Savage Betrayal: Savage, Book 2

by Shelli Stevens

  “Confused about what?”

  “Why you went and saw Jocelyn Feloray on your lunch break.”

  Her heart went into triple time and she struggled to swallow against the sudden dryness in her mouth. Gripping the counter, she forced herself to stay calm. “What do you mean?”

  But she knew, even before he replied, she knew he’d followed her this afternoon.

  “Don’t you want to know how I knew you were safe today? Because I followed your reckless ass.” He threw another peeled potato into a bowl and then shot her a look of pure ire. “I watched you slip right into Jocelyn Feloray’s condo as if you two had a quaint little tête-à-tête planned.”

  Oh shit. How had she not realized he’d followed her? She should’ve known. Should’ve sensed him.

  How could she lie her way out of this one? Her mind struggled to find an explanation he might buy, but she came up empty.

  “Jocelyn Feloray should be at the top of your shit list, Grace. She’s the P.I.A.’s number one enemy right now.”

  “I know.”

  “So why would you meet with her?”

  “You’re right.” She licked her lips, knowing she couldn’t deny it. “I met with her. I…confronted her.” That much was the truth.

  “What the fuck do you mean, you confronted her?” Darrius tossed the peeler in the sink and turned to face her.

  Her heart leapt into her throat at the savageness on his face.

  “I told her I’d been attacked and asked her if she had anything to do with it.” She couldn’t tell him about confronting her about what might’ve been in the vials. That information wasn’t supposed to leave the agency.

  “Do you have any idea how much trouble you could be in with the agency if they knew this? You’re in therapy healing from what that bitch did to you. Why the hell would you go see her?”

  “Look, it’s complicated.”

  “It shouldn’t be complicated. This woman damn near killed you. How do you even know where she lives? It’s not public fucking knowledge. I had to make a few phone calls to figure out who was in that damned building.”

  “Does it even matter? Let it go, Darrius.” She set the chicken aside and washed her hands.

  “This woman nearly killed you.”

  “You think I don’t know that?”

  “Then why go to her home—dammit, what the hell were you thinking?”

  The truth was on her tongue, ready to come out, but she was too far buried in the lies. She was too used to hiding from the reality of what no one knew. Too terrified of the potential destruction of her life if anything was discovered.

  She shook her head and met his hard stare. “You concern yourself with me, Hilliard. Far too much.”

  “You’re goddamned right I do.” He strode toward her, eyes flashing. “And I have no idea why the urge is so strong.”

  Heat flared in her cheeks as she backed up. The counter hit her hips and she was literally cornered.

  “Exactly, you’re not my mate.” Seeing the shock and flicker of pain in his eyes had her regretting the words. She shouldn’t have struck with such a low blow.

  “No. I’m not your mate.” His words were flat. “But I won’t see you hurt again, Grace. And don’t think I won’t tie you to the chair to keep your ass out of trouble.”

  Wow, and wasn’t that just the image she didn’t need in her head right now? Though it was the perfect way to change the subject.

  She arched a brow and forced a slow smile. “Tying me up, hmm?”

  His hands came down on the counter beside her and the deep, warning growl he made sent a shiver through her.

  “Don’t think I don’t know what you’re doing, and it’s not going to work. You’re going to tell me exactly what you’re hiding. Now.”

  “Now? Oh, hell no.” She lifted her hand and pressed it against his chest, trying to move him backward, but he was immobile as a granite statue. “Don’t you dare try to dominate me, Darrius.”

  “It’s in my nature, sugar.” He bared his teeth and slid a glance over her body. “I’ll dominate you, and I’m pretty damn sure you’ll like it.”

  Oh sweet God in heaven. His words should’ve infuriated her, made her want to slap that knowing smirk off his face. But instead the flesh between her legs tingled and she squeezed her thighs together as she bit back a groan.

  He lowered his head and nipped at the curve of her neck. “What aren’t you telling me?”

  Too much. She gave up trying to push him away, and slid her hands up his chest to curl around his shoulders.

  “Just let it go,” she pleaded on a whisper.

  He rained kissed along her jawline, coming deliciously closer to her mouth. “I can’t do that.”

  “You don’t have a choice.”

  “You’re wrong.” His mouth brushed hers. “Promise me you’re not hiding anything.”

  Please, please don’t ask me to make that promise. Her heart ached, even as she gave a small nod.

  “I promise.” It was almost a physical level of hurt now. To know the level of deception she’d sunk to with him.

  His gaze held hers for a moment before he gave a slow nod.

  Ouch. It almost stung more that he believed her.

  “Chicken,” she whispered, needing to put space between them.

  He nuzzled her neck again before arching a brow. “Are you calling me a chicken?”

  “No, I mean I need to make the dinner.”

  “Hmm. I must not be doing this right if you’re still thinking about dinner.”

  A reluctant smile tugged at her lips. “Not too original there, buddy. I believe I used that line on you this morning.”

  “You used more than a line on me.” His heated gaze slid to her mouth.

  Her heart did a backflip at the reminder. “You’re awfully naughty.”

  “You have no idea. But you will before the night is over.” He stepped back, releasing her from where she’d been pinned between him and the counter. “Go make your chicken.”

