Willing Sacrifice (Willing Surrender Book 2)

by Hole, Carrie

  Willing Sacrifice

  Carrie Hogle

  Self

  Contents

  Willing Sacrifice

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Chapter 12

  12. Chapter 13

  Chapter 14

  13. Chapter 15

  14. Chapter 16

  15. Chapter 17

  16. Chapter 18

  17. Chapter 19

  18. Chapter 20

  Chapter 21

  Epilogue

  Playlist

  Willing Sacrifice

  Willing Sacrifice

  (Willing Surrender Series: Book 2)

  Carrie Hogle

  (PinkParadox)

  Chapter 1

  James and Reina left The Crowe’s Nest, stopped for dinner, and then headed back to Reina’s house. When they arrived Reina noticed that her roommate, and best friend, Amy was conspicuously absent. Holding her hand James led her to the breakfast bar, lips brushing her neck as he whispered for her to sit. Looking into her eyes he angled himself between her legs, bracing his hands on the breakfast bar to either side of her. She was effectively caged, senses on full alert simply from his nearness.

  “We need to be certain that we have a clear understanding of a few things,” he said in a quietly commanding tone.

  She wished he would kiss her, she was certain of that.

  “No more deflecting, no more running. We’re past that, right Reina?”

  She swallowed feeling her cheeks pinken a touch.

  “Yes,” she responded.

  “I understand your fears, but we are together. You are mine, and I will protect you. Do you understand?”

  She licked her lips; the intense look in his eyes making her heart beat faster.

  “Yes,” she answered.

  He stood up and brought his thumb to her lips then trailed it down her throat. His hand caressed around to the back of her neck and into her hair. He made a loose fist and tilted her head back, eyes smoldering.

  “Did you intend to sleep with that guy from the bar?”

  His tone had taken on a dangerous edge, making Reina’s heart beat erratically.

  She swallowed again. “No,” she replied, with a small shake of her head.

  He looked into her eyes for a moment then brought his face close to hers, as if he might kiss her.

  “I do not share. Are we clear?”

  “Yes,” she replied breathlessly.

  “That’s good,” he murmured.

  She instinctively arched into him for more when his lips brushed across hers. He deepened the kiss with slow, deliberate sweeps of his tongue causing a tingling awareness down her spine. He pulled back to look at her, eyes assessing. His hand released her hair, grazing across her shoulder and down to her wrist. He stepped back, pulling her with him and guiding them to Reina’s bedroom, where Reina was more than willing to go. Once inside he shut the door and backed her towards the bed. He knelt and looked at her as he pulled her shorts down her legs, leaving her panties on. He stood, bringing their bodies close together, brushing her lips with his thumb again.

  “Do you realize how worried I was about you,” he demanded quietly.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered.

  He wrapped an arm around her and tumbled them to the bed. He kissed her thoroughly, punishingly; his hand sliding under her shirt to pinch and tease her nipples. As her body trembled, he skimmed his hand down her stomach, across her wet panties, and then brought it back up and around to squeeze her thigh. He put his hand in her hair, holding her in place while he looked at her. He shifted his body to lie next to her.

  “Roll to your side,” he said, with a strange spark in his eyes.

  She rolled to her side pushing her body into his. His arm came around her, hand coming around her wrist, pinning her arm against her body.

  “You will never make me worry like that again,” he murmured near her ear.

  She rubbed against his body sensuously, but he bit her in the shoulder.

  “Be still, or I’ll make it worse.”

  Her body stilled at his serious tone, feeling a small flare of apprehension.

  “Are you...are you punishing me,” she asked incredulously.

  “I’m making sure you remember.”

  She squirmed and he tightened his hold

  “I’ll remember,” she said, almost pleadingly.

  “I know,” he answered, rubbing his stubble across her neck.

  As the realization came over her that he fully intended to keep her that way she felt a hint of panic, trying to fight every instinct she had to struggle. Her body trembled as desire burned. Her fast panting breaths ended in quiet whimpers she couldn’t control and tears sprang to the corners of her eyes from raw sexual frustration.

  “James, please,” she begged.

  James sighed deeply, almost a growl, as he pressed his face into her back.

  It felt like a lifetime before James was whispering in her ear.

  “Slow your breathing Reina. Shhhhh. Slow your breathing.”

  At first just the sound of his voice sent shivers down her sensitive skin, but she could feel his deep slow breathing against her back. She narrowed her focus down to him, trying to will her body to match his breathing. He didn’t let her go, but as her trembling eased he loosened his hold. She closed her eyes, concentrated on their breathing pattern, and his warmth against her back. Slowly the emotional drain of the day took hold of her. She thought she heard James whisper. “That’s good,” as she drifted towards a fitful sleep.

  She was awakened some time later, her body burning with arousal. She’d partially rolled to her back in her sleep, and James’ hand rubbed lazy strokes over her hipbone. He bit her neck and whispered in her ear.

  “Do you want me Reina?”

  The part of her brain that might have resisted was either still asleep or already overloaded because denying him wasn’t on her menu of available responses.

