by Stone, Piper
“Miss Zimmerman!” Isabella cooed. “Come in. See what Daddy made.”
Michael slowly lifted his head, his smile remaining, his eyes dancing from the joy he was experiencing. I was even more surprised that he kept his happy expression, but his eyes shifted down the length of me, holding his gaze on my bare feet.
“I’m sorry. The alarm didn’t go off.” I expected an immediate curt answer before being dragged into the hallway where he’d berate me for my horrible behavior.
Instead, he motioned me further into the room, holding up one of his drawings. “What do you think? Do I have potential as an artist?”
The squiggles and various shapes, perhaps one supposed to look like a flower made me laugh, although I pressed my fingers across my lips. Unable to hold back, I doubled over, my laughter ringing into the air.
“What?” he asked, the sound so innocent, as if he expected I would shower him with praise.
I inched closer, tilting my head and taking a long look. “Perhaps if you mixed some different colors into your masterpiece it could work. However, I suggest you keep your day job.”
He threw his head back and roared with laughter. “You’re right. I suck at this.”
“Daddy!” Alessandro admonished. “That’s a bad word.”
“You’re right. That was a no-no,” Michael stated as he shook his head.
Who was this man? Where did he hide his other personality?
“Why doesn’t Miss Zimmerman try her hand?” he cajoled, giving me a playful look.
“Oh, no. I never claimed I was an artist. That’s not fair.” I held up my hands, giving him a pouting look.
“Yes. Come on!” Alessandro encouraged. I was even more surprised that he wanted me to engage. To see him completely out of his sullen shell was worth the trip, the awful things I’d been forced to go through.
I pushed up my sleeves, sitting down and crossing my legs Indian style. “Okay, but I have to tell you that I’m pretty darn good. A hidden talent.”
“Prove it,” Michael said, tossing me a blank piece of oversized paper then grabbing one for himself.
Over the next two hours, the four of us remained in the room, laughing and drawing pictures.
During that time, a tiny part of me fell in love with the monstrous man with several sides, layers of complication and a heart riddled with sorrow and guilt.
But I knew in my heart that it wouldn’t matter. I was nothing but the King’s possession.
* * *
“In the calm, deep waters of the mind, the wolf awaits.”
F.T. McKinstry
Two days.
Two long days passed and as quickly as Michael’s fun-loving attitude had appeared, it was shoved into some black hole. He’d retreated to his office, leaving only once in order to conduct ‘business,’ rarely making an appearance other than to enjoy dinner and a movie with the twins. The worst part, he didn’t attempt to enter my room on any of the two nights. I could swear I was being punished for something egregious, although I wasn’t entirely certain what that could be.
Maybe ignoring his gift.
Perhaps giving him attitude several times.
Then there was the possibility he’d lost interest.
He was very much a wolf in his actions as well as his demeanor and I’d never felt more like Red Riding Hood, waiting for him to knock down my door.
I remained in a fog, confused as to why it even bothered me, but I performed my duties as required, enjoying every moment of the teaching experience. I’d also observed that he was particularly concerned about security, Carlo remaining in close proximity at all times. While the burly man rarely said anything, I knew he was watching me intently. Babysitting me. What were they worried about?
As the third day dragged on, the twins taking a nap, I retreated to my room, selecting a book to try to lose myself in. Hearing footsteps made me shiver, the flash of electricity coursing through me like a rollercoaster, the same as the emotions I’d experienced since the beginning.
Want.
Need.
Hate.
Fury.
They were all wrapped up into a strangling package.
“I thought I’d find you here,” Michael said quietly, his sensual voice echoing in my ears.
“Did I miss a chore?”
He chuckled and walked inside, scanning the room. “Of course not. You’re doing exemplary work.”
“Thank you.”
“There’s no need to be on edge, Daniella. I’m not here to punish you. You’ve done nothing wrong.”
Sighing, I eased the book onto the table, remaining where I was. “That’s good to hear.”
“I am sorry to bring you to tears the other night.”
I lifted my head, hating the fact he’d noticed. “I assure you that it won’t happen again.”
“And I will attempt not to give you another reason.”
Why was he trying so hard for my forgiveness?
“What do you need, Michael?”
“I would like to take you to dinner tonight.”
I knew his statement wasn’t a request. “What about the twins?”
“They can spend one night with Carlo and Titus. Who knows? Maybe Alessandro will teach them a thing or two about video games.” He huffed, his eyes never leaving mine, exhaling when I didn’t share in his jovial statement. “There’s a restaurant I think you will enjoy. Plus, you deserve to get out of the house.”
What was I supposed to say to him, that I was looking forward to the experience? “Your wish is my command. What time?”
“Six-thirty. I purchased a few things for you. You’ll find them in your closet.”
I bit back all the nasty things I’d thought after receiving the necklace. Now he was selecting my clothing. “Of course. As you wish.”
The silence between us was horrible, but I didn’t know what to say to him or even if he wanted to engage in a conversation. He finally nodded and started to walk away. “I’m sorry things have been tense between us. I apologize if I’ve made you uncomfortable.”
