Dark Descent into Desire

by J. J. Sorel

  “I should’ve stopped him sooner.”

  “How often?” I asked. My stomach grew tighter with each question. I felt like an interrogator.

  “Only four times.”

  “And did he…?”

  “He played with my dick.” His voice cracked.

  “I would’ve killed him. If anyone hurt you, I wouldn’t think twice.”

  A faint smile touched his face. The intensity of the moment slowly vanished, which helped me breathe evenly at last.

  “I’m sorry to have asked,” I said again.

  “You’re the only living person I could trust to tell, apart from my mother.”

  “Does Dylan Fox know?”

  He shrugged. “It’s possible. The walls always had eyes and ears here.”

  I fell into his arms, and we held each other as the moon illuminated her magic over us. It was more a healing embrace of acknowledgement—for me, having finally found a way into this closed man, and for Blake, I intuited, the relief of having unburdened his soul.

  Blake held out his hand. “Come on. Let’s put that behind us, shall we?”

  Taking his hand, I smiled.

  My spirit warmed knowing that, with each step, our bond had deepened. “This is so insanely picturesque, especially with the moon illuminating the trees. Am I dreaming?”

  “No, darling. It’s very real.” He turned to look at me. “Have you decided yet?”

  “On what?”

  Blake stopped walking. “You’ve forgotten already?”

  “No, of course not.” I paused. “Why do we need to do this so soon?”

  His face became sullen again. “Let’s go.” He took my hand.

  We’d only taken a step when I stopped. “I love you, Blake.”

  His eyes impaled me, penetrating to my core. Could I live with a man whose brooding presence made me shiver one minute and then ache from desire the next?

  “And I love you. I found my mother, and now, after losing Milly, I’m not alone.”

  “Is that why you want to marry me? Because you fear loneliness?” I asked, uncertain where to park my emotions. A part of me needed to hear that Blake couldn’t live without me, while the other craved independence and wanted me to succeed by my own means.

  He drew me close. “No. I don’t have a problem being alone. I just can’t imagine my life without you.” His words breathed a warm, moist stain onto my neck—a reminder of his dirty little utterances when he was deep inside of me. “I’m a very private man. I’ve given you so much of myself that it weakens me.”

  I stared into his eyes. “How has that made you weak? It’s courageous to let a person in.”

  “You’ve witnessed my vulnerabilities. I’m not the strong heroic type that a beautiful woman like you deserves.”

  “That’s bullshit, Blake. I don’t need someone flying through a window, brandishing a weapon to save me.”

  His lips curled, and the lines on his brow smoothed. “You’ve been watching too many sword-fighting movies, I think.”

  I smiled sadly. “I like the fact that you’re complicated. I’m touched that you’ve entrusted me with your painful secrets. I know how difficult that must feel.” I paused for a response, but his eyes just burned into mine. “In many ways, we’re very similar, considering my not-so-pretty life growing up.”

  He took my hand. “We’re kindred spirits, Penny. With you by my side, I can conquer the world.”

  “Is that what you want to do?” I asked.

  “No. It’s a figure of speech.” He led me along. “Come on. Let’s get back. I’m hungry.”

  “But we’ve eaten,” I challenged.

  He cocked his head and grinned. I wanted to eat him there and then.

  An owl’s hoot aroused in me the magic of the forest at midnight.

  In the distance, a gentle breeze swayed silhouetted trees as they performed an arboreal ballet. Coated in a diaphanous veil of mist, the scene was set for a glorious Gothic tale. A howling wolf was all that was missing.

  I crushed Blake’s palm. “I’m so glad you’re here, though. I’d be too chicken to do this alone.” The sound of rustling made me jump.

  “Don’t worry. It’s only a creature.” Blake pointed at a rabbit. “I used to come here often at night.”

  “Really?”

  He played with a strand of my hair and nodded. “You’re a natural fit in here. I can see you in a flowing gown.”

  “Now who’s going all classic movies?”

  He laughed. “More Grimm’s Fairy Tales, I think.”

