by Ace Gray
He moved to the left and two slaps rang out quickly. The sting was a little painful and a lot delicious. My cries and moans were mingling together, some from the sting or the surprise, but when he got me just right they were nothing but passion. The way the balls shifted inside me made it impossible to focus on any one feeling for too long. It was exquisite in the truest sense of the word.
There was this numb, yet somehow heightened, feeling in my body, like a thick caramel was coating my tingling limbs. The swats were the only thing keeping me from losing myself all together. He had to know too, because on his final blow he hit harder and in just the right spot. I came, calling his name and squeezing tightly to the balls as they shifted inside of me.
Oh my God!
Coming wasn’t a good thing. The balls gently vibrated inside me; they intensified the rolling waves of my orgasm and kept them going. There was no relief. I was more turned on now then I’d been when he started. I tossed and turned on the bed, pulling almost violently on the restraints. I needed to unfold or adjust the silver balls or find some friction. Anything! It only got worse when he reached for my thong and ripped it off in a single, firm pull. I moaned desperately into the sheets below my face.
“I’ve been dying to have my way with that perfect ass?”
His voice turned up sightly, like he was asking permission. I couldn’t deny him, even if I’d found the words. My blood boiled and I shook to the point that Nick had to lay his hands on my hips to stop the trembling. Almost like I was feverish to have him deep inside me, covering every inch of me, claiming me completely as his.
He took his sweet time but eventually he shifted and I heard his jeans hit the floor. Nick’s hands returned as he slid squarely behind me, his knees notched between mine. His breathing was getting heavier and small puffs danced across my skin, the sound echoing in my ears. One hand started to caress where his smacks had rung out before.
A cold, slick drip of lube ran slowly down from my tailbone. When it reached the pucker of my backside, my whole body tensed. It reminded me that the silver balls were still vibrating inside of me. I whimpered a wholly pathetic sound. He used his fingers to circle me and spread the lube before pressing inside. My whole body tensed again.
“Relax, Sweets,” he coaxed.
I did my very best, but it wasn’t much. He pressed again and my mewling became nonsensical. Once his finger moved easily, he started stroking in and out with long, languid strokes. He circled, making sure to press against the balls where he could feel them through the thin wall of my skin. I was completely unintelligible as my head shook side to side.
Nick. That was the only word I was able to formulate, and it was a desperate plea.
His breathing had gone shallow when his finger left my body. In its place, his hard shaft pressed against my backside. An anguished moan split my lips as he raked his fingers down my back. Those strong hands settled on my hips, holding me tight. He gripped tighter when he started to put pressure against my backside. His hands were going to leave a bruise, but it didn’t matter—I had to be marked from the spanking anyways. Besides, I kind of got off seeing where his hands had been.
Nick pressed into me, slowly at first. He paused, his hands skating over my skin. He was holding his breath; only my whimpers filled the room. My pleas were pure pleasure, so he pushed further in. I could feel him everywhere; it was tight. Almost too tight, and a little painful, but Nick’s hand snaked between my thighs and rubbed my clitoris.
My body was so confused by the pleasure and pain, hard and soft, rough and tender, that it was going to short circuit. I cried a loud, pitiful cry when he sank completely in. His skin was flush with mine, and his cock pressed hard against the silver balls. The outline of palm marks sang where his hips pressed against them.
“God, Sweets. Your ass is tight. Perfect, but tight. You OK?” The words came between his gasps.
“Yes.” It was only a squeak.
“Good.”
He growled and began moving in an out, jostling the sliver balls. His hands became a vice and held me in place as his speed increased. There was a steady vibration humming through me as his dick stretched and slammed into me, over and over. He was grunting through gritted teeth, and the sound got huskier every time he crashed in.
I scrambled to brace myself as it got more intense, forgetting I was tethered to the headboard. My wrists burned, but letting him do as he pleased was part of what made it so damned delectable. The late afternoon sun shone brightly into the room, highlighting dewy sweat where I could see my skin. I imagined the same sticky sweat covering Nick and groaned at the fantasy.