“What happened, Michael? You were so happy the other day. I’ve never seen you so excited or comfortable. Did I do something wrong or did you realize that you hate being happy?”
He twisted his head. I watched as he scanned my face, shifting his heated gaze to my curled legs and bare feet. Everything about him was formidable, the kind of man who defied every ounce of logic when handling a situation.
“Daniella,” he said, his tone rich and elegant, sending a wave of shivers down my spine. Every time he used my name, my pussy ached, longing for the passion we’d shared, the dark and savage ways in which he touched me. Today was no different, although the power of his voice was distinctive, possessive. “You’re well aware that I’m the kind of man who has no problem telling anyone when they’ve crossed a line or broken a rule. That is not the case. As I mentioned, I have business to conduct while we’re here. Soon enough, it will come to an end.”
“Which means you can return to your normal life.”
A dark vibe passed between us, the electricity remaining, even increasing. He wore his hunger like a coat of steel, impenetrable as well as dominating. “In a manner of speaking. I will expect you downstairs at six-thirty sharp.”
“Yes, sir.”
He hesitated. What was he waiting for? “I am curious, Daniella. Did you receive the gift I gave you the other day?”
“Yes. Thank you. It’s lovely.”
Inhaling, he scanned the room once again as if searching for the necklace. “Very well. I’ll leave you to your time alone.”
When he reached the doorway, I shifted to the edge of my seat. “Michael. Is what you told me about my brother really true?”
There was another hesitation and I wanted to scream out of frustration.
“From what I’ve been told by reliable sources, yes. However, I’m currently attempting to check the validity. While I understand you must be devastated by the news, I learned a long
time ago that while blood may be thicker than water, some cannot resist the dark urges or the hunger for power. That alone pushes aside any concept of family.”
“My God. What you must have endured growing up.”
Another laugh rumbled up from his chest. “Every family is different and there isn’t one that doesn’t have dark secrets hanging in the shadows of their closets. Mine included. While my family might be considered fractured or perhaps evil, we do stick together no matter the circumstances. That is vital in the world my ancestors chose to live in.”
“That’s not my world. Steven was given every opportunity to succeed. Whatever choices he made have nothing to do with my family.”
“That’s where you might be surprised. A good lesson for you to learn. I assure you that if what I heard was the truth, your brother will never have the opportunity to follow through on the business arrangement he made. No one fucks with a King’s possession.”
With that, he left the room but I would swear that a frigid blast of cold remained.
* * *
I glanced at the clock and took a deep breath. It was six-twenty-one in the evening. I had nine minutes to myself. Nine minutes to try to calm my nerves. There was no reason for the heightened level of anxiety. I wasn’t being taken away, imprisoned in some other world. This was just about dinner.
Civilized.
Just the two of us.
Yet everything about the moment was unusual. I brushed my fingers down the exquisite dress. Jade in color, the hue brought out the green in my eyes. The fabric body hugging with a deep V in the back, it was the kind of dress that other girls wore, women who looked like fashion models and actresses. That wasn’t me. Yet, I couldn’t help but smile as I twisted in the mirror, studying my reflection. I suddenly felt giddy, like a princess getting ready to go to a fancy party. While the thought was absurd, I’d never felt more beautiful in my life.
I’d even taken the time to curl my hair, matching my eyeshadow to the dress. Sighing, I twisted and turned several more times before glancing toward the clock again. Five minutes left. Grimacing, I slipped into the high heels, the four-inch stilettos much taller than my usual conservative yet comfortable footwear. I took a step back, ready to leave the room. As I slowly returned to the dresser, I shook my head at the reflection of the girl staring back at me.
“What are you doing, Dani? Don’t fall into his spell.”
But I already had.
My hand shaking, I retrieved the necklace, slowly opening the velvet box. In the dim lighting of the single lamp on the dresser, the piece still managed to sparkle, the warm glow reflecting the many facets in the diamonds. After securing the clasp, I took another deep breath, placing my hand across the exquisite piece. Maybe this was a fairytale after all.
As I walked down the stairs, my hand firmly planted on the railing, I remained jittery.
Remember that you’re just his possession, a toy for his use.
For now.
There would come a day I would escape, returning to my life. Whatever kind of life that would end up being. Betrayed by my brother. Discarded by my employer. I shoved aside the self-pity and descended the remaining steps. Seeing no one at first, I stood at the base of the stairs.
Every little girl had dreams of knights on massive horses coming to the ball to save poor Cinderella, the man breathtaking and courageous, muscular and powerful. That’s exactly the way I felt as Michael stepped out of the shadows.
I’d seen him in several suits, but as he stood in sleek ebony attire, his crisp white shirt accented with diamond cufflinks and a silk tie the color of a perfectly ripe plum, I trembled. He wore no expression, but his dark eyes pierced directly into my soul, his nostrils flaring the closer I came.
The man was studying me, scrutinizing the way I looked. The closer I came, the more self-conscious I became. By the time I stood only inches away, my mouth was bone dry, my heart hammering against my chest.
“You look incredible.” The soft sexiness of his voice penetrated every cell, wrapping around me like a warm blanket. Using the tip of a single finger, he brushed it down the side of my face, twirling one of my curls before tracing the necklace. “The piece is stunning on you but not nearly as beautiful as the woman wearing it.”
