by Stone, Piper
A trusted man. And the single reason I’d accepted his request for a date. While Zorro didn’t consider Carter his best buddy, the discerning pup had never attacked him either. Another vote of confidence.
Exhaling, I locked everything down tight before refreshing Zorro’s water. Time for a huge drink to calm my nerves. “How about some hot dogs? Would you like that, baby?”
Zorro woofed his appreciation, his tail thumping against the linoleum.
I shoved four into the microwave before fixing a tall screwdriver and while he ate, I jumped up on the kitchen counter, sipping then guzzling my drink. Within seconds, tears began to fall, sliding down until they dropped to the floor, one after the other. I almost never cried, rarely if ever allowed anyone to see any emotions. I’d learned the hard way years before to tamp them back, to pretend everything was just fine.
I feared my iron mask was slipping, allowing the bitter anger and sadness to creep back inside. That couldn’t happen. Not now. Not ever. I wiped my eyes furiously, sucking in several hard breaths as my inner voice tried to be soothing, telling me that everything was going to be all right. Yes, I’d saved a few thousand dollars, but I had no other significant skills in order to get a better job. Hell, I’d been lucky the owner of the bar had taken pity on me, giving me a waitressing job after I’d bugged then begged him for it. Six weeks later, I’d been promoted, allowing at least a certain amount of stability.
A laugh pushed past my lips. A broken-down truck. A broken-down house. A broken-down life. I was all alone, with no family and few friends. At least Zorro loved me unconditionally.
“You’re pathetic, sunshine.” Another laugh bubbled up from my throat and I lifted my glass as Zorro sat back on his haunches, licking his chops. “To the most pathetic girl in all of Charleston.”
Woof!
“Thank you very much, big man. I don’t need your affirmation on top of this crappy day.” His goofy face made me laugh, a much needed release. “Okay, let’s get you a real dinner then Mommy is going to take a bath.” After that? I had a date with my sexy new spanking book, a real paperback I’d purchased from a recent yard sale. The thought was tasty. You never knew what went on behind closed doors.
I was on my second screwdriver when I moved into the bathroom, filling the tub with hot water as well as a sprinkle of foamy beads. There was nothing better than taking a bubble bath; well, other than a heated round of sex.
And maybe a hard spanking.
Jesus. I’d made plans for a single date and now I was craving discipline? Where had that even come from? From my darkest desires. For all the badassery that I allowed to be seen at the bar, the inner girl was entirely different, longing for a dominant man and one with a firm hand. I’d never really understood that side of me, or maybe I just ignored the woman inside. I certainly shouldn’t feel that way after my experiences with... Nope. I wasn’t going to think about the lunatic asshole and ruin the rest of my night.
After peeling off my clothes and tossing them in the dirty hamper, I made faces at my reflection, twisting and turning as I studied my body. “Ugh.” My copper-colored hair seemed dull in the fluorescent lighting. Even my skin had a sallow look, as if I’d been sick for a very long time.
Huffing, I held my hands under my breasts, squeezing until the slight pain made me moan. They were full, or what a couple of men had called ‘more than a handful.’ My nipples were a deep rose in color and rock hard when excited, although that had been a while. I stuck out my tongue, realizing I wasn’t entirely certain just how long. I hadn’t even masturbated in months.
Maybe tonight was the perfect night. Just to get ready for the date. Blowing a kiss at my reflection, I hunkered down, searching through the cabinet, hunting behind the cheap can of hairspray and deodorant until I located my waterproof vibrator. The velvet bag was matted, the gold rope frayed, but I wouldn’t trade this baby in on a Hitachi. Giggling, I flipped the switch, shocked there was any oomph left at all given its lack of use. This was going to have to do since my last four batteries had been slapped into one useless flashlight.
Zorro had already found a spot on my bed, his back legs quivering in his sleep. Comforted, I eased into the nearly scalding water, the purple passion joystick in my hand. My favorite sex toy had been in my tattered suitcase during the move, one of few reminders I’d once had another life. I sank further into the suds, closing my eyes and trying to relax. Flicking the switch, I rolled the nubbed end against my chin, enjoying the massaging effect.
