Lose control?

Belle wanted to ask what was wrong, but she heeded his warning, keeping her distance and granting him the space he needed. Watching him struggle like this made her heart ache, yet she knew there was nothing she could do.

His confession echoed in her mind, and panic set in at the thought of being tied down. What would it feel like?

She knew nothing of Hezekiah's past in bed, nor had she ever thought to ask. Her only intention had been to share one night with him, just enough to conceive. But seeing him like this stirred a curiosity she had never entertained before.

Was this how he had been with the women before her? Tying them down? It sounded rough, almost violent, yet no rumors had ever surfaced of a woman being harmed by the king during his affairs. If no one had died beneath him, then perhaps… it wasn't dangerous.

The thought unsettled her. Unable to bear his torment any longer, she spoke.

"Hezekiah… you can tie me down if you want."