The what? She watched Daniel open the package, then hand the thick vibrator over to his brother. Nathan caught her stare and grinned devilishly. He placed the head of the vibrator at her entrance, then thrust it slowly forward.
Connelly bit her lip, wanting to moan aloud, but felt too embarrassed to do so. Nathan watched her closely, seeming to read the very thoughts running through her mind.
“Soon, pet, you’ll be in such a fog you’ll forget all about those faces watching you,” Nathan said softly.
She believed him. He’d already brought her to heights of arousal she wasn’t sure she’d ever been to before. Her husband had been sweet, gentle, but even she could admit the sex had been smoldering at best. Never hot like this. Nor would he have ever thought to use toys on her, even though Connelly had asked. He just didn’t feel comfortable doing it.
Nathan, on the other hand, most definitely felt comfortable. He exuded sex. Even the way he looked at her made her want him. Oh, boy. She could get addicted to this—to him. She was playing a dangerous game, and she knew it. Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea.
Her safe word was on the tip of her tongue. All she had to do was say it once and he’d let her go. She had enough information for her book. The spanking alone would be plenty to really flesh out her character’s emotions. She should just say it.
She stared at Nathan, his eyes dark and…knowing. He saw way too much of her.
Say it, Connelly. Just say it.
But she couldn’t.
Deep down, she didn’t want to.
As though he knew exactly when she’d made up her mind to stick it out, he thrust the toy deeper into her pussy. Connelly closed her mouth tight, but that didn’t stop the moan just behind her lips. Her face heated with embarrassment, and she turned her head toward the wall, away from the people watching.
“No, Connelly,” Nathan said. “Eyes on me.”
She swallowed and very slowly turned her head so she could stare up at Nathan. He had an understanding look in his gaze, as though he knew she was uncomfortable with being on display. It was comforting and unnerving at the same time. Were all Doms so observant? So in tune with their partners?
He touched his thumb to the small box he held up for her to see, and the vibrator clicked on. The setting was low, but the soft vibrating against her clit was almost enough to send her careening over the edge of bliss. She whimpered, drawing in short puffs of air. Nathan’s satisfied smile made her whole body tingle.
He wiggled two fingers at his brother. “Come here, Daniel. Play with her breasts. Get her nipples good and hard.”
“What?” she breathed.
Nathan walked back to the toy table while Daniel bent forward and licked his tongue over her breast. Connelly instantly forgot about Nathan and what he might be doing. Right now, all she could think about was Daniel’s wicked tongue and that damn vibrating toy in her channel.
She was so close. Her whole body tensed, anxious to feel the crest of her release that hung just out of her reach. She tightened her stomach and rotated her hips, fighting against the straps. She fought them so hard she was sure the leather would leave marks.
Daniel lifted his head, and Connelly whined. “No. Don’t stop.” The vibrations of the toy halted just as a hard slap of leather landed across her thigh, making her cry out in surprise. “Ow! Damn it!”
“You don’t top from the bottom, Connelly,” Nathan said firmly.
She stared up at him in shock, both at the tone of his voice and at her startling reaction to it. “What?” she asked.
“You do not tell your Dom what to do. He will stop, continue, tease, and torture at his leisure, not yours. Am I clear?”
She swallowed and nodded nervously.
“My actions as your Dom are dictated by your body’s responses. I know when to slow down, when to give you more, and when you’re about to come. I may stop you, or I may let you. Tonight, I don’t plan on letting you for a while.”
She opened her mouth, but nothing came out.
Nathan leaned over her, his mouth close to hers, his stare piercing. “It’s hard to resist kissing such a startled expression,” he whispered.
The second his mouth covered hers, Connelly’s eyes drifted closed, and a long, deep moan escaped, only to be swallowed by his kiss. He swept his tongue inside, teasing, exploring, rendering her completely and utterly helpless. It was hot, demanding, and so dreamy all at the same time. She never wanted it to end.
