William, alone, was giving her credit for having enough intelligence to discover the truth behind Mark's death.
Chapter Thirteen
The next morning after they arrived home, Amanda sat staring at the information about Mark's murder. There were sketches of the crime scene. Red dots identified every surface in the hotel room that had been hit with blood or chunks of flesh. Almost everything had been stained.
Her stomach rolled.
Mark's body had been mutilated beyond recognition. Cell testing proved he was the one who had been sent through the grinder. The assassin's tool was no bigger than the average piece of luggage.
William had removed the pictures taken at the scene because he said they were too violent for her to view. She didn't mind. The rational part of her brain knew the objective was to learn facts.
"The time of death was too broad for us to know whether or not he made his meeting with York,” William told her from the other side of his desk. “He, of course, denied he ever saw Mark. The meeting, according to York, was supposed to take place in the hotel lobby."
Amanda took a deep steadying breath and looked at the report. “It says here Mark was on assignment. He was supposed to pick up a charitable donation for the Dragon Center."
"Yes, a hundred thousand gobbals. York wanted to help with the development of the dragon serum. Or at least that was what he claimed.” William shoved back his chair and strode around his desk.
"Did York ever give the center the money?” Amanda handed William the report. He tossed it on his desk and leaned back against the surface.
"Yes, about six months after Mark was killed."
"Then why kill Mark?” Amanda searched her memory for connections. She'd always felt if she knew the facts, she'd be able to put the pieces together and find the answer.
"We don't know that he did.” William's voice echoed through her head as if he were in a hole.
She stared at the pattern on her skirt. The red splashes on the material swam before her eyes.
"It was over a year before York's drug hit the streets.” William's words filtered through her thoughts. “No one on the police force or at the Dragon Center can make any connection between the two events."
"But his serum is the same as the one Mark developed. I gave you the list of the ingredients. Doesn't that prove someone must have sold Mark's formula to York?” Amanda's hands trembled. She clenched them into fists to gain control of her emotions.
"I don't think so. The Dragon Center scientists have developed almost the same formula over the last several years with only a few minor alterations. They tell me it makes a difference as to when you add items and apply heat.” William squatted in front of her chair and took her hands.
Her gaze shifted to his face. His image blurred, and she blinked. Tears fell on her cheeks. “I guess we still don't have any proof York killed Mark."
William stood and drew her into his arms. “This is why I didn't want to share his report with you. I didn't want you to get upset."
Her hands slid around his waist. She laid her head on his shoulder. “I thought if I knew the facts, I'd be able to solve his murder. But I failed him.” She sobbed into William's shirt, at a loss for what she could have done to keep Mark alive.
Lifting her in his arms, he carried her from the room. Eyes closed, head spinning, she didn't want to think about the pain Mark must have suffered or the viciousness of the crime. Her stomach flipped with a sickening roll.
William's breath brushed her face after he laid her down on the bed. “Amanda, look at me."
She opened her eyes. He braced his hands on a pillow under her head. The pale white color of their bedroom's ceiling greeted her above him.
His serious eyes drilled into hers. “I know you're upset, but it was not your fault."
"I shouldn't have let him go.” Amanda couldn't hide her doubt. If she'd tried harder, would Mark have stayed home?
"You couldn't have stopped him.” William hit the release for her blouse, opening the high neck collar.
"They chopped him to pieces.” Her fear and revulsion hit her with equal force. She closed her eyes. “I can picture the blood."
William yanked her blouse apart. “No, you're going to keep your eyes open."
Amanda followed his order. His black eyes glowed with rage.
"You're not going to think about anything but me,” he demanded. His hands grabbed her breasts through the thin fabric of her undershirt. “Understand?"
She knew he was trying to distract her, to make her feel better. But she didn't think having sex at the moment was a good idea. “William, I..."
His hands ran over her with lightening speed, yanking her shirt from her skirt, her clothes from her body.
"You want to help, but..."
He moved with such precision, and before she could finish her sentence, his clothes lay beside hers on the floor and she was naked beneath him.
"You're my wife. And I have no intention of sharing you with Mark's ghost.” William's hands slid over her stomach, rubbing the flutter that started just under her skin. “My baby is growing inside you. In less than six months, you're going to be busy taking care of my child. I will not let the past jeopardize our future."
"William.” Amanda's hand cupped her husband's face. Was his possessive outburst a show of masculine pride or was he truly jealous? Could he resent her desire to solve Mark's murder? Could he actually love her? “You're overreacting."
"I'm staking my claim.” His mouth landed on hers as his hand slid through the reddish gold bush concealing her sex. A single finger traced the outer layer of her delicate folds. The soft wet texture of her vulnerable flesh enticed him, but he didn't venture deeper.
He drew back to look at her, to test her willingness to participate. “Who's your husband, Amanda?"
Her slumberous eyelids lifted. “You."
"And now,” he rotated his finger lightly over her sensitive skin, “that we're both naked,” he brushed his hand teasingly over her mound, “and lying in bed.” He took a quick foray into her heat “What exactly do you want to do?"
