His Property

by Allison West

He positioned himself at her entrance, and she breathed a sigh of relief as he inched himself inside her pussy. Leaning forward, her fingers gripped the prison bars. Aria wanted to spin around, grasp him against her, but James was in control, and right now, she liked it.

  His thrusts started slow, building a gradual rhythm as he dragged one hand across her breast, teasing a taut nipple.

  "James," she said under her breath, with her head hung forward. She clenched down onto his cock, wanting him to feel the way he'd driven her, aroused and tinkering on the brink of orgasm.

  He moved his hips faster, driving deeper inside of her warmth. His lips found her shoulder, kissing and sucking her sensitive flesh. "Louder," he said, encouraging her. "I want to make everyone jealous."

  Aria's eyes slipped shut. She wanted to touch James, run her fingers through his hair and down his body so she could grasp his ass. Every part of her craved the taste of his salty skin against her tongue. Today, she got none of what she desired, and yet there was so much more that he gave her—himself.

  James' fingers rubbed her clit, sending Aria over the edge. Her heart slammed against her chest. With her mouth hung agape, she let her moan and his name spill out of her lips. Her pussy clenched onto his cock, pulsating around his length, squeezing and trembling against him. She wanted him there with her. She reached between them, and her hand found his balls, giving her the ability to respond in kind.

  "Aria," James said with a hiss between clenched teeth. He didn't stop her.

  "Come for me," Aria whispered, knowing he must be close.

  His moan was barely audible. One hand rested around her hips, keeping Aria close. The other fell onto her hand against the metal bars. His breath was hot against her neck as he shuddered against her body, spilling himself into her.

  Together, they gasped for air. James pulled out, and Aria spun around, wrapping her arms around his neck. Her lips descended on his, panting between kisses. She couldn't stop touching him, caressing his skin, dragging her fingers through his hair as they slid down onto the floor to lie down. A single blanket was their mattress. The air was warm, and sweat covered her skin. James' chest glistened as she dragged her hand over his heart.

  "Sleep. Tomorrow, will be hell."

  Aria hoped he was wrong, but she knew enough to realize that whatever fate awaited them on Amity Island wouldn't be to their benefit. She tried not to think about what the day would bring. Neither of them would do anything to hurt one another. Would they both be punished for disobedience? Isn't that what they were doing in a prison cell already? Could it get worse? Aria forced her eyes shut and concentrated on the steady rhythm of James' heart as it lulled her to sleep.

  The click of the lock at the top of the stairwell forced Aria to open her eyes. It was morning, and she lay naked on James. Aria sat up and reached for the ribbon dress, covering herself, though it did little good to hide much of anything.

  "James," she said, nudging him beside her. His sapphire eyes opened, staring up at her lazily.

  Heavy footsteps trudged down into the pit, a set of keys in hand. James didn't have to do much to fix his own clothes. He sat up, and Aria used his body to shield her from the intrusion of another set of eyes while she tied the outfit around herself. It took only a minute, maybe two. She had gotten better at figuring how to wear the strip of fabric.

  "Stand up," the male voice said.

  His arms were covered in tattoos, and he stood taller than James. A gold earring glimmered in the sunlight. Who was this man? Aria recognized him, but from where? The tattooed man sneered at her since she didn't jump up quickly enough to his liking.

  Aria's eyes widened as she remembered that he had been one of the pirates who'd boarded their boat!

  "What do you want with us?" she asked. Her voice sounded firm, but she shook inside. Why had the pirates on the open sea returned? Even if they were part of the Knight Tribe or had associations with them, as Sienna had mentioned, why hide for so long and reveal themselves now? What had changed? Had it been the escape attempt they'd made? Or did something else trigger his return.

  He didn't provide them with any answers. "Don't make me come in there and carry you out."

  "We're coming," James said, and he stepped out first, in an attempt to protect Aria. They needed more than protection; they needed saving and to find a way off the island. Though she didn't know what would await them on their next destination, it had to be better than the die that could ultimately lead to one of their deaths.