Unfortunately it did, and when he pulled away, she whimpered softly.
“Now that sweet sound I will accept,” he said with a grin.
Connelly frowned slightly.
“Are you ready to begin again?” he asked.
“Yes, Master,” she whispered.
Nathan turned on the toy. She tried to fight the lust that rose to the surface. Even with the people watching, she couldn’t. She could feel herself getting wetter, hotter, more desperate for orgasm.
She watched, panting in need as Nathan and Daniel flanked either side of the table, each holding a burning candle. Nathan stood near her breasts. Daniel was down by her thighs. The first drops of wax were the most shocking. They burned, but the sting heightened her arousal. Nathan and Daniel moved slowly across her stomach and thighs, each letting one tiny drop fall at a time.
Connelly was about ready to scream. Every bite of pain set her senses ablaze. Her entire body felt sensitive and tense. She jerked toward anticipated drops as though anxious for the burn, for the pleasure-pain that raced through her system. She knew she liked sex a little on the rough side, a little wicked and hard. But she had never imagined something like this.
Nathan moved closer to her breasts while Daniel moved toward her pussy. “When you get to her clit, Daniel, go easy,” Nathan murmured. “You don’t want to blister it by pouring on too much.”
She didn’t hear Daniel’s reply. Wasn’t sure she cared.
Nathan outlined her areola with drops of wax. Her body moved sensually beneath the bindings, seeking something, anything that would ease this unbelievable ache. Daniel dropped wax on her labia, and she moaned.
“Please, Master,” she begged.
Without either saying a word, one drop landed directly on her nipple and another on her clit, sending her screaming over the edge into bliss.
NATHAN WATCHED CONNELLY ride out the waves of her orgasm and couldn’t stop staring at her. He’d been picking up her thoughts the whole time. Yes, she’d been there to research her book, but her curiosity had just as much to do with her own desires as anything else.
Connelly was a masochist but hadn’t completely realized it yet.
The way she responded was a kick-start to his own libido. He wanted her badly, but they hadn’t discussed sex, only scenes. And scenes didn’t always include sex. He could tell she was attracted to him. His looks intimidated her, although for the life of him he couldn’t figure out why.
She wasn’t gorgeous, but to Nathan, that didn’t really matter. She had a way about her, a prettiness that caught his eye. He’d read all her books and felt as though he knew her, especially after talking to her. He recognized her author’s voice in her personality. He imagined she was a lot like her heroines. Feisty, sarcastic, loving.
He reached down and slowly withdrew the toy. She moaned and let her head lull to the side. He smiled slightly. She was definitely sex drunk. It would take her a few minutes, if not more, to come out of this, especially with it being her first time.
Right now, her mind was completely blank, devoid of any thoughts or emotions. Just pure satisfaction.
He cleaned off the wax and then untied her. He bent and easily lifted her limp body into his arms. Her head fell against his shoulder, and her arm hung lifeless at her side.
“Daniel,” he said, and nodded to her arm.
His brother came forward and placed her arm over her stomach. He used the tip of his middle finger to brush an errant curl from her eyes. “She’s out of it,” he murmured.
/> “I’m going to take care of her. Use one of the submissives if you want. Just be sure and use a condom.”
Daniel gave him an offended look. “I always use a condom.”
“Just remember the safe words.”
Daniel frowned. “Nathan, kiss my ass.”
Nathan rolled his eyes at his brother’s offense. “Daniel—”
His brother walked away, dismissively waving his hand over his shoulder. Nathan sighed, more upset with himself than Daniel. Sometimes he let his anger and mistrust with his father carry over to Daniel. He knew it wasn’t right, and wasn’t even sure why he did it. Maybe because at the time Daniel had sided with their father?
It didn’t matter. Right now, he needed to take care of Connelly.
He spotted an empty leather chair in a quiet corner and headed that way. She hadn’t moved since he’d picked her up, so he carefully studied her face as he walked through the club. Her eyes were closed, her lashes soft and dark against her skin. Her brows matched her hair, and her lips were slightly parted, just perfect for a soft kiss.
