Given: Highest Bidder

by Willow Winters

  “Get upstairs,” I cut her off. I know exactly what Arianna needs, and I’m not going to hold back when I can give it to her.

  I follow her up the steps, that lush ass swaying as I unbutton my shirt.

  Arianna talks quietly as she walks in front of me, leading me to her bedroom. “It’s just that I’m confused and I don’t know how to react to it all.” She opens her door and waits for me to walk in before closing it and locking the doorknob.

  I don’t hesitate to remove my shirt as she turns around. “And…” she starts to say, but then pauses mid-sentence as her eyes take me in. My sweetheart definitely knows how to boost my ego.

  “I’m your Master, aren’t I?” I ask her, taking the two strides to fill the space between us. “I do the worrying,” I say as I cup her chin. My thumb brushes along her lower lip as her green eyes search mine.

  “You are?” she asks me, her breath coming up short.

  “I want to be,” I say the words before I know how true they are. “Do you want me to be your Master, sweetheart?”

  She nods her head once and whispers, “Yes.”

  Chapter 16

  Arianna

  “You need to get off,” Zander says, his voice low and husky, his thumb resting on my lips. I stare into his piercing blue eyes, desire heating my core.

  “I-I-I don’t think I can,” I stammer. I’m starting to feel so very hot, the heat from his hard body causing my temperature to rise, my heart pounding in my chest.

  “You can,” Zander says firmly. “And you will.”

  He caresses the side of my face gently, his touch causing my skin to tingle all over. I close my eyes at the sensation, reveling in the feel of his gentle touch against my skin. I want to do as he says. I want to please him. But I don’t know if it’ll be easy. I’ve always used pain to get my release. And...

  Danny’s words play in my mind.

  No matter whose collar you put on, I’m still your Master. And the only one to bring me pleasure is him. I can only have it through pain.

  “Danny-” I begin to say. I need Zander to know.

  “Isn’t your Master anymore,” Zander finishes for me. “I am. And I want you to get on that bed, spread your legs wide, and rub your pussy for me.”

  The intensity of his words causes my pussy to clench, my nipples pebbling against the flimsy nightgown.

  Zander says, “You’re wet for me already.” It’s not a question, but a statement of fact.

  “Yes,” I whisper, my pulse quickening, my breathing ragged. My body is still and tense.

  Zander's fingers trail back down to my lips. He presses his thumb against them, demanding entry. I part my lips, letting him gently place his thumb on my tongue. “Suck,” he commands me.

  I do as he says, gently sucking on his thumb exactly how he wants me to. As if it’s his cock. I don’t close my eyes at first. I watch him and his reaction as I do what I’m told.

  A soft groan escapes his lips and he closes his eyes briefly. When he opens them, he pulls his thumb from between my lips, leaving me wanting more, and asks softly, “Would you like to please me?”

  Slowly, I nod my head, my clit throbbing. “Yes,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper. Maybe I’m weak, but I desperately want to please him.

  “I won’t allow it,” Zander says in his deep voice. My body freezes until he adds, “Not until you’ve made yourself cum.”

  I nod my head and take a step backward, the backs of my knees hitting the mattress. I haven’t touched myself in… in over a year. I wasn’t allowed.

  Anxiety mixes with desire as I fall back on my bed and scoot myself back with my knees bent upward. Every move is deliberate and my eyes stay on Zander's, making sure that he’s pleased with everything.

  His breathing comes in heavier as he watches me. Zander grabs my desk chair, placing it in front of the bed. His eyes never leave me as he sits down, spreading his legs out wide. I can’t help but notice the huge bulge pressing against his dark dress pants, straining to get out.

  “Lift up your gown,” Zander commands, his voice heavy. Husky. “Panties off.”

  I do as he says, pulling my gown all the way up to my upper stomach and push my underwear off. My fingers tremble as they push against my legs. Zander inhales sharply at the sight of me. I wait for him to touch himself, but he doesn’t. His hands stay on his thighs.

  “Touch yourself,” he orders, his voice strained.