  Another owl hooted, which made me smile. “That’s so magical.”

  “I also love them. As a teenager, I had a Harry Potter moment and tried to train one as a pet.”

  “Really? I love hearing stories about your life growing up here.”

  He sniffed. “They’re nicer in the telling.”

  “What was your pet owl’s name?” I asked.

  “He wasn’t domesticated. He’d perch on the tree outside my bedroom window. I named him Orson. Orson Owl.”

  I giggled. “That’s sweet.”

  The freshness of the night awakened my face. A large bird flew just over my head, startling me into Blake’s strong hold.

  “That was only a raven.”

  “It was so large.”

  “They are. Amazing creatures. They’re everywhere here.”

  “Hence the title,” I said.

  “They used to frighten Milly and many of the women around here. They’re all very superstitious, and heavily into folklore.”

  “Witchcraft, you mean?”

  He nodded. “Siobhan, one of the maids, practiced. My mother would go to her for advice. She read the tarot. I never believed in any of it myself.”

  “But this is the setting. The ambience is ripe with druidic history.”

  “It is. I think having you here makes me appreciate it more.”

  We stood on the grounds of the estate. The lunar-illuminated gray-stone edifice painted a grim picture. I almost expected to find vampires and maidens in transparent robes floating about with teeth marks on their milky necks.

  I pointed to the turret, which the moon had flooded with mystery. With that dreamy atmosphere storming my senses, I experienced a creative orgasm. I fidgeted for my cellphone.

  “That’s an image that I hated and loved as a boy.”

  “It’s one that’s going into my sketchbook,” I said, aiming the phone toward it. “It will probably be a bit hazy, but wow, even better.”

  Blake smiled. “Thanks.”

  “For what?” I frowned.

  “For being you.”

  49

  * * *

  BLAKE

  PENELOPE SAT UP IN the four-poster bed, her thick dark hair free and her full breasts spilling out of a red silk negligee. I brushed my lips with my tongue, as my heart pumped blood-hot desire to my dick.

  I removed my clothes and walked toward the bed, dropping them along the way. Penelope lifted the cover for me, and I slid up close.

  Moving over slippery silk, I rubbed her erect nipples and stared into her softened dark eyes. Our lips touched, burning and melding together. It was a kiss of love as much as passion, which soon turned into a blaze of need as her curves danced against my body.

  I lowered the thin strap of her gown and caressed her breasts, trailing kisses over her milky soft skin. I sucked her nipples until they were so erect that my cock went to steel.

  My addicted body rubbed against hers. We hadn’t made love since the morning, and the desire to be buried deep inside of her had taken control.

  I parted her curvy thighs and placed my head between them, licking her clit until her sweet, juicy orgasm spurted over my tongue.

  Rolling her over, I lifted her nightie. She went to remove it, but I stopped her. I loved the red silk dripping over her curves.

  Her tits fell into my hands, and I positioned myself behind her. As I slid into her slick cunt, the fit was so tight and resistant that I suc
ked back a slow breath between my clenched teeth.

  It was slow and deep, making pleasure shiver through every pore of my body.

  Her muscles contracted tightly. Her moans deepened the harder I penetrated. Her ass danced on my belly as her wet pussy sucked my dick impatiently, imploring me to thrust harder.

  I pulled back her hair gently and bit her neck. “Come for me, Penny.”

  The friction was so intense, with her pussy swallowing my cock whole, that my eyes watered.

  Blood rushed through me, and color exploded before my eyes, overcome by a mind-shattering climax. At the same time, Penelope moaned loudly as her creamy pussy convulsed around my dick.

  We fell into each other’s arms, breathing heavily.

  Stroking her soft hair, I felt complete and content. “I love you, Penny.”

  * * *

  THE ROOM WAS AWASH in black. As I sat there, admiration flushed through me. Penelope was the first person I’d seen who looked sexy donning a robe and cap.

  She stood at the podium and received a certificate. Her shy smile brought a big one to my face, helping me to forget all about Dylan Fox.

