Masters of the Castle: Witness Protection Program

by Maren Smith

  He didn’t wait, nor did he tell the number of strikes that she’d receive.

  The first crack hit her firmly across the ass, the pain tolerable. She clenched her fists, gritting her teeth as her legs trembled. The whooshing sound prior to the second remained in her ears as the leather was slapped against her ass again, this time the jarring sensations rocketing through her. “Oh!”

  He rubbed his hand across her ass before continuing, striking her four times in succession. Each one was harsher than the one before, leaving her breathless, pain tearing through her.

  Gasping for air, she struggled against the bondage, the anguish excruciating.

  A few seconds passed before he issued four more, one coming after the other, two across the tops of her thighs.

  “Oh. Oh!” She knew she’d screamed, the sound floating into the air, but she was lost in a fog, tears slipping past her eyelashes. She could never endure. Never.

  Master Diablo smacked her upper back, his actions controlled and even. “Pain and pleasure. Agony and ecstasy.”

  She heard the words, knew what he was saying, and she closed her eyes as a buzzing noise replaced the echoes. The snapping of his wrist brought a smile to her face as he whipped her ass again, moving to her thighs, only this time, the pain was almost pleasurable, the sensations electrified, current seeping into her muscles.

  The crackling sound of the flogger against her skin was beautiful, like sweet music filling her ears. The combination of pain and joy, pleasure and agony were thrilling, sending her mind reeling.

  Cassandra had no idea how long the session lasted, but as he brushed the back of his hand across her face, she finally opened her eyes. What she could see in the man standing in front of her wasn’t what she expected. She could swear in her dream like state that what she noticed was the onset of love.

  Sebastian’s entire world had changed in an instant. His understanding of the man he’d been inside, the careless and reckless asshole was tainted, no longer the kind of man he wanted to be. He was shattered by the realization and as he eased the damp hair from Scarlet’s eyes, he noticed the expression on her face. Absolute trust. She’d placed her entire amount of trust in him, to protect and care for her.

  A lump had formed in his throat and when he dropped the flogger, his hand was shaking. Yes, he realized she must have overheard a portion of his conversation with Carmen. And yes, by all rights he should eradicate the threat, but there was no way. He would protect her with his life. He wiped his face with his sweaty hand, trying to rationalize his thinking. If Carmen had realized she’d heard any part of their discussion, her life would be in danger.

  He was stiff and tense as he moved to the wall of implements, selecting one of the canes, rolling his fingers down the smooth surface. His mind shifted to the task at hand, his need to control her, dominate her and her desire to find a man who knew her inside and out. He was determined to be that man.

  Tapping the cane across her buttocks, he reveled in the sound of her soft mews, the way her fists clenched in the tight bindings. He parted her ass cheeks, twisting the ass plug. “Just imagine my cock buried deep inside.”

  “Mmm… Yes, sir.”

  The snapping sound as he wielded the cane was magnified by the stone walls, at least in his ears. The instant welt along her reddened ass cheeks was a powerful aphrodisiac, giving him a series of chills. He swung again, catching her along her sit spot.

  Scarlet muffled a cry, stretching and twisting, her toes curling.

  He issued two along the tops of her thighs before rubbing his fingers across her skin. She marked well and would wear them for at least a couple of days. He could envision her body if she belonged to him, her nipples and clit pierced, his brand on the top of her ass. His cock twitched at the thought alone.

  After issuing another series of strikes, the welts crimson in color, he brushed his hand through his hair. Her face was covered in light perspiration, her skin glowing. He cracked two more before pulling away, staring at the cane. A smudge of blood covered one side. No more. “You’ve done very well.”

  “Thank you… sir,” she breathed, twisting her head in order to try and see him.

  He noticed the tears on her cheeks, beads remaining buried in her lashes. As he unfastened her shackles, taking her into his arms, she clung to him, sobbing against his chest. He rubbed his hand across the back of her head, keeping his actions soothing.

