by Piper Stone
My head ached from the commands. While they were so simple, they were also peeling away another layer. I shifted back in front of the window, darting another glance outside before starting again.
All the while, he never took his eyes off me, the predator waiting for his feast.
When I was completely undressed, I eased one arm over my breasts, placing my other hand in front of my shorn pussy. This was even more embarrassing than before.
“That’s not going to work, Valentina. Lower your arms,” he instructed.
Once again, I obeyed, feeling even more vulnerable.
“Move closer to the window for me.”
I should refuse. This was crazy.
But I didn’t.
Very slowly I did as I was told, standing directly in the center, my legs trembling.
“Very good. Turn around for me. Relax and enjoy the lovely evening, Valentina.”
I was still as I tried to obey, struggling with my sense of humility, the embarrassment that kept my heart racing. When I was in front of the glass, a single whimper escaped my mouth.
“No one can see you, Valentina, but imagine if they did. Close your eyes and envision them watching you. Studying you. Hungering for you.”
I hated the task. I knew he was attempting to help ease my fears, but instead, my skin was crawling. Why was he doing this? Why? Why?
Everything was muddled in my mind. The reason for doing this. The anger I felt. The desire pooling between my legs. I bit back a whimper and did as he asked, instantly able to see images of people watching me. First one then two more. Then a dozen, their hungry eyes staring at me. Wanting me. I tried to keep my hands by my sides, but it was so damn difficult, my mind fucking with every synapse in my brain.
“Relax. There’s no one there. Only the images in your mind.” Gregory’s voice was melodical, taking me away from the fear. I was shocked how much his words seemed to help, or maybe I was just giving in. “How does that feel?”
“Better,” I managed.
“Now, lift your arms over your head. Clasp your fingers together for me, Valentina.” His voice sounded closer, as if it was floating all around me.
I wasn’t even entirely certain I’d obeyed his command.
“Excellent. You’re doing very well, Valentina. Now just breathe for me. In and out. Relax and breathe.”
I took sweeping breaths, the tingling sensations increasing. What the hell was he going to ask me next, to go out onto the balcony? Maybe he’d shackle me to the iron railings, shining a spotlight. “Oh...” The moment I could feel him behind me, the electricity vibrating my skin, the whimper floated from my mouth.
“Mmm...” he murmured as he rubbed the tips of two fingers down my neck, moving ever so slowly down the length of my spine. “Did you wear your plug for me as required?”
I cringed from the question alone. “Of course.”
He tapped my bottom, his exhale heated as it cascaded across my shoulders then kicked my legs apart.
“Yes, sir,” I corrected, clenching my jaw.
“Bend over for me.”
The words seemed to echo in my ear. “What?”
“I asked you to bend over. As I’ve told you before, if I have to ask you a second time, punishment will be needed. Please do as I say.”
I could feel the heat rising on my face, my cheeks burning. Biting my lower lip, I did as he requested, bending at the waist. I was sick to my stomach, my body swaying. For a few seconds I felt nothing, no touch of his hands or even another wave of his warm breath.
When he rubbed both palms down my back, caressing my bottom for several seconds, I held my breath. His hand finally reached for the plug, creating another shudder coursing through me. A moan escaped my lips as he twisted the thick rubber, taking his time as he moved it back and forth.
“Good girl. I’m very pleased. You can stand upright now.”
As soon as I obeyed yet another command, he cupped my breasts, taking one of my hands and placing the palm on the glass surface then doing the same with the other. I even had a feeling of vertigo as I looked down. While there was little activity on the street, I could see plenty of lights on in the other buildings.
He crowded my space, his chest pushed against my back, rolling my nipples in his fingers as he ground his hard cock into my buttocks. “A beautiful city. Wouldn’t you say?”
“Yes. Sir.”
“A city where careers are made then ruined by the wrong choices.”
I held my tongue, waiting to see what he would say.
“I grew up in Alexandra, but I have a feeling you already knew that. Didn’t you, Valentina? I’m certain you know where I went to school, what restaurants I enjoy frequenting. All in the name of doing your job.”
I knew better than not to answer.
He twisted my nipples until a wave of pain exploded, my eyes watering.
“Answer me, Valentina.”
“I checked on the club before I applied. You and your brothers are very accomplished.” My voice was now breathless.
Gregory chuckled then nipped my earlobe, rolling the tip of his tongue back and forth. “Accomplished. Yes, you could say that. Our father was insistent that we perform well academically, making certain we had certain... incentives in order to do so. Unfortunately, my father’s methods were rather brutal in nature.”
No wonder the man was sadistic. “I’m sorry.”
“There is no reason to be sorry, Valentina. While I hated my father growing up, now that he’s gone, I certainly realize why he was determined that all three of us become highly structured and consummate businessmen. I’m certain you know that it’s a dog eat dog world out there, the survival of the fittest.”
I had a feeling he was telling me this for a reason. “I agree. It’s very difficult to get ahead.”
