“I understand. It was along scene for a punishment, but I felt it was necessary for your lesson. I am proud you didn’t safe word. I enjoyed both pouring the wax onto your fevered body and seeing the hardened shell crack from the cane."At his words, I bite my lip as I am still burning throughout my body. “Can you walk or do you need help?”
My muscles seem frozen in place as I try to move my limbs.
“I’m sorry, sir,” I say apologetically.
He leans down and lifts me up so that I am sitting on the ottoman.
“I will let your body adjust for a moment and then I will give you a bath and a massage. How does that sound?” He questions.
“Good, thank you, sir.” His oiled hand glide across my cheek and his thumb tugs my lip away from my teeth.
“You have pleased me very much, Ms. Winston. You did a marvelous job. I am awestruck that you were able to hold back your pleasure; many take years of practice to learn that skill. Even when you were dripping wet and one crook of my finger would have pushed you over the edge, you held back. I am very impressed.”
Sounded defeated I answer, “Thank you, sir.”
He furrows his brows at my tone and expression.
“Come.”
As Alex helps me walk into the bedroom, my body feels confused by his denial. My brain understands why he must keep me from orgasm, but my body is too heated to comprehend. Unsure of what is next to come, I stand by the door as he strolls into the bathroom. The scent of lavender engulfs my senses and I immediately relax from the sensual fragrance. Alex stalks back over to me and lifts my head into his hands, searching my eyes for something, but I am not sure what he hopes to find. Bending he kisses my forehead and leads me into the tub.
“The cane didn’t leave any welts on your skin, that’s good,” he says as he examines my body in the water. “You shouldn’t feel too sore tomorrow.”
Saying nothing, I stare down at my hands in the water. The tiny crescent shapes along my palms are proof enough that the cane did its damage. Noticing my shiver in the warm water, Alex’s fingers glide down my arms to grasp my hands. The burn he usually leaves on my skin at his touch doesn’t do anything to warm me. As he reaches my hands, I whimper in pain and he swiftly grabs my wrists turning me in his direction, analyzing my self-infliction.
“Goodness, Mallory, why did you do this? Why didn’t you stop me?” he shouts continuing to glance between my palms and eyes.
Staring into his face, I don’t immediately respond to his words.
Seconds later I stutter, “I, uh, I don’t know.”
“You don’t know!” he shouts back at me.
Tossing my hands back in the water, he stumbles out of the tub and grabs a towel along the way, leaving me in the bathroom alone. I try to hold back my sob, but it is no use as one single tear falls from my eye. The rest escape shortly after.
A few minutes later, I rest back into the cooling water and reflect on the scenario that just occurred. I don’t believe Alex is mad at me. He is concerned that I didn’t take my wellbeing into account during our scene. I should have safe worded or at least dug into the furniture, not my hand. Stepping out of the tub, I gingerly grab a towel to dry off and then I throw on my bathrobe, hoping to search for Alex. Exploring the home I can’t find any signs of him and as I am about to call Gregory I notice that the balcony door is open off of the living room. I step outside into the afternoon sun and find Alex leaned over in a patio chair. His hair has a messy look to it as though he must have been running his fingers through the wet strands. He looks so sexy sitting there that I itch to touch him.
Walking slowly towards him, I sense that he is lost in thought and he doesn’t seem to notice me. Crouching down, I kneel beside his leg. When I look up at him, I am startled. Alex’s eyes are wet with tears. I reach my hand forward, but quickly bring it back to my lap. I am afraid to touch him.
Whispered words release from my lips, “Alex? Alex, I am so so so very sorry. I won’t do it again. I promise. Please don’t be angry with me.” I wait for a response, a grunt, a sound, anything, but he gives nothing away. His body is at statue stillness and his breathing is the only clue that he is a living being. When I am about to lose hope and go inside to leave the house, Alex turns his head to me. I search his eyes and all I find is torment. He is at war with himself. “Alex, please,” I whisper again.