  Seconds later, she lifted her chin, her eyes searching his. “Thank you.”

  The sentiment caught him off-guard, sending a chill into his heart. He dropped his head, kissing her gently on the lips, cradling her quivering body against his. Gathering her into his arms, he held her until she stopped crying before easing her down to her feet. “Can you dress?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “I’ll be back to take you to our room.” Our room. As he grabbed the implements used, heading for the return station, the irony was there, smacking him in the face. He wanted her with him at all times. When he returned, he stood admiring her from a distance before walking back inside the cell. “Let’s go.”

  She was unsteady on her feet, still shaking from the round of punishment. He hadn’t bothered to attach the leash, this time wrapping his arm around her as he walked her down the hallway to his room. She was quiet, her head resting against his chest the entire time. When they were behind closed doors, she stood in the middle of the room, breathing in and out, the sounds more like ragged purrs.

  Sebastian ripped off his mask before moving in front of her. He unpinned the cat’s ears, removing them then unbinding her hair. As he ran his fingers through her long strands, smoothing down her hair, she gave him a slight smile. “How do you feel?”

  “Wonderful. Sated.” Scarlet half laughed. “How did you know?”

  “How did I know what you needed?” Sighing, he gently lowered the outfit, carefully pulling the material down from her welts.

  “Yes. I mean, yes, sir.”

  He chuckled more to himself as he eased around her, taking the tip of his finger and tracing several of the marks. “I could read you easily. Every push back you gave me was only another indication that you were offering me full control. I knew what had to be done, especially after you ignored my direction.”

  “Mmm…” She parted her legs as he traveled further down her back, sliding them between her ass cheeks. “Will you fuck me now?”

  “First things first. You can go and remove the plug. We’ll continue with your training later.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Sebastian waited until she’d gone into the bathroom before glaring at his reflection. She didn’t need a monster like him in her life. The revelation was as gut wrenching as his knowledge that he wanted her in his world, more than he cared about money or possessions. He moved to his suitcase, pulling the flask of bourbon onto the dresser. Contraband, but he had no doubt she needed a drink. He certainly did.

  He grabbed two glasses, pouring as the door opened. She’d found a robe and while he should be angry she hadn’t asked permission, he had no desire to inflict any additional punishment. They were done for the day. “Here. Drink this.”

  “One drink limit, sir.” She took the glass from his hand, their fingers touching.

  “I’m aware.” The electricity was the same, heated to the point his cock pressed against his linen pants. The alcohol was soothing, the slight burn as the liquid slid down his throat exactly what he needed. The second swallow finished the glass while she was still sipping on hers. “I’m not a passionate man.”

  “So, you say.”

  “I prefer hard sex, not making love.”

  “I understand,” she countered, a wry smile on her face. “I don’t care.”

  He shook his head. “Go lie on the bed face down, unfasten the robe.”

  “Yes, sir.” Carrying the glass with her, she took another sip before obeying his command, positioning the glass on the dresser before crawling onto the bed and lying down.

  T
he salve in the bathroom was positioned alongside the shampoo and conditioner, no doubt refreshed daily. He moved beside her on the bed, lowering the robe from her shoulders, helping her ease the thick material down to her waist. There was no need for words, no reason to discuss what he was doing.

  Scarlet slid her arms over her head, closing her eyes.

  The lotion was cool to the touch and as he used only his index and middle finger, running them down and across the various welts on her back. He rolled the material down to the tops of her thighs, caressing both ass cheeks.

  “That feels good, sir.”

  “You may bruise.”

  “I know,” she whispered, her expression one of contentment. “As I should.”

  He opened his mouth to talk to her, to open up and share aspects regarding his life, but what could he tell her that she could possibly understand? That he was a brutal killer? That he’d spent his entire life destroying lives? How could she possibly understand?

  “You have a gentle touch,” she said, the sound muffled.

