In and out. In and out so slowly. She whimpered. The lesson today was going to be the first step in allowing Lily to explore the possibility of what she could have. She was going to learn how to begin the process of moving on. He pulled the spoon out of her pussy.
“I missed you, poppet,” he murmured before licking the peach nectar off the pale skin of her round ass. He massaged her weeping sex with the heel of his hand, letting the juices ease out onto it.
He loved the feel of her swollen lips and how easily they fit into his palm. He smacked her sex with his open hand, enjoying how she rose on tiptoe, giving him a sensual groan.
“Oh, poppet, you did miss me.” He smacked her again before rubbing his thumb over the little fleshy nub. Her body shivered. The slope of her downturned shoulders quaked as she tried to keep quiet.
Tony stood up and turned her around. Her gaze remained focused on the floor. He hadn’t taught her that. His poppet was a natural submissive. “Take me to meet your new tenant.”
Lily raised her head, blessing him with a sparkle in the deep blue of her mesmerizing gaze. “O-okay.”
He retrieved her dress from the floor and slipped it over her head. Casually, he leaned against the counter, watching her take the pie out of the oven. She’d make a perfect wife. His smile faded as he watched her fiddle with the knobs. Goddamn Keith for breaking her heart.
She spun around. “Come on!”
Tony followed her as they walked through the kitchen doors to the back porch. He reached out and grabbed her hand as they started across the lawn. “What were you working on when I came in? Did you get the Judas one done?”
“I got that turned in about a week ago. I’m trying something new. I thought about dipping into the fiction realm. I also outlined a sort of romance, sort of sci-fi. What do you think? I feel like I’m ready for something different. Like traveling into a scary new world, but excited to find what’s there. Do you think I can do it? I told my editor I can do two more lectures this summer, but I want to concentrate on another project right now.”
Tony squeezed her hand. “Poppet, you can do anything. I’m so proud of you. I think it’s a great idea you’re finding another outlet for your creativity. Are you going to create a character for me? I want to be the strong, silent hero. Can I have my own spacecraft? Like The Chronicles of Riddick meets Star Trek. I think I’d like that. Something fast and lethal.”
Her smile gave way to a belly-shaking laugh. “Okay, okay. I can do that. The manuscript might be crap though. Do you really want your character to be part of a gigantic failure?”
“Stop it. Don’t talk like that. You’re intelligent and creative.”
“I don’t know, Tony. I—”
“Say it,” he said and tugged on her hand until she stopped and turned to him. “Say it.”
She looked down and took a breath. When she looked back up, her eyes sparkled. She spoke through a wide smile. “I’m intelligent and creative.”
“Good girl. Do you believe it?”
“Yes, I do. I can do this. I can write beyond my scope and sell it.”
Tony pulled her soft body against his chest. The conviction in her words was truth. He was proud to have trained her. She was always pleasing him. The time had come for her to fly and please herself. He kissed her forehead and felt her curves rest against him.
“‘I am beautiful.’ Say it.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist. “I am beautiful.”
He leaned down and pressed a kiss on her forehead. The feel of her skin on his lips seemed more a reassurance to him that she’d grown into her confidence than a gesture of comfort for her.
She stopped before starting into the woods. “Wait, did you know Nicholas had painted pictures of me?”
“No, but I can’t imagine why he wouldn’t.” He tucked a floating piece of hair behind her ear. “You’re quite the muse, poppet.”
She beamed a bright smile, obviously finding confidence in his words, and squeezed his hand as she led them down the path to the stable house. The farther they got from the plantation house, the quicker her footsteps became. He let her take the lead, admiring the way she was finally taking control of what she wanted.
LILY FELT LIKE a little girl sneaking to her favorite hiding place as she tugged on Tony’s big hand, trying to hurry his lazy pace. She couldn’t get to the stable house fast enough. The image of Adam’s perfect smile fueled her feet to move in a downright sprint. “Come on, Tony. Come on!”