He shifted and hit the silver balls at a different angle and I was immediately back in the moment—no thought, only sensation—as an all-consuming orgasm washed over me.
“Nick!” I screamed, my voice raw.
“Sweets. Oh my God!”
He moaned at the sound of my voice and spanked me hard. He doubled his pace and dug his fingers in even harder. My orgasm kept rolling as an unearthly mangled cry left my lips, moving straight into the comforter.
Nick called out harsh and loud as his muscles bunched, going taut against me. Heat spread inside my ass and everything in me twitched in response to his orgasm. Then nothing but labored breathing echoed through the room. When he finally backed out of me he sagged into the bed. I quivered as he gently tugged to reclaim the silver balls; wetness dripped down my leg. His breathing hitched, then he leaned back further to steady himself. He had to be looking at bruises and cum everywhere.
His breathing stayed rough as he leaned down and untied the ribbon. It took my rickety joints a few moments to uncurl, and when I did, he pulled me into his body. His hand came up to my face and he cradled my cheek. He licked his lips then pressed them to mine. He kept them still but his hands skated around my face and into my hair. I wrapped my arms around him and let my fingers trace up and down his muscled back. They skated across his sticky skin and up into his hairline. He was trembling the way I usually did.
This wasn’t the kiss I’d wanted earlier. It was infinitely better. He pressed his lips to mine, over and over again, worshipping my lips and my tongue. I giggled as he let his lips flutter across my face and jaw.
“I think I love you, Nicholas Bryant.”
I whispered the words as he kissed below my ear; they came out without any conscious thought. I was so unhinged I wasn’t in control of anything. His lips froze and I felt his heart slam in his chest where it was pressed to mine.
“You don’t have to say anything. I just thought you should know.”
I meant it. I was saying it without an agenda; my emotions were just so overwhelming. I closed my eyes, content, and continued tracing my fingers along his spine. Nick arched back to take in my full face; I didn’t even realize he’d pulled away until he said my name. I opened my eyes to look at him, letting a blissful smile drift across my face. His stormy eyes searched mine.
As he studied me, his eyes cleared, becoming deep, piercing pools, and he let a shy smile creep across his face. He leaned back down and kissed me reverentially; his lips saying the things he couldn’t. I ran my fingers through his hair and he rolled to press his whole weight against me. We slowly made love again, this time until the light changed and threw shadows across our bodies.
27.
“May I have this dance?”
Nick looked flawless in his tuxedo as he leaned over my shoulder at the table. As much as I hated the steel gray eyes he’d been wearing this evening, they coordinated perfectly with the fine fabric. I’d told him we shouldn’t attend the event if he was so worried about security; he’d insisted because it was business related. I wore my emerald green Pucci dress with geometric cutouts above my breast and hip, causing his mood to improve but only ever so slightly.
“You dance?” I teased as he pulled me to the floor and into an expert hold. His fingers skated to my backside and pressed into my bruises. Hard. I gasped.
“Are you really
surprised?” He chuckled warmly.
“Shocked is more like it. And honestly, I don’t know why. Your mother mentioned how frequently you attend these sorts of events.”
“My mother shared quite a bit of information with you today, didn’t she?” The sound that escaped his lips was a mix between an exasperated sigh and a slight chuckle. “I’m surprised she didn’t explain that attendance and decorum at these things was, and still is, expected. You know how I grew up.” He swirled me expertly around the dance floor.
“I know next to nothing about how you grew up.” I arched my eyebrow.
“I would think it’s quite obvious at this point.”
“How can it be obvious if you’ve said nothing? What’s obvious is vague and cryptic are family traits.”
We danced in silence for the rest of the song. When it ended, I expected to return to mingling. Instead, he stopped me and pulled me closer for the next, slower song.
