From the Ashes - A Forbidden Series Novella

by Dani René

  I do need to let go of the agony from my past. “Fine,” I say, rolling my eyes as she squeals in delight. “I’ll see you later.” I pull her into my arms and plant a soft kiss on her cheek. “Love you, Koty.”

  “Love you too, Red.”

  Dakota flops onto one of the chairs as I grab my jean shorts and pull them over my small Lycra boy shorts I train in. At least I don’t have to go backstage to change. The flowing T-shirt I’ve brought along falls easily over my tank top. “Are you leaving those on?” She points at my shoes and I nod. They’re not too high, and they work with my outfit.

  “Yeah, do you think they’re too much?”

  Her lips purse into a pout as she drags those mischievous eyes, from my toes up to my head. “You look gorgeous as always, go knock him dead.” She winks playfully, but before I turn to leave, she leans forward and murmurs, “And I bet he’s dying to fuck you in those.” A giggle falls from her lips and I feel myself blush. Jesus, she can be naughty.

  “Shh! I’ll see you later.” Turning, I make my way back to the man who’s sitting there like a God. Beautiful, majestic, and downright sinful.

  “Since I’m not working, you don’t have to pay for my time.” I smile, and his face cracks into a heart stopping grin. As we make our way past one of the girls, Brie, at the front desk, her eyes widen and she grins, giving me a wink. My cheeks heat with a blush.

  “I would have been happy to, you know,” he murmurs in my ear, and an elicit shudder wracks my body.

  “I’m sure you would,” I joke playfully as we exit the club. The sun is bright and I’m glad I’ve dressed for the weather.

  “Over here, gorgeous.” Kael places a hand on my lower back and electricity zips through me. We reach a Jeep which is a deep crimson, so dark it’s almost black. He leans in to open the door and his scent swirls around me like an intoxicating cloud. As I slip into the seat, I don’t miss the hungry stare he roams my legs with and I have to bite the inside of my cheek to keep from grinning like an idiot.

  I watch him round the car and hop into the driver’s seat.

  Before he starts the engine, I question, “So where exactly are we going?”

  “Well, here’s the thing. Before you refuse, I want you to hear me out”—he cuts a quick peek my way, and I nod—“I’d like you to pose for me,” he lets out in a rush.

  “What?”

  He starts the engine and pulls out onto the road, while cutting short glimpses at me as he responds. “I’m an artist, and I’d like you to pose for me. I’m busy with some stills for a photography series and I’d like you as my muse,” he says quietly, and my gaze darts to him in question.

  Me?

  “I don’t know,” I whisper my unconvincing response, but I know he heard it. I direct my eyes back out the window to watch the city pass us by. I feel my nerves settle as he slows and pulls into a diner not far from the club.

  The one he’s chosen for lunch is one of my favorite places. Dakota and I come here all the time, they make the best burgers in town. When he doesn’t get out immediately, I turn to regard him again. There’s so much excitement dancing in his eyes I don’t want to say no. But for me to be a muse? I don’t know.

  He offers me a small smile and hope beckons. What can I do? I’m helpless around him. All I want to do is climb into his lap and ask him to let me be anything he wants. Even a pet? Shaking my head, I let out a sigh and I meet his gaze.

  I can see the doubt in her eyes. Her emotions were always written on her face, that’s how I learned how to read her so well. I want to tell her who I am, to come out with it and finally move forward, but before I do, I want to make sure she’s not going to run.

  “I’m not about to steal you away and tie you up in my dungeon,”—the words flicker memories for us both—“actually, I will tie you up, but when I do, you’ll love it,” I chuckle, trying to inject some humor into the air around us which is so heavy with her uncertainty.

  “Let me think about it over lunch.” She smiles and her eyes light up with amusement. I know she’s not used to being alone with someone, especially not a man who actually cares for her, fuck if I’m honest, a man who loves her.

  “Okay, let’s get you fed, beautiful.” I wink before exiting the car. Rounding the front, I open her door and offer my hand, which she gratefully accepts. She easily falls into step beside me and I can’t help but feel as if we’ve finally been given a chance to be a normal couple.

  Yes, I’ve been with other women before, but never dated. I’ve never had the inclination to want more, so I spent the five years we’d been apart burying myself in women who meant nothing to me.

