Edge of Obsession (SKALS #3)

by Noir, Adriana

  “You’re still going to punish me, aren’t you?” she whispered.

  He weighed her words carefully before shaking his head. “Yes, darling. I’m afraid your friend caused me an immeasurable amount of trouble and suffering,” he murmured, snaring the hem of her t-shirt in his hands and yanking it out of his way. “Fair or not, you are going to be the one to pay that price.”

  Her breath caught as he captured a dusky nipple between his teeth. Slowly, he bit down and tugged until her back arched and he wrung a pleading whimper from her lips. His eyes locked with hers. Snaring her wrists, Sebastian pinned them above her head as he ground his body against hers.

  “No touching,” he warned, his voice coming in a low growl. “You are going to take what I give you, Taylor. No more. No less.”

  Panic and desperation played across her delicate face. The challenge wasn’t one she was sure she could take, and he did not intend to make it easy. A cruel smile threatened. Lowering his head, he sucked her other nipple into a stiff peak and nipped until Taylor writhed beneath him, her keening whimper begging for relief.

  “These will always be mine,” he stated, tracing a finger over each perfect mound.

  The room echoed with her soft pants as he kissed a languid path between her breasts. He could almost feel her overwhelming need to bury her fists in his hair. Fighting a smile, he pressed hot, lingering kisses against her belly. Raw pleading shone in her eyes as he hooked her legs over his shoulders and held her gaze.

  “This too,” he whispered, dipping his head.

  Dragging his tongue over her clit, he held it there, relishing the way the small nub pulsed against him. Her hips jerked in silent demand. Pinning them to the bed, Sebastian sealed his mouth against her with a low rumble. He felt the vibrations hum through her and play beneath his hands. Her imploring pleas flooded the room as Taylor thrashed her head and fisted the sheets in desperation. The sweet sounds combined with the intoxicating smell of her skin were enough to drive him mad. Groaning, he speared his tongue deep. The honeyed taste she offered was heaven. A low rumble rolled through his chest as he plunged his tongue harder and faster, determined to drive her to the brink.

  “S-Seb…”

  He stiffened as one of her warm palms braced against his arm. She realized her mistake, but it was too late. Frowning, Sebastian pried his mouth away and crawled back up the front of her.

  “Was I not clear in my orders, Taylor?”

  “You were.”

  He nodded and cocked his head. “So you chose to disobey me?”

  “No! I just…I…”

  “Shh,” he said, laying a forefinger against her lips. “I will fix this.”

  Taylor sat up, tracking his movements as he rolled off the side of the bed. Her throat bobbed as he returned from the darkened shadows of their walk-in closet with twin leather straps clutched in his hand. He could almost see the questions and refusal brewing in her eyes.

  “Lay down. Hands above your head,” he commanded in a stiff rasp.

  Confusion stamped Taylor’s face. A tremble ran through her and gaze remained riveted on the belts in his hand but, somehow, she forced herself to comply. A startled cry escaped her as he sprung, grabbed her hands, and wrapped the belts around them in a forceful flurry. Cinching the straps tight, he secured her wrists and tethered the loose ends to the thick wooden posters of their bed. Fear mingled with the curiosity in her eyes as she tested the restraints.

  “Certain concessions need to be made given your condition, darling,” he stated, drawing a light outline over her breast. “But you will still obey me. Who knows? You might come to love my belt yet.”

  Running his palms over her body, he reveled in the way she bowed beneath his touch. A groan welled within him watching her delicious body arch in search of more. Rocking back on his heels, Sebastian eased a thick digit inside her. The flames of desire burned hotter as he watched the pleasure play across her face. Thrusting into her heat, he pinned her hips with his other hand and rubbed lazy circles across her clit with his thumb.

  “Sebby…”

  “Hold it.”

  Sinking her teeth into the delicious swell of her lower lip, Taylor closed her eyes and struggled to comply. Her body tightened and he had to fight not to bury himself inside her as a low shudder wound through her core. Stilling, he gave them both a chance to breathe. Her relief was short lived as he splayed against the mattress and lowered his head between her thighs. The first dart of his tongue caused her to snap off the bed. Gripping her hips with bruising force, he plied her without mercy, licking and sucking until her cries turned to a desperate scream.

