The Writers' Circle

(I changed ties to lies. It fits the story line better.)

CHAPTER 5

When the nurse came in the next morning and announced she was going to give him a bath, Niklas opened one eye; she had to be joking. But when she started to gather towels and soap. "Piper will bath me."
Piper closed her gaping mouth when the nurse turned toward her. She spied Niklas out of the corner of her eye and he was grinning, one eyebrow raised in challenge. Her eyes roamed over the sheet covering his big relaxed frame. The last thing she needed was to be touching that.
"Of course I'll bath him. Just leave me the towels and soap."
The nurse left and Niklas' eyes sparkled with mischief.
"Thank you Piper for not leaving me at the hands of that pretty young nurse," he said politely.
Piper snatched her clothes up off the chair and stalked into the bathroom. Wasn't he full of himself this morning.
A half hour later, she found him sleeping again, his chest rising and falling with a hypnotic rhythm. Piper bathed his face and prayed he'd stay asleep. No such luck.
He groaned and he opened eyes filled with raw heat. A sensuous smile spread across his face. "I was dreaming about you Piper."
And by glancing at the lower half of the sheet, she knew exactly what those dreams had been about. No way was she going there.
She bathed his shoulders with leisurely movements waiting for things to cool off in the southern quadrant. The scent of his sweat and arousal assailed her nostrils and need pooled unwanted in her pelvis. Her hands moved of their own accord, pulling the sheet further down his body. She washed his chest leisurely, enjoying the sensation of his heated skin through the cloth. She daringly pulled the sheet down to the top of his thighs. And flipped it back up when she comprehended what she'd done.
Niklas flipped it back down.
Breathtakingly aroused was the only way to describe what she saw. The raw need visible in the shaft standing before her sent her thong diving into the slick folds of her hungry lips. The skin on his swollen head was pulled taut, its dusky red color deepening as it strained to reach even further into the air. Niklas grimaced as though in pain. His eyes were closed, his head tilted back on the pillow.
Piper's breasts begged her to let him touch them. Her nipples whimpered for his mouth. And then she flashed back for a moment to the weight of her nightmare with Blaine.
Piper deliberately pulled Niklas' musky scent deeper into her lungs and exhaled slowly. This was Niklas. And it was time to move on. Wrapping the warm washcloth around his shaft, Piper pumped her hand up and down once, twice. And stopped when his hips jerked into the air.
.and his breath released in an abrupt hiss. "Damn it Piper. You've got a dangerous handshake," he swore hoarsely.
His words ratcheted Piper's need higher and her thong slipped deeper. Her nipples screamed to be released from the silken cage of her bra. She popped the front hook and squeezed her nipple. Hard. She moaned as she pulsed deep inside. She opened her eyes and stared longingly at his cock.
"Stop looking at him like that Piper. Unless you plan to do something about it," he bit out rawly.
"Look at you like what Niklas?"
"Like you want suck me," Niklas returned bluntly.
Surprise ricocheted across her face.
"Do you Piper?" he challenged.
Piper's hand teased its way from his shoulder, stopping to roll his erect nipple between her fingers and then continued downward. He moved restlessly in the bed. Sweat had gathered on his forehead and guilt assailed her. He'd been almost on his deathbed yesterday. "Are you sure you're up for this?"
Niklas stared at her in disbelief.
"Damn Piper, how much more up do you want it? I'm so hard for you now I could pound a nail in with it," he countered indignantly.
The laugh bubbled over her lips before she could stop it. "Not that kind of up; I meant do you feel well enough."
"Oh," he muttered. "You touch me and tell me if I feel well enough, Piper. Hell, I've been up for this, for you, since I first set eyes on you that day at the airport," he said huskily. Silence followed his words.
"Can I do anything I want?"
"Anything," Niklas ground out.
Piper reached down and ran her fingers lightly up his thigh and teasingly down his shaft. His belly quaked with tremors and his eyelids dropped until they closed.
Piper bowed her head for a moment. She wanted to taste him. And he couldn't hurt her; not lying weak in a hospital bed. He wouldn't anyway. Surely her judgment wasn't that bad?