  “You’ve still got mashed potato duty.” Even though her lies left a bitter taste in her throat, her pulse had begun racing again as she slid quickly past him. This time, when his hand fell on her ass in a light slap, she wasn’t quite as shocked.

  No, it pretty much just made her realize that dinner was going to be quite the roadblock between now and the bedroom.

  Darrius carried his plate to the sink, his gaze sliding over the curves of Grace’s backside.

  “You don’t need to do those. We can get them in the morning.”

  She gave a stiff shrug, and her voice wasn’t quite steady. “I prefer to do them now.”

  Taking the plate from her, he noticed the way her hands trembled slightly.

  The tension in her shoulders and the way she averted her eyes was just another indication that she was nervous.

  She had to be thinking about it. Thinking about how any minute now he’d make good on his promise and carry her off to the bedroom.

  And in reality, he was damn closing to doing it. Frustration and desire warred inside him, both fighting to be the dominant emotion.

  He wanted to trust her, but his gut instinct told him not to. She was lying to him again. What the hell was she hiding and why couldn’t she trust him enough to confide in him?

  Maybe she didn’t trust him enough to share her secrets, but by the end of the night she’d trust him with her body.

  Darrius caught her wrist, squeezing just enough until she loosed her grip on the plate and let it fall into the sink.

  “Tomorrow,” he repeated firmly. “Right now you have other responsibilities.”

  A shiver ran through her and she shook her head. “Darrius…”

  “I know you’re nervous, sugar, but I’m done waiting.” He cupped her hip and turned her around. “So unless you’re having second thoughts…”

  “I’m not.” Her words were almost a whisper, while her eyes shone with a mix of heat and anxiety. “I want this.”


  “Good.” He rubbed the pad of his thumb over her bottom lip. “I have a request for you.”

  “And that is?”

  “I’m in control.”

  He waited for her immediate refusal, or the roadblock of protests. Grace was a strong woman and liked to go toe to toe with a man. She’d already indicated she didn’t want to be seen as the weaker sex. What if she was the one who usually took control in the bedroom?

  He sensed she might be willing to hand over the reins sexually. Grace had impeccable control over her life and maybe felt the pressure of it. She might not be willing to give up that status in everyday life, but maybe in the bedroom…

  “You weren’t kidding about that dominating thing,” she finally muttered, but there was a flash of excitement in her eyes, and a subtle shift in her breathing that he couldn’t help but notice.

  He didn’t answer, just waited for her to make her choice, though he suspected his instinct was right.

  “Okay, you’re in charge. But this stays between us.”

  “You know it will.” Triumph seared through his blood, and he made no effort to hide the small curve of his lips.

  The idea of Grace giving up control had his cock twitching beneath his slacks. He took a step backward.

  “Take off your blouse.”

  Her eyes widened slightly and her mouth opened as if she were about to protest or question him. She closed it again and reached up to undo the first button.

  Her nails were short and unadorned with paint, but watching those delicate fingers push each button free from the hole had his blood heating.

  Finally she tugged the blouse open and he dropped his gaze to her chest covered by a satiny white bra.

  Take this slow, he told himself and drew in a steady breath.

  “And now the bra.”

  No hesitation this time, she just reached behind her and deftly unhooked it. After pulling it free from her body, she let it fall to the floor.

  He half expected her to reach up and cover herself, but she stared straight at him. Even though she was giving him control, her chin was lifted and her eyes shone with a bit of defiance.

  His lips quirked. He’d wear that down. Maybe it would be when he spanked her amazing ass, or perhaps she’d hold out until he was going down on her and she was screaming his name again.

  But for now…

  He allowed himself to look over the temptation she’d just revealed.

  Small, round breasts crowned with tight, berry-colored nipples had his mouth watering.

  Reaching out, he cupped one in his hand. Pinching the nipple between two fingers, he tugged lightly and was rewarded by her cry of surprise.

  “So pretty.” He stepped close enough to her so that he could lean his head down to draw a nipple between his lips.

  Grace whimpered, her hands reaching for his shoulders. “Darrius.”

  Wanting complete, uninhibited access to her, he took her hands and placed them on the counter behind her instead.

  “Stay like that,” he commanded before drawing her breast to his mouth again.

  “Okay.” The single word was another whisper, laden with arousal. Surrender.

  He caught a nipple between his teeth, tugging lightly, while twisting the other between his fingers. The taste of her combined with the small, anxious noises she began to make went straight to his head. Not to mention his dick.

  Abandoning one breast, he reached down to free himself from his pants. He wrapped his fingers around himself and stroked, bringing himself to further hardness while alternating which nipples he sucked.

  Grace began to arch her back, pressing her breasts further against his mouth. At one point she almost reached for him, and then placed her hands back on the counter.

  So hot. Having her like this, being submissive, was so fucking hot.

  Darrius dragged his mouth from her and drew in a ragged breath.

  “Take off your pants and panties, and then turn around.”

  This time she didn’t immediately move to obey, and he looked up to see color staining her cheeks.