“Slow down, poppet. Come here.” Tony gave a swift tug on her arm, forcing her to trip back, landing square against his heavy chest. He reached up to skim his thumb over her smiling lips. “You’re quite a sight. You know that?”
She laughed. “You’re silly.”
Tony let her return to her mission of tugging him along to meet Adam. She could only hope her excitement would lead to other things. Like tension…of the sexual kind.
Lily’s grip tightened. Adam stepped out from behind the screen door. Lily stopped and leaned back against Tony’s chest. They both stood and watched as Adam walked onto the porch with a cardboard box cradled in his arms. She caught her breath as Tony smoothed his palm against the small of her back, giving her a few gentle pets to let her know he was there. Her choppy breaths calmed.
“Hey there,” Adam said, a bit surprised.
His naked biceps flexed from the weight of what he was carrying. Those magnificent arms weren’t the only things exposed. His six pack stretched and released as he knelt down to set the box on the porch floor. He dusted his hands on his jeans, emphasizing the cords of muscle and veins on his forearms. Damn, Lily thought as she adjusted her thighs, feeling the familiar tickle in her clit. His six-pack is amazing. If I could just lick that little trail of dark hair. Oh, please stop. Please stop. God, his chest is so muscular. Shit!
“H-hi. I hope we aren’t disturbing you.” Lily felt the heat in her cheeks melt all the way across her face. Damn it.
Adam grinned before pulling his attention to Tony. “Hello, I’m Adam, Nick’s brother.”
“Good to meet you. I’m Tony.” Tony extended his hand, and the two men gave a firm shake.
Lily watched Adam’s eyes dart back to her before spreading his grin even wider. Lily kept her hand nestled in Tony’s snug grip. She listened quietly as the two men got the formalities out of the way. Her free hand sneaked behind her back. Tony looked down, giving her a reassuring smile before returning to the conversation.
“Would you guys like to come in? I’m afraid the place is a mess. Nick had so many things in progress. I’m deciding what to send to the gallery.”
Lily froze.
“Has Lily told you about what Nick had been working on before the accident?”
“She mentioned a few things,” Tony said.
Lily nervously pulled on Tony’s hand, bringing his attention back to her. The last thing she wanted was to look at those paintings again. “We should probably get—”
Tony sharpened his gaze.
“Come on in and take a look,” Adam said and held the door open as Tony walked inside. He wrapped his hand around Lily’s arm as she started to pass through the door. Horror and excitement shrilled through her as she looked up at him. He gently pulled on the back seam of her dress, exposing the now faded welts. Lily shuddered and closed her eyes as the warmth of his trembling finger caressed the tender flesh. “You left in such a hurry last night.”
Lily didn’t know whether to cry or scream. She edged her way through the door and went to Tony. Four paintings had been propped against the couch with one large piece leaning against the set of windows. She sighed when she saw the vibrant paintings, depicting different places on the plantation.
“They’re stunning,” Tony said.
“Yes, they are,” Lily eagerly added. “Look, Tony, my roses!” Lily knelt to get a closer view of the paintings. “And the main house; he did a wonderful job capturing my fountain.” She was pleased to see these and relieved Adam h
ad taken her advice and disposed of the other ones.
“I’m going to send them to the gallery. He would’ve wanted them there.”
Lily turned to Adam and smiled. “Yes, these would be perfect.”
“I’m…” Adam hesitated. “Going to keep some of the others for myself.” He locked his gaze on Lily. He wasn’t asking for approval. He was simply stating his intentions.
Lily shuffled her focus back to the paintings. What was she supposed to make of that? They were technically Adam’s paintings now. The right to claim them was out of her hands. She prayed he would lock them up in a crate, store them in a safe, and never again let them see the light of day. The emotions in the paintings were hers, to keep private for only Tony’s eyes.
Frustration raced through her thoughts as confusion made her pause. She shifted her feet. The pulse between her thighs intensified. Adam had studied the paintings. He’d studied her.
Excitement. Yes, Lily thought, this was excitement. And it was blissfully overwhelming.
“Adam?” Tony asked as he leaned down to admire the oil painting of the porch swing. “Do you have any plans this evening?”