“I just don’t want you mixed up in the shit that was my childhood.” He barely choked the words into my ear; I leaned my head against his chest.
“Did it ever occur to you that I want to be mixed up in it? I want to know everything about you, and I want to be there for you.” I drew in a deep breath. “I love you, after all.”
He leaned down, still swaying, and took my lips with his. I knew that was the end of the conversation. He had his own way of handling me. But at least we didn’t brawl about it this time.
I wondered what it would take for him to trust me with his secrets. He was driven, and moody as hell, but otherwise normal. What was he hiding that he thought was so bad?
“May I cut in?” A deep voice asked over my shoulder.
Nick tensed under my fingertips. “No.” His voice was frightening in response.
“I believe that’s Ms. Elliott’s choice.”
The voice behind me became gritty and mocking, all at the same time.
Nick was clenching his teeth and his eyes were cold and dark. He simply held the gaze of the man behind me. I shifted slightly and caught a glimpse of the blonde Nick had barked at as his fingers dug uncomfortably into my hip.
I recognized Victor Alexander as soon as I laid eyes on him. I would have told him fuck off, even without Nick. He owned the half of Manhattan Bryant didn’t. They had jockeyed back and forth for power and real estate for years, but Bryant had widened the gap in the last two. Victor accused Bryant Venture Group of numerous illegal activities, but most colleagues believed he was the one dealing illicitly.
He was attractive in a country club and polo kind of way. He had wavy blonde hair and a megawatt smile. He was leaner and shorter than Bryant. Something about the way he looked at us was downright creepy. I got a sense he didn’t do business like Bryant. Nick emanated power, while Victor emanated greed. His eyes appeared cruel and they sent shivers down my spine.
“Thank you, but no.” I was as brisk as I could be.
“May I ask why not?”
His voice made my skin crawl. Why so many people fell at his feet I didn’t know. Or—on second thought—didn’t want to.
“No.” I had no trouble telling assholes to fuck off, I never had.
“Suit yourself.” His nonchalant words couldn’t hide the anger that tinged his voice. He turned on his heel and walked away.
Bryant’s hold was so tight I tried to spread my fingers and wiggle my hip against it. He got the message but barely relaxed; his grip adjusted to only slightly painful. No one around us noticed the exchange, but the amount of time we’d spent frozen in place would soon draw attention.
“Bryant,” I was sharp but quiet, “We need to dance or get off the floor.” I smiled so he’d know I wasn’t upset. He didn’t turn or unfreeze.
“Nick, please.”
He kept my hand but dropped his hold. I sighed; my hip was grateful to be out of his angry grasp. He escorted me back to our table. Dessert would be served shortly, and with the sudden change in Nick’s mood, I was hoping we could leave shortly afterward.
“I handled it as best as I could,” I said under my breath.
I let my eyes fall to my fingers and traced where ours interlaced. He sighed and finally softened his look toward me.
“You were just fine. Between the crowded room and Victor…” He sneered when he said the name. “I’m on edge and trying to hold on to my perfect afternoon with you. I’d be lying if I said it was easy.”
“I’m sorry. I really am trying not to make it more difficult.”
He kissed my forehead. “I know that, too.”
The tension eased between us, but we both tiptoed through the rest of our evening. Dessert took far longer to arrive than it should have. I continued drinking brandy, although Nick tried to take my glass away—twice—reminding me of yesterday. I would have fought with him if I hadn’t promised myself I’d behave.
We weren’t even halfway through dessert when he started getting noticeably antsy. Despite being restless, after plates were cleared, he rose to talk to a couple that warmly greeted him. My heart sank; he was playing his part, a slave to proper etiquette. Luckily, I had no such qualms. I carefully unfolded, slipping my hand onto his perfect shoulder.
“Bryant, I hate to interrupt,” I flashed my most charming smile at the couple, “But I have an early meeting. Would you mind terribly if we left?”
Relief flooded his face.
