by A L Williams
I internally groaned and walked to the other side, running my hands along her beautiful reddened ass. I squeezed it and she moaned, pushing her hips into the table. I went back to striking her, reveling in the grunts and gasps she released with the impact. My head buzzed, and my skin tingled. I bit my lip, trying to focus on my task. Focusing on bringing her into that blissful place.
She began to tremble under the onslaught, and I slowed, not wanting to shock her with an abrupt stop. Once I had slowed to an almost nonexistent pace, I rubbed her back, soothing the warm skin.
I glanced up, feeling eyes on me and tensed. White eyes stared back from a figure shrouded in darkness.
I gasped when the figure stepped closer, staying near the door.
Gabriel.
They continued to stare, an expression that I had never seen before on their ebony face. Their eyes were filled with a mix of confusion. I looked down, finding an erection—a stark contrast to the lack of heat in their expression.
Neither of us moved, locked in a silent stare down.
“Ma’am?” Kate murmured.
I jumped and went back to her, scolding myself for ignoring my sub, and ran my hand through her hair. “I’m sorry, girl. That was cruel of me.”
She shook her head slowly, her eyes clouded and distant. It was clear she was in subspace. Not deep, but there. ‘It’s alright…” She bit her lip.
“What is it, pet?” I said, putting all the affection I could into my words.
She pushed her hips into the table. “I need you. More.”
I nodded. “Alright, pet.”
Before I resumed the flogging, I looked towards where Gabriel had been, finding the spot empty. I scanned the room, finding no trace of them.
I’ll deal with that later.
I returned to flogging Kate, pushing her deep into subspace, and then fucked her until she screamed. She came all over the table, followed by my intense release as Gabriel’s gaze flashed through my mind.
When we were finished, and Kate recovered during our aftercare, I cleaned up the table and packed up my supplies.
“Hey!”
I looked up, landing on Ben. He sauntered over with a big grin. I gaped at him. “What—what are you doing here?”
“Oh, my date wanted to come visit. I’ve never been here before, and I definitely didn’t expect you to be here.” He moved closer. “That was hot, by the way.”
I blinked, and he turned, walking over to a man who was leaning against the wall watching the others play. I rushed forward before he got too far. “Wait!”
Ben turned back, eyeing me curiously. I approached him. “Any news? Have any children been taken?” I said, making sure my voice was low.
He sighed. “No. Hayley, everything is under control. Don’t worry so much. I gotta go. I have a man to fuck.” He walked away, swaying with each step.
After I finished packing up, my mind still raced from Ben’s presence and Gabriel showing up. Next, Corbin would be here.
I shuddered at that thought.
Last thing I needed was to see my cousin naked and being fucked silly.
The part that bothered me the most was my reaction to Gabriel. Fucking Kate had been phenomenal, but it wasn’t what brought my orgasm. It was the look that Gabriel had. That curiosity had done things to me I didn’t expect. I hated them. Why was I so aroused?
Their expression flashed in my mind again, and my pussy clenched as I walked out of the club, glancing back at Ben. He had the smaller man pressed into the wall, attacking his mouth.
When I stepped outside, the air hit me, sending goosebumps along my skin. I pulled out my phone, set up a ride home, and waited.
Gabriel’s eyes had done something to me. I wasn’t delusional enough to deny that I liked it. Something confused me. Their body was interested, but they didn’t have the same heated gaze that a person would have when turned on. All I saw was curiosity.
Could they be Asexual?
It’s none of my business.
Eyes of endless ivory light appeared in my mind once again, piercing me to my core.
Only me.
Those damn eyes.
Chapter Twelve
Gabriel
When we returned to the house, I watched as Hayley jumped inside another vehicle, wearing obscenely tight clothing. Corbin sighed and shook his head but said nothing.
By the time we pulled into the driveway, Hayley was gone. I found myself wondering where she was going, dressed in such a way. “She’s probably going to the club to play,” Corbin said.
Club? Play?
Corbin grabbed his work clothes and walked to the door. “Yeah, she does…” He paused. “You wouldn’t know what BDSM is, would you?”
I shook my head.
“It’s—it’s a type of lifestyle where…” He paused again with a reddened face. Again. I did not understand why he was having a hard time explaining, but I decided to not push. “She doesn’t know I know, but I—she’ll be fine.” I nodded, looking out the door again. “Are you worried about her?” Corbin said. I turned back to him, finding him watching me with astonishment.
I looked away. “The girl is reckless.”
Corbin chuckled and reached inside a table by the door. “That she is.” He pulled out a card and handed it to me. “Here take this. Go check up on her. It might make you feel better. Just prepare yourself.” I tilted my head. “You’ll see,” he said and walked deeper into the house.
I eyed the card with Lock N’ Key printed on it. I did not have anything better to do. Might as well keep an eye on the girl. It would please Lucifer.
What I saw inside the building, I was not prepared for. The room was dark and filled with people in different stages of dress. Hayley caught my attention. She stood over a woman with what looked like a whip, but with multiple straps. She was hitting the woman with it. Beating her.
