Bonds of Hope

by Lynda Aicher

  He bent and circled a nipple with his tongue, the mix of heat and cool sending a shiver over her chest. “I want to touch you first.” He sucked her bud into his mouth, his teeth working the peak. He released it to kiss his way over to the other one. “Taste you.”

  She flinched when he bit down, even though she’d been prepared for it. He sucked and flicked and nibbled on the tip until she moaned with the pleasure. Keeping still, not touching him was another sweet torture from something that appeared so innocent.

  “Please,” she pleaded.

  His breath warmed her stomach as he worked his way lower. He eased her legs apart to lay between them. “Tell me what else you want.”

  Why did he do this? She couldn’t think clearly when he was tonguing moist circles around her bellybutton. “For you to stop asking me questions.”

  His throaty chuckle tickled her belly. “Not going to happen.” The bite landed on the tender area of her hip. She sucked in a hissing breath. “Another answer.”

  “I want to taste you.” So badly.

  His kisses moved lower and he pushed her legs up, bending her knees. “Where?”

  “Everywhere.” Her voice was breathy and high.

  The heat of his mouth closed over her mound as he nuzzled his way between her folds to flick his tongue over her clit. Her gasp was lost behind the needy sound that leaked from her throat. She tried to thrust her hips, but he held them still, reminding her that he was in control. “Tell me more.” His lips moved over the sensitive area with each word, his breath like fire.

  She cleared her throat and tried to think. An impossible task. “I want to ride you.” The thought of having all that power beneath her was amazingly hot.

  “Like a horse?”

  Her snort of laugher burst out in a harsh gust that was immediately cut off when he sucked on her clit. Oh, God. She wanted all of him. Too darn much. But she couldn’t say that. “I want you in me.”

  “Like this?” He pressed his fingers into her wet channel, and she tossed her head back to keep from bucking like a bronco.

  “Yes. No.” She shook her head, but it didn’t clear her thoughts. “More. You. I want all of you.” The words were out before she could stop them.

  He lifted up, his face suddenly hovering over hers. He licked his lips, her eyes following the tantalizing sight, wanting to do the same thing. She met his gaze and her breath stalled.

  “I want to make love to you,” she whispered, the truth falling from her lips so easily now. “Please.”

  * * *

  Marcus stared at her for a long moment then swooped down to take her mouth in a sweet yet punishing kiss. Her scent flooded his senses as she hungrily licked and sucked her juices from his lips. They tasted of her and him and everything they were together.

  She wrapped her legs around his to hold him tight. He ground his throbbing erection into the hard ridge of her pubic bone. But it wasn’t enough.

  “God, kitten.” He jerked away, rolling to the side. The next instant he tossed his sleep shorts away and was digging in the nightstand for a condom.

  The foil square landed on the pillow next to her head and a second later he had her spun around and sitting astride his hips. The hot, damp heat of her pussy settled against his groin in a sweet temptation. He squeezed his eyes closed, running football plays in his head until his control was back.

  The vision of her riding above him was a spectacular sight when he opened his eyes. It was almost a replica of last night, with her head tossed back and her hair streaming down in a silky fall. But it was improved. Her bound hands were pressed to her chest, presenting the rosy peaks of her nipples like an offering to him.

  The clean line of her neck was made beautiful by the simple stripe of his collar. His collar. Damn, it was perfect there.

  He gripped her hips and slowly slid his dick back and forth across her wetness. It was a torturous act that tested him too. Just the thought of tilting his hips and sliding into her had his balls ready to shoot. His breath matched hers, the quick sawing sound cutting through the air in an erotic tune.

  “Put your hands behind your head, Quinn.”

  She straightened her spine in a wave executed with the grace of an exotic dancer. She stared at him, her eyes a stormy blue that reminded him of the deep waters of Lake Superior. Her lips were opened in a sultry part that had him aching to taste her again. Slowly, she lifted her arms and placed her bound wrists behind her head. The position forced her chest out, her breasts thrust before him ripe and ready.