Lily almost bit through her bottom lip when Adam crossed his arms over his powerful chest.
“No, just finishing up this stuff,” Adam said as he nodded toward the boxes by the stairs.
Lily tried to look away from the two men standing side by side. The gesture was futile. The two of them were stunningly handsome. Tony was just a bit shy of Adam’s height and had a stockier build. Both men seemed to be carved in the image of Adonis. Lily waited impatiently for Tony to continue.
“Why?” Adam asked.
“Would you like to have a drink with Lily and myself this evening? I have some new Montecristos that came in a couple of days ago. Do you want to come up to the house later?”
“Montecristos?”
“Cuban cigars,” Tony said through a grin.
“Oh. I’d love to join you guys. But does Lily want me to come? I wouldn’t want to impose.”
“Lily would love for you to come.” Tony turned to her. She fidgeted with her hands. “Wouldn’t you, poppet?”
She looked to the floor. “Yes, Adam. I’d enjoy your company.”
“See, it’ll be fun,” Tony said. “Come to the house around nine.”
Adam nodded, and Lily could see he was trying to hide obvious amusement at watching her struggle through her nervousness. Tony had an effect on her way beyond what she was willing to show. He escorted them to the porch, all the while talking to Tony about how much he loved the peace and quiet of being out in the stable house.
Lily only caught bits and pieces of the conversation. A new fantasy rolled through her mind like an old projector sputtering to life. Adam looking up at her from between her thighs. What would his mouth feel like? Would he lick her fast or take his time? Either way, the fantasy made her uneasy. When she closed her eyes before, it was always Tony she envisioned tasting her pussy. She squeezed her eyes shut, willing the image to change—for Tony to be glancing up at her instead of Adam. No go. She opened her eyes to find Adam and Tony staring at her.
“I think she’s going to faint,” Adam said and started toward her.
Tony wrapped his hand around Adam’s forearm, stopping him. “No, she’s fine.” Lily let Tony slide his arm around her waist as they walked down the steps. “See you tonight.”
“Sounds good,” Adam said as Tony took her by the hand.
Before they disappeared around the bend of the path, Lily peeked back at the stable house. Adam was still standing on the porch. She barely raised her free hand and gave a slight wave. He dipped his head, then looked up and ran his fingers through his dark hair. He tipped his hand to wave.
“Adam,” she turned and whispered as Tony lead her up the path.
* * * *
The late-afternoon sun rolled in and threatened to roll right over Lily as she fussed with her bound wrists. The shade from the tree limb was moving, and she was sweating profusely. She wiggled her toes down into the soil. At least Tony hadn’t blindfolded her today. She liked to watch his face when he was taking his own pleasure with her. Why had he invited Adam to come over? She let her mind drift alongside the afternoon clouds. What is he planning? Tony could obviously tell the man drove her mad.
She tugged hard on the thick branch. No mercy. The shimmering glow from the sunshine moved closer to her legs. If he left her out here in the heat, she’d dry up. A soft, warm breeze ruffled over her naked belly. She prayed Adam didn’t need something from the house and stumble onto the lawn and find her. He’d run off for sure.
“Here, poppet.” Tony slipped a plump piece of strawberry between her lips. She chewed, grateful for the taste on her dry tongue. He’d made a plate of fruit and brought it out for them to share. Each piece looked so succulent. Lily tried to reach for the plate, forgetting her wrists were still tied to the rope dangling from above her head. He slid a piece of honeydew into her mouth. Lily relished the sweet juice as it spurted out with each bite.
“I want a piece,” he said. “You feed me.”
Lily looked at him with a furrowed brow. How was she going to manage that?
Tony knelt and spread her legs. He took a grape from the plate and slid the tiny globe inside her pussy. She winced from the coolness nestled inside her body. The sensation was so erotic she moaned as Tony dipped his tongue into her hole to retrieve the little piece of fruit.
He lounged before her like a Roman god eating from his mighty golden platter. Lily thrust her pelvis forward, offering herself to him. He slipped his tongue in again, deep into her, as if he was savoring every last taste of the sweet juice inside her. She looked down and smiled.