  “Yes,” she breathed.

  Just like that he was off the bed, removing his clothes and stalking up her body. In a blur of need her panties were down her legs, her shirt off, and his heated body covered hers. Beyond senseless, her hands gripped the toned muscles of his back as he orchestrated every note of her pleasure. As he evoked every moan, whimper, and plea from her, there was no question of who was in control.

  When Reina woke again she was alone, body sensitive, sun streaming through the windows, and the smell of bacon wafting through the air. She threw on her t-shirt and shorts, brushed her teeth, and ventured toward the kitchen to face the dragon. James was sitting at the table with a cup of coffee in hand, a plate full of bacon, and two plates. She poured a cup of coffee blushing, her body too languid by thorough pleasuring to muster up any real indignation. As she gazed at him, he looked up and smiled. His dimples going straight to her heart, she smiled back.

  She took a couple long drinks of her coffee, topped it off, and sat down next to James. As she put some bacon on her plate James got right to it.

  “Reina I'd like you to move in with me.”

  “Move in...where?”

  “It just so happens that I own a house right here on Signal Mountain.”

  She took a bite of bacon while she looked at him, trying to process. Waking up next to him obviously had its perks.

  “I need to talk to Amy before I can give you an answer.”

  “Understandable
,” he started. “But, I have a feeling that's not going to be an issue.”

  She narrowed her eyes at him, “and why is that?”

  As if on cue, Seth came strolling out of Amy's room. Reina raised her eyebrows and gave James a sidelong glance, but he simply shrugged his shoulders. Obviously while she’d been wrapped up in her own issues she’d missed something.

  Seth greeted her on his way to the coffee, “Hey Reina.”

  “Umm, hey Seth.”

  Amy followed shortly after, bedhead and all. Reina was about to make a sarcastic comment when her phone rang with a number she didn’t recognize.

  “Hello? Yes, speaking,” she stood and paced as she spoke. “Yes...yes sir...yes, of course...that would be fantastic, thank you...yes, I’ll be looking for it...yes, I look forward to it...yes, thank you,” she ended the call and sat back down, looking at James.

  “It would seem that I’m to receive a proposal for a movie poster design and promotional team that’s being filmed in Nashville. Would you know anything about that?”

  “Really? That’s funny, it so happens that I’ve been cast in a movie being filmed in Nashville,” he smiled at her.

  “Did you do this,” she asked.

  “I showed your work to the right people, everything else was you Reina,” he smiled at her, stealing her breath and making her heart swell.

  “Thank you, James.”

  “I really didn’t do anything. Your designs are great, they’d be fools not to hire you,” he winked at her.

  “Well, I suppose we should have a look at this house of yours,” she smiled.

  He smiled back at her, sexy dimples showing, and for a moment she forgot how to think.

  Chapter 2

  Reina skimmed through James’ playlist as they wound their way up the mountain. It was only twenty minutes from Amy and the ride was beautiful, green, lush and fresh. As they reached their destination and pulled into the drive Reina couldn’t help but be charmed. The house was modern French style in creamy tan with espresso shutters, surrounded by maple, dogwood and pine trees. The drive led around the side to a three car garage with peaked windows above. At the end of the drive was wrought iron fencing and stone steps leading to a stone lined yard, in-ground pool, a stunning view of trees, and the mountain. Beyond the mountain was just enough of the city that the lights would be gorgeous at night.

  Reina was completely drawn in by it thinking, this will be stunning in the fall.

  Standing slightly behind her James commented, “It will be even more beautiful come autumn.”

  Reina turned towards him, heart in her eyes. He’d not only remembered their early conversations, he’d protected them, categorized them as important. She knew there was no going back. He saw all her hidden cracks and shadows, and he’d claimed them. She stepped into him, putting her face into his neck and inhaling. She wouldn’t say it aloud until she talked to Amy, but moving in with him hadn’t really been a question. He soothed her jagged edges, calmed her inner demons and brought her senses to life. She was beautifully broken, and he was where she wanted to be. She nipped his neck smiling as she stepped away, thoroughly enjoying teasing him. There was nothing quite as fun as seeing how far she could push before he bit back.

  The front of the house had a stone pathway leading to a cozy front porch; the front door was oak with scroll work windows surrounding it. The inside was breathtaking with oak floors, vaulted ceilings, and neutral cream walls. To the right was a small seating area with comfortable tan chairs and walnut tables, just beyond that was a small office space tucked in the corner with a walnut desk and bookshelf. Directly ahead was a large foyer and to the left a winding staircase with white balusters and an oak railing. At the end of the foyer were white doorways leading to an open floor plan area.

  On the left wall was a stone stacked fireplace with built-in oak shelves on either side. It was surrounded by coffee colored leather chairs, a couch, and walnut tables. The far wall was covered in double stacked French windows overlooking the backyard, mountain view, and a wooden deck spanning the back of the house with dark brown padded wicker chairs and umbrella covered tables. Past the living area were a small dining table on the left and the kitchen on the right. The kitchen began with a breakfast bar, beautiful oak cabinets and swirled marble counters. At the end of the dining area was another sitting room with light brown furnishings, a flat screen, and more shelves built into the wall.