  The glow of daylight edging around the curtains provided enough light to admire every inch of her, and he let his appreciation show. She was so petite. He spread his hands wide and they came close to touching around the dainty circumference of her waist. She inhaled, her abdomen contracting, and his fingertips grazed each other. Unbelievable. So much strength packed in such a surprising package.

  He cupped her breasts. They were small but right for her. Thank God she hadn’t followed the Hollywood trend and had them enhanced. He twirled each nipple between his fingers. Her struggle to hold still clicked that dominant button that drove him, spiking his adrenaline. Her hips jerked, the movement grinding her wetness onto his erection.

  “Give me your hands.” His voice had dropped another octave, the words seeming to scratch over his vocal cords.

  She complied, lifting her arms and extending them toward him. He rocked his hips, and she moved with him, her pelvis undulating to ride him in a sensual move that was slow and hot. He ground his teeth, his groan confined behind his locked lips.

  He freed her hands, rubbing her wrists before tossing the shirt to the side. “Touch me, Quinn.”

  “God. Yes.” Her breathy reply was edged with an undercurrent of eager anticipation that had him doubting his sanity. Her silky-soft touch was bold as she smoothed her palms over his chest, across his shoulders, down his arms. She didn’t miss a spot on her inspection of his body. “You’re so gorgeous.” Distracted and offhanded, the mumbled words came across as unintentional commentary.

  He’d had many subs say that to him, but none had ever tripped his heart the way her simple praise did. He fisted his hands in the sheets to keep from grabbing her right then and ramming into her. This was her time, and he’d wait for her. Even if it killed him.

  Kisses followed, hot breaths and wet licks that teased and tormented from his neck to his navel. Soft murmurs of appreciation trailed her movements and had him straining for her next touch. She sucked his nipple into her mouth, the heady pressure sparking a blaze of fiery spears straight to his balls.

  She glanced up, a wicked gleam in her eye that should have warned him. The bite was sharp and firm and was intensified when she wiggled the tip between her teeth, teasing the point until it ached.

  Shit. He loved it. He rarely let subs touch him. Not like this. Giving her free rein was yet another thing he’d only done with her. Given to her.

  She lavished the other nipple with the same treatment, her mouth an exquisite torture instrument. He gasped for air, his dick harder than steel and aching to come. She sat up, her face flushed, her lips plump and red. She rocked her pussy over his erection again, bracing her hands on his chest and closing her eyes as she ground her clit on the head of his dick. The sensation of her moist heat combined with her lusty expression almost had him shooting his load. He was that close to losing control.

  “Christ.” A drop of sweat slid down his brow and a stream of curses sat on the tip of his tongue. “Get that condom. Now.”

  Her chuckle was sexy and throaty. “But I haven’t tasted that yet.”

  “You’ve run out of time.” He reached between her legs and teased her clit in the same manner that she’d been teasing him. “I have to get in you.”

  “Okay.” Her consent was blended with a low moan.

  He grabbed the packet and ripped it open, but she snatched it from him when it was free.

  “Let me.” She didn’t wait for his response before shimmying
down his legs. His dick bobbed as it was freed, the topside glistening with their mingled juices.

  Oh, holy everything. She ran her fingers up and down his length, her touch whisper-light before grabbing the base in her fist. His eyes closed on reflex. The hot jab of pleasure was like a sucker punch to his gut. But they flew open again when the wet tip of her tongue glided around the sensitive head of his dick. There was no way he would last if she kept that up. For a man who was used to denying his arousal, she’d brought him to the brink multiple times with seeming ease.

  “Now, Quinn.”

  His sharp command was practically growled. It would’ve had most submissives jumping to do his bidding.

  Not his Quinn. She looked up at him through her long lashes and raised her brows. “But we taste so good together.”

  This time an honest-to-God growl did tumble from his chest. Her lilting laugher was all that stopped him from strapping her to the bed and taking everything he wanted. He cupped the back of her head and hauled her up, her resistance nothing more than a weak protest. She sprawled over him, her skin burning him wherever they touched.

