“Certainly explains your appetite and why you woke me from a sound sleep. You were so insistent we go out to find some Chinese food. But I was used to entertaining your eccentricities so I went along with the whim. It was so late, the only place we could find still open was certainly skeptical. Place was so small, they only had four stools pushed up to a window table.”
A flicker of a smile creased his eyes again. “I’m pretty sure I saw a roach or two scrambling around while we waited. But it was the best damn Chinese food we’ve ever had.”
“God, yes.” She licked her lips, nearly tasting the sumptuous sauce and fresh vegetables. “When it came time for the fortune cookie, the cook apologized for only having one. You insisted I take it.”
“And you insisted I take it. So we split the difference and broke it open together.”
There is safety in courtesy. The tiny slip of cheap paper was still tucked into her jewelry box. Her thumb traced the faint line of the vein under the thin skin at his wrist, smiling when his pulse jumped. “You bound my hands for the first time that night.”
“And you called me Master the next.” His mouth touched hers in such a way it radiated all the way to her toes. He kissed wholly and completely, restraining nothing of his intent—his passion—for her. By exposing this much of himself, both mentally and physically, he exposed her.
His tongue swept along hers as he varied the pressure. Hard. Soft. Everything in between that displayed to her just how much chemistry they truly possessed. Her need skyrocketed, her clit throbbing painfully in time to each efficient stroke of his tongue. She inhaled sharply through her nose as each unrelenting suck on her tongue caused a bolt of longing to streak through her body. If he kept up this level of attention, surely she’d come within a matter of minutes.
She stilled, whimpering weakly as he pulled away. His fingers touched her heated cheek. Energy flowed between their bodies, connecting them on a physical as well as emotional level. “I want you in my ropes again, Korene.”
The warm rumble of his voice washed over her as every nerve ending blazed in answer. Her lips felt swollen as she dragged her tongue over the delicate surface. He’d possessed her mouth with so much fervor, her insides were still shaking with excitement. It was almost too much.
Almost.
“One day.”
“One day,” he echoed as he turned back to watch the show.
* * * * *
A well-dressed waiter held out a chair, gesturing for her to sit. “Ma’am.”
“Thank you.”
Roland touched her shoulder. “I’ll be back in a moment.”
Grateful for the breather, she used the distance between their bodies to desperately try not to think about how, in less than ten minutes, he’d reminded her how much she missed sex. Not to mention how badly she needed one good toe-curling, soul-searing orgasm. Certainly any man who knew how to use his cock would certainly take care of her…predicament. But it wasn’t just Roland’s dick she wanted. It was his hands, his lips, his teeth and his oh so very fucking talented tongue.
And so much for not thinking about him.
The waiter directed a couple to the seats directly across from her. They both smiled in greeting as they sat, shaking out their artfully folded napkins. As they bent their heads together for a quiet conversation, Korene took a few minutes to admire the way they interacted. Judging by the way the dark-haired man combed his fingers gently through the woman’s vivid red hair and the way he kissed her forehead as she bent closer, she guessed they were on their honeymoon.
More couples began to arrive at the large table, until all the seats at the table were full. Korene focused on their presence instead of Roland. The couple to her immediate right appeared to be very much in love if the way they held hands was any indication. To Korene’s left was an elderly couple who fussed with the placement of the expensive silverware. She couldn’t hold back her smile, thoroughly amused with their quiet exchange.
Great. Surrounded by people totally and completely infatuated with one another.
“And what has you so amused?” Roland brushed his lips over her shoulder as he returned to his seat. Those thoughts she’d been trying to smother flared to life. Her body burned, the tingling of her pussy growing in intensity with each passing second despite their mixed company.
She folded her napkin in her lap, fidgeting with the cloth instead of answering. Talking meant she’d have to look at him. She certainly didn’t feel confident enough to face him straight on. Not after the display in the theater where he’d reminded her how quickly he could reduce her to a quivering mass.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed his sly smile before he turn his attention to the other guests seated at the table. She expelled a shaky breath, her hand trembling slightly as she reached for her ice water. Get it under control, Braddock. No matter how much you want him, he left you—remember? Stop thinking with your cunt. She started to repeat the mantra in her head when the waiter delivered their dinner.
The strong aromas of rosemary and ginger were infused in the steam rising from the roasted lamb and potatoes set before her. Her stomach growled in response, making her realize she hadn’t eaten a thing since waking this morning.
“So tell us how you two met.” The redhead, who’d introduced herself as Angie, lifted her wineglass and waited.
“My gun range,” Roland offered in answer.
The woman’s ruddy eyebrows shot up. “Seriously? That’s pretty awesome.”
Roland’s hand closed around Korene’s knee as he continued. “She came in not knowing a thing about guns. Only that she wanted one to protect herself after the Uprising started. Can’t say I blame her. A single, gorgeous woman with a body such as this certainly was a prime target back then.”
Angie’s husband nodded. “Very dangerous times, especially for women.”