  We find a booth and a waitress strolls over with a big smile. “Hi honey.” She beams at my girl.

  “Hey, it’s good to see you again.” Skyla offers a smile that makes my heart stutter. The one I want on her face permanently.

  “It is. We’ve got a few new specials today which include the double cheeseburger with fries,” she responds, glancing between us, “so, what can I get you both?”

  “I’ll have a coffee and get me one of those cheeseburgers and fries, extra fries and Skyla over here will have the same.” I sit back, relaxing in the soft faux red pleather bench seat.

  The little firebird gawks at me, but doesn’t say anything before handing the menu to the waitress. Once we’re alone, her gaze bores into me. “I am capable of ordering my own food, Kael.” My name falls from her lips and my cock thickens in my jeans, thankfully hidden by the table. I clear my throat, trying to hide the growl that rumbles in my chest.

  “I know, but I figured you’d want the burger, I could tell how your eyes lit up when she mentioned it.” I offer a wink and she blushes a beautiful shade of pink which in turn has me wanting to see that same hue on her pert little ass.

  “I’ll give you points for that,” she quips playfully, “so, tell me, how would you like me to pose for you, if I decide to.”

  “I want you in those heels.” I gesture to the shoes she’s currently wearing. They’re shimmery black pumps that put at least four inches on her height. “Perhaps a little thong as well, but I want to capture you. Your body, those curves and those incredible tits,” I tell her honestly. Something akin to desire flits across her face and I know she’s turned on when a soft blush darkens her cheeks. She squirms, but it’s such a slight movement, if I didn’t know how to read this woman, I would have missed it.

  “And what happens after?” she murmurs, but before I can tell her I’m going to fuck her senseless, the waitress returns with our coffees.

  As soon as she’s out of earshot, I lean in and see those emeralds darken. “I’m going to rip off the panties, and I’m going to make you come on my tongue, my fingers, and then I’ll make you scream until your throat is hoarse, as I fuck you with my cock.”

  A gasp falls from her lips, but she meets my stare, challenging me. “You’re overly confident there, Kael, but I’ll take you up on that offer because I’d like to see you rise to the occasion.” She dips her finger in the coffee and swirls it around, then brings it to her mouth, sucking it between her lips and if I wasn’t hard before, I sure as fuck am now.

  “Oh, Phoenix, I’ll rise and I’ll make sure you’re soaring with me.”

  Just then, our food arrives and I watch her dig in. Even though we’re sitting in a diner, and it’s one of the most casual places in the city, she still looks as if she’s sitting in a five-star restaurant.

  Elegant, beautiful, delicate.

  Halfway through her burger, she lifts her gaze and meets mine. “What?” she quizzes, and I chuckle at the ketchup on the side of her mouth. Reaching over, I swipe it with my thumb and bring it to my mouth.

  “You’re beautiful,” I offer, and dig into my own meal.

  The rest of lunch is silent and every now and then, I glance up at her, taking in the beauty that’s ensnared me once again.

  As soon as I’ve paid the bill, we head back to the jeep. I open her door and watch her slide
into the seat. It’s hypnotic how her body moves with such precision. Her slender legs are lightly tanned giving her a bronze glow and I can’t wait to have those thighs wrapped around my head, then my waist. “Are you going to stare at me all day?” she quips playfully, and I realize I’d been drooling over her.

  Before shutting the door, I lean in and question, “yes, tell me you’ll pose for me?” With my forearm on the roof of the car and my eyes trained on her, I wait for her response. I need to know. A sly smirk plays on her perfect lips and she nods. Releasing a breath, I didn’t know I was holding, I shut the door and make my way to the driver’s side.

  The drive to my apartment is filled with an intensity that steals my breath and when I park the car, I turn to her. “You don’t have to do this.”

  “I want to,”—she grins—“or are you worried you’ll not live up to your earlier promise?”

  Chuckling, I shake my head, “Don’t you concern your pretty little head, I’ll make good on my words.” I get out of the car and before I can open her door, she’s out, standing in my driveway looking like a vision. I guide her to the front door and unlock it, allowing her to enter my apartment for the first time.