I planted my feet on the edges of the tub, leaving a wide space between my legs. I slid my hand over my pussy, fingering my clit. Even the way the hot water sloshed against my pussy left me with tingles. I dragged the vibrator down from my neck to the swell between my breasts. The sensations were electrifying, forcing a slight moan from my mouth. I kept my eyes closed as I swirled the tip around first one nipple then the other until they were fully erect, standing proud. I longed for a man to pluck and twist them until I cried out in pain.
Visions of the man who filled my fantasies floated into the back of my mind. I could almost see his rugged face, carved with high cheekbones, a wide forehead, and eyes that drew me in like luminescent pools. Almost. I eased the vibrator between my legs, pulling the shaft up and down over my clit. I could almost hear his deep voice, commanding me to undress and stand in front of him naked so he could inspect every inch of my body. His property. His pet.
“Mmm...” The thought was truly wicked. Turning the vibrator onto high, I pushed a few inches inside, allowing the whirling action to drive me to a delicious state of nirvana.
“Come here, pretty pet,” he demanded, his fingers dancing down my arm.
I inched closer, waiting as he cupped and lifted my breasts, feeling the weight in his hands. When he flicked his thumbs across my already hardened nipples, I fought issuing any sound. I was to remain quiet until he was finished with his examination. A slice of raw anguish ripped through my torso as he pinched my erect buds, twisting and pulling in a brutal manner.
“Tonight, you need a hard whipping, my pretty pet,” he stated as he locked eyes with mine, his gaze mesmerizing. “Is that not true?”
“Yes, sir.”
“I think the cane will come in handy.” He fisted my hair as he walked around me, raking the nails on his other hand all the way down my spine. I hated the cane, the whooshing sound as the thin wood was snapped through the air, the way the stinging burned for days.
I stood exactly where I was, my hands by my sides and my legs together. When he tapped me on the buttocks several times, my lower lip quivered, an infraction.
“Don’t be afraid, my pretty pet. Daddy knows exactly what you need.”
I jerked myself out of my fantasy, sloshing water all over the floor. I was panting, beads of sweat sliding down my face. I’d shoved the vibrator all the way inside and every muscle was tweaking, my hips bucking as I thrusted. White-hot heat poured into my veins as adrenaline kicked into high gear. It wasn’t going to be long before I orgasmed.
“Bend over, my pretty pet,” he instructed.
I did exactly as I was told, leaning over the back of the chair, my hands positioned on the seat cushion and my fingers flexed open. I was tingling all over, the anticipation of the severe punishment stealing my breath. The whooshing sound seemed to go on forever until the first strike was slapped against the rounded portion of my bottom, followed by another. And another. I was forced to bite back a cry when my master sliced the birch against the tops of my thighs. The pain was excruciating.
“Shit. Shit!” The visions rolled, vivid images of the hard spanking, of being caned like a bad little girl. And I loved it, sensations rolling up from my toes, sending jolts of current straight into my pussy. My breath sounds ragged, I couldn’t hold back the raging climax any longer. As the orgasm rolled into my body, I threw my head back, squelching a scream.
Just like I’d been taught.
* * *
“You look perfect, my darling,”
Jessie feigned a haughty accent as she stood back, clapping her hands.
“Not too much?” I asked before smoothing down the front of the dress for the fifth time. At least. I had to admit, not only did I love the color, flaming red, I adored the way the slinky material hugged every curve.
“Seriously, you look amazing.” She glanced at her watch. “I should get going. Your date, whoever mystery man is, will be arriving in ten minutes.”
Shit. Why in the hell was I nervous? I’d been on dates before, starting as early as fifteen. I chuckled at the thought. I thought I was a powerhouse in my teens. “I appreciate you bringing everything over.” As I stepped into the stilettos, I gave myself a mental high-five I hadn’t wobbled from the get-go.
“When are you going to tell me who this guy is?” Jessie now had a demanding tone.
“If he makes it to the fourth date, then I’ll tell you about him.”