  “Only with you. That, I can assure you.” He continued rubbing, his fingers moving in circular motions. Stroking her was medicine for his soul, allowing him to push aside his requirements, his anger and his concern. They were behind locked doors, playing an act, if only for a little while. He planned on enjoying the weekend.

  Then there was Carmen. If the man was being serious, Sebastian could possibly get out of what he was doing, leave the country. He had enough connections to make it work, but he would leave behind all he knew, never to be able to set foot in the United States again. Even then, he’d be on the run from the Sanduchi family, always looking over his shoulder. However, he’d be free of whatever debt owed to The Butcher. Either way, he was completely fucked. For all his intelligence and planning, including offshore accounts, real estate purchased with cash he’d never figured on this kind of scenario.

  He should have known better accepting the assignment, but he had no choice. Whatever his decision, he would need to make it quickly.

  The smile on her face had changed, her fingers squeezing the pillow, her hips shifting back and forth across the bedding. When he seemed finished, she opened her eyes.

  Bending down, he pressed his lips across her forehead. “You should rest.”

  “I’m not tired. I’m euphoric,” Scarlet said with conviction in her voice. Sitting up, she didn’t bother to cover her breasts, didn’t try and move away from the bed.

  Everything about her was enticing, and his cock remained aching to the point of near anguish. He opened his fingers, crawling them down the side of her neck to her breast, cupping and squeezing with both hands, swirling his thumbs around her already hardened nipples.

  She arched her back, wincing as she placed both hands behind her, her offering blatant.

  He pinched her nipples between his fingers, delighting in her simple moans, the way her face shimmered in response. She wasn’t afraid of him in any regard, her body reacting as if she craved no one but him. As he twisted and pulled, she whimpered, her mouth pursing. He was hard as a rock, ready to drive his shaft inside her cunt at first, then her tight ass. He would take every inch of her, claiming what he believed to be his.

  Tossing back her head, she panted when he lowered his head, sucking and nipping on her nipples, biting down until she issued a single cry.

  Sebastian pushed away her robe, yanking and tossing the unwanted item. “Lie down. Hands over your head.” There was no way he could hold back any longer, his desire was too great.

  “Yes, sir.” She eased onto her back, lifting her arms, eyeing the shackles. She stretched her hands to meet the straps, knowing what he was about to do.

  When her wrists were secured, he tugged his shirt over his head and moved to the dresser, selecting a pair of nipple clamps. The nickel-free iron clothespin design was perfect, especially for a beginner. He’d never cared about whether or not his actions went too far during any episode before today. Perhaps he’d lost some of the bastard aspects corralling his soul. Or maybe he was simply fooling himself that he could provide tender care, certain aspects of romance. He pressed on the opener as he turned around, allowing the chain to dangle between his fingers.

  She sucked in her breath as he advanced, her breath skipping.

  Straddling her waist, he rubbed her breast with one hand as he squeezed the clamp open with the other. Placing the rubber tips on her nipple, waiting as she wiggled. “Pain and pleasure, my sweet kitten. Never forget.” When he released the hold, she gasped. He repeated the move with the other, pulling on the chain when he was finished.

  “Oh… Yes.”

  Sebastian adjusted the tension and tugged again, keeping his hold on the chain as she became used to the pressure. “You look beautiful in jewelry.”

  “Yes… Sir…” She blinked several times and bit her lower lip.

  He moved between her legs, opening and lifting, dropping his head and licking around her clit. The taste of her was sweeter than before.

  Moaning, she struggled with her bindings, pulling hard against the tight restraints, her head moving from side to side. “God!”

  His entire body was tense as current rolled through him, coursing through every cell and muscle. He shoved two fingers inside her cunt as he sucked on her clit, biting down with just enough pressure. She was wet and hot, her juice making the insides of her thighs sticky. He slid a finger into her ass, wiggling and thrusting. The plug had certainly relaxed her muscles.

  She panted, her hands clenching, her back arching, moans turning into whimpers.

