Captured Desire

by Tasha Winters

  “I have the implant and I do quite well with it. I won’t go far.”

  “I’ve said you may not go alone.” He was stern, and his stance spoke loudly.

  “If I’m not a prisoner, then I should be able to go, alone.”

  He stood staring at her. “Are you testing me or pushing me for a punishment spanking before you get the good girl kind?”

  “No, I absolutely am not doing either. But I’m an adult and have the right to go where I want to go. Besides, the good girl kind sounds like sex and we both know that isn’t going to happen anytime soon.” Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

  It looked as though Finn was going to react quickly, but he didn’t. He stood and thought, which wasn’t his usual style. “Let’s put aside the fact that you’re not assimilated officially and until then, you may not go freely about the country. Let’s also ignore the fact that you don’t know where you’re going and will easily get lost. Let’s simply isolate the fact that you’re my woman and I said no. Even without the protection angle, which cannot be ignored except in certain scenarios, you should know that if you disobey me, that will put a target on your bared ass that I will hit a multitude of times. Now, are there any misunderstandings?”

  “No, but I’m not property. I want that official paper, so I can get an ID. Then I promise I will do whatever I want, alone.”

  Finn grinned broadly and nodded his head. “Fair enough. But if I deny you permission anyway, you won’t go. So, I’d park the attitude.”

  And with that, he turned her around and directed her to the protected outdoor garden. He swatted her butt as he left her. The sting made her tingle between her thighs raising her frustrations on several levels. He had totally ignored her taunt about sex, aggravating her even further. She decided to practice compartmentalizing the incoming and outgoing feelings right then. She would need that skill often.

  When she came back from her walk in the domed garden, Finn gave her a set of sound canceling headphones. It was helping her focus tremendously. She was gaining more control over her world every day. Through it all, except for the occasional comment from Finn, the men never chastised her once, although she thought Wilder shook his head a couple of times. Amara was positive there was more neck rubbing, ring twisting and beard touching going on when she wasn’t looking.

  Finn was himself and she understood him. Her greatest danger with him was when she was more impulsive than was good for her and that, in some way, put her in danger: such as leaving a towel on the stove while it was still on. How was she to know they didn’t have those safety sensors on stoves they did in her time? But so far, he had not done more than swat her butt in passing or to encourage her to move where he was sending her. Those single smacks stung like the devil. She couldn’t imagine what they would feel like if he seriously meant to communicate a message of discipline. Unlike at the training center, Finn did everything in a love so tangible she melted when she frustrated him.

  Ethan was a focused psychiatrist and therapist and with the residents he was kind, patient, long-suffering. With her, he was demanding and loving. Having never been around anyone like him, she was surprised how intense he became when she resisted his instructions.

  “Amara, if you don’t practice your control, you won’t ever leave this house alone. Is that what you’re hoping we’ll say?”

  “No. I intend on leading a normal life, it’s just, sometimes I’m afraid of another trigger. Concentrating on the past seems like taunting the devil.”

  His demeanor softened. “You won’t, love, not if we can help it. Shall we tweak your implant to block negative memories and emotions?”

  “You can do that?”

  “I can.”

  Amara thought a moment before shaking her head regretfully. “No. I’d love it, but we can’t because while it would shut out my triggers it would also close off my ability to help the ladies and they are doing so well.”

  “If you need more than we’re doing, you know where to find me.”

  “I do.”

  “And if you do not ask for help when you need it, then I will be upset with you. I don’t think you want to risk my response to something like that, love.”

  “I’ll come if I need you. Promise.” Amara initiated the kiss as she was leaving. “Ethan,” she whispered, “I might need more.”

  Groaning, Ethan hesitated before he pulled her into him, deepening the kiss. Her last fluid thought was how thankful she was that he’d chosen to work on the sofa.

  “You are such a breath of sunshine when you spend time with me in here. I hadn’t realized how much I needed companionship until you came into our lives.” His fingers traced her lips, traipsing over her skin in light, teasing touches.

  She wanted more of him. “Stop teasing me. Kiss me again.”

  Her demand seemed to flip a switch with Ethan and she felt his need shift and pull at him. “I’m not Finn. I’m not the nurturing, indulgent, daddy type. I’m the demanding kind of man that uses control. I’m the punishing lover that doesn’t only use his hands but ropes and butt plugs. You understand what I’m saying? I’m the one who controls you, your pleasure is my responsibility.”

  His kiss was hard, admonishing, and his hands, always supportive, were demanding, taking what she had to give. This was different from Finn and even Wilder, who was a confident tease. But she loved the way she responded to Ethan as though she were a woman dying of thirst and he had a river of water that he was holding ransom.

  “Are you sure you are ready for me, love?”

  “I’m ready.” Her voice was a mere whisper.

  “Charlotte lock my door, soundproof, and stop monitoring this room.”

  His voice seemed to break the spell and Amara struggled to rise. “Oh, your next person comes in soon.”

  “Not until I go get her. Lie down, Amara.” His tone informed her that he allowed nothing but obedience.