She leaned over and took his crown between her lips, tonguing it playfully. It was hard, hot, but felt soft to her tongue. The scent of testosterone and male sweat filtered into her senses and her tongue traveled down his length with teasing licks. Over and over and over again. She locked her lips around his crown and began to suck. A groan escaped from his chest and she felt a slight slickness on her tongue. He tasted of something uniquely Niklas-something delicious. His entire body shuddered and he pulled her jerkily off of him.
"No," he bit out hoarsely.
Piper glanced at his face; his eyes were black. Nothing but his pupils were visible. He trembled and grasped the sheet on both sides of his body.
Piper slid her mouth slowly back down as much of his length as she could take. He grasped her shoulders.
"Wait," he demanded through clenched teeth. "Crude. Spit or swallow?"
Piper stood up and smiled. He groaned.
"Wow. Can't say any guy has ever bothered to ask." She sent him a provocative smile.
"For you Niklas-I'm a swallow. You taste amazing."
"Oh fuck."
His accent made the word sound like it had a lot of vowels-all u's.
Piper bent over and sucked him to the back of her throat. He jerked against the roof of her mouth and a guttural yell was yanked from his chest.
His release tasted hot, salty, and required her to swallow multiple times. Piper finally slid her mouth off of him and leaned on the bedrail for support as she shook with her own arousal.
Niklas watched her through heavy eyes. "Piper."
She looked at him and she knew he saw her need.
"Climb up in the bed with me baby. Let's give you the pleasure you gave me."
Piper heard a scuffing sound and suddenly realized the sound she'd heard during his climax had been the door hitting the wall.she slowly turned around.
The nurse stood motionless just inside the door. Her gaze was glued to Niklas' erection and she was hungrily eating every inch of him with her eyes.
The scene went from torridly erotic to nightmare status in a flash of time that was surreal. Caught going down on a guy-that definitely went straight to the top of humiliating moments in her life. Yessiree..
Piper turned to Niklas and found him staring icily at the nurse.
"Get. Out," he told her coldly.
The nurse turned and ran from the room.
Perspiration had gathered in droplets on his forehead. Without uttering a word, Piper wiped his face with the now cool washcloth. He opened his eyes and his exhaustion was clearly mirrored in his gaze.
"That should not have happened," he said quietly.
"Which part?"
He gave her a weak smile. "Which part do you regret Piper?"
His eyes waited tensely for her answer. Piper wasn't sure how to answer the question.
Embarrassment seized control of her emotions and Piper strode across the hospital room and sat down on the sofa. She looked everywhere but at him.
"You were so beautiful Piper. I want to give you pleasure. Come lie with me."
"I can't believe I did that. Anyone could have walked in."
"And they did. But hell Piper-it was the sexiest thing I have ever seen or felt in my life. I watched you suck me almost down your throat-you can't comprehend what that feels like to a guy- and how much it meant to me when you did that. I haven't had unprotected oral sex in my relationships since I was a teen. It's too personal, unsafe."
He shot her his bad boy grin. "Now add the vibrations from your moans to my already blowing cock and I have to be the most satisfied man alive," he finished happily.
Piper stared at him with her mouth half open. The guy should have been a politician. He had an amazing way of putting a spin on a situation, but she also knew he meant every word. As she strolled back over to his bed she allowed her embarrassment to fall from her like leaves from an autumn tree.
"I really enjoyed it too, Niklas. But I think the fact that I was in control was the only thing that allowed me to relax enough to do it." She sent him a look of regret. "I've gone as far as I can go Niklas. I don't do sex."
She half smiled. "Let me rephrase that. I don't due intercourse." His eyes widened.
"Never?" he asked incredulously.
"Not since Blaine," Piper returned flatly.
His eyes turned gentle and contemplative. Then they drifted shut and he was asleep. She listened to his deep even breathing as she finished bathing him. He'd gotten the point-he hadn't responded back.
Maybe she could get through her flight contract with Niklas without conflict about sex.
He just needed to find a replacement mistress for the one the newspaper said he'd split from- Lia something or another. Almost any woman would be willing to satisfy Niklas' demanding sex drive; Give him the satisfaction her crazy emotions wouldn't allow her to enjoy. Damn Blaine to hell..
It sucked big time to discover at this late date that she should have taken the time to go through rape counseling.
###

The next three days flew by. They shared stories of their childhood and Piper had been surprised to learn he had grown up poor and fatherless until he was fifteen. He'd gotten lucky and his mom had married a man who'd had the money to send him to college. When he asked about her goals and dreams, she'd explained about Serenity Ranch.