She blinked. “I..."
"Want a sample of what I had in mind.” He leaned closer. His tongue slid over her lips as his finger eased down the seam of her heat.
A moan rumbled in her throat.
He again lifted his head. “You can't decide?"
"No, I know exactly what I want. Wait right here.” Rolling from under him and to the side of the bed, she stood and walked to the closet.
Her hand slid over the silk tie of her robe. She yanked it loose and turned to reenter the bedroom. He might believe she couldn't handle the truth, but she wouldn't let him wrap her in a cocoon of protection. It wasn't as if he loved her.
Or did he?
Maybe he was only pretending to care as a way to keep her in line.
She twisted the white belt in her hand. For days now, she'd been playing with the idea. If he truly wanted to make her feel better, this would be his chance. He could let her be in charge for a change. “I believe it's my turn."
His face paled as he sat up. “You want to tie me to the bed?"
He hadn't shown any qualms about tying her up. Even though she really didn't think he'd comply, she'd wanted to see his reaction.
"Well, I think it's only fair.” Amanda sat on the bed beside him and took hold of his wrist.
"And what do you plan on doing?” He let her take his hand, but he didn't allow her to move it.
"Well.” She wrapped the silk material around his wrist. “I thought I would follow the same course of action you took, but if you want, I can alter the process."
He watched her work the knot. “How?"
Amanda scrambled to think. She'd only planned to tease him. It never occurred to her that he might let her go through with the idea of tying him to the bed. Did he really trust her that much?
"What if we just tie your hands behind your back? That way, you can have a little more freedom.”
She hoped he would agree.
He crawled past her and stood up with his hands behind his back. Amanda picked up the belt hanging from his hand and tied the end to his other wrist.
She didn't remember seeing his backside before. The temptation to squeeze the plump muscles reminded her that at the moment, she had a distinct advantage.
"I like your behind.” She cupped his butt. He shifted and turned out of her grasp.
"Thank you."
His heavy erection stood out in front of him, begging for her attention. Her eyes were drawn to the dark hair and taut balls encircling the root. She loved the idea of playing with him. His spicy scent caused her mouth to water. She licked her lips.
"Amanda.” His eyes glowed with need as he stepped forward. “If you want to torture me, you're doing a good job."
"Let's make this interesting. Why don't you tell me what you want? And,” her gaze raked over him, “I'll think about giving it to you?"
Leaning forward, she let her fingers play in the soft hair of his thighs. The roll of his testicles thrilled her. He nudged closer. Her breath whispered over the thick staff.
He groaned. “I want your mouth covering me."
Her hands circled the base of his erection as her tongue stroked the tip several times. Teasing him, she blew a hot breath over his wet skin.
"Not a taste.” He thrust forward. “All."
She didn't have to be asked twice. Sucking him deep into her mouth, she stroked the soft silky texture of his rod against her tongue. Her fingers rode up and down his length, driving him closer and closer to the edge. The friction made her ache. Heat slipped into the core of her sex.
"Stop.” He pulled out of her mouth and dropped to his knees. “Your scent is killing me. I have to taste you."
Amanda shifted back on her elbows and spread her legs wide. “I thought I was the one who was supposes to decide what we do."
His heated stare fell on the space between her legs. “You like it when I lick you."
"True, but you have to give me what I want."
He took a deep breath. “Gladly."
His mouth fell over her sex. Hot need rushed through her system. Teeth, tongue and lips propelled her past the flames into the red hot fire of her first climax. She screamed and arched her back.
He didn't pause but continued to stroke her desire.
"William, please.” She crawled over the bed to get away. Her eyes met his. Black lust held her bound.
He stood and brought one hand forward, offering his wrist. “Untie me."
Amanda couldn't stop the smile from blooming across her face. He looked like a raging stallion, hot and in need of his mate. She didn't move. “What if I don't want to?"
He stepped back, dropped his arms and stepped over the loop in the belt between his wrists.
"Then you and I will have to come to an agreement.” His knees hit the mattress, and his hands landed on her legs. He prevented her escape, and before she could do more than raise her hands, his thick erection sat at the edge of her heat. He forced the hard line of his body down over her, plunging deep into her hot, wet cavity.
She gasped for breath.
He shoved her hands above her head and wrapped the extra length of the belt around her wrists. “Now, we're both prisoners."
Wiggling beneath him, Amanda tried to get free. “That's not how the game is supposes to be played. You have to let me go."
William knew he could never let her go. The silly bondage game had him beyond hot, on fire. He pumped his thick cock, deeper and deeper. Her cries for freedom turned quickly to words of encouragement.
"Faster.” She bucked her hips.
Her breasts caressed the wall of his chest. Undulating under him, she matched his rhythm. Hot and moist, the tight clamping muscles pulled at his loins, demanding his release.
Blood roared in his ears. The wild screams from Amanda broke his control. He drove into her with one final thrust. His penis shot forth the protein formula his baby needed.