  “You’d better glove me and ride me while you still got the chance. Kitten.” The last word was spoken between gritted teeth, his control stretched to the very end of his endurance.

  Her eyes darkened and she leaned in to place the gentlest of kisses on his lips. “Yes, Marcus.”

  So soft, so sexy. Two words have never sounded better.

  She sat up, grabbed his dick and rolled the condom on with an easy efficiency. He ran his hand down it to ensure the fit then lifted her up and positioned his shaft at her entrance. The air seemed to pulse and heave with the expectancy. His heart raced and his breath refused to leave his lungs.

  Then it was one long slide of slick, hot tightness into heaven.

  “Fuck.” The word snuck out on his exhale as she took him completely within her.

  “Yes.” Her agreement was hidden within her churning groan.

  He couldn’t even process how great she felt. How right this was. She lifted and dropped, the slippery heat clenching his dick. Sweat covered his skin, the force of holding back turning his blood to boiling. He couldn’t take his eyes off her, though. She rose and fell, setting a pace that was frustratingly slow, given the urgency that he wanted to slam into her. But it was an intoxicating dance that he let her lead. She swiveled her hips and rocked on him, the rhythm varied and mixed enough to keep him on edge.

  When he couldn’t stand it any longer, he braced his feet on the bed, grabbed her hips and thrust up, taking what he wanted. She cried out and arched her back in that exotic way of hers. God, he needed more. Had to have more.

  In one smooth roll, he had them turned with her tucked beneath him. His dick was back in her in the next breath. Here. Yeah, here was where he belonged.

  She wrapped her legs around his hips and he powered into her, taking everything she gave. He took her lips with the same force. There was nothing of her he didn’t want. He kissed her neck, her shoulder, anywhere he could reach.

  “You’re mine.” His haggard words broke through the air on shuddered breath.

  “Marcus.” She tipped her pelvis and squeezed her legs to bring him closer. “I’m gonna...” She twisted her head and writhed beneath him.

  He was too. So close. He leaned back, met her gaze and gave her what she wanted. Reaching between them, he found her clit and rubbed. “Come, Quinn.”

  She exploded on a high, “Yes.”

  Her muscles clenched around him, squeezing him tight. He rode out her orgasm, entranced by every emotion that crossed her face. She was coming down before he let go. His orgasm erupted in a hard, roaring force and he pounded into her one last time before he froze then exploded.

  The world blacked out behind the rush of blood that pounded with the pace of his heart in his head. He sucked in air in a big, gasping gulp that didn’t help his oxygen levels. His arms started to shake, and he had the presence of mind to roll to the side so he didn’t crush her.

  “Holy...yeah,” he panted when he could finally speak. The cool air swooped in to chill his heated skin and he need to take care of the condom, but he couldn’t move. Not even an inch.

  “Agreed,” came the faint mumble to his side.

  It was another minute or two before he managed to grab a tissue and clean himself up. He propped his head on his hand and enjoyed the unguarded view of her. Her skin was damp, like his. Little baby hairs curled enticingly along her hair line and her lashes were long and dark against her cheeks.

  “You’re watching me, aren’t you?” Her lips quirked in a soft smile, but nothing else moved.

  He could watch her all day. A disturbing thought if he cared to analyze it. He didn’t. “If you know that, why’d you ask?”

  “Just checking.”

  “Do you have plans for the day?” He guessed it was heading toward late morning, but he wasn’t certain.

  “Nope.”

  “The Vikings play this afternoon. Any chance you’re a football fan?”

  “Nope.” Her answer hadn’t changed, but her smile grew with the reply.

  Brat. “What are you a fan of then?”

  Her shrug was small and indifferent. “Not much.”

  “In that case, it’s time you become a fan of something.” He scooped her up and shot off the bed before she could object.

  “What are you doing?” The disapproval in her voice didn’t mix with the laughter in her eyes.

  “We’re showering,” he told her. “And then you are going to be converted into the best Vikings fan there is.”

  He turned on the shower and held back his laughter at her stunned face. She wasn’t protesting, though. Not even a little.