He continues to hold his tongue. When my hope has vanished, I break the contact with Alex and look down at my clasped hands. Abruptly, both of Alex’s hands snake into my hair and tilt my head towards him. He leans towards me and presses his forehead against mine.
Alex speaks in a hushed chopped tone as if he is clenching his teeth, “Mallory, you mean the world to me. I am the one that should be sorry. My behavior is inexcusable.”
I reach my hands up to grab his forearms and speak, “I don’t understand.”
Untangling his fingers from my hair, he pulls me up towards him and leans back into his Adirondack chair tugging me onto his lap. I curl into him, resting along his chest.
With a sigh Alex explains, “It is my duty to know your limits and to only push those limits with your consent. I am sorry that I caused you enough pain to hurt yourself, but more than that, you didn’t trust me enough to think I would stop. What can I do to make you trust me, Mallory?”
Sitting up, I grasp his face in my hands.
“I do trust you, Alex, but I’m not sorry I didn’t stop you. I know what a punishment entails. I should have dealt with the pain in a different manner; it was my own fault for clenching my fists. I want to make you happy, Alex. I want to please you. I am only sorry that I have upset you instead.”
Tightening his arms around me, Alex and I both relax onto the chair and contemplate what may have changed in our relationship.
* * *
I wake to find myself on Alex’s bed and realize I must have fallen asleep outside. Glancing towards my nightstand, I see that I have only slept for forty-five minutes. A glass of water and aspirin are sitting beside the clock and I reach over to take them. The water is still very cold and tastes wonderful against my dry mouth.
Once stepping out of bed, I put on jeans and a t-shirt and go in search of Alex. I find him in the family room using the large internet television to video chat with someone. She sounds a bit older and has a strong English accent.
The unfamiliar voice asks, “Alexander, haven’t you taken a long enough vacation? I enjoyed having you here the past two weeks. I think you should come back home as soon as possible.”
“Mother, I am not ready to return yet and if you keep badgering me I will extend my vacation.”
As I step in the room, my movements alert Alex of my presence and he grins widely in my direction. I glance at the screen and I notice that a lovely older woman is looking at me as well. She has Alex’s golden eyes and both Abi and Alex’s dark hair; this must be their mother.
I look back at Alex with a startled expression and apologize, “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.”
“No worries, darling. Please, come join me,” he says as he turns his attention back to the screen.
“Mother, please meet Mallory Winston. Mallory, this is my mother.”
I respond nervously, not quite making eye contact with the screen, “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You as well. I have heard an earful about you from my Abigail. Only good things of course. She mentioned that you are the youngest executive at your advertising agency. That is quite an accomplishment young lady.”
Alex seems to be enjoying the blush that rises to my cheeks from her compliment.
“Thank you, ma’am,” I reply. “I really enjoy what I do.”
“Smart and beautiful; you have done well, Alex. Now I see why you won’t return to us,” the sophisticated older woman says jokingly. Noticing he redness across my cheeks she proclaims, “No need to feel embarrassed, deary. Abi was right; I think Alex is head over heels for you too.”
“Mother!
” Alex shouts as he nervously adjusts his jeans.
“Oh hush, boy,” his mother retorts. “So, Mallory, what are your plans when Alex returns to England?”
“Wow, Mrs. Stone you cut right to the chase,” I tease.
As she bursts out into laughter, I glance over to Alex who looks somewhat eager to hear my answer.
Confused at his reaction I reply, “Ma’am I don’t have any definite plans right now other than to continue with my new position at the agency. Alex and I have agreed to only see each other while he was here so, ma’am, if you don’t mind, I’d like him to stay as long as he can.” Alex’s mother is shooting daggers in his direction and then I remember him mentioning her need to marry him off. I may have made it worse for him when he returns. I mouth to him, “I’m sorry,” and look back at the screen to say, “Mrs. Stone, you must be very proud of your children. From what I know they have all achieved admirable goals.”