  He licked up and down the length of her pussy before thrusting his tongue all the way inside, using his finger in a perfect orchestration. He added a second then third finger inside her ass, pumping in and out, his fingers flexed open.

  Her eyes were glassy, her mouth slack.

  Reaching for the chain, he tugged again until she cried out and he feasted on her, licking and sucking, drinking her sweet juice. He pumped harder and faster, watching her reactions, the way her face was contorted. His heart raced, blood pumping to the point he was lightheaded. And he wanted her to come, exploding inside his mouth. He grunted, the sound feral as his actions became wild, the force of his hand driving her up from the bed.

  “Oh, yes… I… May I come?” Her voice was strangled, breathless.

  “Not yet.” He flicked his tongue inside as her pussy muscles clamped around his fingers, drawing them in deeper.

  She bucked wildly, perspiration running down both sides of her face. “Please!”

  He hesitated, waiting until just the right moment and pulled the chain. The need to allow her pleasure overrode his desire to dominate. “Come. Now!”

  Her face pinched, she screamed out, tossing her head back and forth, her legs shaking uncontrollably, the single climax moving to a wave.

  Holding her fast, he continued nipping, sucking on her juice, drinking every drop of her cum. He kept her legs pressed apart, burying his face. Quite frankly, nothing had stimulated him as much in a very long time. Only when she’d stopped trembling did he ease back, wiping his mouth with the back of his hand.

  Scarlet’s breath was rapid, her eyes closed, an expression of rapture covering her entire face. She emitted soft purring sounds as her hands opened, relaxing.

  Sebastian climbed off the bed, removing the remainder of his clothes. He would claim her ass this evening, whether she was ready or not.

  She heard the rustling sounds as he undressed, curling her body as much as the restraints would allow, her eyes mere slits as she watched. “There is such darkness in your eyes.”

  Her voice was unsteady, as if her whispered words would rile the monster lurking inside. “I have no reason to find light.”

  “That’s very sad, but we’re all hiding from who we pretend to be, the personality and lifestyle others expect. We run from ourselves, terrified that if we admit who we are, there’s no turning back.”

  The words themselves were profound
enough, but the way in which she stated them provided a clear insight to the woman inside, one so petrified to be herself. “We all have our reasons.”

  “Yes. I’m afraid one day it’ll all be too late.” A single tear slipped from her eye, trickling toward the pillow.

  There was no reason for his heart to ache, the dull pain thudding against his ribcage. She was only part of the act, a charade in order to perform a task. Yet she wasn’t. He was unable to think clearly as he rubbed his hands down his chest, wrapping one around his swollen balls, the other around his cock. He didn’t want to think about the future or his responsibilities. “Only if we allow time to slip away.” He was tired of fighting the demons inside, anger and resentment that clouded every action, every decision. He was finished with kowtowing to worthless dictators, who believed they were far superior to everyone else.

  And still he ached.

  A choking sound came from her throat, the anguished guttural moan a telling statement. She’d resigned herself to an unfulfilled life.

  Sebastian unfastened her wrists, caressing each hand, his fingers dancing along the insides of her arms. She shivered from his gentle touch. Capturing her mouth, the passion was subtle, calming for both of them, keeping them tethered while everything seemed to unravel around them. But he was still a man, his needs increasing. Positioning her on all fours, he rolled his fingers down her spine, taking his time.

  Her fists clenched around the bedding, her head lowered.

  He adored the feel of her, the way rippling sensations tickled the tips of his fingers. Spreading her legs wide, he pressed his hand against the small of her back as he fisted her hair, yanking back.

  “Oh!” She gasped from the force, her fingers now clawing the comforter.

  “I’m going to fuck you now.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  His rage was bridging the surface, blacking out every enraptured feeling. This was all about his need. His needs. She was merely a vessel, a toy to use. Yes. That’s the way he had to think about her. There was no other choice. None. Everything was a blur, his head pounding from the pressure.