“Oh, come on. One hint,” she begged.
I frowned but was unable to stop the laugh pushing past my lips. “Carter is a down to earth guy. A little older. He’s very handy, can fix almost anything.”
“But is he fuckable?”
I hadn’t even thought about him in that regard. I wasn’t even certain he was assertive in any manner. Dominating. Powerful. Using a firm hand. Why in the hell was I thinking along those lines? A single bead of perspiration would be a dead giveaway for a woman like Jessie—Miss Know It All. “He’s sexy. Now go. I’ll tell you more later. Much later.”
“Wow, I’ll be ever so grateful.” Rolling her eyes, she grabbed her keys and headed for the door. “Have a great time or else. Oh, and lunch tomorrow. I’ll pick you up at eleven-thirty. Period.”
“Yeah, yeah.” I closed the door, letting a strangled breath pop up from my throat. Lunch would mean Jessie trying to weasel information out of me. What was there to tell? He’s a nice, safe guy. Safe. The term alone would make my bestie roll her eyes. Carter really did seem like a nice guy and maybe that’s exactly what I needed at this point in my life. Boring. I huffed at my inner voice. We’d shared a cup of coffee or a soft drink three or four times as we sat out on my back deck. He’d told me all about himself and I’d told him... Some. Maybe I was actually the boring one. After spritzing perfume, I grabbed my purse and took careful steps into the kitchen to wait. Even Zorro had his head cocked, his big brown eyes staring back at me.
“Don’t you give me that look.” His whine made me laugh. I tried to envision Carter with a brush, a paddle, or even a belt in his hand as he prepared to spank me. Nope. He wasn’t that kind of guy.
The rapping on the door drew me out of my not so glorious fantasy. “He’s here. Be good.” The words issued to Zorro, he remained sitting on his haunches as I opened the door.
“Whew. You look amazing!” Carter said, his eyes lighting up.
“Why, thank you.” I was surprised that Zorro hesitated before trotting toward the door, his tail whapping in all directions.
“Hey, big boy. I’ll take good care of your mama. I promise. You ready to go?”
“You know? I’m more than ready.”
I was actually surprised how easy it was to talk to him over dinner. He listened intently, asked only appropriate questions and by the time we were drinking coffee, I was completely relaxed. I knew a little about his upbringing, what had brought him to Charleston and his hopes for the future. In turn, he gleaned through a few pointed questions that I was a completely different woman underneath.
As we stood at my front door, a single moment of awkwardness settled in. “Would you like to come in for a nightcap?” I finally asked, especially since he was staring at me with a certain look in his eyes, creating a wave of heat between my legs.
“I’d love to.” Carter closed the door behind us, bending down to greet Zorro.
“Vodka all right?”
“That’s perfect.”
I made the drinks and hadn’t noticed that Carter was standing in the doorway to the kitchen until I turned around. This time, his expression appeared more dominating. “Is something wrong?”
“I have a question for you.”
“O-kay.”
He inhaled before asking, “Would you like a hard spanking?”
I was floored, immediately flustered and knew my face had turned a bright shade of red. However, the heat was now sweltering along my inner thighs. “What?”
Walking closer, he took the drinks out of my hand, easing them onto the table. “I think you heard me. Do you need a whipping?”
I blinked several times, trying to determine if he was teasing. “I...”
“You don’t have to be embarrassed. Some women thrive on being given a regular spanking. I know my mother received some form of discipline at least a couple times a week. I asked my father about it once, and he said their decision to have him in charge brought harmony to the house. I sense you’re that kind of woman.”
There was a significant part of me that wanted to accuse him in a nasty way of being too forward. The words ‘how dare you’ were on the tip of my tongue. Then I was intrigued, my nipples rock hard. The realization I was excited for the first time in months was unnerving. Still, I had an odd sensation in the pit of my stomach. I couldn’t explain why, but Carter wasn’t the fantasy I desired. “Carter, I appreciate what you’re saying, but that’s not what I’m looking for.”
He gave me an odd look, as if I’d insulted him.