“You are right, Mallory. I am beyond proud of my family. I just wish in their lives that they experience the sense of love and happiness that their father and I have.”
“I believe all parents wish that, ma’am. Everyone finds their own happiness in time.”
“Perhaps, but some need a little push,” she says considering my words. “Alex, your father is calling for me. I will talk to you soon. Mallory, it was a pleasure to make your acquaintance.”
“You as well, ma’am. You’ve raised a magnificent son.”
“Thank you, dear.” The screen turns black and I look back at Alex, who is sporting a wiry grin on his face.
“Something amusing you, Mr. Stone?” I inquire as I relax an wander closer into the room.
“Nope. It seems my mother is taken with you as well.”
Crawling over to him on the couch I ask, “Taken? Well, sir, what does that mean for me?”
Grabbing my waist, he places me on his lap, straddling him. “It means everyone in my family that has met you loves you. Though that isn’t very surprising; you’re quite easy to love.” His words stop my heart as I hope that he will utter those three magical words to me. “I’m sorry you won’t get to meet her,” he continues. “At least now she may hold off on her talks of marriage for a few more months.”
And with those words my dreams are shattered. I need to remember where I stand with Alex.
Plastering a fake smile on my face I state, “I’m glad I could help.”
He looks at me quizzically for a few moments causing me to squirm slightly on his lap and then I assume he gets the answer he was searching for when he says, “Would you like to go to dinner tonight or stay in?”
“Whatever you would like to do. I know you’re probably tired from your flight.”
“I am never too tired to spend time with you, darling. Let’s head out for something light and then you can show me how much you missed me.”
With that statement, he turns to lay on the couch pressing me into the cushions and wedges himself between my legs, planting kisses along my jaw line.
“Alex,” I begin, “if you keep doing that we won’t ever make it out for food.”
Reaching down he pushes up on the hem of my shirt and slides his hand along my ribcage.
“But you taste so good, Ms. Winston,” he declares huskily.
As he nibbles my ear, I release a moan and grind against his pelvis.
Tempting him I pose, “Maybe we can have dessert first?”
The hand on my ribcage travels down to the waist of my jeans and unhooks the buttons.
“I like your way of thinking,” Alex responds and continues to tug my jeans down as he meets my lips in a scorching kiss, devouring me whole.
Quickly, he pulls my shirt off to join my jeans on the floor and Alex sits up to remove his shirt and jeans, tossing them next to mine. I sit up and reach behind me to unhook my bra, sliding each strap down my arms as Alex watches me mesmerized. His hand juts out and he pulls me towards him, my mouth meeting his. Our tongues dance choreography of their design. I let the bra fall from my hands and make swift work on the panties I am still wearing. Once I have removed all my clothing, I bend to place kisses along Alex’s chest, hearing his breath catch as my mouth makes contact with his skin. My hands extend to the waistband of his boxer briefs and I slide them down to his folded knees. His erection springs forth and I instantly feel my mouth begin to water. I take his penis into my hands and lean down to lick along the sides. My tongue skates across the head and I grow wetter when I taste his salty bead of moisture. Guiding his erection into my mouth, I take him as far back in my throat as I can manage and I stroke the base using my saliva as a lubricant. When I reach forward and massage his sack, I hear a groan release from Alex’s throat. Soon, I feel Alex place his hand on the back of my head and direct my movements.
“I am going to come, baby,” Alex proclaims through a tight groan. “Swallow it.”
I feel the hot liquid spurt into my throat moments later and I continue to suck, hoping to drain every drop. The flavor Alex expends is mouthwatering and I am addicted to the taste. When he releases me and pulls me up his body I see that his erection still hard and throbbing. Pushing me back on the couch Alex grabs a hold of my wrists and places them above my head in one of his hands. He leans forward to take a nipple into his mouth and the pleasure sends a lightning strike to my core. Releasing my nipple with a pop, he makes work on the other breast. Alex is keeping my legs spread apart with his own so that I have nothing to release the tension and I can feel the surge building in my belly. Every time Alex bites at my nipples, I whimper at my proximity to release. Sensing my need, he trails his other hand down to my clit and flicks it once triggering me to explode as a kaleidoscope of colors pass before my eyes. I meet such an intense orgasm that I am afraid I will lose consciousness. He places sweet kisses on the corners of my mouth and I am immediately brought back to the moment.