  One hour later, we found ourselves at a high-spirited graduates’ party in a cavernous, grungy warehouse.

  When James turned up with Lilly, Penelope ran up and hugged her.

  It was a little awkward for me at first. I hadn’t forgiven James. But after a few drinks, I loosened up a little.

  He drew me away from the thumping techno throb. “I’ve been doing some digging on Dylan Fox.”

  I glanced over at Penelope, dancing with Lilly and Sheldon, and suggested, “Let’s go outside, where I can hear you.”

  We stepped out into the back alleyway, and James reached into his pocket for a soft pack of cigarettes.

  “You’ve taken them up again?” I asked.

  “I need something.” He grinned tightly.

  The easygoing guy I’d always known was tense and kept looking over his shoulder. His eyes were slightly baggy, and he looked pale.

  “That bad, eh?”

  “He’s got a few of us dangling along,” he said.

  “What do you mean?”

  “Fox is not just blackmailing me. There’s even a prince in the mix.”

  I jerked my head back. “Shit. From the pedophile-island affair you mean?”

  He nodded. “Teenage girls are irresistible amongst that lot.”

  “And you, it would seem,” I replied dryly.

  “I swear, I thought she was seventeen. That’s what she told me.” He looked at me so earnestly that I didn’t recognize him. Drama changed people. I knew that well enough.

  “Other than dragging me into this web of deceit, what else has he got you doing?”

  “Nothing. But…” He held up his finger. “I’ve stumbled on something that could help. A cop, who Fox had on his payroll before the guy turned religious, has been knocked off. He was just about to talk.”

  “How do you know this?”

  “Because I’ve got my own private detective sniffing about. He’s come up with some CCTV footage showing a car running him down. The driver involved is one of Fox’s minions.”

  “That’s useful evidence,” I said.

  “We either get the bastard jailed or have him…” He ran his finger along his neck.

  “That won’t be me,” I shot back.

  “There’s something else.” He looked around before continuing. “There’s an investigative journalist. She’s got a couple of key witnesses from those island hookups. I think you should speak to her.”

  “Do you have her number?”

  He handed me a scrap of paper. Wearing a contrite smile, he said, “Look, I’m really sorry. He had me over a fucking barrel.”

  “I wouldn’t have seen Penelope if I hadn’t visited the Cherry Orchard. That said, betrayal never sits well.”

  “I’ll make it up to you, old man. Promise.”

  I nodded reflectively. I wasn’t sure if we could ever get back to how things were.

  When we returned to the pulsating warehouse, Penelope asked if we could leave. Noisy, crowded rooms had never been my thing. I was glad to be leaving.

  Lilly came up and wished us a good night. By the way James held onto her, I could see that she wasn’t one of his passing fancies. He wore a protective, besotted vibe I recognized.

  As we made our way to the Bentley, where Patrick awaited us, I sensed the presence of someone following. I turned, and two bearlike males overshadowed us.

  “Go to the car,” I whispered.

  Penelope looked at me with wide-eyed apprehension.

  “Just go,” I said.

  She hurried to the car, where I spied Patrick stepping onto the pavement.

  I faced the men. “What do you want?”

  The bigger of the two threw a punch, which I managed to block with my forearm. At the same time, the other lunged at me, and I crunched my knee into his balls. The one who had stumbled back from my punch reached into his pocket, and with perfect timing, Patrick entered the fray, brandishing a gun.

  I kicked the thug to the ground and stood on his hand while Patrick had the other man in a headlock. It all happened in a matter of seconds.

  I moved my foot onto the fat man’s gut. “Are you just trying to rob me? Or are you connected to Fox?”

  He struggled to speak. “He’s sent us to remind you.”

  “Give him this message: if he wants to talk to me, he knows where I am. He doesn’t need to send fat thickheads. Got that?”

  Patrick asked, “Should I call the cops?”

  I shook my head. “I just want to get home.”