  He arched a brow, waiting to see if she’d defy him now, but her lashes fell and she fumbled to unfasten her pants.

  She eased the black slacks down her legs, and then the tiny, silky white thong he couldn’t have predicted. Grace was so professional, so determined not to flaunt her feminine side, and here she was wearing a bra and panty set that looked like it belonged on a lingerie model.

  She stepped out of the rest of the clothes and kicked them to the side before hesitantly meeting his stare.

  “Turn around,” he reminded her softly.

  “Oh. Right.” She nodded, a jerky movement, and her gaze glittered with excitement and arousal.

  Moving quickly to obey, she turned her back to him, placing her palms flat on the counter.

  Darrius let his gaze rove down the seductive trail of her spine, to the heart-shaped ass that was toned and yet fleshy enough to be sexy.

  He slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her back just enough so she bent forward and her bottom stuck out.

  “Good girl.” As he moved his hand down her stomach, he felt it tighten and the quiver.

  When he reached her mound, he took just a moment to cup it before he plunged his fingers into the slick folds below.

  Grace cried out sharply, and her body clenched around his fingers.

  Fuck. She was so tight. So wet.

  “You’re all slick.” He moved his fingers in and out of her, using her breathy cries as an indicator of her pleasure. “I think you like giving up control.”

  She didn’t answer, and he gave a soft laugh. Right before he used his free hand to lay a swat on her bottom.

  “Oh.” Her body jerked and she tried to cast him a look over her shoulder. “What was that for?”

  “I don’t need a reason to smack your ass, sugar.” He landed another swat on her cheek and felt her body squeeze his fingers tighter. “Do you like it?”

  “Hate it.”

  Another laugh erupted from him and he shook his head. “The hell you do. I could take you right now, your body is so ready for me.”

  She made a soft throaty laugh and pressed her bottom back against his erection.

  “So why don’t you?”

  He was damn close to doing it, but he needed to taste her again. Needed to watch her lose control—to completely surrender to him. She held back still, he could sense it. She played his game, but she still held back mentally.

  Before she could react, he’d deftly turned her around again so her back was against the counter.

  “Because I’m going to lick you first.”

  Her answering whimper was all anticipation and fear.

  “Keep your hands on the counter.” He sank to his knees in front of her, then lifted one leg and placed her foot on his shoulder.

  With her body exposed and open to him, he breathed in the intoxicating scent of her. Closing his eyes, he flicked his tongue out for the first sensual taste.

  “Oh God.” She gasped and he glanced up from between her legs to see her head thrown back and her eyes closed. “Maybe we don’t need to do this part,” she said raggedly.

  Amusement lanced through his need. She was still trying to keep control, must’ve realized she was dangerously close to losing it. Good.

  He found the spot on her that was guaranteed to make her lose control and went in for the kill.

  But the more he tormented her and brought her closer to that ultimate surrender, the more he risked losing his own control.

  His body was rock hard and it took everything within him not to stand up and take her. Lift her up, wrap her legs around his waist, and then bury himself into her sweet body. Damn, how long had he been wanting this? Wanting her?

  “Darrius.” She cried out his name, not once, but over and over again as her foot dug into his shoulder and her sex ground against his face.

  He didn’t ease up, but licked her faster. Deeper. Not sure whether he was d
oing this for her pleasure or his own now. The tightening of her body coincided with her sharp scream as she fell into the ultimate climax.

  With lightning-quick movements, he rose to his feet and swept her into his arms before her body began to crumple to the ground.

  “I’ve got you.” He adjusted her flushed and trembling body in his arms, and she buried her face against his chest.

  Were those tears at the corner of her eyes? He couldn’t be certain as he carried her down the hall to her bedroom.

  After kicking the door closed, he crossed the thick beige carpet to lay her down on the queen-sized bed. She rested on her back, one arm above her head and the other tracing her stomach. Her eyes were a brilliant, glacial blue that was barely visible through hooded lids.

  While stripping the rest of his clothes from his body, he stared down at her. His erection had reached the painfully hard state, and his mind was reduced to a feverish mantra of how much he needed her.

  Initially he’d planned to bring her into the room and take her on her hands and knees. Drive into her and just make this nothing but the sex they’d agreed it would be.

  A chill of premonition ran through him, that this wasn’t going to be that simple. That sex between them would never be that simple.

  Just sex. He let the reminder slide through him as he climbed onto the bed next to her.

  Reaching out, he cupped her cheek and grazed her lips with his thumb, before dipping to take her mouth in a slow, thorough kiss.

  Grace gave a soft sigh and wrapped her arms around his neck. Her lips parted and her tongue sought his.

  He commandeered her mouth, demanding a response and her complete submission, but there was no doubt she’d already given it. Given herself over to whatever intense fervor drove them.

  Without breaking the kiss, Darrius slipped on a condom and then stroked his hand down her thigh.

  “Now,” she whispered against his mouth, her legs moving restlessly on the mattress. “I can’t wait anymore.”

  Her plea was unneeded as he parted her legs and moved between her thighs.

  Catching her wrists in one of his hands, he pulled them above her head and she didn’t protest. He braced his weight above her with his free hand and eased into her body.