Korene held back the urge to roll her eyes. Though it surprised her to hear Roland share the true story of how they’d met. She really had gone to the gun shop he worked at on the weekends. The Uprising, a result of the citizens turning on the government and its laughable choices, had started in a few pockets within the major cities and quickly spread to more sparsely populated areas. She’d never felt her life had been threatened, but had figured why take the chance?
“He was more than patient with me,” Korene added, following Roland’s lead.
“Especially when she wanted to buy way more gun than she needed.”
“A girl’s gotta have something big to wrap her hands around, right?” Everyone laughed at her joke, except Roland. His hand tightened around hers, clearly remembering those first few days. The air had literally crackled around them as he’d held his body against hers as he taught her to fire a weapon. One or two lessons would have taken care of things, but she’d found herself returning and seeking more from the enigmatic man.
“She was a natural, whatever the size.”
From the first moment she’d walked in the shop, she’d known there was something special about Roland. It wasn’t just her body that reacted to him. He made her want more of herself, made her want something out of the ordinary. With Roland, she always wanted more.
“Well, you two certainly make a handsome couple.” Angie’s husband lifted his glass, as did the rest of the occupants of the table. “Here’s to love, hope and longevity.”
Instead of toasting with the group, Roland kissed the back of her hand. “Hear, hear.”
Twenty minutes later, Roland’s arm wrapped around Korene’s waist as they exited the lift. Her body still vibrated from his close proximity for the past few hours, especially after reliving the memory of how they met. When she coupled it with the reminder of how they’d fallen into the power exchange aspect of their relationship, she was more than primed and ready despite the fact she knew better.
She wanted to give in to him.
All he had to do was ask.
“Markus tells me we’ll be arriving at the dock around eight tomor
row. The tourist shuttle will meet us immediately after to transport us to our destination at the volcanic park.”
“Lots of hours between now and then.”
“You’re right.” He leaned in, brushing his hand against her jaw. His thumb settled into the small cleft in her chin, a touch that sent her heart racing. Her already primed and ready body followed as she waited for the first precious contact. “It was nice walking down memory lane a few times tonight.”
She nodded, not trusting her voice to form a verbal response. His lips were just a hairsbreadth from hers, his hot breath merging to spin between their perilously close bodies. He didn’t bother to hide his arousal from her as his very hard cock pressed against her abdomen. Right at this moment, her body chanting Roland’s name, she wanted to drop to her knees and worship his unyielding hardness.
His free hand started to roam her body, brushing against her shoulder and then her elbow before closing around her wrist. As he securely held her, his tongue nudged her lips open. She accepted, sucking on him as he invaded her mouth. If she’d thought her body had been calling to him earlier, now it was shouting through a bullhorn.
Her world tilted when he inhaled as he drove deeper. Despite the way he ravaged her mouth, he kissed her as if he alone controlled time and space. As if he had all the time in the universe to waste. Pleasure sliced through her core, her lips burning from the pressure as her head started to spin. Slowly and carefully, his tongue possessed her, teasing her tongue to spar with his.
Her clit throbbed, unsatisfied with the inattention it was receiving. She wanted his mouth covering her down there too, sucking and nipping in much the same manner.
He pulled away, nibbling casually on her swollen lips as they parted. Her breath huffed out, fluttering the collar of his shirt. She expected him to kiss her again, but instead, he shoved his hands into his pockets as he stepped to the far side of the hallway. His intense gaze seemed to bore through her. He kept those glorious eyes on her as he used his elbow to hit the lock for the suite across the hall.
“One day.” He winked as the door slid closed.
Damn the man.
Chapter Four
One day at a time.
Roland’s words echoed in her head as she took a shower the next morning. Her body still burned for him, still called out for him to put his hands on her. Even though she’d cursed him for three hours last night, the fact he’d left her in order to give them both breathing room gave her clarity.
Sex would cloud things.
No mistake, the lack of it had certainly clouded her sleep last night.
As she stepped from the shower, she ran her hands through her wet hair. Air jets embedded in the walls dried her skin as she twisted her hair up and out of the way on top of her head. Skin dry and fragrant with the scent of lilies, she stepped into the spacious room. Only to discover she wasn’t alone. Someone was with her and the someone wasn’t Finley.
Heat darkened Roland’s eyes, her body singing in delight at the sight of him standing there in a pair of loose-fitting blue coveralls. A chill swept down her breasts, tightening her nipples into taut peaks. She tried to cover the response, but it was evident Roland noticed.
He moved to step closer, but she held up a hand to stop him. She didn’t want a repeat of last night. “Give me a minute and I’ll get dressed.”
“Don’t.” He reached out, using the barest of touches to skim his fingers over her collarbone, the hollow at her throat and down between her breasts. Fingernails gently scraped over her skin as he slowly traced the underside of her breast. Her breathing increased as his thumb grazed over her nipple.
His hands moved to bracket her waist, tugging her to his body. She sighed when his tongue swept one tight bud into his mouth. He suckled, gently at first, alternating with quick nips from his teeth before he soothed away the burn with his tongue. The incredible feel made her toes curl against the lavish area rug. His wet tongue skimmed over the peak, causing her back to arch in offering.
