by Dani Rei
“No. Allistair’s right, I can’t give Rex power by running away. Fuck him. I’ve done too much for him out of fear. I’m taking my life back.”
She grabs his hands. “I’m taking my love back.”
Blake smiles and caresses her cheek with his free hand. “It’s okay to be scared, Inez. Especially after what you’ve been through. I’m proud of you for every ounce of bravery you can muster, but it is okay if it’s just one ounce at a time.”
“Some days it will be, but not tonight. Besides, I’m more worried about you. He said he’d kill you, and considering what he did to me, I can’t put it past him.”
Blake shrugs. “Love has always been a risk. We may as well take it like true fools.”
“Are you sure I’m worth it? You could date anyone else in here without all these problems.”
“I’ve never been more certain of anything in my life.”
Inez smirks. “Is that just because of the handkerchief?”
“What? No. Pretty sure it was you who lost your mind over a handkerchief. I know how superstitious you are.”
Inez laughs as Blake pulls her into his arms and presses his lips to hers.
“You don’t have to, you know.”
“Yes, I do. It’s not just about me. It never was. You’ve been dragged into it too, and Mishkin nearly died. I can’t let this go on.”
“You’re amazing.” Blake plants a soft kiss on her forehead.
She smiles and squeezes his hand as she leads the way back inside. Their footsteps echo in the hallway, and despite her determination, her hand is still quivering in his.
Her feet freeze just outside the ballroom. Blake follows her eyeline to Rex, who is chatting away with men in black suits. All of them hold glasses of wine or champagne and laugh in unison.
“It’s not too late,” Blake whispers. “We can still slip away.”
“I know, but we can’t hide forever.”
Inez takes a deep breath and a slow step forward. Blake follows her lead, making sure to keep her pace.
Mishkin and Vladik spot them, and grins line their faces. Inez forces a smile, but her puffy eyes don’t do much to hide her fear.
They settle in the center of the dance floor as the music shifts from upbeat to calm. Couples form all over the dance floor, while a few strays litter the walls and food tables, idling in conversation or downing another drink.
Blake rests his hands on her waist as her arms wrap around his neck. The two lock eyes as the music plays.
He rests his forehead on hers. “I meant it you know. I love you. So much.”
“I know, I love you too.”
“I’m not happy with you though,” he smirks. “I was really worried. I had nightmares and everything.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Sorry doesn’t cut it.”
“What do you want me to do?”
“Kiss me. You owe me unlimited kisses until I forgive you.”
A grin creeps onto Inez’s face, and her eyes shift around as if she’s trying to hide it. “And when you forgive me, then what?”
“Then I’ll kiss you as a reward.”
Inez giggles and presses her lips to his, soft at first, then adding more pressure, more tongue, more passion. Blake wraps his arms around her, pulling her close to him.
He opens his eyes to peek toward the wall behind Inez, where Rex’s rage is blazing. Blake can’t help but grin at the sight as he combs his fingers through Inez’s hair, trailing his lips down her neck, carefully kissing each bruise, his confident gaze not leaving Rex for a second.
Inez’s arms pull him closer, prompting him to continue as she presses her own lips down his neck as well. Blake’s heart is melting, and his grin is glowing. See that, King? Even you can’t keep her from me.
Rex narrows his eyes before he quickly but calmly exits the ballroom. Blake returns his gaze to the sparkling brown eyes in front of him.
“Do you think Rex saw us?” she asks.
“I think he got the message.”
BLAKE SHUTS INEZ’S BEDROOM DOOR with his foot as their hungry kisses continue. He takes off his jacket and undoes his tie as they make their way across the room. He guides her onto the bed, hovering over her, lips lowering to her neck as his hands explore her curves through her gown. Her moans and heavy breaths heat up every inch of him as the bulge grows in his pants.
Inez sits up to kiss his neck as Blake’s hand finds the zipper on the back of her dress. He tugs it a tiny bit but doesn’t pull it down just yet.
“May I?” he whispers.
“Please do,” Inez breathes as her kisses line his collarbone.