  The frantic pleading in her eyes was more than he could bear. Crawling up her shaking body, he plied her skin with slow kisses along the way. Her chest crashed against his as Sebastian braced his arms on either side of her head. He brushed his lips across hers before claiming them with deliberate hunger. Her legs wound around his waist, trying to urge him down, as his tongue slid across hers in a teasing sweep. His body responded with a forceful throb, heightening his need. It took every ounce of self-control he had to hold back.

  “So eager,” he whispered, nuzzling the warm pulse behind her ear. “But you seem to have forgotten this isn’t about your pleasure. It’s about mine.”

  “Please, Sebastian. I want…I need you…” she begged.

  “Mmm. I know,” he murmured, prying her legs away. “That is the point. Suffer, sweetheart.”

  She sobbed as he slid a hand between them and ground his fingers against her swollen clit.

  “I c-can’t hold it.”

  “You can and you will or I am going to leave my calling card on your ass and start all over again.”

  Taylor trembled. A fine sheen of sweat erupted across her skin. Whimpering, she strained against the thick straps as he worked her body with slow, sensual strokes. Pushing a finger inside her again, he thrust hard and deep. Her gaze snapped to his and he stilled. The needful ache branching through his own flesh was well past the point of unbearable. Snarling, he leaned over her and crushed his mouth against hers.

  “On second thought, you’ve already warranted that much,” he rasped, untying the straps from the bed with a rough yank.

  He flipped her over and hauled her hips back, jerking her up on her hands and knees.

  “Don’t move and don’t you dare come,” he growled.

  Driving two fingers deep inside her, he brought his other hand down on one of the pale upturned globes. Taylor yelped as the sharp, openhanded crack echoed through the room. Groaning low in his throat, he alternated blows, keeping them hard but steady, as he continued to pump his fingers inside her. It was a beautiful sight watching her border between pleasure and pain. Feeling her tighten, he stilled and withdrew. A slight smile curved his lips as Sebastian admired the bright pink lines of his handiwork on her butt. Rubbing his hands over the raised lattice, he reignited the dull flames and wrung a hoarse plea from his lover.

  Unable to hold back anymore, he rolled onto his back and used the loose end of the belt strap to pull Taylor up over him. Her eyes searched his uncertainly. Frustrated, he snared her hips and impaled her in one hard, fluid plunge. Her mouth parted in a breathless gasp that mirrored his own ragged exhale. The bliss of finally sinking into her heat was beyond exquisite.

  Sebastian fought to maintain his composure as he slowly pumped up into the trembling beauty. Nothing else came close to the joy of being inside her. His breath came in ragged spurts as he felt Taylor’s body quicken. A rosy flush settled across her cheeks and the perfect swells of her breasts as they bounced above him. Lifting her up just a bit, he speared faster, driving himself all the way home with each thrust. Her short broken cries filled his ears. Gritting his teeth, he struggled for self-control, reminding himself that she was carrying his child. That, combined with the sight of his body pumping in and out of her, sent him tumbling over the edge.

  His roar bounced unchecked off the walls. Grinding her down, Sebastian arched
his hips off the mattress and rocked her against him until she screamed her release. The powerful contractions shuddered around him, massaging his over sensitized shaft. It was too much. The intensity robbed him of anything but a breathless cry. Fighting to keep her seated, he made Taylor keep coming as she bucked and writhed helplessly in his grasp.

  She eventually stilled, unable to give any more. The sight was one he didn’t think he’d ever forget. Drained, Sebastian collapsed and hauled her down beside him. His hands shook as he freed Taylor’s and tossed the thick leather straps aside. Pulling her close, he brushed the damp hair away from her face and kissed her glistening brow.

  “Are you okay?” he asked.

  He could feel her smile long before it shone through the crisp moonlight bathing the room.

  “What if I said no?”

  His shoulders jerked with silent laughter. “I might call you a liar and start all over again,” he warned.

