Zane's Way

by Maggie Casper

  Following the movement of her hands, Zane for the first time, noticed the rest of her outfit. It was new which told him she’d made the effort to go shopping today.

  For some strange reason it made him happy that she would take the time and make the effort. Especially given the fact that she probably didn’t figure she’d be wearing it for long.

  Well, he would just have to make sure she had the chance to keep it on. Maybe her first lesson, and his as well, would be patience.

  The camisole top had wide straps, which seemed to lightly caress her shoulders. The low-cut lace curved with her breasts playing a game of peek-a-boo with dusky nipples that were begging for attention if their tautness was any indication.

  The silk of the bodice shimmered in the subdued light of the room making it look like falling water. The shorts bottoms were cut high showing the most tantalizing view of curves he’d ever witnessed.

  All-in-all, the outfit covered more than most bra and panty combinations, but good god did she look sexy as hell!

  Moving to the closet, Zane pulled out a thin wraparound dress he had only seen her in on a few occasions. It was sage green in color. Its design caused the side slit to open to about mid-thigh while sitting and showed off her lovely cleavage.

  The only thing holding the dress together was the thin belt that would wrap snugly around her waist.

  Moving around the bed, Zane handed the dress to Serena. He watched as she eyed the skirt and blouse she’d evidently already picked. When she looked back up at him, he merely raised an eyebrow in challenge.

  Once again, she narrowed her eyes causing a small furrow between her brows.

  Oh yeah, this was going to be fun. His gut clenched with arousal. His cock anticipating every moment of Serena’s training because, from now on things would be Zane’s way.

  Chapter Six

  Fingers trembling, Serena took the dress from Zane. Inside she bristled. It was a test—she knew it. She was well aware that he knew she would get ticked because he’d picked her clothes out when it was something she’d already done.

  Not quite sure how to deal with the whole situation, Serena looked up into Zane’s face. His expression was inscrutable, all except for the slightly raised brow and a twinkle in his eyes showing his amusement.

  She could feel her anger rise and opened her mouth prepared to give a sassy retort. The change in his eyes was instantaneous. One second there was merriment and the next cold steel. A tremor of awareness flashed over her skin as Zane moved closer.

  Without a thought, Serena took a step in retreat but it did no good. As if he were stalking her, Zane moved slowly, silently closer. He matched her step for step until she was backed up against the hard frame of the bathroom door.

  The bite of pain and the overwhelming sensations of pleasure exploded through her body as Zane’s large hand tangled in her hair, tugging until her head was angled right where he wanted it.

  Her mouth opened on a gasp as he moved closer. Lips almost touching, Serena could smell the mint candy Zane favored.

  Just as she though he would kiss her, he said. “Don’t push, baby. We have a lot to talk about, a lot to work out.”

  She wanted to argue, about what she wasn’t exactly sure. The man was driving her insane. Couldn’t he just throw her on the bed and have his way with her already? Hell, if he’d do that she’d be willing to talk about anything.

  Serena opened her mouth to say as much but never got the chance before warm lips were pressed to hers. Slow and deep the kiss went, until she could no longer remember what she’d wanted to say.

  Once again, her head was angled so she was staring right into the face of her lover. “Do you understand?” he asked.

  Lowering her lids, Serena could only nod her acceptance. Slowly, she felt Zane’s hand fall away. For a second, she just stood there. Staring. Waiting. Then he said “Get dressed, Rena. I’ll be waiting. You did make me dinner, didn’t you? Those wonderful smells have to be coming from somewhere.”

  Oh, crap! Dinner! She’d been so caught up in the moment, she’d already forgotten. With lightning speed, Serena finished dressing.

  Once in the kitchen, she finished the final preparations for dinner. Her body tingled and ached with its need for release. Bat-sized butterflies had taken up residence in her stomach and she wasn’t exactly sure she would make it through dinner without begging Zane to take her.

  She squeezed her thighs tightly together trying in vain to dull the throbbing that had taken over her swollen clit, but it didn’t help. She felt so hot and so sensitive.

  With each passing minute, Serena’s anger mounted. Damn it! Did the man have any idea what he was doing to her?

  With everything ready and hands full of food to be carried to the table, she turned and ran right into Zane.

  The breadth of his chest was like slamming into a wall and almost knocked her to the floor. Sinewy arms stretched out to catch her, trapping her against his hard body.

  Great! She couldn’t keep her mind off of him as it was and now she’d have to start all over. Trying to cool down with him in the same room was almost as impossible as keeping her panties dry.

  His face showed much more calm than any man had the right to be and it pissed her off. She could feel the flush of anger on her cheeks and was having a hell of a time keeping her tongue in check.

  Evidently, Zane was aware of her inner struggle. His mouth curved ever so slightly at the right corner and his eyes, although still watchful and intense, showed the slightest twinkle.

  “Relax, Rena.” His voice low and gravelly.

  “Relax? Yeah—sure. Whatever,” she answered a bit peeved at herself for not being able to hold onto her composure the way he so easily seemed to be doing.

  “Don’t get sassy, Rena. We haven’t had a chance to talk yet, but I bet I could find something to keep your delectable mouth occupied until you have the chance to calm down.”