He stopped walking and touched his lips to hers. Warmth spread through him like an ocean wave, catching him by surprise. What was it about her that had him so captivated? He hadn’t been this attracted to a woman since…well, since his fiancée.
He hadn’t thought of Trish much lately. Not like he used to. He’d finally moved on, but was he ready for another relationship?
With a sigh, he sat down and settled Connelly on his lap. She wiggled and moaned as she tried to find a more comfortable position.
He watched her with amusement, then asked, “Is your ass a little sore, pet?”
“Yes,” she grumbled. “But I’ll live.”
She still hadn’t opened her eyes, so he tilted her chin up with a single finger. “Open your eyes, sweetheart, and look at me.”
He didn’t really need her to. He knew what she felt right now: satisfaction, warmth, slight confusion, and surprise. When she looked at him, all the things he felt from her were confirmed, and he grinned. She had such beautiful, expressive eyes. So pretty and dark. So easy to fall into and forget the world.
Careful, Nathan.
“How was your first experience?” he asked softly, curious as to what she would say.
Her eyes narrowed just a little, and her lips twisted in cynicism. “Something tells me you already know. How do you read women so well?”
“Years of practice.”
He told very few people about his gift. He’d heard the rumors, knew what some speculated. Hell, even the word vampire had been thrown around, but he never confirmed or denied any of it. Besides, he sometimes found it fun to keep them guessing.
“Sometimes I’d swear you read my mind.”
His lips twitched. “I believe that power is what we call a myth.”
She snorted and pulled her chin from his grasp. “I’ve interviewed registered psychics. Some of them are quite talented. When you were with the FBI, didn’t you ever work with any?”
“No,” he said. It wasn’t a lie. He’d never worked with another psychic. “I profiled. I don’t investigate.”
“Don’t the two sort of go hand in hand?” she asked.
He placed his palm on her thigh and gently rubbed his palm along her soft skin. He could easily get distracted while touching her, so he stopped and just let his fingers rest halfway between her hip and knee.
“Truthfully, it depends on the case.” He stared at his hand, lost in thought. Was it time to tell her he’d investigated the man who killed her husband and left her for dead? What would her reaction be? “I worked the Lenox case.”
He glanced down at her, and she blinked. “Lenox?”
“I know about your husband. I thought your name sounded familiar and asked my old partner, Josh. I came onto the case after your attack. We never spoke, but I read about you in the case report.”
“Oh,” she said.
He didn’t pick up any emotional reaction and stared into her eyes, wondering what she might be thinking.
“Lenox also killed my fiancée,” he murmured. “I got too close, and it was his way of making me back off.”
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered. “Looks like you and I have something in common.”
“Yes, it’s a shame it’s a murdering dick.”
Connelly’s lips quirked at his sorry attempt at sarcastic humor. She sighed. “We both come with a whole lot of baggage, don’t we?”
They did. Nathan didn’t really want another relationship, despite the fact he felt he could possibly have one with her. And Connelly… He felt her pull away, putting a wall around her heart. She didn’t want a relationship either. So where exactly did that leave them? Saying good-bye now that she had her research?
Something about that thought made Nathan’s chest tighten.
“I should probably be going,” she said, and tried to climb off his lap.
“You’re naked, pet. Might want to dress first.”
She froze and looked at him wide-eyed. “I can’t believe I forgot.”
Nathan chuckled and waved to a man a few feet away in a tux. “Could you bring me Connelly’s clothes, please?”
The man nodded and headed quickly to do Nathan’s bidding. Once she had her clothes, she stood on wobbly legs. Nathan grabbed her arm, steadying her. “I’m not sure you should be driving home,” he said.
She gave her head a stubborn shake. “I’ll be fine. Thanks, anyway.”
Nathan stood close, offering help, despite her reluctance to accept. She was adorable when trying to be independent even though it was obvious she struggled. With his hand at the small of her back, he escorted her out to her car. The more she walked, the more steady she became.