  James reached behind him, and she took his hand. Together, they followed the tattooed man up the stairwell and out of the pit. Aria's eyes burned from the sunlight. She squinted and focused on where they walked and the path beneath her feet. Aria took in the sounds of birds, but there was no hint of waves nearby. They were too far from the shoreline to run. Besides, was the fence still up? They were prisoners of the Knight Tribe. Where was the guard who could lower the fence? Would Aria even recognize his face if she saw him again?

  They walked through the forest and into the flat, her stomach in knots. Sienna stood in the center, waiting for them.

  "Come with me," Sienna said, leading them into a hut a few yards away. The very same hut they had first stayed in together.

  Aria refused to speak, not wanting to give Sienna the satisfaction of winning or being in charge. They might not have had a say in what happened to them, but they wouldn't be her entertainment. Aria dropped her hand from James, crossing her arms defensively. A part of her wanted to ask what happened next, and another part didn't desire an answer.

  "There's food for both of you," Sienna said. A tray nestled with nuts and berries sat on the floor. They could have scavenged more food on their own.

  "Thanks," James said. There was no smile on his face, not a hint of being grateful or feeling anything at all.

  "I hope you two didn't tire yourselves out too much with your festivities last night in the prison cell pit. You two gave us quite a show."

  Aria's cheeks burned. She stepped forward, wanting to pummel the commander, but James reached out, grabbing her arm. He stopped her from doing something that might get her killed sooner.

  "I expect the same level of commitment this afternoon in the flat. Disappoint me, and I assure you that a sword will be waiting to strike at your neck and bleed you dry."

  "And if we submit?" Aria asked. "What happens after, will you let us go?"

  Sienna grinned and nodded. "Of course."

  Aria didn't believe her. James glanced at Aria, his eyes narrowed and his jaw tight. He must have felt the same way. All Sienna had done was lie to them and make them her puppets. Any hope of freedom she promised would be relinquished.

  "Enjoy your final meal. I'll see you at sundown," Sienna said and walked out of the hut.

  Aria glanced out the small window, waiting until she was far enough away that she knew Sienna couldn't overhear their conversation. She opened her mouth, but James beat her to it. "She's never going to let us leave," he said. "At least not alive."

  Chapter 6

  Aria stood in the center of the flat, with James facing her. Around them, sat the elites, the pirate she had seen earlier, and several more unfamiliar faces. Kali and those hidden in the pit weren't here. Were they still sitting in the dark cellar, waiting for the disease to take the lives of everyone? They would be sorely disappointed when they emerged to find it all a hoax.

  Rochelle brought Aria the large die and retreated. She waited to see what Aria rolled.

  The die was too large to see every side easily. Aria didn't even know what she might be up against. She lifted the die and tossed it across the ground, watching it roll and slow, landing on a large paddle. That had to be good. At least a paddle wouldn't kill either one of them.

  Sienna pouted, appearing disappointed. Evidently, she had hoped to watch them fight each other with at least swords or guns. Rochelle retrieved the die and then disappeared to get the paddle. Seeing as how Kali wasn't around at the moment to help, the res
ponsibilities fell on Rochelle.

  James and Aria stood across from one another, barred from speaking while in the flat. They didn't want them to work together or discuss any type of strategy. Her heart pounded at the thought of the paddle being used on her rear.

  The redhead returned with a large wooden paddle and a chair, placing the chair in the center of the flat equally between Aria and James. Rochelle set the paddle on the chair.

  "We count down from five," Rochelle said as she stepped out of the flat and to the ring, where she sat among her elite friends. She grinned, looking thrilled to be here among her tribe.

  "Five," Sienna said, loud enough that it seemed as though the entire forest could hear her voice.

  Aria swallowed and felt a nervous lump in her throat. Was James going to be forced to take her over his knee and spank her with that paddle? What if she got there first? Aria was shorter but, hopefully, quicker.

  "Four."

  Her eyes scoured over the crowd. Everyone's eyes were on them. The crowd leaned forward, anxious for the countdown to finish and the games to begin.