I furrowed my brow as I continued to watch. Did humans still allow such acts? I glanced at the woman and found a smile gracing her lips. She liked it. I became further confused. I turned my gaze back to Hayley. Her eyes were focused and heated, and it warmed my stomach and stirred my loins. That was the most annoying. How did humans walk around like this?
When Hayley looked up, I froze, unable to move. Her expression filled with shock, but the tinge of red on her cheeks and arousal in her eyes never ceased. We remained in place until Hayley jumped and returned to the woman on the table. I blinked and turned, rushing out of the room. I hit a hard chest and jumped back, meeting Detective Skyler’s gaze.
A smirk spread across his face. “I never thought I’d see you in a place like this. Find a new hobby?”
“No. If you will excuse me.” I dashed to the door.
During the ride home, I stared out the window, watching the city lights speed past. The driver rambled as my thoughts returned to Hayley striking and soothing the woman.
What does it feel like?
My skin tingled, and my heart raced.
I made my way into the dark house and walked down the hall. I eyed the light shining from under Corbin’s bedroom, but decided to leave him be. I needed to think. The room was dark and the silence deafening, except for the hum of the air conditioner. I fell onto the bed, sinking into the thick comforter. My mind wandered back to the club, and I frowned.
What was that?
I had experienced an erection before. That wasn’t new, but I had never wanted as I wanted at that moment. I yearned for…
I shook my head and covered my eyes with my arm. Exhaustion settled over me as the image of the pure bliss on her face flashed through my mind. Rubbing my temple, I pulled myself up and glanced around the dark room. Maybe the human world was driving me insane and making me someone I did not recognize.
I removed my shoes and slacks and laid back down on the bed, I glanced out the window as moonlight moved across the room, the faint sound of gentle sobbing drifting through the walls.
Chapter Thirteen
Hayley
Gabriel’s room?
I frowned and continued to the bathroom. When had I started referring to the guest room as Gabriel's?
Last night drifted through my mind as I took my shower, running through all the events that led up to Gabriel showing up. That was another thing; I wasn’t sure how to confront them about it. I chewed my lip. Why was I even worried about it? It didn’t matter what they thought of me.
When I finished, I dressed and made my way into the living room. Rays of sunshine bathed the room in light, creating an aura around Gabriel who sat on the couch. They stared down, stroking the top of Cricket’s head. She purred as she rubbed her head against Gabriel’s hand. I remained still, watching Gabriel. Their face was relaxed, and, for the first time, I noticed that their expression was not blank.
There was something genuine there. An emotion that made my stomach flutter. I swallowed and backed away and dashed out the door. I gripped my phone in my hand and opened the rideshare app.
I need to get a grip.
I walked through the door of Fresh N Hot, pleased with the progress. The place was starting to look normal. There were a few changes, like the cash register, which was like pulling teeth to get Corbin to upgrade. All in all, everything looked great.
I walked to the back to put away my backpack and returned, finding Corbin and Gabriel lugging tables and chairs. I immediately got to work. I positioned the tables around the room with two to four chairs at each, depending on the size of the table.
Someone moved behind me, and I found Gabriel lowering a table onto the floor. They stood up straight and met my eyes, not saying a word. I tensed, feeling uncomfortable with their assessing gaze and endless silence. Seconds ticked by, and they turned, going back outside. I slumped, suddenly exhausted, and returned to my task.
The day dragged on until the sun hovered just above the western mountains. I busied myself setting up the customer seating.
When I pushed the final chair into place and turned, I tensed as Gabriel lifted their shirt, wiping sweat from their face. I ran my eyes along their flat stomach, toned yet feminine in some ways.
I had spent so much time hating them, I had ignored the fact that they were beautiful. I noticed it the first time we met, but that was quickly pushed aside.
Like hell I was going to be attracted to someone who tried to kill me.
Their skin was the same tone as the rest of them, a deep brown so dark it was almost black. It looked so soft.
What would it be like to touch it?
They glanced up, and I froze. They studied me, and I fought the urge to run, not wanting to give them the satisfaction of knowing they were making me uncomfortable. “What?” I said, hating the uncertainty in my voice.
“I did not speak.”
I swallowed, feeling like an idiot. “Well, stop staring at me. It’s really creepy.”
They frowned and nodded without another word, walking towards the back. My blood boiled, and I ran after them, meeting them at the door before they disappeared. They turned with clear surprise on their face. I sighed. “Are we going to just act like last night didn’t happen?”
They remained silent. I fought the urge to punch them and crossed my arms on my chest. “I did not think you wanted to talk about it. That looked personal…” They trailed off. I clenched my jaw, trying to find the words. They were not acting the way I expected. Without the emotionless condescending gaze, it was difficult to remain angry.
“You saw me having sex in a strange club filled with people tied up and being whipped. And you’re telling me you’re not even curious?” I said, in a hushed voice unsure of why I was pushing.
They shrugged. “It means nothing to me.”