“Do you like that?” he asked.
Eagerly, she nodded.
“Good.” He took the final grape from her channel and licked his lips. “I do too.”
Lily hung her head, watching the green grass bend as she used her big toe to crush the soft blades. Even though she heard Tony moving around, her curiosity wasn’t enough to break the anticipation of what was to come. The tension coiled in her belly, making it easy to keep her eyes downcast.
“Plant your feet, firm.”
She opened her legs and braced her stance. The tight knot in her stomach continued to coil.
Before she could take a breath, the first crack came down on the back of her thighs. Her breath was taken as she let the rope hang her arms. Quickly, another snap followed the first. Thin strips of supple leather caressed her in unison. Lily leaned her head back to open her throat. She closed her eyes to welcome the impending darkness. The wonderful blackness that came with the pain wrapped its warm arms around her dangling body.
Tony’s hot breath kissed the shell of her ear. “I love you, poppet.”
His gentle caress ran through the hair trailing over her upper back. He bundled the long strands and placed them over her right shoulder to fall against her breast, tickling the already aching nipple. She could feel him behind her. Standing. Silent. Admiring the red streaks he’d left.
Lily arched her back, pleading for more.
Tony gave her what she wanted. The thin leather bands smacked against her lower back. He hesitated, waiting for her to recover before applying a fresh set of streaks to her upper shoulder. Those were her favorite. They took longer to heal, but Lily could reach and feel those. Again, the whip cracked. This time the searing heat licked her flank.
Lily let out a soft sigh and rolled her hips. Her pussy ached to be touched. In the blackness, behind her eyes, she could see Tony and his mischievous smile. She felt her juices gather and trickle down the inside of her thigh. She knew she was pleasing him. He stopped for a moment to spread her legs wider.
His hand cupped her mound, fingers splaying over the soft curls, just enough to tease the heat below his touch. “Ah, poppet, you like this very much.”
She bowed her head, realizing her body was betraying her at every turn. She couldn’t hid
e from Tony. Never letting her internalize the shame, he let her grow at a comfortable pace. Acceptance was always the goal. She could see that now. He swung the rope and she turned toward him.
He lifted her chin with his finger. “Look at me.” As she raised her gaze, he slowly slid the leather handle of the whip deep into her pussy. He coaxed the wetness with the rough handle. Each ridge of the bound leather nudged her swollen clit as he entered her again and again.
“It’s not a cock, is it?” his husky voice asked.
She couldn’t answer.
He thrust the handle harder. “It’s no cock, is it, poppet?”
She winced. “No, n-no. It’s not a c-cock.”
He removed the handle, only to replace it with his warm finger. “And this? This is not a cock either?” He slid three fingers into her and swiped his thumb across her aching nub.
Her head fell onto his waiting shoulder. “N-no. No cock.”
He withdrew, and her body felt empty. A gaping hole with nothing to ever fill it. Maybe Keith was right. I’m unworthy of love—of a cock. Tony spun her around and gave three quick swipes of the whip to the backs of her thighs. Lily let out a tortured moan. Tony spun her back around.
“I know what you’re thinking, poppet. He was a bastard who made you feel worthless.” Lily winced when he pinched her tight nipple. “He took something very precious and made it dirty. Are you dirty, poppet? Are you unworthy?”
Lily felt the welling tears gather at the corners of her eyes. “I’m not worthy, Tony. I’m not worthy of a cock.”
Another twist of her nipple made her dig her toes into the soil. “Are you dirty? Are you worthy?”
Lily finally cried out, letting the tears streak her heated cheeks. “I’m worthy, Tony. I’m worthy, and I’m not dirty.”
Lily felt the warm wetness of Tony’s tongue as he lapped at her sore nipple. The sensation was blinding, making her knees weak. Letting the binding hang her, she enveloped the sensation and made the confession truth. She was worthy of another man’s cock, and it wasn’t dirty to desire it—to desire this.
Gilded Lily Page 8