He trails his kisses down her neck, spotting the bruises, and freezes, prompting Inez to do the same.
“What’s wrong?” she asks.
“A lot’s been happening, and you said your head still hurts. Are you sure you’re up for this?”
“Everything that’s happened has made me need this.” She presses her lips hard against his. “I want you to fuck me. Don’t make me beg.”
A hungry growl escapes his throat as he pulls the zipper down and guides the straps down her smooth shoulders. Her breasts are braless, and her pink nipples look delicious. He kisses down her chest, then grabs one breast in his hand and teases the opposite nipple with his tongue. Inez arches her back, pulling at the front of his shirt.
She gets the buttons open, and Blake yanks it off as quickly as he can. Inez scoots herself out of her dress, her pink panties whetting his appetite. His hands caress her hips then reach around to grip her ass, pulling a small sound of pleasure from her lips. Her skin is so smooth, every part of her fits perfectly into his hands, and he can’t wait to feel and taste every inch.
Blake grips at the hem of her panties as Inez lies back, and he pulls them down, licking his lips. Her pussy is shaved, smooth, and he’s about to taste when he notices Inez is hiding her face in her hands. He guides one off and presses his lips to hers.
“Please don’t hide,” he whispers. “You’re beautiful. All of you is beautiful.”
Inez smiles and kisses him again before he trails kisses down her cheek to her neck, teasing her skin with his lips and teeth. Her heavy breathing sends hot chills through his body as his lips and tongue trace down her stomach. He opens her legs and trails more kisses from her knee down the inside of her thigh, reveling in every soft moan from her lips, every hungry breath, every squirm that begs him for more.
He takes a second to glance up at her blushing face before he gently places a kiss just above her slit, then moving down to stroke her clit with his tongue, and she tastes as sweet as she looks. Her back arches, and he brings one hand up to cup her breast and the other to tease her entrance before gently pushing a finger inside. Inez’s soft moans get louder, more and more as Blake’s pushes in a second finger. Her hand grips at his hair.
“Yes, Blake. Please, yes.”
His movements become faster and harder, but he slows down before he stops, trailing wet kisses back up her body, up her neck, then finally back to her lips, enjoying every second, every taste, every sound he’d been wanting for so long.
He pulls off his pants and boxers, grabbing the condom from the pocket and holding onto it while Inez grabs at his cock. Her grip alone is enough to send him reeling, but she pulls it into her mouth, and he growls low in his throat. Her tongue, like silk, sends a wave of euphoria through his body as he grabs her hair, being careful to avoid the bump he found before.
“Ugh, fuck, yes,” he groans.
After a short while, Inez pulls away, and Blake slides the condom on before he drops himself between her legs, pushing his tongue into her mouth again as his cock slides itself up and down the wet slit. He nibbles at her ear as she presses her chest against him. His grin grows at her hunger.
“Do you still want to?” he asks.
“God, yes.”
Blake grins as he pushes himself inside, her walls tight against him. Inez’s gasp
s fill his ears, and he pauses to let her adjust to him. Ecstasy pulses through his veins as he slowly pulls out and back in again. He continues the motion, his hip teasing her clit. Slowly at first, then gradually getting faster, harder. His hands grip her hips while his teeth nibble her neck. Inez’s hands claw at his back and hair, pulling him as close as she can.
Inez’s body bursts into a fit of quakes and moans; beautiful, unbridled pleasure painted all over her face. Her walls tighten around him, and the euphoria pulses through him as well, thrusting harder and faster until he trembles, pushing deeper inside as his own pleasure is released.
He stares down at her hot, panting body, lowering himself to rest his forehead on hers. He kisses her again before he drops to her side, catching his breath.
He carefully removes the condom and settles himself at her side. She scoots closer, her head against his chest as his arms wrap around her. He massages her scalp and neck while he steals a few more kisses. It isn’t long before she’s sound asleep, and he plants a gentle kiss on her forehead.
This is where I belong. By your side. Forever.