"That's an incredibly giving endeavor Piper. Truly a God given seed planted for the saving of these girls. You are a gift to them."
Humbled by his praise, Piper merely smiled and dropped down on the end of his hospital bed. "What about you Niklas? Any hobbies, special talents that you'd like to share?"
A wicked grin eased across his face. "Other than the obvious one?"
"Other than that one, yes Niklas," she returned drolly.
"I'm starting a college community for kids from Brazil who do well in school, but don't have the financial means to go to college. I've just bought a piece of property to build on. Dorms and living areas are being built as we speak. The kids will go by private bus for the day to college. This is here in the States," he added.
"Hands on philanthropy is unusual. Mostly it's done by throwing money at the best tax deduction."
Niklas laughed and weaved his fingers casually through hers. "I'm guilty of that too, but this is close to my heart. I'm where I am today because I was given the opportunity to advance my education. These kids deserve the same chance."
Later that evening, Niklas told her he was ready to go continue to Brazil. She glanced at him expecting to see him smiling. He wasn't.
"Do you remember what the doctor said about staying a week to recover? Well."
"I know what he said Piper, but we are leaving tomorrow morning. We'll go to my house for me to gain the rest of my strength back. Yes?"
Like she really had a say in the matter.
They landed in Rio de Janeiro the following afternoon and as they walked down the stairs of the jet to the tarmac below, photographers appeared seemingly out of nowhere, snapping picture after picture.
"What's going on Niklas? Why are they taking pictures of us?" she demanded.
"Paparazzi," he spit out.
Comprehension of the extent of his business holdings and the power he garnered sunk into her head. No wonder the guy had the confidence of a Greek God.
Piper forgot about the paparazzi when she caught a glimpse of his home while driver negotiated the winding road. The house sat on the top of a hill and the Spanish influence was there in all the tile and stone. It was warm and welcoming, quite casual, and not at all what she'd imagined. It was uniquely beautiful-like the man who owned it.
After changing into shorts and a light summer top, Piper went looking for Niklas and found him sitting on the back patio next to a sparkling zero edge pool. The fact that it was set into a hill overlooking the ocean was astonishing. He smiled lazily at her and motioned for her to sit in front of him on the lounge chair. When she hesitated, he held out his hand.
"Please Piper."
Piper sat down and scooted until her back was against his chest. She sighed and closed her eyes, enjoying the feel of his arms around her. She sat soaking up the sun and reveling in the fact that she felt so comfortable with him.
"This is good is it not, Piper?"
"Yes Niklas it is."
"I knew we could get closer if we could escape from the hospital."
Closer than.what? Piper half turned in his arms. "Are you telling me that's the reason we left the hospital early?" Her heart was pounding under her breast.
"I'm afraid so," he said with an unrepentant grin.
She slide forward off the lounge chair and stood up. The serious glint lurking in the shadow of his gaze told her that she had been foolish to think he would give up that easily.
"You do remember what I said yesterday, don't you Niklas? Because."
"I remember Piper. That doesn't mean I accept it. It does mean I will use all my powers of persuasion to convince you otherwise. But never with force, Piper. Never."
She didn't answer, but instead walked over to the pool. She was hot-the sun had been beating down mercilessly on her head-and frustrated on so many levels. She heard his deep laugh as soon as she surfaced. Her body was making her crazy. Or was it her emotions?
When she stepped out of the pool Niklas zeroed in on her like a hawk at the sight of a mouse on the ground. Piper glanced down at her chest. Her top was now see-through and her nipples were proudly flaunting their rosy tips through her sheer bra. She looked up and caught his gaze devouring her breasts.
Piper changed into a bikini and they spent the rest of the afternoon swimming and dozing lazily around the pool. The subject of sex sprawled itself silently between them, but neither of them picked it up.
With the buttons on the pajamas done up to her neck, Piper snuggled up to Niklas in bed later that night. The caressing fingers of sleep quickly captured her.
Niklas laid there for a long, long time before sleep finally had mercy and claimed him. Claimed him and his wayward body.

####

Panic engulfed Piper as she returned to consciousness. A muscular leg tucked between her thighs moved rhythmically and she was pulled tight against a big chest. A hand fondled her right breast. Panic escalated into full blown fear and she fought like a feral animal to free herself.