This is exactly what she’d wished for last night. No, not wished—craved.
She came alive under his touch so quickly, it was hard to ignore how he made her yearn. Pushing every single misgiving aside, she succumbed. She pushed her hands over the curve of his head, pulling him closer as he trailed a path to her other breast and showered the same amount of attention on it.
He sucked harder, pulling a sharp inhalation from her as tension coiled in her pussy. His arms became an iron bar around her waist, unyielding as he continued to sample her. Dampness flooded the space between her legs, but it wasn’t because she’d just taken a shower. She wanted him to hold command over her as he’d once done with such expert precision and grace, even though she’d explicitly said she couldn’t accept his collar. There was a difference between sex and domination, a certain familiarity to the place where she forgot the rest of the universe existed. Where she could come simply as his direction.
She needed their play.
Needed him to be the one directing her because his control filled a need that had been cold and barren for far too long.
As if reading her thoughts, he straightened, lifting a hand to close it behind her neck. She expected him to crush their mouths together or maybe apologize for the liberty he’d taken, but instead, he stepped to the side.
“Hands on the bench. Spread your legs for me, pet.” He tapped his fingers against her neck. “Now.” The command liquefied her knees as the power of it swamped her. She had no choice but to move in order to find something to steady herself. His hand stayed on her nape even as she bent forward. “You said you couldn’t accept my collar again, but your body says you still need me.”
She swallowed against the dryness coating her throat. “Yes. I do.”
“Just as I promised, it will be one day, one moment at a time. If you can put your trust in me again to give you what you need instead of what you want. We had that place once. I believe we can have it again, even without a collar. I won’t push harder than I feel is necessary.” Sure fingers cupped her slick heat, stroking the folds of her wetness.
The room spun.
The excruciating tension caused her to close her eyes. Everything about his touch spoke of power. He leaned over, moving his hand slightly to part her lips so he could slide two fingers inside her pussy. She actually felt her flesh swell around his intruding touch.
He held his fingers inside her, unmoving. The hand on the back of her neck moved, sliding around so he lifted her face so she looked directly at him. “I would never abandon you again, not like I did. This is my vow to you.”
His fingers thrust forward as his mouth closed over hers. Slow and even strokes caused her to sigh into his mouth as her body ignited. He continued to bestow the hot, hard kisses on her, devastating her mouth with his own arousal.
He pushed her higher, forcing her to take what he gave. The waves of pleasure were unbearable, yet her hips lifted in response for more. Those first glorious tendrils of arousal spread through her, expanding each time he thrust. Her muscles tightened around his fingers as his kiss deepened. He drank as if he’d never tasted her before. As if he would never experience anything this powerful with her again.
The wet sound of their flesh moving together, the slide of his fingers against the walls of her slick channel, drove her higher, making it incredibly hard to concentrate. Frustrated, she growled softly as she ground back against his fingers. She wanted to savor what his touch did to her, but wanted to get off at the same time. Judging by the way he chuckled as he continued to silently demand of her, he didn’t appear to share her opinion. He drove her closer to the edge, slow and easy to build the pressure to excruciating levels. He pumped deep and hard, each slide a delicious thrill as pleasure rocked her foundation.
She clutched at the cushion of the bench, desperately holding on as his powerful thrusts caused her to rock forward onto the balls of her feet. Her body responded with a constant hum of need each time he impaled her.
“Your cunt is so hot and wet. Sweet. Like a tight fist around my fingers. You really haven’t been with anyone else, have you?” She shook her head, gritting her teeth as he drove harder and deeper than before. “Answer me.”
Incredible pleasure ripped through her lower extremities, pulling a strangled groan from her. “Fuck.”
He leaned closer to her ear, flicking his thumb over her pulsating clit. “I am fucking you, pet. Though I’m beginning to rethink doing so unless you answer me.” He started to withdraw his fingers, causing her to whimper in protest. “I asked you a question, Korene.”
“You already know the answer.”
“Indulge me.”
The bastard already knew the answer, but that didn’t matter. He wanted to hear her verbal acknowledgement. Again. “Damn you.”
He burst out laughing, holding just the tips of his fingers inside her opening as he continued to slowly stroke her clit. “Yes, damn me and damn my dominating soul for finding a sick fascination with the idea of you submitting to me even after watching you put Parkin in his place in your boardroom.” His fingers shoved forward, picking up the pace he’d abandoned earlier as his lips pressed against the side of her neck.
His voice turned rough. “So damn me for wanting to bind your ankles and wrists with my ropes so you’re vulnerable to whatever whims I have. Damn me for wanting to spank your ass red to rid you of this obstinate streak. And damn me for wanting to fuck you so thoroughly you’re forced to stay in my bed because you can’t walk.”
A tremor ran through her body as his confession broke through her upheaval of emotions and feelings. She lifted her gaze, struck by the confident power gazing back at her. Her heart gave a sharp thud. “Just you, Roland. No one else.”
“And no one else for me, my precious pet.”
Her Master's Collar (On the Hunt) Page 6