  She struggled because she was between arousal and sanity, lost and yet grasping for solid ground. Ethan wouldn’t have it. He tweaked her nipple and then reached under her shirt, moving his hand around to unhook her bra. “We need to get you a bra that opens in the front.”

  “I should…” her words floated away as he took possession of one breast with his mouth and the other in his hand.

  “Beautiful,” he mumbled from around her nipple. “Put your hand behind your back, love. I don’t have restraints in my office.”

  Feeling confident, she teased him. “Not prepared. Maybe I’ll…”

  Sharp pain streaked across her shoulder. His teeth would leave marks and she couldn’t be happier. She’d never made love or even had sex before and somehow, she needed to tell him without telling him.

  “I’m… um… I haven’t…”

  He lifted his head from kissing down her belly. “Not even with Finn?”

  She shook her head. “He kissed me, a lot, but that’s all.”

  “Are you worried about your first time? Do you want to wait? Do you want us to all be together when it happens?”

  “Oh, I don’t think a gathering will make me less nervous.” Her attempt at a laugh stalled.

  Amara sensed his thoughts that even as he spoke the words his mind was screaming for a different outcome. Hers was too. Her hands came up to wrap around his face. “No, I want you. I wanted Finn too, but he seems to be hesitant, like he was waiting on some sign it was okay.”

  “He was being careful. He’s the protector. Are you sure love? We don’t have to go further. I can make you feel good and call it done.”

  She shook her head. “No, I’m ready. I want this.”

  “Right, then why are your hands not where I told you to put them?” He landed a stinging smack on her thigh. “One thing you need to know is I don’t do sweet, but I will be gentle your first time.”

  She slid her hands back behind her as he kissed down her belly to her mons, blowing hot breath over her curls. The final thought was that she was glad she’d showered first thing this morning
before his tongue found her sex and she was sinking in goodness. The power of his passions was raw, untamed, loving, dominant. Hot and sexy.

  Ethan

  Amara’s warm body arched into his touch as he tightened his hold on her hips to anchor her. Her wiggles and tiny moans excited him as she followed his lead. She was a woman with many facets to her personality and he knew that would be no different in her lovemaking. She didn’t know her potential, but he knew training her to each man’s desires and needs would meet all of her burgeoning cravings.

  Tracing her skin with his fingers, tasting her with his tongue, and introducing her to the delights of submission seemed to fuel his attentions. She was soon pleading for the satisfaction only he could bring her at this moment. The push to fulfill her every request was putting a special pressure on his cock. Arriving in Amara’s sexual paradise was the goal, and he pulled her closer, dragging his flattened tongue down her channel flowing with cream. He nearly lost control.

  Needing to find an end to the torment they were both experiencing, he stiffened his tongue and dove into her untried well. Bringing his thumb to taunt one clit, he changed position, so he sucked on one clit, flicked the other with his thumb, and fingered her waiting virginal entrance.

  She screamed, and he intensified his contact. Moving his tongue to her entrance he went deeper. Flicking quickly then slowly. Finally, he sucked both clits in his hot mouth, flicked them with his tongue and reached up to pinch her tightly puckered nipples. She froze, then bucked into him, his hands, his mouth, whining her release, sounding as though she were in pain.

  Raising himself over her after she had regained control of her breathing, he poised at her entrance.

  “Are you on any birth control?”

  “No, they wanted us to be able to get pregnant.”

  “Ah, yes, well I have something topical that could stop you from getting pregnant, but I don’t know if you are allergic to it or not. I’d rather you not have a reaction in that delicate spot. I don’t have an implant. I haven’t been having sex. I was waiting for the right woman. I was waiting for you.”

  “Love me.”

  “Amara do you understand what I’m telling you? I don’t keep condoms in my office for obvious reasons. I’m not covered.”

  “Ethan, please, just love me. If you intend on claiming me forever, then I claim you forever. Love me.”

  Her hands pulled out his shirt from his unbuttoned slacks, sliding them underneath to his muscular belly, continuing on to his buttocks beneath the expensive material. She arched into his pelvis, but he knew if he didn’t take control, she would experience more pain than was necessary. Slow and steady was much better than jabbing and rooting around.

  “I’ll go gently, love, but you need to let me.” He prayed he could. He slid his slacks off without much fanfare.

  Teasing her breasts, his hand slid between their hot bodies and he found her drenched. She wiggled and moaned, trying to encourage his entrance. Pinching her buttocks, he slid his cock in and allowed her to know his presence. Slowly, he sank into her until he reached where her barrier should be but there was no hymen. He stopped and teasingly brought her to climax again with his skillful fingers, her nipple in his mouth. He pulled the nipple, sucking hard. His fingers slid over both clits giving each equal attention. She tumbled over the cliff.

  He sank deep into her tight sheath and her cries were of surprise not pain. A smile spread across her face as he began his rhythmic in and out dance. He never slowed, never wavered as he continued to gently but insistently take her as his woman. She was it for him. He would never give her up. He opened himself up for the empathic Amara to feel his deep need for her, his surrender to that need. He saw the message written all over her face. She relaxed, and they came together, first and for all time. The claiming was mutual.

