This delicious little secret we shared, right under everyone’s noses.

When the waiter came over to check on us, I pulled my hand back, watching as Alex did his best to act normal, his voice a bit strained as he responded. Poor thing. I was having way too much fun watching him try to play it cool.

Once we were alone again, I leaned in, letting my lips brush his ear. “When we get home, I’m going to make you worship every inch of me. But don’t even think you’re getting out of that cage tonight.”

His breath hitched, his eyes widening just a bit. “I… I understand, ma’am.”

“Good,” I purred, trailing my hand up his thigh once more, just for a quick reminder of who was in control.

By the time we were ready to leave, he was practically squirming in his seat, eyes darting to the key around my neck. I could practically read his mind, see that desperation for release, that flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, I’d unlock him tonight. But we both knew that wasn’t happening. Not yet. He’d have to earn that.

On the drive home, I let the anticipation build, resting my hand on his knee, sliding up and down his thigh in slow, teasing strokes. Every once in a while, I’d catch him sneaking a look at me, like he was just barely hanging on.

“Patience, Alex,” I murmured, giving his leg a little squeeze. “We’re not even close to done tonight.”

When we finally got back to my place, I led him inside, closing the door behind us. Without a word, I pushed him down to his knees, watching as he looked up at me with those eager, pleading eyes.

“Remember what I said?” I asked, running my fingers through his hair, tugging just hard enough to make him gasp.

“Yes, ma’am,” he whispered, his voice thick with anticipation.

I leaned down, bringing my lips close to his ear. “Good. Because tonight, you’re going to show me exactly how much you love being locked up for me. And if you’re very, very good, maybe I’ll consider letting you out… someday.”

The look on his face was pure, desperate adoration. And that? That was exactly the way I wanted him.