Cruel Masters

by Stone, Piper

  “The rules of engagement were made clear. You were the one who broke them. I am uncertain that we will be able to continue with your application, but if we do, things will change.”

  Things.

  What things?

  I refused to honor him by asking the question. All I wanted to do was get the hell away from him.

  And hide in my sister’s house.

  And wallow in my sorrow.

  There would be screwdrivers, chocolates, and Doritos.

  I’d fucked up the greatest story of my life, but I refused to succumb to the likes of these three men, no matter how gorgeous or rich or powerful or…

  I heard the sounds of approval from the other men as a rush of heat shifted across my neck and cheeks.

  “But training you would be a joy.”

  I pushed hard against the table, managing to get away from him and heading straight for the exit. A crushing weight remained on my chest, forcing me to keep my head down as I pushed past the tables, my feet unstable.

  I won’t fall. I won’t make a bigger fool out of myself.

  “Ms. Sheffield. I’m prepared to offer you an extensive amount of money if you will consider cutting your alliance with the men from Extreme.”

  The soft, alluring tone was enough to send a shiver down my spine.

  And not in a good way.

  The stranger’s massive body prevented me from reaching the exit. Damn it.

  I could easily identify implied threats given the number of them I’d received during my career. Only a few had created the kind of reaction that ripped away my breath.

  A brutal mafia kingpin.

  A powerful senator.

  One gorgeous owner of Extreme.

  And the French dude who interrupted my escape.

  I took a deep breath, tilting my head until I was able to look into his eyes. He was attractive in a slimy, smarmy kind of way. Dressed impeccably, his pressed suit and turquoise tie highlighted his dark eyes even in the shadowed light. But just as I’d experienced with Sebastian, those eyes were ones created by the devil himself.

  He dared to close the distance, his eyes raking over me with a clear intent in mind.

  Taking over where the men from Extreme had left off. He even dared to brush his knuckle across my cheek before I jerked my head away.

  “Don’t do that,” I snapped.

  “I believe that a creature of such beauty is to be admired.”

  “Admire from afar.”

  He laughed, as if my words were trivial. “You are also a formidable woman, but if you belonged to me, I would keep you in a cage where you belong.”

  I was no longer floored by arrogant words or gestures, at least not ones coming from a single man inside this hell hole. However, I would remain a professional, if only to keep what dignity I had left.

  “Look, mister—”

  “Laurent. Gabriel Laurent.”

  “Fine, Mr. Laurent. I’m no longer interested in dealing with assholes such as yourself. I find your kind reprehensible. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have more important things to do than listen to your drivel.” I blew past him without a second thought, only to have another petrifying sensation sweep through me.

  “Be careful, Caroline. There are those in this world you can resist and there are the very few that can alter your world. Forever. Make your decisions wisely.”

  I loathed his velvety tone, the cool, calculating manner in which he half whispered the words.

  As if with a single phone call, he could annihilate anyone he considered his enemies. No matter how powerful. No matter how influential. And certainly, no matter what level of firepower they had.

  Hissing, I quickened my steps, making it into the foyer. When a hand grabbed my arm, swinging me around, I reacted, throwing a hard punch. Fucking asshole French jerk who thought he could possess me. The force released the man’s hold and as I tumbled backwards, I realized too late that I’d almost knocked out the wrong man, although I wasn’t entirely sorry that Sebastian had been on the receiving end.

  I pressed my hand to keep from yelping as he reacted involuntarily, smacking his hand against his jaw and slamming against the doorjamb. Fuck. That certainly sealed the never-going-to-happen deal. “I’m sorry.” The words were lame as hell but the best I could do. I took two steps backward then turned and fled, managing to open the door before Sebastian caught up to me.

  “Not so fast, Ms. Sheffield.”

  The heat of Sebastian’s body was oppressive, the electricity I’d experienced before soaring into every cell, ready to explode into a firestorm.

  He’d snaked one arm around my waist, holding me tightly. The feel of his throbbing cock was both exciting and horrifying. Yet my pussy reacted immediately, slickening my already wet thighs.

  Sebastian sighed as he rolled his hand over my shoulder, slowly brushing the tips of his fingers down the length of my arm. “That wasn’t very nice. I was simply ensuring that you were all right given the man who accosted you.”

  “I… I thought he was…” I couldn’t finish the sentence, my tongue completely tied. I dragged my tongue across my lips, cognizant my nipples were fully aroused.

  He laughed softly, the sound floating into my ear as he ground his groin back and forth across my aching bottom. The excessive heat soared, the friction creating goosebumps dancing along my arms.

  “I think you need a lesson in diplomacy.”

  Diplomacy? He had to be kidding me. “What?”

  “Mmm…” he growled, pushing me forward. “Yes. And in control. I already own you, Caroline. While that might be something you can’t understand, you will soon enough.”

  I realized I wasn’t attempting to stop him at all as he continued walking us down a darkened hallway away from the exit. I blinked; the way my heart was hammering created a lightheaded feeling. I could no longer feel my feet, so swept up in the way he was touching me. He was so disturbing, so desirable.