“Without knowing, bribing, or destroying someone, that is. I learned a long time ago which I’d prefer. However, in making my choice, I’ve allowed certain enemies to become hungry, determined to bring me down. Given the nature of their influential worlds, they will use underhanded methods in order to do so.”
A cold chill shifted down my spine. Why did I have the distinct feeling that he was talking about me? “I’ve seen this in action before. Sir.”
Another chuckle slipped past his lips but much darker, huskier. “I’m certain that you have. Tell me. Was your father strict, enforcing the rules no matter the cost?”
I hated this game. I wanted no part of it, but I had the story of my sordid life memorized. Sadly, it had hit far too close to home. “I never knew my father.”
“I’m so sorry to hear that. Did he die?”
My God. The man was picking. “No, he simply wanted nothing to do with my mother after she told him she was pregnant.”
“Bastard. He should be neutered.”
I was surprised at his answer as well as the venom of his words. “I learned to forgive him, even though I will never see him. Ever.”
Gregory kissed the top of my head. “I also understand that as well. It’s sad when the people we begin to care about betray us. Isn’t it?”
A portion of me bristled. Now I was certain he was talking about me. The man was clever as well as intelligent, determined to peel away every layer until he was able to find out the truth. Sadly, he wouldn’t like the reality around the woman standing in front of him any more than he would the dancer who worked at his club. “Very much so. While betrayal can make you stronger, in the end, it also strips you of your life, making you bitter. I hope that’s not the case for you, Gregory.”
In just saying his name, I felt the tension within him swelter, could hear the change in his breathing. He suddenly backed away from me, as if I’d issued a physical blow. Whatever had occurred in his life had done exactly that.
Stripped him of his very soul.
He was bitter and angry because of the past.
And what was worse?
I’d awakened that portion, a burning need to let go of the
past, allowing him to breathe for the first time in years.
He backed into the shadows until I could no longer see him, but I felt his aura surrounding me. I knew better than to move my hands. Every part of me tingled, the combination of anxiety and excitement weighing heavily. His touch alone had left prickles dancing along every inch of skin, the scent of him completely intoxicating. I was drunk on his heated breath, his heady testosterone. The combination was as deadly as the game we were playing.
There was even a portion of me that was questioning whether I could surrender.
Crazy girl. Crazy.
I dug my fingers into the glass until my knuckles were white, longing for him to say something. Anything.
Yet he remained anxious, uncertain, and completely untrusting, making certain I wouldn’t betray him just like someone from his past.
But I would and if I was right, it could destroy him.
Chapter Nine
Gregory
Lightning.
The two bolts were bluish in color, crisscrossing the sky, lighting up the entire window. She didn’t yelp or move in any way, but I could see her eyes opening wide.
As if realizing the danger.
As if understanding the power.
I adored storms, the wondrous feeling of electricity, the ominous sensations when they occurred in the middle of the night.
Tonight was no exception, the lightning and thunder almost cathartic.
I shouldn’t have brought her here. There were no exceptions to the decisions that were required to be made, no forgiveness for weaknesses, but I couldn’t seem to let her go entirely.
Perhaps karma had interfered, allowing me to find her in the parking lot. I almost laughed at the thought.
She was the kind of obsession that had awakened every sensation, the caustic desires spilling out from every surface within my body. I was fully aware of the price my brothers and I could pay for what Michael would call a character flaw. We had someone coming after us, determined to find out where all the dirty little secrets were being hidden. While that could never occur, the fact they were attempting to take all three of us down financially was an interesting twist.
Even the club had been set on fire before, as if my father or grandfather had been stupid enough to keep the volumes of information they’d put together over the years within the club. I also doubted that Valentina had anything to do with the deposits being made. That left me in a quandary. Were there two parties attempting to destroy us? Was it possible she’d been let loose in the club to draw my attention away from what was going on?
There was only one way to begin obtaining information from the lovely dancer. Break down her defenses, the walls that had been secured in place long before she set foot in the club.
I fingered my belt, wanting nothing more than to mark her beautiful skin.
Valentina...
Just seeing her naked body standing in front of the window gave me the kind of dark urges that I’d fought to push aside. There was no blatant reason other than she was so damn innocent, vulnerable. Finding her in the parking lot had altered the course of my actions, making me rethink my ability to simply push her aside.
I heard the pain in her voice as she’d talked about her father and whether or not the story was entirely true, the sentiment held a ring of sincerity. She was just as damaged as I was, perhaps more so, attempting to find her way in a sea of evil creatures.
A bitter laugh threatened to erupt, giving me away as a fraud. Even the moment she’d removed the wig had unleashed another portion of hunger I’d long thought to be dead. She had no way of knowing, nor would she ever find out that she’d awakened the beast.
Even her frank words had added fuel to the fire.
Sighing, I contemplated my next course of actions, darkness swimming to the surface. While I wasn’t surprised that even in her vulnerable state, she was one strong woman, her rebelliousness merely added fuel to the fire. I wanted to break her in order to mold her into the woman I desired.
Her required punishment would wait.
“Come to me, Valentina,” I instructed as I eased down on the chair, my hunger off the rails. Every time I said her name, I was reminded that she likely wasn’t who she purported herself to be, yet the syllables floated off my tongue as if a savory meal.
