Tamed: (A Dark Romance Kidnap Thriller) (The Dark Necessities Trilogy Book 2)

by Felicity Brandon

  “Better?” he asked as he reached out to take the bottle from her.

  Molly nodded. “Yes, thank you, Master,” she whispered as she met his eye.

  Connor smiled, finishing off the rest of the fluid before he threw the empty bottle into the front seat. “Time to get going,” he told her. “Open up for your gag.”

  She leant forward as he produced the black ball gag he’d gotten from the front seat. The thought of being gagged and bound out here all alone was downright scary, yet even in this moment there was something freaking mesmerizing about the plastic gag. She eyed it hanging from his large fingers, half-terrified and half-enthralled. As he shifted closer, her lips parted. It was almost like a reflex. Connor shoved the plastic ball into her mouth, securing the strap behind her head without even needing to look. The man was like a professional.

  “Beautiful,” he murmured as he drew back to look at her again. “You are too fucking beautiful. If I stay any longer, I’m going to end up having to fuck you again.”

  Molly glanced at him furtively. She could feel her nipples tightening at the sound of his words, her body responding to the binds and the gag as it always did – with betrayal. Damn it, she thought miserably. Why was this so hot? Nothing about this situation should be even vaguely arousing, and yet there was no denying it. She could feel the moisture pooling between her thighs already, and she knew it wouldn’t take much effort from Connor to persuade her that fucking again was a good idea.

  “Lie down now,” he growled. “I have a cover here for you.”

  Molly sighed, knowing she had no choice but to obey as he reached under the seat yet again. This time he produced a dark blanket, which he spread out over her naked body. Despite her anxiety, she was grateful for the warmth at once. She had been outright freezing out in the woods with only a cover for company, but inside the relative heat of the car, the blanket offered security.

  She watched as Connor climbed out of the backseat, and jumped behind the steering wheel.

  “Likely no-one will be out here at this time,” he told her as he started the engine and eased the large vehicle forward. “But just in case, let’s move to a less conspicuous place.”

  Molly said nothing of course, gagged as she was, but she didn’t know what he expected her to say anyway. What was the expected reply to the man who had just kidnapped you for a second time? Good idea, Master, keep me out of view at all costs. Good thinking… She squeezed her eyes shut as she mused on the idea, aware only of the motion of the car as they drove on for what felt like some minutes. With the engine running, the interior filled with sumptuous warm air, and for the first time in hours, Molly felt comfortable enough to try and sleep. The concept was as welcome as it was disconcerting, considering the situation she now found herself in. At length, she heard him drop to a lower gear, and she opened her eyes to see him applying the hand brake. He turned, meeting her eye before he spoke.

  “Remember what I told you,” he warned her. “Stay put and don’t be a fool. One failed escape is enough for tonight, don’t you think?”

  His accusing gaze drilled into her, and she nodded slowly. Her heart was racing at just the severity of his look and Molly had no wish to antagonize him further.

  “Good pet,” he replied in a low tone. “Try and keep still or else you’ll trigger the alarm sensors. I won’t be happy if I find that going off by the time I return. I’ll be back as soon as a I can. With any luck I’ll have you back home before breakfast.”

  With those words, the door opened, sending a rush of cool air toward her face. She shivered under the blanket as Connor slipped from the car and out of sight. The slamming front door plunged the vehicle into a new, dark and quiet mood. An ominous omen, perhaps of what was to come. There was no energy left in Molly’s body for that worry now though. Now there was only exhaustion. The black of the car and the warmth of the blanket mingling to create the perfect environment for what she needed most; sleep.

  There was a part of her mind which screamed at her to stay awake, protesting that she should take this chance and try and escape again. The weight of her weariness soon extinguished that voice though. She was utterly drained, out of breath and bound at the wrists and ankles. Escape was no longer an option, and whatever Connor had in store for her would surely be easier to manage with a little sleep under her belt. The last thing she remembered as she stared into the black was her current manuscript, Into the Darkness. It would be due any day now, and her editor, Terry, would be pulling his hair out.