  Slowly, I run my hand down my stomach and then between my legs. Right before I touch myself, I freeze, anxiety washing over me. I’m not allowed to. I haven’t been allowed in so long. But Danny is not my Master anymore. Still, it’s hard to move forward.

  I look at Zander for guidance, fear keeping me from obeying. “I haven’t…” I look up at the ceiling before I continue. “I haven’t in a long time,” I admit.

  Anger flashes in Zander's eyes. “You weren’t allowed to touch yourself?”

  I shake my head. “No. Or cum without… pain.”

  “You have my permission and that’s all you need,” Zander says, his voice tight. “Touch yourself.”

  Taking a deep breath, I place the tips of my fingers on my throbbing clit and rub a small circle against it with just a touch of pressure. Warmth flows from my belly outward, running a fire through my body all the way up to my neck. A soft moan escapes my lips as my head lolls to the side, my eyes still on Zander, my Master.

  “Good girl,” Zander groans.

  I slowly move my hand up and down between my folds, and the touch is so foreign to me as my fingers spread the moisture back up to my clit.

  “You’re gorgeous like this,” Zander says softly, the sexy tone of his deep voice causing my limbs to quiver. “You deserve this. Relax and just let go.”

  Another sigh escapes my lips as I arch my back, lifting myself up with the tips of my toes, and rubbing myself in a circular motion, faster and harder.

  “Yes,” Zander hisses.

  His praise makes me want more. Keeping myself suspended and my back arched, the bed creaks as my ass sways, barely brushing against the bedding.

  For a moment, I remember Natalie’s home and I’m scared that I might be making too much noise. The last thing I want is for her to hear, but I’m too far gone now to stop. And I don’t want to disobey him.

  “Fuck,” Zander groans. “I’m so fucking hard for you.”

  “Imagine my cock deep inside you,” Zander says, his voice filled with lust, “filling you up.”

  I moan at his words, the fire raging hotter, rubbing myself faster, all the while staring into Zander’s eyes.

  “I want you to cum for me,” Zander demands.

  His command is my undoing. My back arches, the inferno inside of my stomach reaches a crescendo, sending shockwaves of pleasure all over my body. Wave after wave hits me and makes my neck arch, forcing me to look away from Zander. The room spins above me as waves of pleasure continue to radiate from my core and I lose all sense of time.

  Zander’s standing at the foot of the bed when I come back down from my high.

  “On your knees,” he commands me even as the dull ache between my legs continues to send shockwaves through me.

  I instantly obey him, slipping out of the bed and onto the floor, falling to my knees at Zander’s feet. My mouth parts as my pussy pulses and a wave of pleasure spikes through me.

  He grips his belt at his waist, and pulls it out with one smooth movement, letting the hiss of the leather against the silk fabric fill the room along with the sounds of our heavy breathing. Zander tosses the belt to the floor beside him, but doesn’t make a move, staring down at me expectantly.

  My heart pounds as I realize he’s waiting for me. I reach up and undo the button of his expensive dress pants and tug on the zipper, pulling his slacks and his underwear down around his thighs with one soft jerk.

  I’m nearly slapped in the face as his thick dick springs free. My mouth waters as I look at it swinging back and forth before wrapping my f
ingers around his shaft. His cock pulsates in my hand, beating in tandem with my pounding heartbeat.

  “Suck,” he tells me, his voice strained as his fingers spear through my hair.

  Slowly, I part my lips, allowing him entry to my mouth. I have to open as wide as I can to accommodate his size as his head gently pushes against my tongue, the sweet tang of his precum making me moan.

  “Fuck,” Zander murmurs, throwing his head back.

  Gripping his shaft with my right hand, I swirl my tongue around his head, teasing it, before letting him go back further in my mouth.

  I rock on my heels as I hollow my cheeks and take more of him into my mouth. He feels like smooth velvet over steel as I press my lips against him. Massaging, sucking, and pleasing him the best I can.

  Zander moans again, placing his hands on either side of my head, taking control. He thrusts his cock all the way into my mouth, almost causing me to gag. He pulls out quickly, stroking himself once while I catch my breath. I open wide for him and wait. My hands are on my thighs, and I keep my eyes on his.

