by Piper Stone
“We all have choices,” she managed as she inched closer to the edge of the bed, easing her feet onto the floor. Her move tentative, she reached out and snatched a strawberry, darting a single look in my direction.
“Perhaps the majority of people, but not a man like me. My father and his father before him and his father before him were all brought up in this lifestyle. It’s all I’ve ever known. Taking over for my father is a requirement, not a choice.”
“And what would happen if you would choose to do something else?”
I laughed softly as I grabbed a piece of Gouda, enjoying the way she devoured the strawberry, immediately reaching for a second. “Then my father would have no choice but to end my life.”
“Oh, my God. You’re kidding?”
“I am not kidding. That is our way.”
“That’s horrible. Cruel. What does your mother think?”
I thought about her question. “She knew what she was marrying into, the life that she’d be forced to live, but she chose to do so because of her love for my father.”
The incredulous look on her face was followed by a shake of her head. “And that would mean our children would be nothing but little soldiers.”
Children.
Just hearing the word coming from her mouth stirred something even deeper inside my soul, a craving that I’d never experienced before. A flash of stars rushed across my field of vision, my heart suddenly racing. I took a gulp of wine, fascinated by my body’s reaction. I weighed my answer carefully as I had never thought about it before. “If I am lucky enough to become a father, I would want our children to have everything that their heart desired, including choices. The old ways are not necessarily the best ways.”
At least a part of her was satisfied from my answer. “I feel so sorry for you.”
“Don’t feel sorry for me. I’ve lived a full and rich life, although you’re right that I haven’t enjoyed a significant portion of it. A part of me died when Bella was taken from my family. I hid behind a mask of steel, a plate of armor to protect what was left of my heart. I hope that’s something you can understand.”
She nodded her answer, her hand shaking as she tugged a piece of cheese off the plate, bringing it to her mouth slowly.
“Somehow you managed to crack that armor.”
A slight tic appeared in the corner of her mouth, a flash occurring in her eyes. She tipped her head, studying me so intently as if she was able to look right through me. “Which is something you don’t want.”
“I never said that.”
“Then what do you want?” She turned her full attention toward me, munching on the cheese, which stirred additional desires from deep within.
“For the first time in my life, I want a home.” I smiled, shaking my head. “As difficult as it might be for you might believe, I’m not entirely certain what that means. My childhood was… difficult.”
“I can imagine.” Her whisper was almost inaudible.
I sat back in the chair, imagining what that would entail.
Emily finished the few bites, reaching for her wine and taking several sips. After putting the glass back on the nightstand, she slowly rose to her feet, walking slowly in my direction. “Are they really going to try the case again?”
“Yes, the prosecuting attorney is determined to make me pay for my crime.” Perhaps a part of me was prepared to accept my fate.
Her expression was one of puzzlement as she closed the distance, standing in between my open legs. “I was wrong, Cristiano. You can be loving.”
There was no reason for her words to stun me, none at all, but they did and as she selected the largest strawberry, taking a small nibble off the end, I was mesmerized. She removed the stem, every move methodical as she returned it to the plate, then placed the fruit in her mouth. She leaned down until her face was mere inches from mine.
The offer was blatant.
And seductive.
And sinful.
And enticing.
I opened my mouth as I reached for her, caressing her arms. The single bite she was offering was a break in that line she’d drawn. When I bit down on the strawberry, two trickles of juice flowed from my mouth. Only after I’d bitten it in half did she ease away, her eyes glistening. She swallowed her portion then lowered down once more, sliding her tongue through the first trickle of juice then the other, finally capturing my mouth.
Every nerve ending was on fire, every synapse more alive than it had ever been. My grip on her arms became firmer as I pulled her closer to me, my heart thudding.
She palmed my chest, caressing with her fingers as she forced my lips apart, darting her tongue inside. Between the wine and strawberries as well as the taste of her, I was almost instantly drunk on my desire, my cock aching.
I slipped one hand over her shoulder, fingering her long strands of hair. So silky. So damn soft. It was difficult to contain my longing and when she crawled on hand to my cock, wrapping her long fingers around my shaft, it was all I could do not to toss her onto the bed.
She moaned into the kiss as she attempted to dominate my tongue, darting hers back and forth as the kiss became a passionate roar between us. Even the scent of her feminine wiles added to my intoxication. I would never be able to get enough of her. The electricity became a dancing wire, sizzling and crackling as the hungry dance continued.
With every stroke of her hand on my shaft, she twisted her fingers, creating a wave of friction. I found it difficult to breathe, every muscle tense, ripped from excitement. Her moans became more constant even though they remained muted, her body shuddering as she continued teasing me, tormenting the darkness inside.
When she was the one who broke the kiss, she uttered a beautiful and husky growl, the sound permeating my senses. Chuckling softly, she nipped my lower lip before dragging her tongue around my mouth, her hand now concentrating on my cockhead.