  Chapter Seventeen

  A cheer went up, the small crowd whooping in excitement with the fans on TV as they went wild. Quinn sat back, laughing at the rowdy clapping and cheering that was celebrated all around. Marcus had bolted from his chair to hail Jake and Tyler in high-fives at the bar. She knew enough about football to understand that the last touchdown had won the game for their team.

  The group assembled in the bar area of The Den contained a strange mix of full-on Doms and subs dressed in leather or basically nothing, and others sporting jerseys, T-shirts and jeans. Fortunately, she was clumped with the second group for this event.

  Marcus had decked her out head to toe in purple and gold. Yet another color combo she wouldn’t be caught wearing on Rodeo Drive. But it was definitely the dress of choice for the afternoon gathering. There’d been no point in protesting when he’d hauled her to a local sports store and bought her multiple shirts promoting the Vikings and Gophers football teams.

  “How are you doing, Quinn?”

  She turned around to see Vanessa standing behind her chair. She hadn’t noticed the woman’s arrival. Wearing jeans, a V-neck black sweater and spiked black-heeled boots, Vanessa could’ve been dressed for either a night in or out of the club. Her hair was down today, the dark strands straight, glossy and falling to mid-back.

  “I’m good, thanks.”

  “Do you mind if I sit down?”

  Quinn shook her head. Marcus was still at the bar, analyzing the game with some other guys and given their expressions, the debate looked heated. Vanessa took the seat across from her and studied Quinn in a way that was reminiscent of the first time they’d met. Her good mood drained away with the premonition that the conversation wasn’t going to be pleasant.

  “What can I do for you?” Quinn asked, edging the talk along. She sat up straighter, squared her shoulders and prepared for what was coming.

  “Have you enjoyed your time at The Den?”

  The pleasant tone of the question didn’t fool her. “Yes.”

  Vanessa sat back and gave a casual glance at her manicured nails. “Learn everything you needed?”

  “Yes.” Quinn wasn’t going to play the Domme’s game and wait for her to get to her point. “What do you really want to kno
w?”

  Vanessa dropped her pretense to hit Quinn with a hard stare that would’ve been perfect in the boardroom or the Dungeon. “I wasn’t here when Marcus signed that sub contract with you and I’m not sure if it was the best thing for either of you.”

  Quinn bristled, irritation turning her voice just as hard and direct as the Mistress’s. “It had nothing to do with you. It still doesn’t. It was my decision to make, not yours. I don’t regret it either.”

  “What do you plan to do now?”

  “Meaning?”

  “Contractually.” Vanessa glanced over to Marcus, and Quinn followed her gaze. He was still at the bar, but he’d lost his smile. He stood stiffly next to Jake, his attention clearly on them. “Tonight’s your last night here. Are you heading back to L.A. tomorrow?”

  Rationally Quinn knew she could walk away and ignore the woman. There was no reason she had to sit there and continue to be grilled like she was an irresponsible child. Yet years of listening to people just like Vanessa seemed to have glued her to the seat. She took a drink of her water and found her resolve.

  “I’m willing to bet you know the answer to that.” Quinn eyed the other woman. “I have no doubt my publicist gave you my itinerary just in case there was anything in the area that I should avoid or exploit. Am I right?”

  Vanessa neither denied nor conceded the question. “Does that mean you plan on seeing Marcus after this?”

  “I don’t understand why that’s any of your business.” Quinn had lived too long in the public spotlight to freely give away details about her personal life. And Marcus was personal.

  “I’m not trying to be rude.” Vanessa cut another quick glance to Marcus before continuing. “Honestly. I’m concerned about you.”

  Even if Quinn wanted to believe that line—one she’d heard hundreds of times in the past without any real substance behind it—she wouldn’t confide anything to this woman. “I’m fine.”

  “Quinn.” Vanessa sighed and rubbed her brow. “You walked into this world a week ago. You know virtually nothing about it except what Marcus has shown you.” She leaned forward, her expression a mix of concern and cunning attack. “Have you thought about his job? He’s a professional Dom with a full list of clients he services.”