His wife trembled in his arms, her hands still imprisoned by his above her head. She didn't open her eyes when he lifted his head to look at her flushed skin. The sweet smell of dragon candy hung in the air. Her breasts had small beads of moisture forming on the tips. Pleasure coursed through him as he licked her nipples.
Her eyes flew open.
"William, you can untie me and let me up now."
He lapped up the treat from her breasts. “Red, I'm never going to let you go. Not now, not ever."
Watching her biceps bulge with half-closed eyelids, William enjoyed the sensuous twist of her body as she struggled for her freedom. The lady was not going to get away.
"You can't..."
Her chatter stopped when he sucked a breast into his mouth and slid out of her heat. After feasting on candy, he just might like to get a taste of their combined flavor.
Chapter Fourteen
The loss of William's thick erection buried deep inside her was like losing a part of herself. Cool air brushed over her wet skin as he lifted their tied hands and freed her. The belt still circled his wrists. He sat up and ran his dark gaze down her body. “We're not finished. I'm just choosing a different body part."
Unsure of his comment, Amanda didn't react quickly enough to stop him when he leaned over and grabbed her ankles. His chest covered her stomach, and his hot breath gushed against her sex.
She grabbed for his shoulders and her fingers scraped his back. “William, what are..."
Her words backed up into her throat when his tongue took a single pass over her heat. Still in motion, the wicked man nudged her inner thighs apart as he came up on his knees.
The new position put his penis within a breath of her mouth. His tongue touched her again, slipping delicately inside. She cupped his erection, matching the rhythm of his tongue with each slide of her hands.
Up-down, in-out, back and forth, the deep strokes of his tongue pushed her closer to the edge. Watching the slow rock of his testicles, she nuzzled them with her nose. The spicy heat caused her mouth to water.
A quick lick had fire bursting through her taste buds. She gasped for breath just as William's tongue swept over the opening of her uterus. She felt the lancing blow. Her womb opened. An explosion of heat burst through every cell in her body.
She screamed as the convulsions spiraling through her senses robbed her of any control. Her hips bucked under his mouth. Her fingers tightened automatically around his staff.
"Amanda,” he groaned. “Let go."
Her hands opened, and he moved away. Her eyes met his the moment he lifted his head. “I'm sorry."
Realigning his body to hers, he guided his rock hard erection into her wet heat. “Next time, I need to remember where your hands are before I send you over the top."
Her clenching muscles demanded his attention, but instead he took hold of her wrists. “I guess I better tie them back up so they don't give me anymore trouble."
He wrapped the white silk back around her hands. This time she didn't fight him.
* * * *
Looking at the time-shadows on the dashboard, Amanda wondered where the day had gone. Then she smiled.
William hadn't let her out of bed until well after noon. The bondage game had set them both on fire.
With her vehicle cruising on autopilot, she refocused on the thin metal papers in her hand. Something about the report of Mark's murder kept nagging at her.
The amount of York's donation was the same as the amount her father had claimed he needed to get him out of debt, the whole reason for her marriage to Jeffery. Was that a connection or a coincidence? Her father would have the answer if she could convince him to tell her.
She picked up her messenger to see if Seth had responded to her note. If he couldn't meet her at the corner café at four, then maybe they could go somewhere else.
Two messages blinked as received. She clicked on the top one.
My dear daughter,
We've been over this bef
ore, but I'm always glad to see my gal.
Dad
Her father was playing games. He knew messages sent over the wire could be read by almost anyone, so he was acting the part of a good father. She shook her head. He no more wanted to talk to her about Mark's murder than he wanted to see her. Dee must have told him to be nice.
Deleting his note, she clicked open the next one.
I love you.
William
Almost dropping the black device, Amanda stared at the message. Was he nuts?
Yes, they were married. And they had spent the morning making love, but he hadn't voiced those three little words to her before. Why now?
The thought of him loving her echoed through her and found a home in her heart. A warm glow filled her chest, and her spirits lifted.
Guilt hit her in the chest. She'd been waiting to hear from her father before she let William know of her plans to visit the country. She should send him a note.
But what should she say?
Hitting the button to reply, she wanted to write the right words.
Me too.
She backspaced and tried again.
On my way to visit my dad, will return tonight.
Amanda paused, unsure how to sign the message. Love, Amanda? Did she love him? Could she afford to pay the price of loving him, to trust him to be there for her when she needed him?
No, it was too soon to admit she might love him. She needed to first solve the mystery of Mark's murder.
A rough jerk of the engine drew Amanda's attention to the control panel. Lights flashing, the vehicle swerved to the left. The markings for the emergency exit lane came into view on the screen on the dash board. The autopilot directed the craft to the lane.
Familiar with emergency procedures, she didn't reclaim the controls. The onboard computer would land the vehicle safely without her help. But she continued to monitor the vehicle's progress on the output screens.
Her messenger still in hand, she punched in her vehicle's co-ordinances and an indiscriminate explanation.
Black Dragon's Blood Page 10