Chapter 33
B
lake’s eyes blink open to a mess of red hair. Sunlight creeps in through the window, glowing against the smooth skin that has shifted out of the blanket. He pulls the covers over her shoulder, and she shifts closer to him. He wraps an arm around her, and she lets out a soft, content moan.
They go still again, and Blake closes his eyes to take in everything. The warmth of her body, her silky-smooth skin, the scent of her hair. It’s all too perfect. This is how he should wake up every morning. Just like this.
His heart races when Inez turns herself around to kiss him.
“I love you,” he whispers. “I know I’ve said it a lot, but damn, do I mean it. I love you so much.”
Inez giggles. “I know. I love you too.”
She presses a hand against his chest, pulling the blankets from hers. Her body practically shines in the morning glow, and she grabs his hair again. He grins and climbs over her, and she giggles through heavy breaths as he trails his kisses down her neck and to her chest.
A knock on the door startles them both, and Blake glares at the door.
Go away. Go away. Go away.
“Blake, I know you’re in there,” Allistair’s voice calls, much more stern than last night. “Get to the office right now.”
“In a minute,” Blake growls, regretting that he responded at all. Even Inez raises her brows as if asking him why he said anything.
“Now!”
BLAKE STORMS INTO THE OFFICE without knocking, annoyed, but he pauses when he sees the room empty. A crack to the back of his skull makes the room spin and his body go limp. He turns his head, and barely catches a glimpse of a dragon tattoo before it all goes blank.
Chapter 34
A
ngry ringing fills Blake’s ears, dulling down as his vision clears up. He’s on his side, on some kind of leather seat, and a small bump under his body sends a shooting pain through his skull, threatening to make him sick. His hands are tied behind him, and he struggles to sit, eyes widening at the passing scenery of trees and rock walls.
“Hey look, boss, he’s awake!”
The voice sends a chill over Blake’s skin, and he turns to glare at the bald-headed asshole on the seat next to him. He smiles at Blake as if greeting an old friend. “Hey, sweetheart. Did you miss me?”
“Ian!” Blake barks, sitting as upright as possible in his restraints. “What the fuck is going on?”
“I think it’s safe to say you’re fired. Ain’t that right, King?”
Blake catches his breath as he turns to see Rex in the driver’s seat, a metal cage protecting him from both of them. “What the hell?”
“You swore to me, Blake. You promised to live under my command at the mercy of the stage. You signed the contract, now it’s liable to termination or worse.”
“The ‘or worse’ is the fun part!” Ian grins.
“I tried to be fair,” Rex says with a calm, blank voice, eyes glued to the road ahead. “I tried to warn you that Inez wasn’t interested, and then you went and hurt her so badly.”
“What?” Blake sits up in his spot. “What the hell are you talking about?”
“I’m talking about what you did to our Fire Goddess. Everyone saw the bruises on her neck. I can’t imagine what she’s been going through in your presence. I won’t have an abusive tyrant in my home.”
“That was you!” Blake growls, fighting the ropes at his wrists and ankles. “I know it was! Inez came down from your room with blood dripping down her face!”
“How is that possible? I can’t recall a time Inez was ever in my room. At least,” Rex shoots a sly grin to Blake through the rearview mirror. “Not when anyone else could see.”
“You bastard!” Blake kicks the cage.
“Ooh, that pissed him off!” Ian laughs.
“You fucking monster!” Blake yells. “You know what you did to her! And why is he here?”
“Well, that’s not a friendly tone,” Ian says. “King here called me up with a deal.”
“As I was saying,” Rex continues in a raised voice, “I tried to be fair. I even offered you my daughter and the limelight as a peace offering. I handed you your dream, as well as any sexual fantasy you could have, on a silver platter. I considered it a win-win, and was certain you would, too. But since you’re so willing to give it all up, I can’t afford to have you causing any more trouble in my mansion.”
“That’s why I’m here, Pup. I take care of one little pest, and I get my job back. Inez will still have to marry Allistair, but I can find time to sneak her away.”