Sharp blows to his chest and kicks to his shins brought Niklas straight to the surface. His eyes snapped open just as he heard Piper's first sob.
"Piper it's me. Niklas," he whispered urgently. "It's Niklas, Piper. I won't hurt you."
Niklas was freeing her from his arms and body as fast as he could, but her flailing arms and legs made it more difficult. She stumbled from the bed and ran into the bathroom. The shower came on and he jumped up and knocked loudly on the door.
"Can I see you for a moment Piper? Just to be you're alright." Silence met his words.
"I'm sorry if I did anything to alarm you while I was asleep. Did I try something and cause you to wake up frightened?" This was not going the way he planned. Not at all.
"I'm okay Niklas. I just freaked for a moment when I woke up and didn't know where I was." A shudder of humiliation ran through her. She absolutely loathed the unconscious effect Blaine had stamped on her mind.
"I'm coming in Piper. If you need to cover up, do it now," Niklas warned softly through the door.
Piper watched the knob slowly turn and the door crept inward. The guy couldn't take her word for it, could he? Not Niklas-he had to see for himself. She turned the water off and reached for the robe hanging on a hook next to the shower. Niklas' scent lingered on the collar and she closed her eyes and softly rubbed her face in it.
"Jesus Christ," Niklas bit out savagely. She was naked except for his robe-which she currently rubbing her face in.
Her eyes opened wide at his raw voice.
"Are you trying to make me crazy? Because I'm close to that point right now."
His voice tapered off hoarsely as he stared at her, his burning eyes licking her breasts with a desperate motion. A motion that brought her nipples to taut beaded knots openly pleading for his mouth.for his teeth to tease and bring her the painful pleasure she ached for. Juice fragrant with her arousal trickled down her inner thighs. Piper watched his eyes drop down to stare at her golden triangle.and then lower. She knew the exact moment Niklas saw the glistening slickness because an agonizing groan was torn loose from his chest.
Niklas dropped his head forward and closed his eyes, praying for control.
"Put the robe on Piper," he said abruptly. He walked uncomfortably back into the bedroom and pulled on a pair of jeans.
Niklas heard the shower come on again and he stood at the window staring unseeing out over the ocean. His hands shook and he laughed under his breath. What was that American saying? How the mighty fall. Deus, but he needed her.
He took one slow deep breath after another. By the time the bathroom door opened, he had his body under control once again.
Niklas turned and opened his arms to Piper when she walked into the bedroom wearing his short silky robe. She sailed into his arms with no hesitation and he held her gently while he rubbed his face in her hair.
He would be patient-even if it killed him. Which right now, the little head was convinced it might. But the important thing was that the big head was in control.
Piper hid her face against his chest.
"Niklas, I'm so sorry. I wasn't trying to be cockteaser. I." The chest beneath her breasts was shaking. Rumbling. The guy was laughing.
Piper leaned back and hit him in the shoulder and he laughed even harder.
"What's so funny?" she demanded.
"I never expected to hear that word come out of your mouth." He was grinning. "When it did-it shocked me- but in a sexy way."
Piper watched his eyes crinkle at the corners as another deep laugh rolled out of him. "What are you laughing at now, big guy?"
He grabbed her hips and pulled her tightly against his groin. "You can tease my cock anytime, baby."
A knock sounded on the door and he pulled back from her. "Enter."
Maria came in cautiously and spoke in a hushed, urgent tone. She waved her hands about wildly as she spoke in Portuguese.
"I am so sorry to bother you Mr. De Barro, but the phone will not stop ringing and there are people from television waiting outside the gait. The morning paper is full of pictures of you and Miss Piper as you came off of your plane." She stopped and took a breath. "You did not tell me she is your betrothed."
"I told them that in Miami to get them to let her go with me to the hospital."
"You were in the hospital and did not call me or your mama?" Maria scolded.
"Enough questions Maria," he said sharply. "Who has called?"
"Your mama and papa; your sister."
"I will call them back in a little while. Please fix us some lunch Maria."
Piper had no idea what Maria was saying, but it was obvious Niklas didn't like it. She walked out on the balcony expecting to see nothing but the quiet serenity of the ocean. Instead she saw men with TV cameras who started shouting and swung the cameras toward her when they saw her. Gasping, she jumped back inside and slammed the door. She watched Maria hurry out of the bedroom and close the door quietly behind her.