  Chapter Six

  He didn’t like having to leave her, but there was no choice. She’d been out in the woods for long enough, and there was no easy way to transport her without the carrier anyhow. Plus, time was of the essence now. Connor felt that in his core as he paced back off between the trees. One glance at his wristwatch told him it was approaching three o’clock, and at this time of the year, dawn would be approaching soon enough.

  Compelled by the tightening feeling of dread in his chest, he ran the remaining distance back to the cabin. It was already starting to get light on the horizon, night seemingly slipping away to the east, but Connor knew these woods like the back of his hands. It took him less than fifteen minutes to reach the small wooden hut, retrieve the items he needed in his pack, find the pet carrier, and secure the remainder of the place with a new, large padlock. Fortunately, he had brought a spare lock with him, although at the time he’d packed it, he had no idea his willful little pet would have made such a bold attempt to flee.

  Not an attempt, the snarky voice in his head reminded him. A success. You let her get away, and you were damn lucky to find her.

  Ignoring the irritating monologue, he started back for the car. His mind flitted back to the woman bound and gagged there, wondering what she was making of her current predicament. Her ankles had been bound so tightly, there was no chance of her getting away. All she’d be able to do was lie there and wait for him. She had better get used to being alone in the dark, he mused between large strides. Once I’ve punished her sufficiently, that’s where she is going to find herself for a long time. The thought made him smile, and at the same time he was aware of the low throb in his pants. There was no doubt, the idea of containing his little pet was darkly alluring, but this wasn’t just about his pleasure now. It couldn’t be. Connor had to use this punishment to send a message to Molly, one he had clearly been remiss in sending before. She had to fear him, or at least fear him enough not to try escaping again. Though he’d taunted her, going so far as to ask if she was thinking of running, a part of him was still a little shocked that she’d actually had the audacity to flee the first time, but what he’d told her had been true. She was smart, and she was also resourceful. If he ever gave her another opportunity, she might very well take it, and that was something Connor just couldn’t risk.

  By the time he reached the car, daylight was bleeding across the sky. His pulse quickened as he neared the sedan. All of a sudden, the prospect of his pet not being there seemed plausible. Even though logically he knew it was impossible, the panic temporarily took his breath away. Steadying himself, he placed the carrier and bag on the ground and reached for the fob in his pocket. One click unlocked all of the doors simultaneously, and cautiously, he approached the back door. Holding his breath, he opened it slowly to find her just where he left her. The dark blanket covered most of her skin, and based on the rhythmic breaths coming from the inside the vehicle, his pet was fast asleep.

  Asleep.

  The reality was ludicrous really. How could she be so relaxed that she could fall asleep? Connor closed the door carefully, not wanting to disturb her. After everything she had endured in the last few days, he guessed the exhaustion had finally caught up with her, and anyway, she’d need the rest for what he had planned. He threw his pack and the carrier in the trunk of the large car, and leaped into the driver’s seat. The sooner he got his little pet caged, the better.

  It was nearly half past six in the morning when he pull
ed back onto the gravel driveway of the house. Glancing over his shoulder into the back, he noticed Molly’s eyes were still closed. She had slept the whole way home. Connor triggered the sensor on the key fob and watched as the garage door slid open slowly. Now that they were here again, he was calmer. More in control. Molly had caught him off-guard with her little escape back in the woods, but that time was past. Clearly, going there so soon had been a mistake on his part. He wouldn’t be making any more errors of judgment.

  He parked the car in its usual place and flicked on the lights in the garage as the door sealed shut. Now to wake his sleeping beauty, and get this party started. Opening the door, she stirred, the blanket slipping from her nude, bound body as her blue eyes blinked open.

  “We’re home,” he told her darkly. “Time to get you cleaned up and then face the consequences of your actions, pet. Sit up now.”

  Her eyes told of the unease she felt at his words, but she obeyed nonetheless, shifting to an upright position. Fuck, she looked so damn good gagged and bound like this, and all of a sudden, the plans for her punishment cemented in his mind.

  “Lean forward toward me,” Connor instructed. “I’ll do the rest.”