  His voice was seductive and commanding all at the same time. He may be trying to soften his censure of her attitude, but she had no doubt he meant every word.

  Taking a deep breath, she said. “Ok, Zane.” Then handing him a bowl, she added, “Here you take this and I’ll get the salad.”

  Placing the bowl of salad on the table, Serena asked, “Wine?”

  After pondering the question for a moment, Zane nodded. She’d just made it back to the table and was pouring wine for the two of them when Zane signaled for her to stop. She looked up, not sure what was wrong when he said, “Just one, Serena. I want you sober for tonight.”

  She wasn’t at all sure if this is what she’d signed up for. The use of her full name let her know he would accept nothing short of total capitulation. Her body was on edge, her mind confused. What else could she do, but wait and see what the night had in store for her?

  With dinner in full swing, Serena watched as Zane ate with gusto while she was barely able to swallow a bite here and there. Mostly she just pushed the food around her plate. Waiting. For what, she wasn’t sure.

  From the corner of her eye, she watched Zane. His movements were conservative, fluid. Like a sleek animal ready for anything. The muscles of his arm bunched as he brought each forkful of food to his mouth reminding her of his strength.

  Her stomach fluttered and her heart rate increased when he finally wiped his mouth and pushed his plate back.

  Tentatively, Serena lifted her head. Zane was watching her. His hazel eyes seemed to be looking straight through her, it made her uncomfortable. It took all of her willpower to resist the need to squirm and wiggle in her seat.

  The silence grew as his gaze bore into her. Just when she thought she could no longer handle it, he spoke.

  “We have a lot of things to talk about, Rena, but first I just want you to listen.”

  She could feel the smirk on her lips. She’d never really been one to sit quietly by and listen and was ready to let loose with words to convey that thought when Zane added, “Not a word. Do you hear me? I’v
e got some things to say and you’ll sit and listen until I’m done or I’ll tie you to the chair.”

  Realizing that tying her down would do little to keep her mouth shut, he added, “Lips closed or I’ll find something to occupy them with.”

  He took what looked to be a deep, calming breath then added, “I warned you not to push me. I won’t repeat myself. After I’ve said what I need to, then we’ll talk.”

  Serena watched as Zane pushed himself away from the table and stood. He paced a few steps then turned to face her from across the room.

  The slight stir of air created by his movement caused his scent to drift over her.

  Musk and man clung to her nostrils causing her mouth to water. His biceps bunched beneath the sleeves of his shirt as he clasped his hands behind his back. The movement caused his shirt to pull tight across his chest. A chest her fingers ached to stroke.

  She couldn’t pull her gaze from his body. To look into his eyes just now would be a big mistake because there was no way she could hide what she was feeling. The longing. The need, it was integrated into every cell of her being.

  * * * * *

  The slight tremble of her hands where they lay in her lap made him want to hold her tight, but it couldn’t happen just yet. There was so much to get through before they could start their new lives.

  With his hands clasped tightly behind his back, where they would remain so he didn’t drag her to him, he stood across the room from her. Her eyes burned him everywhere her gaze touched.

  How would she react to what he was about to say? Would his demands be too much for her to handle? His stomach clenched and his heart ached. The thought of losing Serena nearly drove him to abandon the new life he had planned for the two of them.

  He was leery of pushing too hard too fast due to her background, but knowing what he knew about her secret fantasies, her deepest desires made him move ahead. Really, he had no choice in the matter. They couldn’t go back and keeping things the way they were wouldn’t work so forward was the only option.

  When she continued to keep her eyes averted, he went to her and gently tilted her chin. After he was sure he had her complete attention, he once again moved back clasping his hands behind him.

  “We talked about many things in our online conversations. Because of those chat sessions we know more about each other now then ever before. I won’t ask you to stay until I’m sure you know exactly what you’re getting into.”

  He tried to choose his words carefully. She needed to know everything he expected of her.

  “I’m not the man you thought I was, just as you aren’t the woman I thought you were. There is so much more than we could ever have imagined. Now that I know this, things can never go back to the way they were.

  “If you decide to stay with me, Rena you need to know this. I’m a hard man. I want all of you and I won’t settle for less. I know what you like, what you’re willing to try and what your fears are. I’ll never intentionally hurt you, but I will push you and just when you think you can go no further, I’ll push you a little more.”

  Some of her fantasies echoed in his ears. He would make them all come true, if she would let him.

  “I’ll have total control of what happens behind closed doors and even some of our outside relationship, but I don’t want a robot, Rena. I want a woman who isn’t afraid to tell me what she needs and wants. A woman with opinions and thoughts.

  “I may not agree and I’m sure we’ll have our share of arguments, but we’ll work it out.” He tried to keep his voice level. If she knew just how hot he was and what he intended to teach her, she would probably run far and fast.

  “Don’t get me wrong, baby. If you push me, I’ll retaliate. You may not always like your punishment, but if you trust me, you’ll understand.”

  It took every ounce of his remaining willpower to keep the ice out of his voice. “I’m not and never will be like that sorry bastard you married. I know deep down you’re aware of the difference or you wouldn’t be here, but I had to say it anyway.”