“Jesus,” I muttered, my eyes finding it difficult to focus as my balls tightened.
“Does that mean you want something?” she asked, purring afterwards.
“Always.”
She laughed in a sultry manner before pressing her lips against my chin, sucking for several seconds.
I closed my eyes, letting out an intense growl of my own. Then she purposely tilted my head, brushing her lips down the side of my neck. I wasn’t used to her playful side, or the lack of full control, but the way she touched me was chilling. I was more alive than I’d ever been, the jolts of current now slamming into me. My God, the woman had no idea what she was doing to me.
“Mmm…” she muttered as she continued tasting, dragging her tongue from one shoulder blade to the other before concentrating on my chest. As she moved further down, I realized my breathing was rattled, my chest heaving. No woman had touched me in the way she was.
As if she gave a damn.
As if I meant something to her.
She fell onto her knees, continuing to press kisses and licks against my chest, easing ever so slowly to my stomach, even taking her time to swirl the tip of her tongue around my belly button.
I planted my hands on the arms of the chair, determined to allow her to play. The sensations only intensified, pulling me into the most incredible feeling of bliss.
“You’re tense,” she whispered, removing her hand from my cock and shifting both to one leg. As she kneaded my muscles, her fingers caressing, I gazed down at her, still unable to focus.
“I’m famished,” I said before growling, the deep and husky sound floating in the room.
“Good things come to those who wait.”
“And I’m not a patient man. You need to keep that in mind.”
As if to answer my question, she brought my cock to her lips, rubbing the tip across the seam of her mouth. The back and forth motions only added fuel to the fire, my entire body now aching from the surge of adrenaline.
She kept her eyes on me as she swirled her tongue around my cockhead then across my sensitive slit. Then she resumed
her former actions, massaging one calf then the other. Watching her drew the sadistic man from the darkness. I wanted to consume every inch of her body. I longed to strap her to the wooden slats over the canopy bed.
And I hungered to fill every hole with my cum.
She continued caressing me, moving up to my thighs and dangerously close to my cock. Of course she planned on perpetuating her tease, doing everything to push my limits. She only managed to arouse me even more.
After she blew across my cock, she issued another mewing sound. Then she slipped her hand between my legs, taking my balls into her hand, taunting me by sucking on the tip for a few seconds.
“Is that what you want?” she asked, sliding one hand all the way down the length of my cock then pumping up to squeeze my cockhead.
“Hmmm… As a start that will do.” As a few drops of pre-cum beaded along the tip, she lowered her head, engulfing the head.
I threw my head back, the sensations more incredible than before. Panting, I realized I’d dug my fingers into the upholstery in an effort to keep from yanking her into my arms.
She began sucking in earnest, her guttural sounds exaggerated.
My heart continued to thud, echoes sounding in my ears as she moved up and down my shaft, the tip hitting the back of her throat. After a full minute, I could take it no longer. Leaning down, I reached under her arms, lifting her into the air.
Her yelps were my reward and when I pulled her down on my lap, the tip of my cock finding her wetness, I let out an intense roar.
“Fuck!”
My bellow seemed to delight her, and she clung to my shoulders as I forced her all the way down, filling her completely. Her muscles clamped around the thick invasion immediately as her entire body shook from the force I used.
This was even more intimate than before and as I gripped her hips, lifting her once again, she closed her eyes.
“Ride me,” I commanded as I brought her down, stretching her tight channel. She was so wet, the feel of her incredible.
Emily took a deep breath, staring me in the eyes as she obeyed, using the strength of her thighs to create a perfect rhythm.
Everything about her was beautiful: her skin glistening in the dim lighting, the softness of the slip of a gown accentuating her voluptuous curves, and the way she continued to stare at me.
For a few precious minutes, we were as one, the electricity surging through us. Her lips were pursed, her fingers digging into my shoulders and as she tossed her head back and forth, I made a promise to myself that I would do everything in my power to protect her.
If that was possible.
A cold wave of energy rushed into me, an ugly reminder that she’d been right about a fantasy. What we were sharing was something else entirely. I cupped her breasts, squeezing until she moaned, rolling her fully aroused nipples in my fingers.
“Mmm…” she purred, her body undulating, her actions becoming frenzied as she bucked against me. I could tell she was close to coming.
I eased the straps down her shoulders, exposing her breasts. When I pinched and twisted her hardened buds, she lolled her head, gasping for air.
“Come for me, little flower. I want to feel you erupt around my cock.”
A smile crossed her face, her lower lip quivering. When her body stiffened, I took over control, moving her up and down on my cock, bucking my hips and thrusting into her in rapid succession.
“Oh. Oh. Oh…” Her scream was strangled, ultimately becoming silent as she let go, her entire body shaking as the orgasm ripped through her.
I refused to stop, pumping her up and down until the single climax morphed into another. This time, her scream sent vibrations dancing through me.