  He noticed she was trembling as she complied, her flesh goosing as the warmth of the car was replaced by the chilly garage air. Leaning into her body, Connor swooped, grabbing her at the hips and throwing her over his left shoulder. It seemed like she weighed practically nothing, or maybe it was just the adrenaline rushing through his body which made the deed seem effortless. Either way, Connor had her up to the first-floor bathroom within a few moments. The gag was removed, and the ropes at her limbs were replaced with her old chains. He had opted to keep a spare set in most rooms of the house for just such an opportunity. Once she was in the bath surrounded by warm water, he cleaned the worst of her cuts, and washed her dark hair with the shower wand as he appraised his little one thoughtfully.

  “How’s that chest now?” he asked her. In truth he knew. He had heard the rattles coming from her lungs since he’d carried her up the stairs.

  “It’s been better, Master,” she admitted in barely a whisper. “Am I allowed my inhalers?”

  Connor was surprised to hear her ask, but in a way, he was glad. He knew she needed her medication, but he also liked the fact she needed him. He got off on it in his usual sick way. He collected the asthma pumps from the medicine cabinet, instructing her to sit up as he handed the first of the two over. Watching her closely, he took a step back as she inhaled the medicine, giving her a moment or two to catch her breath before he swapped it for the reliever.

  “You’d better take a couple of those,” he warned her flatly. “You’ll be hauled up in my basement for the next day or so, and you won’t be living in luxury, pet. What will you be instead?”

  His question seemed to take her by surprise, and she stared up at him with large, frightened eyes for a moment before she answered, “Punished, Master.”

  Connor was pleased to hear she didn’t phrase it as a question. Evidently, Molly knew how much trouble she was in. That at least, was something. “That’s right,” he told her. “Your Master is most disappointed by your performance last night, and after much deliberation, I have finally decided how best to punish you.”

  Their gazes met briefly. In her eyes he saw the trepidation he expected, but still underneath there was something else. What was that? Defiance, maybe, or perhaps just plain willfulness? Whatever it was, Connor had made up his mind. He’d push his pet further than he’d ever done before in that basement, and by the time he was done, he didn’t expect to see anything in her eyes but reverence and submission.

  Chapter Seven

  He had her back down to the basement in no time at all. She was dry, her hair braided behind her back, and the gag had been replaced between her teeth. As ever, the plastic strap was all she was wearing though, unless you counted the chains at her wrists and ankles. And she didn’t. Strapped down to the spanking bench, Molly’s legs were splayed wider than she expected, and her hips were raised by a pile of strategically placed blankets against the leather. She didn’t counter or even try to resist him. What would be the point? She was chained and helpless. Connor was physically stronger than her, and now that he was back in his own domain, he seemed larger than life again. There was no hope of getting away, and that meant taking whatever punishment he was about to dish out.

  “I spent the entire drive here contemplating how best to punish you, pet.”

  Connor’s voice jarred her from her miserable musings, and she turned her head toward it. He was stood there, dressed only in black jogging pants. His lean, muscular torso was on display for her to see, concealed only by his strong arms which were folded in front of his chest.

  “Of course, I can spank you,” he went on. “I can paddle that delicious backside of yours to within an inch of your life, but I want more than that. I need it. I need to make sure you know what will happen when you defy me.”

  Molly panted around the gag. Somehow, the thing hadn’t seemed so bad on the way home, but then she had slept through the whole thing. Now though, her jaw was aching already, and it had only been back in place for a few minutes. Her eyes locked with Connor’s, his resolve evident from just the briefest of connections. He was clearly telling her the truth. Whatever penance was to come, he had obviously spent a lot of time considering it. The thought was not reassuring.

  “As such,” Connor continued. “I have concluded that your punishment should not just be about pain. It should be about pleasure too, or in fact, your complete lack of it.”

  He shifted from his place beside her, stalking to one of the walls in front of her face. Molly strained her head to see what he was doing, her neck screaming at the contorted angle. Ignoring its plea, she caught sight of him collecting a few items. One was an ominous-looking wooden paddle, and another looked like some type of large, industrial vibrator. There was something else, too, but she lost sight of it as he passed by the side of her head.