  Even the way he’d taken control, treating me as if I was a bad little girl was exciting. I would never forgive myself for my body’s betrayal, but I had no control over my reactions.

  When he pushed his hand against the men’s restroom door, sweeping me inside, I held my breath.

  “I can see I’m going to be forced to teach you another lesson in obedience. I’m also going to ensure that you understand your place. As mine.”

  Mine.

  The single word drew another wild reaction, my mind whirling from the sentiment. I could no longer think or even focus as he pushed me against the bathroom counter. I stared at our combined reflection in the mirror and shuddered. There was something about the darkness in his eyes that drew me into his world, if only for a short period of time. And I wanted it. That was impossible. This wasn’t my world.

  Even the bathroom screamed of opulence, the granite counter accentuating the marble walls and floor, the faucets appearing made of gold. This was exactly the way I’d expected the rich and famous to live.

  Including taking what they wanted without reservation.

  “Now, I’m going to fuck you.” He said the words calmly as if this was a usual method of handling his business.

  Or perhaps the women in his life.

  When he ripped at my dress, yanking it up to my waist, I gasped. He wasted no time sliding his finger around my clit, swirling several times. He was serious. He was going to fuck me. I opened my mouth to scream, to try to beg him not to do anything, but I knew it was no use. There was nowhere I could run, no possibility of getting away from him. He was far too strong, too powerful.

  Too enticing.

  I stared in shock as he maneuvered his belt, button, and zipper with ease, freeing his cock. A whimper escaped my mouth as he rubbed the tip up and down the crack of my ass while he kicked my legs apart.

  “Have you hungered for me, Caroline? While in bed, have you played with yourself, sliding your fingers into your sweet, tight pussy? Have you longed to have me fulfill your greatest fantasies, sliding my
cock deep inside, bringing you to the point of sheer ecstasy?”

  His dirty words were so damn disgusting.

  And inviting.

  And tantalizing.

  The truth was I’d fantasized after seeing his picture as well as the other two men. Every girl’s dream come true, the passion of three gorgeous, strong, and controlling men.

  What are you thinking?

  I slammed my hands against the mirror, pushing as hard as I could.

  He laughed, his hot breath skipping along the nape of my neck. “You can’t get away from me, Caroline. Not now. Not ever. You’re my special pet.”

  Was he drunk?

  Was he mad?

  I wasn’t his possession. I wasn’t his toy.

  And I certainly would never be his pet.

  “No. No!” I managed.

  Yes. Yes.

  My stupid inner voice rattled everything inside of me. I couldn’t want this. I refused to succumb to this man. Ever.

  But as he slipped his cock between my legs, teasing my pussy, rolling the tip around my clit, the action took my breath away.

  Sebastian yanked the edge of my dress down my shoulder, managing to expose my breast. “So damn beautiful, little pet.” He grabbed my breast roughly, squeezing, rolling my nipple between his fingers. “True bliss begins with the taste of pain, Caroline. Soon, you’ll beg me for the slice of my whip, the stroke of my belt. Only then will you experience ecstasy.”

  He pinched my nipple between his fingers, twisting and pulling brutally.

  “Oh. Oh!” Gasping, the pain was blinding at first, stealing what was left of my breath. But as he continued the action, shifting his hand to my other breast, creating the same wave of anguish, I bit back a series of whimpers. I was even wetter, my juice trickling down the insides of my thighs. This was horrifying but the dark wave that floated over me dragged me into a pure moment of bliss.

  I closed my eyes, vaguely aware that he’d gripped my hips, pulling me further away from the counter. “What… I…” I was lost in the pleasure.

  A series of growls pulsed around me, the sound even more possessive. Then he slipped his cockhead past my swollen folds.

  “Oh!” The moment he thrust the entire length of his cock deep inside, stars floated in front of my eyes, my muscles straining to accept the thick invasion.

  “Yes. So tight, little pet. Just like I knew you’d be.”

  The entire room seemed to be spinning as he fucked me, his thrusts savage.

  I was suddenly aware we weren’t alone and even though humiliation rushed through me, I dared to turn my head, studying the four men who stood as if watching a show. Their faces were stoic, their eyes nearly as dark as Sebastian’s. This was nothing new for them, certainly not shocking.

  And perhaps they were waiting their turn.

  Cringing, I lowered my head, unable to stop the purrs from erupting from my mouth. Sebastian was brutal, so rough as he fucked me, his muscular body slamming me against the counter. I was out of breath, clawing the glass as he invaded my very soul.

  The silence in the room was almost deafening, just another reminder that I was nothing more than a possession.

  The rougher he became, the more my body responded, my pussy clamping and releasing. There was nothing I could do to fight the eruption of sensations, the sizzling electricity culminating in a place of utter bliss. As another wave of vibrant colors danced in front of my eyes, I was unable to hold back, a climax rushing into me.

  “Oh!”

  I was thrown by the guttural sounds erupting from my throat, the animalistic wail that seemed to please the audience.