Piper planted her hands on her hips and glared at him. "There are TV cameras out there. Why?"
Hands on a woman's hips weren't a good sign. "Unfortunately, they are trying to get pictures of us-of you."
"Okay, I'll bite Niklas," Piper shot back sarcastically. Again-why."
"They're paparazzi," he said irritably. "The gossip hounds in Miami relayed we're engaged." He watched closely for her reaction to this news; he wasn't disappointed.
A look of total outrage spread across her face.
"What? We're not engaged, that was just a story to get me in the ambulance." Piper thought a minute. "Again- why are they interested in us?"
Niklas shrugged his shoulders in a deliberately careless manner. "I am very wealthy Piper. I'm a high profile businessman here in Brazil and unfortunately my every move is often followed."
He didn't add especially when it came to women. There had been many through the years-all for the convenience of sexual satisfaction and social obligations.
"We'll need to play along while we're here. My parents also think we're engaged."
Piper stomped her foot and Niklas bit back the smile that tried to sneak over his lips.
"You've got to be kidding me."
"There are worse things than pretending to be engaged to me, Piper," he returned dryly. He thought of the innumerable women who would love to be in her place and he had to turn away; the smile simply wouldn't stay off his face.
"I don't want to play this game," Piper said defiantly.
"I will make it as easy as I can. How is that?"
"Like I have a choice," Piper drawled. She paused.
"What do I have to do?' she asked uncertainly.
A brilliant smile flashed across his face. "Pretend you're hot for me all the time. It will be. fun."
Pretend my ass.
"I don't have to pretend Niklas. You're sinfully sexy and so wickedly hung," she said sensuously.
Niklas hadn't expected such an erotic comeback from her. "You're playing with me. I have never wanted a woman."
"Believe me Niklas, if I was 'playing with you,' you wouldn't be standing there about to bust your zipper. You'd have a big grin on that handsome face of yours from the pleasure I'd given you."
Niklas grimaced and openly adjusted himself. "Obviously, it was an improper word choice," he muttered and he stalked out of the room.
Only to return minutes later with a look of total amusement on his face. "That was a great retort on your part. You could be an actress-you sounded so sincere."
Piper merely smiled.
Maria had laid out quite a lunch spread and they ate in companionable silence- until phone range. Niklas scowled.
Maria came in and gave him a tentative smile. "It is your mama. She is coming over to meet Piper. She cannot wait a minute longer."
Niklas reached for the phone.
"Mama, wait. We are tired. I have just come from the hospital. Yes, I am fine now. Piper needs some time to get used to our country. Please respect this." He listened for a few minutes and rolled his eyes at her.
"She is right here with me. Yes mama." He covered the phone and asked her softly, "Please humor my mama and say hi. She is eager to meet you."
Piper shrugged her shoulders and reached for the phone. "It's so nice to speak with you Mrs. De Barro." She listened and then shot him a droll look. "How did I catch him? I didn't-he caught me. I don't chase men."
Niklas choked on his coffee and rapidly lowered his eyes at her carelessly worded comeback. When he raised his gaze again, it filled with devilish laughter; he couldn't help it.
"Did you say I am a lucky woman? No, Mrs. De Barro-he is a lucky man. Yes, I agree. I think he has met his match and I will keep him on his toes." She raised her eyebrows inquiringly at him.
"Soon Mrs. De Barro. I look forward to meeting you also. Goodbye."
Piper hung up the phone and Niklas gave her a wide eyed innocent look. It so didn't fly.
"You thoroughly enjoyed my enlightenment at the hands of your mother didn't you?" She tilted her head slightly to the side. "Do women chase you a lot Niklas? Throw themselves at you? You've probably never had a woman turn you down have you?"
Niklas desperately sought a response that wouldn't add fuel to the already blazing fire in front of him.
"You could have any woman you want and get rid of that seemingly constant erection you carry around with you. Why don't you?"
Those words he had an answer for. Reaching for her hand, he brought it to his lips and slid his index finger unexpectedly into her mouth. "Suck me Piper," he urged her softly.
Heat exploded between them like a match dropped in a California Forest. Once it caught Niklas knew he'd be hard pressed to contain in. He pulled his finger regretfully from her mouth.
"I don't want any other woman. Only you Piper."