  Wilder

  Knowing Ethan and Amara had consummated, Wilder and Finn had decided to give her a little time to heal from her first intimacy before engaging in more. Wilder tried to look as though he agreed to the wait, but Finn was in a raw mood. Amara had softened in some ways and become a bit saucier in others after losing her virginity. Sex was important, but they wanted to establish love and they were all headed in that direction. Wilder enjoyed her bit of self-confidence and tart teasing, but her Viking was obviously not finding the same satisfaction. He liked a little sass but not if it truly interfered with being his obedient girl and he let her know it.

  “You know Finn, Amara is never going to be consistently obedient.”

  Finn grunted as he sat in Ethan’s office.

  Oh, she followed the rules when necessary, she was a smart girl. Her knowledge of technology had all of them excited with her work. Once decided, she had begun the projection program immediately and was showing success.

  Ethan added his comments as they sat in his office. “I’d lay money on the fact that Amara does what she wants every chance she gets.”

  “I’ve given her a few warning swats and so far, it’s been enough.”

  Wilder smiled. “There will come a day when all bets are off, my friend.”

  “And that’s the day our girl will find she has earned a scorching ass.”

  “Well, right now, though, she is working diligently on the techniques to control her gift. She’s doing well in compartmentalizing,” Ethan said.

  Wilder left to do some work and Finn followed to prepare for teaching another protection class. The women were learning self-defense techniques from Finn who was hard on them, but they didn’t seem to care. In fact, the confidence and empowerment were critical to healing.

  As he was loading some recordings to review, Wilder watched the class over the monitor. He overheard Finn scolding his students. “You want to be safe and feel it? Then put your shoulder into that bag. You’re the boss now, not that overgrown ass-wipe. You want to tear off his gonads and feed them to the next piece of trash that thinks you are an easy mark.” Wilder felt his own equipment shrivel at the mental image. Amara was close and snickered. Finn glared. Wilder turned away. Finn would handle the disrespect and Wilder wasn’t sure he wanted to see it.

  Later, when he went in search of Amara, he’d heard Finn re-drilling her in the exercise room where they did their training an hour earlier. She’d sat on the floor in refusal.

  “I’m tired Finn. Can’t we do this tomorrow? Or next week?”

  “No, we have time now. I know you think it’s no big deal but if you’re to be allowed anywhere without me as an escort, and I mean anywhere, then you will take this more seriously and get your rear in gear.”

  She giggled. “Rear in gear? Did you make that up?”

  Obviously that little phrase had an expiration date in the next hundred and twenty years. Finn wasn’t playing around though and pulled up to his full height and breadth. Unfortunately, Amara loved him enough to not be intimidated. “Finn, it’s funny. Don’t be so serious. Can’t I stop? I’m tired.”

  The begging soon turned into whining when she wasn’t released. She tended to do that only with Finn to signal she was really done. Evidently, Finn wasn’t going to give in to her today. Safely from the door, Wilder watched. He figured she had crossed the last line with her Viking as he lifted her off the floor and turned her around to face his chest, wrapping his arm around her middle. He landed one hefty, bottom flattening swat. It was enough to bring a torrent of tears and Finn’s big beefy arms cradled her close.

  Now he comforted her because he never could handle Amara’s real tears. That was the end of the session and all of Finn’s lessons for the day. Amara rarely cried, but it was obvious she hadn’t been playing around. She was tired and no wonder. She was everywhere doing everything, all the time. She was building the program, researching everything under the sun, trying to train her brain, and help Ethan to understand where the women each were in their healing. She was even coming up with more strategies to discuss on the changing of the future.

  Wilder walked in on the tail end of an obviously tryin
g session. His woman was sniffling and cuddling and while he wasn’t jealous of the feeling between them, he wanted more of that himself. As he watched Finn swoop Amara up in his arms, Wilder wondered what his role would be with her. He’d been more like her friend and now more like a colleague than her lover. The fact that he had yet to make love to her was another issue that might be standing in the way of their link. They teased and occasionally saw something deeper begin to surface before the connection was broken.

  Compartmentalizing is something I might need to practice if I don’t find the right opening for coupling soon. His cock immediately stiffened into a cast iron rod whenever she came near him or he caught a whiff of her light flowery body wash and honeysuckle shampoo. It was a killer combination.

  That same scent wafted past his nose and brought him back to the work at hand. Her wounds had completely healed. There were a few that had been deep, but even they had closed up properly. Her bruises were all gone now. Wilder knew that being her friend first would cement their connection even more. He would bide his time.

  All the way home from another Ambrose committee meeting later that afternoon, he wondered about the chairman. Something was fishy, but he couldn’t put his finger on it. When dinner was served, he broached the subject of the meeting.

  “And?” prompted Amara.

  “And, my impatient woman, they agreed to consider the projections of the program if you can get it done in the next few weeks.”

  Amara squealed her excitement and then watched him for a moment. “But there is something else.”

  “No, well, yes. Or at least I don’t know, really. See, it would have made sense, given the status they have put on this project, that one would need to prove themselves the right candidate to be chair but I just found out they accepted the candidate without the deep background.”

  “Who’s the chair again?” asked Ethan. “That will make a big difference in how hard this committee will be shifted from a straight line to one less formidable.”