As they waited for the valet to bring her car around to the front, she turned and smiled—one that instantly made Nathan’s heart skip a weird beat.
“I suppose I should say thank you, but that sounds a bit odd. You know…thanks for getting me off?”
Nathan laughed and tweaked her nose. “You are quite welcome, pet. I hope you got everything you needed, but if you should choose to return, you’re always welcome.”
Her face flushed. “Thank you. I’ll remember that.”
A bright orange convertible Camaro came to a stop just a few feet away. The top was down, the seats were black leather, and the radio blasted out a rap tune before the valet quickly turned it off and climbed out.
Nathan chuckled softly. “Why am I not surprised?”
“Hey,” she said, then slapped him playfully on his arm before pointing her finger at him. “Don’t make fun of the car.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t dream of it,” he said with amusement.
She returned his grin and walked around the car to climb behind the wheel. She appeared much steadier now, so Nathan felt better about letting her leave. Now, every time he saw that particular sports car on the road, he would wonder if it was her.
She put her purse in the seat beside her and then turned the key. The motor started with the rumbling purr of a sports car, and he smiled softly. He’d always liked that sound. Liked it even more now as he envisioned her behind the wheel.
“Thanks again, Nathan.”
He gave a nod. “Anytime. I expect a very flattering acknowledgment.”
She giggled. “And I know just what to say.”
She gave a wave and headed out the driveway toward the main road. He watched until he could no longer see her taillights, the whole time fighting a lingering sense of unease. Something didn’t feel right. It was as though he’d made a mistake at some point, but he couldn’t figure out where.
Shaking his head in an attempt to dislodge the feeling, he walked back into the house. The unease grew, tightening his stomach. The entry hall was bright, and he squinted against the harsh lights. The lighting should be dimmed. They shouldn’t be that bright. He rubbed at his eyes, noticing that his fingers were trembling. With a frown, he pulled them away from his face and stared at the
m.
Blood covered his fingers, and he gasped. This wasn’t real. He wasn’t bleeding. He blinked in an effort to dislodge the vision, but it wouldn’t go away. The noise of the club faded, the air around him became cold…unbelievably cold. He shivered and folded his fingers into a fist.
From somewhere in the back of his mind, he heard someone scream his name. Was it female? Male? He couldn’t tell. It was too far away. Too faint. Trepidation made him shake, left him feeling nauseous and unable to move. What the hell was wrong with him?
Pain pierced his forehead, and he grunted, squinting his eyes closed against it.
He bent at the waist and growled, “Son of a bitch.”
Chapter Eight
Nathan would’ve fallen flat on his face if someone hadn’t gripped his shoulders and held him up.
“Nathan?” Daniel’s voice penetrated the painful fog, but barely. “Nathan?” Daniel snapped.
“I heard you the first time,” Nathan snapped as his brother led him to the small office off the other side of the entry hall.
“Then perhaps you should’ve answered me the first time.”
Nathan dropped onto the leather sofa, rested his elbows on his knees, and cradled his aching forehead in his hands. “Please don’t yell,” Nathan mumbled.
“What the hell happened out there?” Daniel asked.
“Sudden onset migraine,” Nathan mumbled toward the floor. “I should call my life ‘This Fucking Migraine: The Musical,’ with guest appearances by ‘oh my God, you can't be serious’ and ‘where the hell are my keys. ’”
“That’s not funny, Nathan.”
“It wasn’t meant to be.”
“What’s going on that you’re not telling me?” Daniel demanded.
Nathan lifted his head and glared at his brother in the dim light of the room.
“I saw the look of horror on your face while you were studying your hand. What did you see?” Daniel asked.
Nathan sighed and sat back. “I saw blood on my hands.”
“Yours?”
“I don’t know.”
“What do the headaches have to do with it?”
Crime & Punishment 2: Master Delacroix Page 6