  Her face fell back to the leather, confusion shrouding her mind. Why did he need a vibrator? Was he going to torture her with orgasms? The thought sounded tantalizing, although if she knew anything about Connor, then she knew it wouldn’t be that easy. He’d already implied there would be no pleasure, so…

  Thwack!

  She pulled hard against the straps at her ankles and wrists. He’d hit her! The son of a bitch had hit her while she’d been thinking. She twisted her face right to try and catch sight of him, but all she could make out was his silhouette in her peripheral vision.

  “First, we warm up this sweet behind,” he declared.

  Molly saw the paddle rise into the air, her body tensing as he sent it to crash back against her ass again. Shrieking through the gag, Molly struggled again, her breaths coming out in short pants.

  “Suck it up, pet,” he sneered as he landed the third swat. “Or let me put this in a way an American will understand. Your ass is quite literally mine. Mine to strike, mine to taunt, mine to fuck, and now I have it right back here where it belongs.”

  Molly balked at his words, something about them sending her crazy. She screamed against the plastic in her mouth, yanking her arms at the straps, but it was futile. It was all futile. Connor laughed at her performance; the fucker actually laughed as he delivered a number of hard strikes in fast succession. The sound of the paddle hitting her flesh filled the small room, consuming her with her own desolate fate. Was this to be it then, she wondered? If there was really no running from Connor, then was her destiny to be his play-thing, his pet? The thought was crushing, but instinctively she fought. She fought for air, for the will to get through this, for just an ounce of freaking composure; for anything which might help. But there was nothing. There was only Molly, the damn bench with its impossible straps, and Connor. She sensed the paddle in his hand was only the first weapon he would use to break her.

  The paddling went on for what seemed like an age. Molly had lost count of th
e strikes a long time ago, but she knew it was a lot. A hell of a lot. More than anything she’d ever endured before in such a short period of time. Her ass was on fire, and each time the wood reconnected, it got worse. She was close to cracking, to crying out again, but instead she held firm. Gripping onto the straps which held her down, she knew she was biting down against the ball gag for everything she was worth.

  At some point the swats stopped, and she heard the clatter as the paddle hit the tiled floor. The pain in her backside seemed to inflame though, burgeoning despite the fact its tormentor had been cast aside.

  “That’s better,” Connor cooed from behind her. “We have a beautiful shade of crimson now. It’s a good start, pet.”

  Molly relaxed her jaw, inhaling through her nose for the first time in what felt like forever. She wanted to tell him to go and fuck himself, but the gag made that impossible, and anyway, even as she grappled with the pain, she knew it wasn’t over. Connor was already on the move behind her. She couldn’t see what he was doing, but she could hear the tread of his bare feet against the tile.

  There was silence for a long moment, but the pause did nothing to reassure her. His hesitation was neither soothing, nor comforting. It was merely the calm before the next storm. Connor was behind her somewhere, watching and waiting. He was ready to play his next hand, and all she could do was pant over the bench before him, fighting to contain the next pool of drool which threated to slide from her gagged mouth.

  Then, all at once, it happened. Something cold and hard was shoved right up against her pussy, the impact making her gasp and strain against her straps. Molly knew right away what it was. She didn’t need him to flick the damn switch and send the deep vibrations running directly to her clit, she already realized it was the vibrator she’d seen earlier. When the thing began to pulse though, she nearly lost it. Yelling as best she could past the plastic ball, she writhed over the bench, soaking up the abrupt sensations coming from between her legs. The toy felt stiff and unrelenting, and the tremors coming from it were equally as insistent. Of course, the pulsing plastic at her cunt was considerably better than the paddling she had just received. In many ways the pulsating thing was desirable. It may only have been a couple of days since Connor had made her come, but a lot had transpired since then, and to Molly it seemed like a lifetime ago. She welcomed the warm throb growing between her legs, and within a few moments, she could feel herself bucking back toward it.