  The entire setting made Reina’s heart beat faster; James had obviously put thought into this. Not only did the floor plan remind her of Key West, but the colors were all a reminiscent mix of their time in Vancouver and her love of coffee. She could feel his eyes on her as she explored, so she turned to him smiling and bit her lip.

  “Let’s have a look upstairs shall we,” she licked her lips and walked away.

  She decided to skip the rest of the rooms and check out the master suite. Entering there was a small hallway leading to the bathroom on the left, with a doorway on each side; she peeked inside one and realized they were matching walk-in closets.

  “I know how you feel about closets,” he laughed from the doorway.

  “Oh that’s funny,” she replied sarcastically, laughing and blushing.

  Two walls of the room were mostly windows, the floor covered in plush cream carpeting. James’ intricately carved walnut four poster bed was on the right side of the large room, this time with matching walnut nightstands. The left side of the room had a long walnut dresser, with a matching mirror across the top and soft cream colored chairs to either side.

  The bathroom was shades of tan, cream and white. White cabinets were accented with darkly swirled marbled counters. The left wall held the vanity with double sinks, above which was all mirror. At the end was a jacuzzi tub set into its own nook, accentuated by white molding and columns. On the right was a large walk-in shower in cream colored marble with a band of Emperador dark marble close to the top, highlighting the dark brown shower bench.

  James leaned against the door frame, unconsciously blocking the exit. His predatory eyes watched her as she came back through the room, his little fox assessing the den. As she caressed the carved post of his bed with her hands, images of her naked body stretched out and his name from her lips, flashed through his mind. She must have sensed she was silently being hunted because she looked up at him, eyes sultry.

  “If you’ll check the side table drawer, I believe you left something,” he said to her; gauging her response as she opened the drawer. Inside were her cuff bracelets and lock necklace, nestled on black satin scarves. His breathing deepened as she turned to him with knowing eyes and held out her wrists.

  “Will you help me,” she asked, licking her lips.

  The submissive yet passively aggressive gesture was tantalizing, intoxicating. His inner beast stirred, stretching its claws. She stood her ground, wrists held out, as he prowled toward her. She watched him from under her lashes as he unhurriedly fastened a bracelet around each wrist and rubbed his thumbs across the fragile sensitive skin. She tilted her head up, giving access to her neck as he slipped the silver chain around her throat, but the look in her eyes was more of a challenge than surrender. Her breathing changed when he clicked the small lock into place. She licked and bit her lip as his hands traced the necklace, his mark on her skin, making him want to bite them as well. Just when he would have caged her in she danced away, hip swaying as she sauntered towards the bathroom, stripping her clothes as she went.

  “You should shower with me,” she saucily teased him over her shoulder.

  His instincts gave a silent growl; that room didn’t have a second exit, she’d have no place to run when he reached her. He knew her well enough to know she knew exactly what she was asking for, trouble.

  Chapter 3

  The following afternoon James drove Reina back to Amy’s place. James walked her up, but as she stepped inside she stopped him at the door.

  She laid a hand on his chest, “I’m hanging out with
Amy today. I’ll call you later.”

  His hand came up and wrapped around her wrist, muscle ticking in his jaw.

  “James, I’m not going anywhere. I promise to call.”

  He brushed his lips across hers then released her and took a step back.

  “Ten, If I don’t hear from you by ten, I’m coming to get you.”

  She chuckled, “Yes, sir.”

  His eyes narrowed. “Make me come get you and you will be saying yes sir,” he mumbled as he walked away.

  She laughed, cheeks flaming. Almost worth testing the theory, she thought. Thinking about the night of denial, almost was as close as she wanted to get, for now. Amy was sitting at the table, beautiful as always. Reina grabbed a cup of coffee and sat with her. Amy smiled looking genuinely happy, peaceful even.

  “Out of the lair already? Released on good behavior I take it,” Amy teased her.

  “Ha ha. I noticed that Seth looked awfully at home yesterday.”

  “Yeah, you know, he’s been here a few times.”

  Reina raised her eyebrows, “Uh huh. And…”

  “And...Nothing really. Just, hanging out,” Amy replied with a twinkle in her eye.

  “And...How often are you hanging out?”

  “Oh, whenever,” Amy joked.

  “Ok, spill it. For real, what’s up?”

  Amy shrugged her shoulders, “Well, I like him, obviously. He’s sexy incarnate, who wouldn’t. Beyond that, I haven’t decided. He can hang out for now.”

  “He can hang out for now,” Reina repeated. “So, I guess I’ll be seeing him around.”

  Amy smiled, “Yeah, maybe.”

  That was probably all Reina was going to get. Amy usually told her everything, but she didn’t tend to let guys hang out. She loved to have fun, but didn’t let men get attached to her. Couldn’t let them quell her free spirit and all. Reina walked over to refill her coffee then sat back down.