Then Carter simply kissed me goodnight, made certain I knew he’d call, and he left.
He actually left.
I wasn’t certain whether to be amazed.
Or pissed off.
Chapter Three
Blade
“Look, you fucking asshole. I own you. If you dare think you’re going to get away with this, you don’t know me very well. Be prepared to meet your maker.” Diego’s left leg was twitching and as soon as the call ended, he tossed his cell phone, cursing in Spanish. “Puto gilipollas. Voy a matarlo.”
Fucking asshole. I’ll fucking kill him. The words were harsh, but no doubt truthful and on the mark. I almost never witnessed Diego losing his cool. That wasn’t his style. He was the man who could enjoy savoring a fine dinner, drinking a bottle of wine, and enjoying good conversation with his enemy, all before issuing a contract. And the poor dumb fucker would never know what hit him. The fact this individual bothered him so much meant everything I’d heard could be true.
I remained quiet, studying the buildings as we passed by. I actually loathed the limo rides but when the man wanted to make an entrance, I was always along for the ride, even against my advice. That had included tonight. After what Breaker had told me, I was more on edge than ever, prepared for an attack. Diego had more than one ‘situation’ as he liked to call them, one of the people he was trying to do business with reneging on his promise. For Diego? That was a punishable offense. My gut told me tonight would be interesting.
“Stop worrying, Erik,” Diego stated then yanked his drink from the holder, swirling the ice in a violent manner. I’d never seen him this angry.
“My job, sir.”
He chuckled and lifted his glass to his lips. I took the opportunity to glance in his direction, noticing the barrel of his favored Glock. He usually preferred not to carry, which meant he was also worried. “You’re about the only man in my family I can count on. I appreciate that. I really do.” He turned his head, glaring out the window. “Things may get a bit... messy in the next few days. I hope you can handle it.” Diego shook his head after saying the words. “An out of state asshole believes he is going to take a portion of my business. He will learn the hard way.”
“Nothing to worry about.” I had firepower with me: a Beretta in an ankle holster, and my Browning Hi-Power clipped inside my jacket. A blade wouldn’t do for tonight, not with the stakes this high. Nothing was going to interfere with Diego’s evening. Not on my watch. The man would always have enemies, groups of various gangs trying to take over. I’d heard certain rumors, ot
her cartels hell bent on taking over Miami. That would be interesting to watch.
“Good man.” Diego exhaled, remaining quiet, but his leg continued to twitch. Even his own soldiers would say his actions were a sign of weakness. The man was cracking a little under the surface. Maybe the perfect time to escape.
Maybe the perfect time to get myself killed.
Avoiding making any noise, I glanced back out the window. We were only three blocks and one traffic light away. I wanted to get this night the hell over with.
“I won’t tolerate betrayal of any kind. None. I can’t have it for my organization.” Diego’s statement was clear. There was a rat in the family.
“I understand, sir. I feel the same.” I cringed just saying the words.
“I know you do. You’re like a son to me, Erik. You’d done very well for me. Very well indeed.”
I felt his cold stare, could almost hear what he was thinking. I own you. Sadly, the man did, and I’d accepted the role, even though I knew all those years ago what that would mean. “Thank you.”
“But the man who risks crossing me will pray for death.” Chuckling, he polished off his drink and adjusted his jacket before running both hands through his hair.
The man preened in front of anyone who would take notice. He also loved grandstanding to anyone who would listen. “Let me do a sweep.” There were dozens of people coming and going into the front of the Casablanca Casino, the area far too easy for one of Diego’s enemies to get a clean shot. We parked in back and only inches from the door. I climbed out, surveying the perimeter as I walked the area. I didn’t like the fact we didn’t have backup tonight, but given Diego’s penchant for the woman inside, he wasn’t prepared to give any additional fodder to the soldiers.
I snickered every time he came to see the blonde-haired actress, as if the entire city of Miami hadn’t figured out the infamous Diego Sanchez was having a torrid affair with her, including his wife. This was the way of things. When I was certain the alley was clean, I moved to the other side of the limo, opening the door. “Clear.”