  Pointing his gun at the pair, Patrick waited until they disappeared before he got back into the car. That was one of the many advantages of having a driver who’d fought for the Special Forces. In addition to his unwavering loyalty, Patrick had the strength of six men.

  As we drove past them, I turned and noticed the pair shuffling off, looking the worse for wear.

  Penelope handed me a tissue. “Are you okay?”

  Her glassy-eyed fear broke my heart. I took her hand and nodded reassuringly. “I’m fine.”

  She shook her head. “I’ve seen plenty of fights. But hell, where did you learn to fight like that?”

  I almost laughed, more out of nervous tension than humor. “Where I come from, kids did that for a pastime. We didn’t have coloring books or video games to entertain us.”

  Her lips turned up at one end before tightening again. “Was that just a random attack?”

  “Yep. Random,” I lied.

  For someone running a crime syndicate, Dylan Fox hadn’t chosen his minions well. Apart from that recording, I now held another trump card. The thugs who’d attempted Penelope’s abduction had become mine to manipulate. All it took was a little cash and witnesses promising to testify against them. I shook my head in disbelief at Dylan’s stupidity, which shouldn’t have surprised me. Even as a young boy, he’d been brainless and sadistic.

  50

  * * *

  PENELOPE

  TWO SECURITY GUARDS LOITERED by my house, looking very conspicuous. Blake had arranged it. He’d also insisted that Patrick drive me everywhere, mumbling something about keeping me safe, which fed my paranoia.

  Blake sent me a quick message that he had a pressing deadline. I hadn’t seen him for a whole day and night, which wasn’t long, but given how inseparable we’d become, I still felt it. I’d become accustomed to sharing my bed with him. I missed his hungry mouth crushing mine, and his hot needy body pressed against me, touching me in a way that opened me wide as his big dick ravished me.

  That proposal of marriage hung in the air. I wondered if I could spend my life with such a man, who could go from being hot and passionate, to icy and remote within a breath.

  Yet, my body, heart, and soul belonged to him.

  All these thoughts followed me along as I made my way to his house. I thought that if Blake could pop in whenever he
liked, then so could I.

  I lifted the brass knocker tentatively. Pierce answered, and although normally jovial, he seemed a little taken aback.

  “Hey, Pierce.” I used my jolliest voice.

  He hesitantly led me through.

  I heard a female voice and looked at Pierce, who returned an apologetic smile, which only served to incriminate Blake and knot my gut.

  I headed toward the voices, which came from his office, and knocked on the door. Being ajar, it opened.

  A very attractive woman with a notepad sat opposite him. Blake had his legs stretched out, denoting a casual, intimate discussion. He turned toward me, and the color in his face drained away. “Penny.”

  I bit my lip. “I thought I’d drop in.” I looked over at the blond woman with the long legs and fitted blouse showing her curves. I felt faint. “Am I interrupting something?”

  “This is Amelia.” Blake looked at her and said, “And this is Penelope.”

  Not his girlfriend? Just Penelope. Mm…

  My fingernails impaled my sweaty palms.

  “I see you’re occupied. I just thought I’d drop in to say hi.” My eyes wandered over to Amelia, who remained blank faced.

  I turned and walked out. Blake followed me into the living room.

  “Hey.” He took my hand. “It’s not what you think.”

  “Really? You looked pretty chummy. Why do I get this feeling I’m intruding?”

  “Because you are.” His matter-of-fact tone felt like a slap in the face.

  “Well, then, fuck you.” I stormed out.

  He followed me to the door. “Penny, don’t be like this.”

  A flicker of vulnerability coated his eyes, wielding some kind of talismanic power over my heart. The best I could do was throw daggers at those gorgeous blue eyes. I wanted him to be ugly, not beautiful, especially with that woman being in his office.

  Burning jealousy raged through me. I ran off, bludgeoning myself with the gut-wrenching question: Did he taste her with the same hunger dripping from his lips?

  I ended up at Sheldon’s house. He opened the door. “Hey, Penny.”