  “Good girl,” he says as he pushes himself back into my mouth. It’s difficult, but I hold back my gag reflex as he thrusts deep inside of my mouth, his thick head hitting the back of my throat. Zander’s breathing quickens as he picks up his pace, holding the back of my head firmly. My eyes sting with the need to breathe, but before it’s too much he pulls out and then does it all again. It takes all my self-control to not pull away, his huge cock triggering my gag reflex with almost every thrust. But I love it. I want him to take all the pleasure he can from me.

  “I’m gonna cum,” I hear him groan above me, his breath coming in ragged pants.

  His thrusts are short shallow pumps, but he remains deep in me as I feel his big dick grow impossibly hard in my mouth. One. Two. Three.

  My fingernails dig into my thighs as he cums in the back of my throat. A strangled gasp escapes Zander’s lips on his final thrust.

  I swallow everything, taking it all and loving how I made him come undone. When he pulls away from me, I expect him to clean himself up, to leave me where I am and make me wait for him.

  But he reaches down, gripping my chin in his hand and kisses me. I’m caught by surprise, his taste still in my mouth. It’s only his lips, but still, I didn’t expect it.

  He pulls away, his breath still ragged as his eyes search my face.

  “Did you enjoy it?” he asks me.

  “Yes,” I answer immediately.

  He releases me and I instantly miss his warmth. I more than enjoyed it. I need more.

  I hope Zander will be pleased.

  I glance over my appearance in the mirror, my heart skipping a beat at my reflection. It’s the next day after our hot foreplay session and I’m getting ready for another date. Zander’s taking me somewhere new tonight. Somewhere important. And I don’t want to disappoint him.

  I’m wearing the gorgeous white gown made up of sparkling rhinestones Zander gave me, my hair pulled up into an elegant French bun with wispy bangs framing my face. I had to watch a video on how to put my hair up like this, but it was worth it.

  I hardly recognize myself.

  With my dangling diamond earrings, dramatic makeup, and gorgeous gold bracelet I look like some wealthy debutante. Everything about my appearance says eloquence and beauty, even if the diamonds are fake. Still, I don’t feel like I’ll belong on Zander’s arm. I feel like I’m just playing dress-up, hiding the flaws that lie just beneath the surface.

  I don’t think I can ever match up to the woman who’s looking back at me in the mirror. That person I see, I don’t recognize her. It’s not the real me. I’m just a fraud.

  I suck in a breath as I remember his warm lips pressed against mine. I got lost in the moment. Lost in him. I never wanted it to end. Just being around him makes me feel dizzy with euphoria. It’s not supposed to be this way. It’s just an act. It’s all fake.

  But why does it feel so fucking real?

  Because he’s my Master, a voice whispers in the back of my mind. The instant I think the words, my body relaxes.

  My pulse races as warmth flows through my chest. I can't get over the way he looks at me. Like I’m his. It makes me feel wanted. Even if it is only for thirty days.

  I shake off the feeling of anxiety rolling through me, the questions and fear. He’ll take care of me. I close my eyes and try to believe it, but I know it’s foolish. This is temporary.

  He’s going to be here soon to pick me up.

  And I know the moment I see him, I’m going to go weak in the knees. It’s what he does to me. He makes me powerless, but I want it. I want to give it all to him.

  It scares me.

  It makes me feel like I’m drowning.

  And I don’t want anyone to save me.

  Chapter 17

  Zander

  The moment the limo pulls up, she’s at the door to the townhouse, not making me wait. I should move and get my ass out of the limo to go to her, but I’m struck for a moment. She stands out against the dark red brick of the old building, her white dress brushing against her shapely legs as the wind blows, further emphasizing her tempting curves. She’s striking, gorgeous even.

  She’s all I’ve thought about since I left her.

  The trees and bushes along the sidewalk and in front of her building are barren. The buildings are old and worn; history has been unkind to them. Maybe her past is dark, but I know with everything in me, she doesn’t belong here. Not anymore.