  A violent yawn stretched her jaw as she snuggled closer and stroked an appreciative hand over the hard swell of his chest. “I’m fine, Sebby. Just tired.”

  “Good,” he murmured, tipping her face up to his to steal a lingering kiss. “Get some rest, sweetheart. I love you.”

  “I love you too,” she whispered. A heavy pause hung between them as she lifted her head and peered down at him, her expression tense and concerned. “Will you be home tomorrow?”

  Confused, his forehead furrowed. Then it dawned on him. Dinner. Marx. There was a very good chance after the fiasco Irene had pulled he would be facing another lengthy stay in a cell. The thought filled him with unspeakable sorrow and dread. Doing his best to offer a reassuring smile, he smoothed the back of her head. “There are no guarantees, Taylor, but I promise I will always do my best to come home to you. Either way, I think I’ve given you something to remember me by—at least for a little while.”

  “I could never forget you, Sebastian.”

  Drained, he dragged her leg over his and wrapped her in his arms. “I will always be with you, baby. Just remember that. Now close your eyes and get some sleep.”

  Taylor yawned and burrowed deeper under the comforter with a drowsy mumble. He massaged the small of her back as he waited for sleep to claim him, his spirit calm despite its previous turmoil. Kissing the top of her head, he kept watch as she dreamed. She truly was his anchor. No matter how lost or adrift he might be, Taylor always found a way to bring him back home. He’d spent an entire lifetime riding out the relentless wave of storms. It was nice to finally feel some small measure of contentment and peace and realize that home was exactly where he wanted to be.

  CHAPTER 11 ~

  Tears rolled down the blonde’s sculpted cheeks the moment she came out of sedation. Seated across from her, Sebastian kept his cool and waited while she glanced around with wide, fearful eyes. A terse smile crossed his lips upon noting the terror in those cerulean depths the second they darted back to him. The shackles binding her wrists and ankles rattled as she licked her lips and struggled to find her voice.

  “Hello, Mrs. James,” he stated in a soft voice. “It’s nice of you to finally join us.”

  Her throat bobbed and a keening whine echoed off the cold, concrete walls. “Where am I?”

  Outside the modified oil silo, a massive storm brewed. Thunder rocked the building’s foundation, making the ground shake beneath his feet. Finding the weather a suitable accompaniment to his mood, Sebastian stood and regarded the woman with a condescending smirk.

  “I’m afraid that isn’t important, Colleen.”

  Her watery gaze darted to Josh and Vince before widening and flickering back to him. “How…how do you know me? How do you know who I am?”

  “We know everything, honey,” Vince said. “Everything about everyone.”

  The response unnerved her more. The divorcee bucked in her chair, her sinewy muscles straining with her efforts. After a few moments, she tired herself and gave up. “What do you want? I don’t have much, but you can have whatever money is in my account. Just don’t hurt me,” she rambled, shaking hard enough to jangle her restraints. “Please.”

  “I’m not interested in your finances, Mrs. James.” Sebastian strolled closer, not missing the way the woman flattened against the back of the sturdy metal chair. “What I am interested in is locating your ex-husband. A few days ago, two of my men paid you a visit. You gave them a list of names and promised these people would help us get in touch with Patrick. We took you at your word. Now, I’m sure you can only imagine how disappointing it was when those efforts failed to pan out, but I assure you, my displeasure is something I plan on making perfectly clear.”

  She paled and a brief look of shock registered on her elegant features. “I told you everything I know.”

  “No,” Sebastian stated. His expression hardened, making her wince. Folding his hands behind his back, he came to a stop in front of her. “You sent us to a string of abandoned houses. The names you gave us don’t even register in our system. I’m not sure what game you are trying to play here, Colleen, but I have had enough. I am only going to ask you one more time. Where is Patrick?”

  She glanced up as the overhead lights flickered, momentarily robbing the room of its dim phosphorous glow. The thought of being plunged into sudden darkness with three men she didn’t know only served to heighten the woman’s horror. A broken sob burst from her throat as she gave a desperate shake of her head.

  “I swear to you, I don’t know. I haven’t had any contact with him in three months.”