“Of course, Kate. Whatever you’d like.”
His eyes twinkled and gratitude laced his voice. I grabbed my clutch from the table and took his offered elbow as we walked toward the exit. Partway to the door he shifted his arm, wrapping it across the small of my back and to my hip. I leaned in and smiled into his shoulder as we walked out.
The press went wild when they saw us, our affection obvious toward one another. For the first time, Nick answered one of their questions. Yes, she’s mine. His words made me smile and curl further into his chest. I honestly hoped this would make the paper tomorrow.
I stayed curled into him during the car ride and as we climbed the stairs to his bedroom. I’d barely moved away from him when he pulled me back to innocently undress me. I forced myself to do the same. We were standing nose to nose in pajamas when a loud, hearty laugh escaped my throat.
“What’s so funny?” Nick gave me a quizzical look.
“This,” I gestured between us, “Is just so normal.”
He smiled as well. “We will never be normal. There will just be moments when we’re too tired to rip each other’s clothes off. Doesn’t mean we don’t want to.”
He winked as he slipped between the covers. In bed, he made a point to pull me toward him. With a soft, husky chuckle he rolled his hips against me so I could feel his erection hard against my ass.
“Will you give me a goodnight kiss?”
Nick’s voice was barely a whisper over my shoulder. I nodded and smiled as I turned over to face him. I propped myself up on my elbow and kissed his soft lips.
“Oh, Sweets,” he beamed. “Come down here.”
He patted his chest and I snuggled into the crook of his shoulder, tangling my legs into his. His fingers skated up my arm as I listened to his heart beating. My hand rested on his strong chest as it rose and fell. He was right—this wasn’t normal. Normal people weren’t this enrapt with each other. He fell asleep quickly, but I stayed awake listening to his heart for as long as I possibly could.
There was a high-pitched and ridiculous squawking shattering my morning peace. As the day came into focus I made out that it was someone shouting. The words slowly became clearer, as did the clock. It was 11 in the morning; I couldn’t remember the last time I’d slept that late.
“Where is my lazy ass brother? He never sleeps in. And he never sends his people to pick me up!” The decibel level was rising, even through the bedroom door.
“What is my sister carrying on about? Why is she even here?”
Nick grumbled beside me. He flopped toward me and dragged me back against his body.
&nb
sp; “Is he in here?” His sister, apparently right on the other side of the door, was becoming downright shrill.
“Miss Aribella, please don’t go in there. He’ll be out shortly.”
Jaime sounded like he was between the noise and the door. I had to give him points for trying.
“Why can’t I go in? Is he in the middle of some super secret something or other?” She was every bit the firecracker her mother implied.
“He’s with his girlfriend.” The door barely muffled the conversation.
“His girlfriend?” she shrieked. With that exclamation the door clattered open, hitting the stopper against the wall and a lithe, little thing—a carbon copy of Julia with caramel colored hair—exploded in. “You have a girlfriend?”
“Yes.” Nick kept his body turned toward me and his lips pressed against my hair. “Kate, this is hurricane Aribella. Aribella, this is my girlfriend, Kate.”
“But you don’t do girlfriends!”
She was still rather shrill as she plopped at the foot of the bed to watch her big brother. I didn’t know what to think of her.
“I haven’t before but I obviously do now.”
“Oh my God! This is just like Fifty Shades of Grey! Billionaire recluse tycoon learns to love.” She spread her hands across her imaginary headline, and I couldn’t help but laugh.
Aribella kept right on talking. “Is she your secretary? Is there a contract? Are you going to help him learn to open up and trust again? Does Mom know?”
Nick’s hand left my hip and moved to his forehead so he could rub his temples.
“Ari, you haven’t even been in my apartment for five minutes and you’re giving me a headache.”
“You didn’t answer my questions.” She playfully swatted our feet.
“I thought you got in at two this afternoon. We were going to come get you.” He was still rubbing his forehead.