  Her eyes had grown wide. He was sure a little of it was fear of the unknown, but from the way her breath heaved in and out of her bowed lips, and her nipples tightened to little points against the thin fabric of her dress, he was sure just as much of it was from arousal.

  “There is one other thing we talked about in our e-mail, but have never spoken of. I’ve been giving some consideration to moving back home. I want to be closer to my family, my brothers and my father. If you decide to stay in this relationship, you’ll be going with me. Once I have you Rena, I won’t let you go. So be sure, give it some thought and let me know once you’ve made your decision.”

  He prepared for the worst and hoped for the best. Her green eyes glittered with moisture and she opened her mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Kneeling down to eye level, he took her hands in his and held tight. “It’s okay, baby. Tell me. I’ll listen to whatever you have to say. As I said earlier, I may not like it, but I’ll always listen.”

  This time when her soft, pink lips opened everything seemed to spill out at once.

  “I’ve been doing nothing but giving our online conversations thought, Zane. There is nothing here for me without you. I want to be yours, but I have to know that I can also be myself. I trust you with my body, but I don’t know that I’ll ever be able to give one hundred percent of myself to anyone ever again.”

  He watched with narrowed eyes as a small, wobbly smile curved her mouth. “So, when do we move?”

  With purposeful strides, Zane walked around the table. When he was finally behind her, he turned her, chair and all, completely around until she was facing him. Placing both hands on the table on either side of her chair, he lowered his head until his mouth was scant inches from hers.

  “We move as soon as we have our affairs in order.”

  He tugged at her full lower lip with his teeth causing her to gasp then lapped away the sting with the tip of his tongue.

  “And make no mistake, Rena. You’ll be mine. One hundred and ten percent all mine. I won’t settle for anything less.” With those words barely spoken, he took her mouth in a kiss so hungry he thought he might explode.

  Serena arched her back tearing her mouth from his in the process. He felt her small, panting breaths where her face was buried at his neck.

  “Zane,” she said on a winded whisper.

  “It’s all right, baby. Come to me. Let me take you where you’ve only dreamed of going.” His hands gripped hers, bringing her to her feet. He gave her little choice but to follow.

  When they reached to doorway to their bedroom, he took notice of her flushed cheeks. Her eyelids were heavy, the green of her eyes glazed with lust. Just the way he wanted her, he thought with much satisfaction.

  “Serena, look at me.”

  It was a command growled low into the silence of the room. When she looked up, he held her in place with a hand at each side of her face. His thumbs brushed lightly over the smooth skin at the corner of her eyes.

  “If I do something you don’t like, I want you to tell me. Do you understand?” When she hesitated to answer, still staring into his eyes, he leaned forward and once again nipped her bottom lip. This time no tongue followed to soothe. Her eyes widened and became a bit wild, wary.

  “Answer me, Rena. Do you understand me?”

  Her head started a forward motion as if to nod, but he held her still. “Tell me what I want to hear, Serena. I’ll ask only once more. Do you understand me?”

  “Yes,” she answered in an exasperated voice that made him struggle to hide his smile. “Yes, I understand you.”

  “If you want me to stop what I’m doing at any time, for any reason, simply say stop. We’ll then discuss what the problem is. If it’s something that doesn’t bring you pleasure, I’ll never ask it of you again. You’ll have to be the one to bring it up. If you’re just unsure, we’ll talk it out and it’ll be your choice whether to continue or not.”

  He watched h
er face as what he said sank in. “If you just need a breather, I want you to tell me. We’ll talk about it, but I can’t guarantee I’ll always allow it. I may want to make you come until you beg for mercy. It’ll be so explosive you won’t know what you were begging for.”

  It was as if her feathers ruffled. Her eyes flashed a wicked green and he could see what effort it took for her to hold back what he was sure would be a sharp retort. There was something about the word allow that didn’t sit right with her.

  It amazed him just how much he enjoyed seeing her in a snit. He could almost feel the sting on his palm, as it surely would the first time he placed her facedown over his knees and paddled her sassy little ass. Zane held tight as she tried to back away, wiggling free of his hold. Oh yeah, this was going to be very, very interesting.

  Chapter Seven

  Serena’s heart thundered in her chest. Her head whirled with all that had taken place. Her knees felt jelly like yet strong enough to carry her weight as she turned and fled, heading back toward the kitchen. She knew Zane would follow. The sound of his curt steps on the tiled floor rang out like shots through the silent room causing Serena’s heart to bead wildly.

  Serena stopped when she reached the kitchen counter. Facing away from Zane, she tried desperately to calm herself. Her trembling hands griped the kitchen counter where she stood staring out the window. The white of her knuckles gave away her unease even while she struggled to slow her ragged breaths.

  The man had changed so completely it was mind-boggling. He seemed larger than life. Like he’d morphed from your normal, average Joe into a true-life, macho dominant in a matter of hours.

  The whole thing caused her insides to liquefy. The deep timbre of his voice alone was enough to set her nerve endings into spasms. Add that to the new glint in his hazel eyes and it was enough to unbalance even the most sure-footed person.