  The clicking lock echoes in my ears. Realizing I have her alone, in my home, my nerves kick in. I feel like a teenager with his first girlfriend while his parent’s are away.

  “So, where do you want me?” She pivots on those fuck me heels and the look she gives me has my jeans tightening and my mind filling with filthy images of just how and where I want her. Bound and helpless, writhing under me, whimpering and pleading as I devour every inch of her.

  “You’re welcome to change in the bathroom, but the chaise over there will be perfect. I’ll get the toys,” I murmur, and her eyes widen.

  “Toys?” she quips.

  “The cuffs, darling, I told you I’m tying you up.” Before she can respond, I make my way into the bedroom and retrieve the thick leather cuffs.

  In the living room I find her draped on the gray suede chaise. I drag my gaze from those heels, slowly up her long, lithe legs, to the tiny thong that barely covers her pussy and up to her firm, full tits. When I finally meet her gaze, I lift my mouth into a knowing smirk. “You like the view?” she questions.

  “Fuck yes.” The words are a deep growl and it takes all my restraint not to fuck her right now. I stalk over and make quick work of binding her wrists and positioning her on all fours with her arms draped over the back of the deep blue suede chaise longue. Her pert ass sticks out and her curves are every bit as inviting as they were all those years ago.

  I grab my camera, and snap a few shots, directing her as I do and she obeys, silently and without complaint. Her poses are elegant, yet sexy. Dirty, yet playful. And I find myself licking my lips hungrily as I crave to take her. When she moves it’s almost cat-like, her legs splay for one shot and I find myself focused on the apex of her thighs. Needing to bury myself inside her.

  After two rolls of film, I near her and she watches me like a little kitten, ready to swat at a toy. Lifting my hand, I trail my fingertips from her feet, up those limbs that I want to plant kisses on, just missing her pussy, I then tease her hip and the curve of her breast. “So beautiful.” My tone is reverent. She deserves it all and I vow to give it to her.

  “Kael.” My name is a whimper, a soft, seductive moan and I’m ready to take her. She peers up at me under those thick eyelashes and I nod. Cementing my stance, I watch her lift bound hands and undo my jeans.

  “Stand for me.” I step back, pulling off my T-shirt, and watch her rise dressed in the tiniest little thong. Without a word, I drop to my knees before her and an audible gasp has me peering up at her. She’s always been the one to kneel and I want her to feel the power in having me at her feet.

  I reach up, hooking my fingers in the waistband of her panties, and before I tug them down, I run my nose up her inner thighs, reveling in the scent of my woman.

  I pull down so slowly, I can see her body tremble. The material slips down the curve of her ass, once her pussy is bared to me, I let out a growl, animalistic and primal.

  Mine.

  “You smell so fucking good, I’m going to feast on you all day.”

  “Jesus, Kael, stop teasing me,” she whimpers, and I can’t help chuckling. I plant a soft kiss on her mound, the smooth lips feel warm against my mouth.

  I rise up and undo the cuffs, my eyes locked on hers.

  “Do you trust me?” I ask, quietly waiting for her. Expecting her to refuse, she shocks me by nodding slowly. “Good girl,” I murmur.

  Stepping back, I leave her for a moment to grab the onyx silk rope and when I turn to her, those emerald eyes peer at me with inquisitive concentration.

  “Arms behind your back,” I order, and she obeys beautifully. My sweet little pet. I weave an intricate pattern binding both arms together. In turn, her breasts jut out and her nipples harden. Leaning in, I whisper in her ear, “Does this turn you on, Phoenix?” The nickname sends a tremble through her.

  “Yes, Sir.” Her raspy tone is evidence that she’s being truthful and I nod. When I left her we hadn’t done any of this and I wonder about her past.

  Slowly, I finish up the knot at her wrists, then trail my fingers down to her thighs and leisurely up to the pert cheeks of her ass. I grip them, squeezing them, earning me a soft mewl. My cock throbs painfully and I place a hand on her hip. “Bend for me, baby.” Her body folds and I spread her legs. “Trust me, Pai—Skyla.” My slip up goes unnoticed when I stroke the drenched spot between her thighs. “You’re so perfect,” I murmur against the sensitive smooth flesh and her knees buckle.