I was breathless as I tried to answer, noticing how he was already undressing me with those same eyes, the fire in them explosive. “Thank you.”
“Come. We have reservations.” His steps purposeful, he pulled an entirely different coat from the closet; the long cashmere piece had fur around the color, luxurious in design. As he held it out, waiting for me to turn, allowing him to place the coat around my shoulders, he issued a distinctive growl.
One of desire.
One of darkness.
One of ownership.
He led me to the SUV, even lifting me over a patch of ice, settling me inside just like a gentleman would do. It felt strange to be sitting next to him, pretending to me more than just his captive, but as he slid behind the wheel, I dared to take another look at him.
My nipples ached, the hard points caressed by the thin material of the dress, my panties already damp. No man had had this kind of effect over me. His scent was also entirely different tonight; musky and exotic, the surge of masculinity so sexy. So inviting.
After starting the engine, he took another longing look in my direction then slid his hand to my knee, shifting the edge of the coat. “You’re wet for me, Daniella. Your scent is almost far too enticing.”
When he rubbed his hand along the inside of my thigh, an audible shudder left my mouth. I involuntarily parted my legs, taking several shallow breaths. He slipped a single finger under my thong, sliding it up and down the length of my pussy.
“Very wet,” he murmured then pulled his hand away. “Lick away your cream. I want you to know exactly how wet you are.”
I did as I was told, leaning forward and dragging my tongue the length of his finger. He had a way of pulling me into his intense hunger, a world of sadistic needs. His desires weren’t about romance but control, yet I found it terribly exciting.
He seemed satisfied a few seconds later, returning his hand to the steering wheel. “Remove your panties for me, Daniella.”
“What?”
“I said. Remove. Your. Panties.”
His command was surprising but certainly not shocking coming from a man like Michael. A rush of embarrassment flowed through me, although no one could see a single thing past the darkened windows. He kept his gaze on the front windshield, tapping a single finger on the steering wheel.
I closed my eyes and struggled to obey him, embarrassed that my thong was already damp, wet from my continued longing. When I managed to do as he asked, he held out his hand, beckoning with his fingers. My cheeks burned as I placed the lace into his hand, watching as he pulled my panties to his mouth and nose, lifting his head as he inhaled in an exaggerated manner.
“Your scent is quite powerful. Are you hungry, little girl?” he asked before slipping the panties into his jacket.
“Yes.” I knew better than to lie to him.
“Mmm… Just as I thought. I need access to your pretty pink pussy at all times. That’s something you’re going to learn.”
As he pulled away, every ounce of uncertainty I’d had about him remained at the surface. But as I’d seen before, his different sides were as intoxicating as they were reckless, always keeping me on edge.
Michael King was no longer just my captor or my protector; he was my curse, a fallen dark angel who’d snagged me from the quiet solitude of loneliness and despair.
And I wanted more, a drug that had awakened my very soul, and I couldn’t fathom the reason why.
I also no longer wanted to.
* * *
“Mr. King. So good to have you with us again. It’s been a long time.”
The personal greeting was the second we’d received since arriving at the restaurant. I also noticed several of the patrons staring in his direction
. A man of importance and wealth.
A man who could crush the life out of any person inside.
I’d been to several restaurants in my life but nothing as grandiose as this one. From the glow of candles adorning every white-clothed table to the twinkling of white lights in dozens of trees, classical music setting a romantic tone, and the scent of incredible dishes, the place seemed magical.
“I’m glad you’re still here, Pierre. I’ve missed your fabulous creations,” Michael answered.
“Then I will prepare something fantastic for you and your lady friend.” Pierre turned his attention in my direction, delight in his eyes. He took my hand into his, pulling my knuckles to his mouth and pressing a single kiss. “It is a delight to meet you, Mademoiselle. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen Mr. King with a beautiful lady. I do hope you are keeping him on his toes.” He laughed heartedly before releasing my hand. “I have the table you requested prepared. Please let me know if I can do anything to make your evening more special.”
Michael chuckled before taking my same hand into his. “She is doing more than that, Pierre. Daniella is the kind of woman that makes you second guess everything about your life.”
“Ah,” Pierre half whispered. “Then she is special indeed. I suggest that you do not let her get away.”
“I don’t intend to,” Michael answered. “Thank you for your kindness.”
With every word he said, my body tingled even more.
Pierre led the way through a crowd of beautiful people all dressed just as elegantly and every one of them turned to watch as we were taken through to an alcove positioned in the center of a shimmering window, various colorful lights outside creating the illumination of stars. The area was far removed from the other tables, allowing for very private conversation or perhaps something else. The thought was riveting.
Michael pulled out a chair, his nostrils flaring as he guided me into the seat, the finishing touch his fingers cascading down my arm. He retreated to his chair, which was positioned only inches from mine. I thought about my panties still in his pocket, the fact the tablecloth would hide any sinful actions. The thought was evocative, my mouth watering. I could feel my cheeks were on fire and I was terrified that everyone around me would know what I was thinking.