  Sebastian’s shoulders jerked with his quiet huff. “I had a feeling you might say that. While we failed to locate your husband, we did manage to find another one of your family members. A man named….” He paused and looked to Josh.

  “Walter Radcliff. Ring any bells, cupcake?”

  Colleen blanched. Her thin body quaked as she tried to squash another sob. Panicked, her eyes widened.

  “Wally is my brother. Where is he? Is he okay?”

  Sebastian leveled her with a stern glare before shifting his attention to his partner. “He’s been here for what? Three days now?”

  “Something like that,” Josh agreed. He pushed himself off the wall. The movement drew their captive’s full attention. “Your baby brother is a tough guy, princess, but he’s already starting to crack. Our team has been coming down on him and coming down hard. I really don’t think he cares for the accommodations.”

  She shook her head. Desperation crawled across her face. “Please. Whatever you’re doing to him, please stop.”

  Sensing her heartbreak, Sebastian fought a cruel smile. They had hit a nerve. Leaning over her, he braced his hands on either side of her head.

  “Not until you give us Patrick,” he murmured, brushing a flaxen curl from her face.

  Trapped between his unyielding body and the chair, Colleen slammed her eyes shut. Several tense seconds ticked by before her shoulders slumped. “Okay. I—I’ll ask around. I’ll find him. Just leave my brother alone. He has nothing to do with this.”

  Sebastian straightened. She shrank back and cowered beneath his hard glare.

  “We will release you under your own recognizance, but Walter will remain in our custody. I suggest you uphold your end of the deal and do so quickly. Every day that passes is another day your brother will suffer at our hands.”

  Colleen flinched as Josh stepped forward to wrap a hand around her chin. She whimpered as he forced her teary gaze to his. “We will be watching you every step of the way, princess. You talk, he dies. You lie to us again, he dies. No second chances.”

  An unintelligible response escaped the woman. The words were buried beneath her anguished snuffles. After a few minutes, she managed to pull herself together enough to speak. “I understand.”

  “I sincerely hope that is true,” Sebastian retorted.

  Eager to escape, he spun on his heel and strode toward the door. Like all SKALS holding cells, the steel contraption lacked any windows or interior handles and
was painted the same flat, dismal grey as the walls. He issued the coded knock the guards had given him before entering and waited. A few seconds later, the heavy metal door grated open.

  The air inside the metal silo was stifling despite the cooling desert rain. Even in the basin. Sweat already beaded along his skin and traced a languid path down his back. Sucking in a breath of fresh air, he nodded at the guards and stepped past. He stopped short upon seeing their director’s hulking form reclined against the far wall. A cruel smirk dangled from Marx’s lips as he lifted his chin. A fresh coat of blood glistened ominously across the battered scape of his knuckles, and his dark eyes harbored a malicious gleam of pleasure.

  “Good work in there, gentleman,” he said, pushing off the wall. “But you aren’t finished.”

  “Sir?” Josh asked, his voice holding a note of confusion.

  “Mrs. James needs to understand the full gravity of her brother’s situation.”

  “With all due respect, sir, I am confident she does. She’s already agreed to get us the information we need,” Vince replied, glancing between Sebastian and their commander in uncertainty.

  He tried to warn his teammate off with a guarded shake of his head, but it was too late. Marx prowled forward, all but backing Vince against the wall. Sebastian tensed as Josh stiffened beside him.

  “I don’t give a damn what your opinion is, Agent Pellagreeni,” the director snarled. His thick forefinger stabbed the other man’s chest hard enough to draw a wince. “Get your ass back in there and don’t come out again until that woman’s body is as broken as her spirit. Are we clear?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Biting the inside of his cheeks, Sebastian watched his teammate peel himself off the cinderblocks and attempt to squeeze past Marx’s substantial bulk without further riling the man. His brow furrowed. Beating the woman and sending her on her way was a risky maneuver. It was a poor tactical move. Almost as poor as letting Laychee slip through the cracks when they had him in plain sight. His eyes narrowed at the memory and a fury rippled through his lean frame. A quick glance assured his partner was equally as baffled.