“I can’t fucking believe this!” Blake kicks at the cage again. “You offered me your daughter like a piece of property? What the fuck is your problem?”
“Ian, cease his kicking, please.”
“Yes, sir!” Ian pulls out a switchblade and sinks it into Blake’s leg faster than he can react.
He screams as the pain shoots through him, and warm red oozes from the wound and soaks his pants, turning the blue embroidery into an angry shade of violet.
“Now, be a good boy, or I’ll have to get the other leg too.”
Blake’s body trembles, and the pain continues to throb up his leg to his hip and down to his knee.
“They’ll notice I’m gone. What do you plan to tell them?”
“Exactly what I told you,” Rex says. “You’ve been fired for abusing one of your colleagues.”
“You really think they’ll believe that crap?”
“Considering the evidence, I’d say so. Inez begins avoiding you shortly before the ball and won’t tell anyone why. She goes back to Allistair because he’s her best friend and soulmate, and they attend the ball together. Then suddenly, she’s bruised and dancing with you, of all people. You, who came after me when Mishkin collapsed from his unpredictable heart condition. You, who threatened to steal her away from Allistair.”
Blake grits his teeth, glaring at Rex’s soft, calm expression through the rear-view mirror.
“Well, she isn’t my child,” Rex continues. “So I try not to pester her, but her safety is just as important to me as everyone else’s. She is our beloved Fire Goddess, after all, and you’re just a runaway pup. I’m sure the evidence speaks for itself. Even now, you’re still in last night’s clothes. You spent the entire night in Inez’s room, filling the walls of her safe space with lustful nightmares.”
“Oh, so you did fuck her!” Ian sneers, twisting the knife in his leg. Blake’s screaming scratches his throat, but he can’t hold it back.
Ian leans in with a grin. “That pisses me off, but I’m a little turned on, too. Tell me, what did that bitch do with that velvet tongue of hers?”
Blake growls and twists himself to ram his head into Ian’s mouth, the pain in his leg is dull in his rage. Ian yells out in pain as a tooth digs into Blake’s skull.
&n
bsp; “Keep talking about Inez like that and I’ll fucking kill you!”
Ian touches his bloody mouth and glares at the blood on his fingers. His eyes flit to Blake and lunges his fist into his jaw, sending more pain through his already splitting skull. He falls back, shaking, his leg still throbbing as his blood stains the leather seat.
“My, what a temper.” Rex smiles. “It’s no wonder Inez was so afraid. I can’t have you threatening my circus. I believe we all know what happens to violent dogs.”
“And what about Ian here? He’s been threatening them forever and even took advantage of Inez! Then you hurt her in order to frame me? I’m not the one who needs to leave the mansion!”
“Not giving up, are you?” Ian twists the knife, and Blake screams out again.
“That’s enough!” Rex shouts. “We’re here.”
The car swerves off the road, bouncing and swaying back and forth as it drives over rocks, bushes, and fallen trees. They stop short, and Blake is thrown against the cage, then dropped onto the car floor. The knife is still in his leg, making him groan through gritted teeth.
Ian and Rex step out of the car. Blake curls into a ball, pain shooting into every crevice of his body. When he doesn’t move quickly enough, Ian yanks Blake out by his elbow. His hip, knee, and ankle bump the bottom of the car on the way out. Ian drops him onto the ground, and another pang shoots through his head, the stab wound in his leg, and a rock digs into his shoulder.
Blake winces, doing his best to ignore the pain as he struggles to sit. “So, you’re just going to kill me out here, and all your problems will be solved?”
“Of course not,” says Rex. “My status is far too high to put any more blood on my hands. Ian here will do it for me, and I’ll handle that pesky Fire Goddess when I get back.”
“Why kill me at all? Why not just void my contract and make me leave?”
“Inez has been sneaking out of this mansion for a while now. She’s been looking for work and building connections outside. If I let you live, she has more reason to leave. And of course, I cannot risk you revealing our secrets. In truth, your contract was life or death from the beginning. I could renew, or you could disappear, but you were never going back home.”