  And Sebastian refused to stop, pounding into my pussy like the true beast I already knew him to be. This was nothing but a primal moment, a savage man taking what belonged to him. I stared at my reflection, the wild look in my eyes and the hunger crisscrossing my face, and was forced to realize that the brutal, unforgiving man had awakened something inside of me.

  Darkness.

  A vile, filthy hunger.

  A need that seemed far too desperate, but one I was no longer certain I could deny.

  “That’s it, little pet. Come for me again. Come on my cock.”

  His words were just as intoxicating as his scent and his prowess. I hung my head low, emitting growls of my own as another orgasm swept into my system. For a few beautiful and precious seconds, I was thrown into another world. There was no scathing story to write, no hatred of the man who was fucking me. Just pure nirvana.

  As I tipped my head back, allowing a scream to push past my lips, I heard the same word he’d said before, only this time as if I would never have another choice of my own.

  “Mine!”

  The rumbling growl continued and pulsed into the space as if he’d claimed me, every single inch. His body shook, his face twisting from the pleasure. When he fisted my hair, jerking back as he lowered his head, I couldn’t stop shaking. And as he’d done before, the statement he issued was bold, merciless, and one that I would never forget.

  “I can’t wait to fuck you in the ass.”

  The moment he erupted, filling me with his seed, I was no longer certain of the woman I’d become, but I made a promise to myself, one I intended on keeping.

  He may have captured my body, but he would never take my heart.

  * * *

  Sebastian

  Richard Tredegar had been on our radar for a significant period of time. His company, while still worth over fifty million dollars, had once been worth twice that if not more. As with so many manufacturing companies, he’d suffered from increasing costs, employee issues, and continuing difficulties obtaining the materials needed. He’d refused to farm out his processes overseas, which had added to the spiral down effect.

  As I strode into his office, the look on his receptionist’s face was the same as it always was.

  Riddled with fear.

  She didn’t bother attempting to stop me, which today was fortunate since I was in a piss-poor mood, the events of the night before remaining heavily on my mind.

  It wasn’t only the fact I’d lost my self-control, fucking her in the bathroom like a common whore in a club I now loathed. My anger was due to the fact the slimy Frenchman had placed his grimy paws on her.

  Caroline was off limits.

  I stormed into Richard’s office without knocking. I could tell by the look of horror on his face that he hadn’t anticipated my arrival.

  “Sebastian,” he said in a quaking voice as he jerked to his feet, his fingers curling around the edge of his desk.

  I couldn’t help but notice they were white-knuckled. “Richard. I was concerned since you didn’t return my calls.”

  “I’ve been busy. Certainly, you can understand.”

  “Yes. Of course.” I walked toward the small window in his office, staring down at one of the plants. The dingy office certainly wasn’t befitting a man of his stature. Then again, he wouldn’t be forced to set foot inside the cigarette-stained walls after only a few days from now. One way or the other, he was signing the contract. “What I understand is that you’ve been avoiding me. While I’m a man of patience and understanding, business is business. And we had a deal. Or did you forget about that?”

  I could almost hear him swallowing hard, but I definitely heard the ragged sound of his breathing. He knew better than to cross me or my partners.

  “Of course… Of course I didn’t forget.”

  “So you aren’t going back on your word.”

  “No. Absolutely not.”

  I turned to face him, taking my time to walk closer. “I’m very glad to hear that, Richard, because I understand what duress you’ve been under.”

  “Duress?”

  “Yes, the serious debt you have given the kind of men and women you’ve been keeping company with.” I opened my jacket, allowing him to see the weapon I always carried in these situations, then I pulled a picture from my pocket, sliding it across his desk.

  He stare
d at me for a full minute before finding the courage to glance at the photograph, his face immediately paling. “I…”

  “No need to say anything. We all have our secrets, Richard. Some of us even have very dark proclivities. I simply wanted to drop by and say that while I do understand, I can’t allow you to back out of the deal that we made only a few days ago.”

  “I need additional time,” he barked, gasping after issuing the statement. Once again, his eyes fell to the glossy and crystal clear picture.

  “I’m not a generous man, Richard, especially to someone who’s fucked with me.”

  “Please,” he begged, a bead of sweat trickling down the side of his face. “I want to make this work. I really do.”

  I could smell the fear on him, the stench ready to make me gag. If the damn crime syndicate was muscling in, perhaps it was time to allow them to play their hand before I cut it off.

  “All right. How much time do you need?” I fought to keep my anger in check. The deal would also shove aside at least two other firms who wanted a piece of Chicago, one out of Los Angeles and the other New York. I refused to have their kind of scum slide into my town. There were already enough roaches to contend with.

  “A week, maybe ten days. No more. I just need to get some things in order.”

  I didn’t ask him what the fuck he was talking about nor did I give a shit. “All right, Richard. I’m in a generous mood. However, I expect to see the signed contract delivered to my office in five days and not one minute longer.” After smiling, I turned around, headed toward the door. This was only the first instance of dealing with a difficult situation of the day. Besides, if I remained in the asshole’s office much longer, I’d be forced to take a shower.

  “What happens if I can’t, I mean… I mean if the contract isn’t there?”