He pressed her hand against his chest. "Feel my heart pound for you."
"Touch me," Piper said boldly.
Niklas didn't hesitate. He ran his fingers down inside her thong and found her wet, slick and hungry. He pulled his fingers out and raised them to his nose, drawing her sweet scent into his lungs. His pulse stopped and then restarted at a frenetic pace. Pushing her thong aside, he pushed two fingers slowly inside her slit. Piper jumped and her muscles clenched his fingers in a vice. She was blazing hot inside. A deep moan spilled from her lips when his fingers teased her slick walls rhythmically.
"You're so hot, so tight," he murmured. Niklas heard the click of heels and pulled his fingers out of her core reluctantly.
Maria appeared in the doorway seconds later and Piper glanced at him. He was fastidiously licking the fingers he'd teased her with. She stared as if hypnotized.
"You taste so sweet Piper. Like fresh honey," he whispered. "I think we should extend our stay. I need a break and so do you." I need to thrust inside you and make you mine. Spill my seed and make you pregnant with my child.
Niklas shook his head to clear it. Where were these bizarre thoughts of commitment coming from? He would be tied to her for life if they had a child.
Piper watched as he shook his head. "Are you okay Niklas? I think you should rest today. Take a nap."
"You will lie down with me and nap too, yes?" She had avoided answering him about staying longer. Another plan took shape in Niklas' mind.
"Please Piper."
Niklas reached out and pushed her hair behind her ear. She had the prettiest ears. They reminded him of the fragile shells he'd find on the beach below his house.
He smiled when he recognized her look of capitation. "You go on up. I need to talk to Maria a moment."
"Don't be long or I'll already be asleep."
Niklas watched her walk away and anticipation exploded inside him. If his plan worked like he hoped it would, she'd need all the energy she could get. She was going to wear him out tonight.
Niklas arranged for Maria and Carlos to take the rest of the day and night off. He had Piper's defenses down and the limbo they were caught in was killing him. He needed to rest first though. He fell into the bed beside her.
Piper woke when she felt Niklas roll off the mattress. She watched him pad soundlessly into the bathroom and heard the shower come on. He walked back in minutes later wearing only a towel and a smile. It was an incredible look for him.
"You are awake, querido. Do you need to use the bathroom?"
"Yes. I'll take a quick shower."
"Take your time. It's a fantastic shower."
Niklas took the handcuffs from his suitcase and laid them on the end of the bed. Submission/dominance games had never been a part of his foreplay. Did he find them fascinating? Hell, yes. But he'd never before trusted a woman enough to play them.
Piper could sense the tension as soon as she walked back into the room. His arousal flew proudly beneath the towel and she wondered what was on his mind. Besides that.
"Piper," he said quietly, "please come to me." She didn't hesitate and Niklas took a step forward to meet her. "Do you trust me?"
She nodded her head without speaking.
"I'm grateful." He paused.
"I'm a little uncomfortable giving up all my control to you, but I have faith you won't abuse my trust. You wouldn't, would you Piper?"
"Never Niklas." Where the hell was he going with this?
"I want you with a need that I have never felt before. You understand this, yes?"
Piper peered into his eyes. They were steady. Serious. And his accent had thickened considerably.
"I do understand Niklas. You are an alpha male who is used to having power and control." She reached up and kissed him softly on the lips. His cock surged against her beneath the towel.
"But I want you to feel totally in control." Niklas pulled back so they were eye to eye and he pulled in a deep breath and let it out slowly.
"I want you to handcuff me to the bed Piper."
Control of everything will be yours," Niklas continued softly. "I will be at your mercy. You decide when, how fast or slow you want me. I feel desperation that I freely admit borders on insanity. What do you feel about this?"
Piper's heart hammered in her chest. She did want him. Badly. He wouldn't be able to overpower her-not that he ever would deliberately-and she would have complete control. Her lips thickened and she grew slick.
"How bad do you want me?" Her nipples tightened at the thought of his mouth sucking and pulling on them.maybe she could have it all.
Niklas lowered himself to one knee before her and took her hands in his.
"My need for you surpasses anything I have ever felt before," he said rawly. He locked eyes with her. "Please fuck me Piper."
Niklas laid his cheek against her belly.
To have this strong, alpha man on his knees.
To be in control and without fear.
"Where are the cuffs?" Piper asked him softly.