She peered up at me, challenge intrinsic in her stare. I crouched down, taking her delicate ankle in my hands, then slowly ran them up the length of her leg. Maria’s pulse point danced and fluttered as I slid the knife from its sheathe, then sliced through the flimsy lace garter. I held it aloft for all to see but never took my eyes from hers. “Tonight, you wear the knife, the shoes, and nothing else,” I said, just loud enough for only her to hear. Her tongue darted out to lick her lips, but she didn’t specifically protest or consent. I tugged her dress back down, preserving the wrapping on my present to be shredded later when we were alone. At nearly midnight, the party was still going strong, but my patience had reached its limit. I informed my brothers they were in charge and swept Mari