  “Kael, I can’t—”

  “You can, baby, just breathe.” Once again, I grip her beautiful, creamy ass and open her to my gaze. Inhaling her sweet scent, I flick my tongue out, lapping at her pussy.

  “Oh, my God!” she cries out, only heightening my need for her. I lick her from that hardened, little bud, all the way to her tight, puckered entrance I’m dying to plunge into. Again and again, I repeat the action. My tongue dives into her tight cunt and she flies apart, soaring like the firebird I know she is.

  Her legs tremble as I rise and lick my lips, savoring her honeyed release. “Up,” I command, and she straightens. I spin her around and meet her glazed stare. “Did I make good on my first promise?” I quip, her body still shuddering in my arms.

  “Yes, you did.” Her lips lift into a smile. I tug on the knot allowing the rope to fall free from her arms.

  “Now for part two.” I wink, leaning in, I lift her in my arms and walk her to the sofa. Before I sit back, I shove my jeans and boxers down. With a tight grip on her hips, I tug her over me. “Sit on my dick, firebird.” She straddles me, and I position my throbbing erection at her tight heat.

  Her head falls back as she sinks down on my length, her body taking me inch by rock hard inch. “Fuck, Kael,” she mewls, and then whimpers.

  “Christ, ride me. Take your pleasure, I want to watch you come for me.” I sit back, watching her tits bounce as her hips undulate. She grips my shoulders and her nails dig into the muscle. Her pace is slow at first, but when I reach for her clit and circle it with my thumb she hastens her movements and I feel her pulse and quiver around me.

  Our bodies move in sync, my hips lift, meeting hers. I drive deep into her, claiming her like I should have done all those years ago. I want to tell her, in this moment, but I chicken out again. Reaching up, I tweak her nipples, tugging them hard until she screams my name as her release wracks her body. Seconds later, I grunt through mine, filling her. Marking her as mine.

  Sunlight bathes my bedroom in a warm glow as I crack my eyelids. After my initial date with Kael, we’ve been texting back and forth. He had to leave on a business trip and even though it hasn’t been very long, we’ve grown close through messages and late night phone calls.

  It’s been almost a month and memories of that day have replayed in my mind on a loop. That gentle touch was too muc
h for my heart to bear. I’m so used to men being rough, that a tender stroke or a feather-light kiss sets me on edge.

  My phone vibrates and I know it’s him. Even though he’s busy he’ll message me every day. Slowly this man is breaking down my walls, brick by brick.

  Firebird, I’m missing you. I’ll be back soon. I hope you’ve saved a dance for me. x

  Smiling at the words, I hit reply and promise him a dance when he’s back.

  Pushing off the bed, I pull on a pair of sweats and a T-shirt. Lacing up my sneakers, I pull my hair into a tight ponytail and head into the kitchen, but before I get to my destination, I smack into Dakota. "Shit, sorry.” I pull the earphones from my ears and meet her inquisitive gaze.

  “Where are you going, Red?” she questions, using one of the few nicknames she’s become accustomed to calling me.

  “Out. I need air.” Trying not to meet her non-believing stare is difficult because she can read me like a book, open or closed, and I know no matter how hard I try, she’ll drag the reason for my dismissiveness from me.

  “Don’t bullshit me, babe. Tell me.” She reaches for my hand and pulls me into her bedroom. “What happened?”

  “Kael”—I flop onto the bed beside her—“he’s away and we’ve chatted on the phone, but... I’m fucked, Dakota…” My words taper off, and when I lift my watery gaze, I find her staring at me.

  “You’re falling for him,” she whispers, and I nod feeling the tears burn my eyes. “Oh, my sweet little Red. Come here.” She pulls me into a warm hug and I feel the calm she always brings me. “He must feel something if he’s still in contact with you,” she reassures, and I nod silently.

  The fear of falling in love with someone has always been there, at the back of my mind taunting me. Now that it’s happening, I wonder if I’ll be able to give my heart to him fully when I’m still in love with someone else.

  We don’t talk for a long while and I know she’s waiting for me to say something. “I need fresh air. I’ll see you later, okay?” I murmur, and she releases me. Nodding, she allows me to rise and walk to the entrance of her bedroom.