Only when she stopped shaking did I pull her forward, cupping both sides of her face. “My exquisite flower has awakened.”
“Mmm…” she managed, trying to catch her breath.
I gathered her into my arms, cradling her quivering body against my chest. She wrapped her arms around my neck, resting her head on my shoulder. I held her in position for a full minute before walking toward the bed, sitting on the edge.
“You’re still a very bad girl,” I whispered.
“Hmmm… Not always.”
Chuckling, I stroked her hair before easing her onto the bed, immediately turning her onto her stomach.
“What are you doing?” she asked, struggling to push onto her elbows.
I reached for the plug as well as the small tube, holding the red rubber piece so she could see it.
“You’re very tight. This will help. You’re going to learn to follow my rules, Emily. While I enjoy giving you pleasure, I will not hesitate to punish you if you don’t start behaving.”
She opened her mouth to protest then obviously thought better of it, looking away, but not before I could see the grimace crossing her face, her body tensing once again.
“Do you understand me?”
Her brow furrowed but she finally nodded.
“When I ask you a question, you will answer.”
“Yes. Sir.”
Sighing, I rubbed two fingers down her spine. “I’m not trying to hurt you, Emily. Just the opposite. Learning that there are rules within this household and surrounding my life will help ensure your safety.” I opened the tube, spreading a dime full on my fingers, watching her processing what I was saying.
“I do understand.”
“Good. Now, open your ass cheeks for me.”
She seemed insulted by my request but did as she was told, reaching behind her and spreading her luscious cheeks.
“Excellent. You will wear this at all times, removing only when necessary.”
“You’re kidding… yes. Sir.”
The scent of our sex filled my nostrils as I rubbed the lubricant between my fingers before pushing them to her dark hole, taking my time as I eased them inside.
She shuddered visibly, dropping her head as she moaned.
“Breathe,” I instructed.
“I’m trying.”
After pumping several times, I reached for the plug, rolling my fingers over the tip before placing it at her dark entrance.
As soon as the plug was pressed just inside, she pummeled one hand on the comforter, kicking her legs. “Oh… I hate…”
“You can hate me all you want.” I twisted the plug back and forth as I pushed it further inside, caressing her ass with my other hand, the heat from the earlier spanking tingling my skin. When it was firmly seated inside, I patted her bottom. “Are you still hungry?”
“No.”
“Then we should get some sleep. The next few days are going to be arduous.”
She scrambled to her knees, fighting with the covers until she managed to crawl underneath. When she held up her arm, prepared for me to shackle her, another realization hit me.
I was exactly like my father.
Cold.
Brutal.
Incapable of real love.
And I hated myself because of it.
I gently eased her arm back to the covers, nodding my head. “I trust you, Emily.”
Trust.
Trust had never been something I’d been able to do with the exception of my family. We would see if my fears in doing so with someone else were unfounded.
Then again, she’d become a member of our inner circle within days.
After turning off the lights, I stood by the window for a few minutes, peering through the blinds. While the house itself had a significant amount of land, other homes located almost a half mile away, I was able to envision their perfectly manicured lawns and flowering shrubs, pots hanging from the massive front porches. I could even hear the sound of children’s laughter.
Although every bit of it was a fantasy.
That would never be a reality because of my bloodline.
Exhaling, I finally crawled into bed, realizing she’d already fallen asleep. Yet when she rolled over, murmuring in her sleep, placing her arm around me, I stiffened.
But there was also something else.
An ache in my heart.
Chapter 14
Cristiano
A day of reckoning.
I stood staring out at the pool, my thoughts embroiled in the decisions that would need to be made, discussions that would be required. I had limited patience for excuses, although I knew I had to tread lightly with strong-arming anyone within law enforcement. Today could mean a crowning victory on several levels or the crown of thorns could drip blood.
Although it wasn’t clear in my mind whose blood that would be.
Over the course of two hours, I’d made several phone calls, establishing required appointments, but the first two would be the most important.
I’d disarmed the security system and when I heard the front door, I knew who to expect. Still, I placed my hand on my weapon, turning slightly to ensure I wasn’t being ambushed.
“Dimitri,” I said before relaxing my arm, remaining where I was standing.
“Boss. I brought Nick as requested.” Dimitri seemed solemn and with good reason. He was unsure what to expect from here on out.
I gave Nick a onceover, finding his choice in attire interesting. The last time I’d seen him, he’d been in jeans and an older polo, his attempt at fitting in with the various crowds on the streets of New Orleans. Today, he was dressed impeccably, although his suit was ill fitting. Still, I was impressed. He was a man to be watched.
After shifting my gaze toward the passage into the hallway, I motioned them closer. “Nick, I’m placing a significant amount of trust in you. I hope that you’re ready to take on additional responsibilities.”
Nick beamed, his grin almost too much for my tastes. “Absolutely, sir. I won’t let you down.”