“It sure looked like it meant something.” I gestured towards their groin.
A moment later, like a punch to the gut, their face went blank and unreadable. “It is none of your business.”
I huffed as Corbin came out of his office. “Is everything alright out here?” he asked with concern.
“Yeah,” I said, eyeing Gabriel aggressively. This conversation wasn’t over.
The bell chimed, and we all walked back into the main room. Ben walked through the door with his usual charming smile. From the corner of my eye, I could see a light blush paint Corbin’s cheeks. Before I could ask him if he was alright, he dashed to the coffee machine, busying himself.
“Hey. So, we have a problem,” Ben said, glancing at Corbin before turning back to Gabriel. My stomach dropped. I was pretty sure I knew what he was going to say. “Another child went missing last night. The wolves sensed it, but we were too late getting there.”
My stomach turned, and I breathed through my nose to settle the nausea rising in my throat. I felt eyes on me and looked up, finding Gabriel watching me with something once again in their eyes.
Are they concerned?
We stared at each other until Ben cleared his throat. I tensed and broke eye contact.
When I turned, Ben looked at me with a grin. “So, what are we going to do?” I asked.
Ben arched a brow. “We aren’t doing anything. Gabriel and I have it covered.” He turned and looked at Gabriel. “Let’s talk.”
I gaped at him. He was just going to disregard me like that? As if I was just some... child.
You’re just a little brat.
No one will believe you…
I began to shake. “Asshole!”
Ben’s eyes grew wide. Before he could respond, I stormed out of the shop, knowing I would hit someone if I remained there.
In no time, I found myself at Armory Park across from the children’s museum. The stench of trash and the unbathed homeless filled my nose, and I walked along on the grass, finding a small bench to sit on. A cool breeze brushed my cheek as I looked up at the wash of orange and purple beginning to cover the sky, the sun sinking lower in the distance.
Logically, I knew Ben was right. What could I do against Lilith? She would destroy me with one flick of that bony wrist, and there would be nothing I could do. Her face drifted through my mind, and I gripped the bench. How could Gabriel love someone like... someone like her?
They are just like her…
No, they aren’t. You know that.
I furrowed my brow, mind racing with contradicting thoughts. My chest was tight, and something ugly curled around my heart. Something I wasn’t ready to admit.
They aren’t like her…
They aren’t like him...
Chapter Fourteen
Gabriel
I stared at the door as it closed behind Hayley, not liking the unpleasant feeling it brought me. Skyler shook his head. “That girl is so dramatic.”
Corbin chuckled. “She can be.”
Skyler looked at him and smiled, and the blush on Corbin’s face deepened.
“You should have not done that,” I said.
Skyler tilted his head. “What do you mean?”
“Made her feel inadequate.”
He cocked a brow. “You have been doing the same thing.”
I nodded. He was right. From the first day, I believed her to be weak. “You are correct. I was wrong.”
I glanced at Corbin who was smiling. I turned my gaze back to Skyler. “We will deal with Lilith, but there is no harm in allowing her to be part of the conversation.” Skyler rubbed his chin. It was clear he didn’t get it, but he did not argue. “I will go to her. To make sure she’s alright,” I said.
“You don’t know where she went,” Corbin said.
“No, I do not. She left without her phone and backpack. She probably has not gone far.”
“I’ll come with you and apologize,” Skyler said. I looked at Skyler who smiled. His face was as pleasant as it usually was, but underneath that there was remorse.
I walked into the back and grabbed h
er backpack, making sure her phone was with it, and we left the shop.
We walked through downtown, weaving through crowds of pedestrians. People walked along the sidewalk into nearby restaurants lit with purple and blue lights. We walked in silence, looking around for any sign of Hayley.
I felt eyes on me and looked to my side, finding Skyler studying me curiously.
I frowned. “What?”
“You loved her,” he said.
I stopped and turned to him. I knew he was referring to Lilith. “Yes. What is it to you?”
Skyler shrugged. “Do you still love her?”
I clenched my jaw. “I—I do not know.”
“Well, we may have to kill her, so you better figure out what side you’re on,” Skyler said, a clear warning in his words.
I flinched, looking away from him. He was right. I had to make a choice. I spent so much time trying to get along with Hayley; I was meandering instead of finding her. If I was honest, it was because I did not want to confront that choice yet. I did not know what I wanted. What she was doing was wrong, but I understood her pain.
We continued to walk, scanning our surroundings. Everything was so complicated now. Especially with this new development with Hayley. What I had felt... what I was feeling was unsettling and new. I was not delusional enough to deny I was drawn to her. Maybe even attracted, but never before was it so... primal.
I stopped, and Ben halted in front of me and turned, waiting for me to speak.
I searched my brain for the right words. “You have a lot of sex, yes?”
Skyler chuckled. “A lot is an understatement. Yes. Why?”
“Do you ever not want to?”
“I’m a fucking slut, according to Andy.” Skyler crossed his arms in front of his chest. “He isn’t wrong.”