  "Three."

  Aria's eyes landed on James, and she knew heat must be radiating off her body. Could he feel it? The thought of him winning that paddle and spanking Aria with it both aroused and terrified her. Yesterday, he'd spanked her in the prison cell, and her rear had just finally stopped hurting. How many swats would it take to bring the pain rushing back? When would Sienna call the fight and let them be done?

  "Two."

  Would James let Aria get the paddle and spank him? He was adamant that he wouldn't kill her, but how far would he go to see that she wasn't humiliated in front of the Knight Tribe? Just being here was embarrassing, enough. What did they do to these people to deserve to be treated as prisoners?

  "One."

  Sweat dribbled from her forehead. Her hands shook, and at the sound of Rochelle's voice, Aria rushed for the paddle. James delayed for a moment, and she couldn't think. She ran. James had longer legs, but Aria was halfway to the chair by the time he took off. Snatching the paddle from the chair, she ran after James with it. The handle flailed wildly in her right hand as she ran with it, arm raised.

  James laughed, which only forced her adrenaline to pump harder. With his long strides, he outmaneuvered her. He was quick on his feet, though not necessarily light. It didn't seem to matter; she couldn't catch up.

  The crowd chanted, but Aria paid little attention to what was being said. The words were muffled and hazy as she focused on James. She jumped on the chair momentarily, one leg up, and then she was over the piece of furniture. How was she supposed to get him over her knee? He was twice her size. It seemed an impossible task.

  Chasing after James became a futile effort. Already, she'd grown breathless and she hadn't even spanked him once! Aria slowed, stalking him like a female jaguar preparing to pounce her prey.

  James, however, had other ideas as he ran right for her. What was he doing? Her mind barely had time to register to get out of the way, and before she knew it, he had her slung over his shoulder. She took the paddle, spanking his rear while he carried her to the chair.

  Oh no. This wasn't supposed to happen. Aria had the paddle!

  James was quick. Too quick for her to fight back. She used the wooden paddle, swatting him repeatedly on his bare ass. That was one advantage to his attire; there was nothing covering his ass cheeks.

  He laughed. Aria's stomach flopped with uncertainty as he sat down and brought her over his lap. She refused to let go of the paddle, but it did little good. His hand came down to spank her rear without it.

  "Give me the paddle, Aria." His voice held a hint of warning. What happened if she didn't? He already had her bent over his knee.

  "No." Aria was defiant. She had no desire to feel the wooden end burn her rear.

  His hand smoothed over her ass, gently caressing the skin where he'd just spanked her. "Give me the paddle, and I'll make it good for you."

  "Good?" Aria asked. Her throat grew dry. Sienna wouldn't approve.

  James brought his hand down again on her ass, leaving a mark and forcing her cheeks to clench closed in pain. Her hand grew slack against the paddle, which gave him enough time to snatch it from her fingers.

  "James," she whimpered, knowing what was to come.

  "You've been a bad girl," he said. Was he liking this? Did he enjoy spanking her for everyone to watch? It wouldn't be his first time, and she felt her pussy throb. Just the way he talked, his voice was enough to arouse her.

  The paddle came down on her ass, and though it stung, it hurt far less than the last spanking he had given her moments earlier. He wanted the paddle, and he'd won. She'd bet he was taking delight in getting what he wanted.

  James hand snaked around to her side, undoing the ribbon and letting it fall to the floor. She was completely naked against him. He let everyone get a good look at her ass. Could they all see her slick pussy and swollen, pink flesh? Wetness seeped out of her, and James spanked her again with the paddle.

  "I like to spank you," James said, and his hand came down again with the paddle, landing on her red cheeks. It burned. His other hand slid down beneath her, separating her folds as he touched her wet pussy. He slowed with his touch, methodical, while his other hand paddled her ass again. The combination of pain and pleasure was unbearable. She knew he must be doing this to try to ease the sting.

  Her skin was flushed, her breath ragged. James dipped two fingers into her pussy. He was teasing her and doing it in front of the entire tribe.