My body is still yearning for him to be inside me, as I haven’t gotten enough of him. Alex moves to the other side of the couch and tugs me along with him, straddling his lap. Lifting me slightly, he aligns my opening with his erection and teases my entrance with the head of his cock. Taunting my body, he moves little by little, only going an inch further every time. The hands that I had placed on his shoulders move up to his face, pulling him into another fiery kiss. Tugging me up at the waist so that his cock is barely inside me, he impales himself into my core with one thrust. The movement causes a moan to escape from my lips that he swallows greedily. He begins to thrust while still holding me up and I move my hands back to his shoulders so that I can use them as leverage to meet him at every pound. With the sweat dripping from our bodies, Alex takes me by the shoulders and leans me back at a different angle. He begins rubbing the spot that will send me over the edge and I barely feel his hand move down the opening of my behind. Alex inserts a finger into my tight rosette and I reach another explosion. As I scream out Alex’s name, he follows my orgasm with his own. Losing sense of reality, I recognize that I have never had such an incredible experience with a man.
Exhausted we both lay in a heap of sweaty limbs on the couch.
“I’m going to need another shower before we go out,” I say through a laugh.
“You’re probably right, why don’t we order in and go out tomorrow.”
“That’s the best thing you’ve said all night.”
CHAPTER 17
During the week, Alex and I develop a familiar routine. We both complete work during the same hours and use the evenings to explore more about each other. Alex spends time describing his childhood home and what it’s like in England. I learn he has traveled to several countries around the globe, something I yearn to do. We have similar tastes in music and art and we both love to watch reruns of old comedies.
As I leave work Friday afternoon, Alex helps me to pack for our trip to the beach.
“Mallory, are you certain your parents are ok with my accompanying you?” he asks a bit apprehensive.
“Of course. Believe me,
if they weren’t ok with it, they would say so.”
Alex and I chose to leave that evening and stop at my family’s home along the way to shorten the trip a bit. My family always heads to Hatteras Island in North Carolina and rent a cottage on the beach. From their home in Richmond it is only a 4-hour trip, so it is a relief we can stop along the way. I offered to drive, but Alex insisted.
Once the entire set of luggage is sitting out in the vestibule, I go in search of my charming boyfriend.
“Alex, are you ready?” I inquire.
“I am. I called the concierge to come grab our bags and pull my vehicle around.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to drive?”
“I am very capable of following directions, Ms. Winston. I can even listen to a GPS,” he says jokingly as grabs me around the waist and places a gentle tickle along my ribs.
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I lean in for a kiss and add, “You’re very funny, Alex.”
As we exit the elevator and walk through the lobby, Alex stops off at the security desk to let them know that he will be away for a week, but that his sister and Gregory are granted access to his home. Waiting outside, I see a brand new Ford Raptor pull up to the curb and my Southern heart cries out in envy. Moments later, Alex steps out to join and whistles.
“She is much prettier than I imagined.”
“What?” I exclaim.“This is yours?”
“Indeed, she is.”
“Holy shit, Alex. Your sexiness factor just skyrocketed off the charts.”
“You have a thing for utility vehicles?”
“I have a thing for sexy buff guys that drive a pickup. Every Southern girl does.”
“Well then, I am happy I made this purchase.”
Moving closer to the truck, I say enviously, “I am so jealous of you right now.”
He smiles down at me and lifts me into the truck before placing a soft kiss on my lips.
“I know,” he replies as he shuts the door and struts around to the driver's side.
After Alex climbs into the cab, we head towards my childhood home.
Stone Shattered (The Stone Book 1) Page 17