  The wind is harsh, blowing her shawl and exposing her bare shoulders. She lets out a gasp that I imagine I can hear as she reaches for the edge of her shawl. It’s blowing in the wind with the threat of losing it clearly on her face. Although the weather is more like spring than the end of winter, with the wind I know she must feel the chill.

  She grips the iron railing, steadying herself on the landing of the stone steps as Marcus opens his driver’s door to the limo. It brings me back to the moment, and I’m quick to get out so I can wave him back.

  As my dress shoes slap against the paved sidewalk, my blood heats. She’s sure to be noticed tonight, which will bring more attention than usual. That, combined with the news article, I’m sure will get people talking. My nerves prick at the thought. I usually enjoy blending in. The familiar is expected and also ignored.

  She certainly isn’t familiar, and I know damn well she won’t be ignored.

  I have to jog to meet her at the bottom of the steps. “You look beautiful,” I compliment her as I hold out my hand. A beautiful blush rises to her cheeks as she sets her small hand in mine.

  “Thank you,” she says and her voice is small and full of genuine happiness. I don’t know what she expects out of this, with me being her Master, but I can take care of her. And I intend to. I’ve almost messaged Lucian and Isaac a few times to ask what the fuck I’m supposed to do. I’m not going to let on to that fact though.

  I hold her hand and open her door for her as a gentleman should. I wait for her to sit back in her seat before closing it and getting in on the other side.

  It only hits me when we’re alone in the back of the limo and Marcus pulls away that I’m really taking her to an event. I don’t bring guests anywhere. I don’t make appearances with any women, and I’ve never been seen with a significant other. Not that I’ve had them. A quick fuck to sate my appetite is all I’ve ever indulged in.

  But tonight is different. It’s a statement as well.

  It’s quiet for a moment, and I can see that it’s getting to Arianna. Her fingers tangle with one another and more than once she parts her lips to say something, chancing a look up at me but then looks back to the floor of the cabin.

  I finally break the tension. “I’d like you to do what I say tonight.” She needs to be perfect. She needs to play the part well so that no one will question what we are, and my image will stay intact.

  “Of course,” she answers quickly, nodding her head. “I promise I’ll do my best and it wi
ll be good enough.”

  I eye her and take in the conviction in her voice.

  “Have you been to a gala?” I ask her, reaching across the cabin to the champagne that’s sitting on ice. I uncork it with a flourish as she answers that she hasn’t, but she’s fully aware of how she’s supposed to act and that she won’t disappoint me.

  The champagne pops, and the sound of it spilling easily into the first flute is accompanied by the sound of my heart beating in my chest. She continues talking nervously, but she sounds eloquent, even with the nerves evident. She’s going to be perfect.

  The glass flutes clink against each other as the limo goes over a small bump and I fill the second halfway.

  “Champagne?” I offer as I set the bottle back down.

  “Thank you,” she says and accepts the glass with grace although she doesn’t take a drink. I taste mine, the sweetness coating my tongue.

  “You’re a smart woman, so I’m sure you’ll be fine,” I tell her as I place my hand on her knee. “You’ll be quiet for most of the night and simply stay on my arm.”

  “Yes,” she answers quickly, both of her hands wrapped around the skinny stem of the glass sitting in her lap.

  “As far as anyone knows, you’re my girlfriend. It’s a new relationship.” I down the rest of the champagne and set the empty glass into its place, leaning forward and continuing to talk. “We met through a mutual friend if anyone asks, although I’ll do my best to do most of the talking.”

  “Absolutely,” she answers firmly.

  I nod my head at her and let my eyes travel down her dress. “You really do look beautiful, sweetheart.” I don’t think about the words until they’ve left me. A pleasant sound comes from her lips. Not a gasp of surprise or a laugh, but something in-between. As if she’s flattered, but that she doesn’t believe me.

  “I’m proud to have you by my side tonight. Do you know that?” I ask her.

  She gazes at me for a moment, but doesn’t answer quickly which isn’t in her nature. She finally whispers, “Thank you.” It makes me think she truly doesn’t believe it. I need to change that.