  His hand came down again with the paddle and though he wasn't as forceful as he'd been earlier, it stung. The pain seemed unbearable, tangled in pleasure as he stroked her, trying to find that one spot that would send her over the edge. Her insides swelled, and warmth spilled against his fingers. He dropped the paddle to the ground.

  Sienna didn't say a word. Could everyone see that he'd been fingering her? She didn't care.

  James withdrew his hand, and she whimpered in protest. Bringing her to sit up, he kept her in his lap. She moved the small flap of leather attempting to hide his cock. He must be throbbing. Her hand came down, and she dragged her thumb over the head, watching him glisten as she let her fingers stroke his length, getting him ready for her.

  She leaned forward, her body nearly covering his as she shoved her lips on him, needing to feel his breath and kisses. She guided him into her aching pussy. One inch at a time, he filled her. Aria's arms wrapped around his neck, letting him drive deeper inside her.

  Her lips parted and her back arched with each thrust. She couldn't keep her eyes open. Soft fingers trailed over his arm and down his back as he leaned forward from the chair. She brushed against him with her breasts, their bodies tight but never feeling close enough.

  James leaned in, sucking her earlobe, his hands caressing her back and down across her ass. She whimpered from the sting, but he soothed the pain. Her pussy throbbed and pulsated around his cock. Clenching down, the shudder coursed through her body.

  "Scream my name," he whispered into her ear, gently tugging on the lobe.

  "James!" She let him have the satisfaction of what he asked for. She would deny James nothing. Her toes curled, and he swelled within her, each thrust forcing the ache to intensify as he spilled himself inside of her.

  Her head fell to his neck, letting the darkness of his warmth and the sweet smell of sex surround them. She knew her heart beat at an erratic rhythm but ignored it the same as she did everyone watching them.

  "You're amazing," he whispered into her ear.

  Smiling, she shifted her cheek, finding his mouth, dragging her lips lazily across his. She could easily fall asleep right here. His hand dragged across her back in soothing motions. She felt relieved that they were still alive and together.

  "Enough!" Sienna shouted, and Aria heard footsteps stalk across the flat. She didn't dare look back to the commander coming toward them. "Get her off the boy!"

  A guard grabb
ed Aria's arm, tugging her off James. She reached for the ribbon dress, standing naked in front of the entire tribe. James reached for the silk material, handing it to Aria. "Do you mind?" Aria snapped at the guard as she attempted to tie the dress around herself. He loosened his grasp on her momentarily.

  Sienna glanced between the two of them. She stuck her nose up in annoyance. "That was amusing to watch," she said, "but not what I had quite in mind for the evening. Perhaps we shall have another round with the die?"

  James adjusted the flap, covering himself as he stood. "You promised us freedom."

  Sienna's bottom lip jutted out, unhappy with his request. "I see." She gestured over another guard.

  The guard removed the necklace, the same one from earlier, and pushed the red button to lower the fence. Aria couldn't see it, but even in the distance, she could hear the metal wind down.

  "Better run," Sienna said. "If you can get past the gate untouched, then you're free."

  Aria grabbed James' hand, and they took off without so much as looking back. Would they hunt them down, or was it a mere threat? With Sienna, she'd likely hand weapons to the tribe and make a game out of bringing Aria and James back dead.

  The sun fell along the horizon, but there was enough light in the sky to tell them which way west was. It was their only choice—follow the sun and hope they were going in the right direction. Was the fence a circle around the community, or did it have its own unique shape?

  Her feet burned under the twigs and stones that scraped at her. She had no shoes; neither did James.

  They were quiet as they ran, opting not to speak. The last thing they desired was to get caught. Silence might save them. Aria let go of James' hand. It was easier to run one in front of the other. James trailed directly behind Aria. She could hear his feet against the brush, and she swatted at tree limbs while she led them west.

  A shot fired from behind them. She ducked, not that it would do a lick of good.

  "Faster," James said.

  She ran as fast as she could, but the surge of adrenaline pushed her harder. The whine of metal whirled, and she knew they must be close to the fence.