A feast.
Yes, my hunger required satisfaction.
Her movements stilted, Valentina turned to face me, her expression pensive. I drank her in, my thirst for her sweet pussy increasing.
“Come,” I repeated, beckoning her with a single finger. I wanted nothing more than to have her mouth wrapped around my cock, to feel the wet heat that I’d grown so fond of. Then I would indulge in her sweet juices before fucking her long and hard. My cock was throbbing at the thought alone.
“You’re going to learn to please me in every way,” I breathed, my balls tightening.
“Yes, sir.”
There would always be an air of audacity surrounding her, prodding the need for additional punishment. I felt the dam breaking inside, a burst of the man I’d once been clawing its way to the surface, ready to crush the final chains.
I feared what would happen if that occurred.
She held her head high as she walked toward me, no longer as self-conscious about her nakedness. Sadly, she had no understanding of just how beautiful she truly was, her skin unblemished, her eyes glistening. I wanted nothing more than to tattoo her skin with my name, to pierce her beautiful nipples and clit. Reaching over, I grabbed my drink, swirling the warm wine until it was ready to slosh over the rim. She watched every action, curious as to what would happen next.
After taking a gulp, I pointed to the floor in front of me, finding it difficult not to swoop in like a lion taking his prey. I had to be cautious with her, if for no other reason than to gain her trust. Bile formed in my throat, forcing me to suck down the remainder of the wine.
When she stopped moving, refusing to drop to the floor, I gave her a stern look. “I now have several reasons to punish you. I suggest you begin to follow my orders, or you won’t like what must be done.”
She twisted her mouth then dropped to the floor where she was, tossing her head back and forth. I could tell by her expression that she was playing a part, refusing to fall prey to my desires.
Damn the woman. She was a terrible tease, the kind that kept my cock at full attention and my nerves on edge. I wanted to see how far she’d take this; how much she was willing to push tonight.
So, I allowed her to play.
As she crawled toward me, her eyes never left mine. Another sign of disobedience. Another reason to slice my belt across her bottom. I put the glass on the table then sat back, controlling my breathing.
Her body shifted back and forth in a provocative way as she inched closer. Even the way her breasts jiggled as she moved was enough to make my mouth water. Damn, I craved her, my cockhead already leaking. She would clean up the mess she’d created.
As she crawled between my legs, I heard the purr rumbling up from her chest. I issued a growl of my own, allowing her to hear the intensity of my desire.
She looked at me intently as she sat back on her haunches, a slight smile curling in the corner of her mouth. The way the simple stream of moonlight cascaded in through the windows, highlighting the gorgeous shimmer on her face was far too enticing.
“What can I do for you? Sir?” she purred.
I reached down, stroking the side of her face before tangling my fingers in her hair. “You’re going to suck me.”
The light in her eyes seemed to refract as she twisted her mouth into a perfect ‘O.’
Another tease.
Another moment where she believed she was in control.
She slipped her hands along the insides of my knees, brushing her fingers up and down lightly as she scooted closer. Very slowly she crawled her fingers along the creases of my legs then rose onto her knees. Every sound she made was catlike, every action calculated. I adored
the way she narrowed her eyes, doing everything she could to torment me.
I kept one hand on her hair, wrapping my fingers around her long strands as I watched her. She was so damn beautiful, a breath of fresh air.
As she brushed the back of her hand across my cock, my shaft throbbed in the same heavy beat as my heart. While I wanted this to last, my hunger was increasing to the point of no return. Very slowly she began to unfasten my belt buckle, her long fingers drawing my attention.
The adrenaline increasing, I closed my eyes, attempting to calm my raging libido. When I heard the sound of the zipper, I took a deep breath, savoring the scent of her perfume. After she peeled back my pants, I finally exhaled the moment she wrapped her hand around my cock, her fingers dancing along the surface.
She blew across the tip before darting out her tongue, dragging it around my cockhead only once. I fisted her hair, tugging as a reminder, her hot breath creating a wave of sensations. Then she pressed her lips against the side of my shaft, rolling them down as she tugged my trousers, jerking until she was finally able to free my balls.
I slid down in the chair, allowing her greater access, my mind reeling from all the vile things I hungered to do. She had no idea what a precarious position she was in, her surrendering coming in small batches. With every swipe of her tongue, I envisioned her in different positions, taking her in every possible way.
As she slipped her hand between my legs, cupping and squeezing my balls, I let out a series of husky growls and opened my eyes. I could still see the slight quiver in her lips before she dragged her tongue back and forth across my sensitive slit, capturing the few beads of pre-cum.
“Mmm...” she mused, darting her eyes back in my direction as she pumped up and down the entire length of my shaft, twisting and turning her hand. The friction was incredible, building another layer of vibrations skittering throughout my body. Even the way she rolled my testicles between her fingers brought another wave of red-hot heat.
My blood was on fire, the electricity arcing like a live wire. I could even feel the harsh pulse in my neck, my blood pressure rising.
