by Dakota Black
She’d heard enough to know they were short-handed, especially with the number of injured men from the last two explosions. Tensions would be off the charts. She walked even closer, noticing the person Nash referred to as Tank talking with the pilot. He seemed animated, even angry at the conversation.
There was no way to determine what they were saying, but both men pointed fingers as the argument continued. Several of the passengers hovered around them in a semi-circle and from where she stood, she could swear they were egging Tank on. She took several additional steps until the pilot threw up his arms, climbed back into the aircraft and slammed the door, leaving the crewmen to scramble onto the helicopter.
Tank gave the pilot his middle finger and turned, stopping instantly, his gaze locking on her form. He did nothing for several seconds then he walked directly toward her.
She held her ground as he neared and there was no doubt he was enraged. Holding her breath, she thought for certain that he was going to confront, even threaten her. When he passed by, giving her a nod of his head, she was dumbfounded. Maybe Nash had issued a warning of his own. She felt the reverberations on the metal decking as he walked away, the heavy thumping matching her heartbeats. There were one too many secrets on this rig.
After the helicopter flew away, she realized she’d been holding her breath. A year of this shit? There was no way in hell. Disgruntled, she headed straight for the cafeteria.
“You need to be careful.”
The husky voice came from the shadowed and very empty hallway. “Why is that?” She opened her eyes wide and tried to make out who was speaking.
“Don’t come any closer.”
“What are you afraid of?” she asked. This was yet another unknown person. Unable to make out his facial features, she kept her distance in an effort to glean as much information as she could.
“There are those who already know you’re asking questions. Let it go. Everything will be finished soon enough, and no one will get hurt.”
“Who knows and what do you mean finished soon?” Only Sam knew she’d been asking questions, other than Nash. She bit back a groan. Was Nash a part of this? Whatever this was.
The man exhaled. “Word travels fast on this ship. Be careful who you trust. Those you think may be your friends will stop at nothing to keep you silent.”
Veronica inched closer. “Who are you talking about?” The sound of approaching men, their boisterous laughter floating from the other direction caught her attention. They whistled when they noticed her.
“Hey, Doctor. Do you want to come have a drink with us?”
“I have a nice bottle of rum in my room.”
“Such a fine-looking woman shouldn’t be alone tonight.”
“You couldn’t handle me, boys,” she teased, plastering a fake smile on her face. She had to weed out the assholes from the regular crew one way or another.
“Oh, come on!”
Her space crowded, she was pushed back against the wall. “Gentlemen. Have a good evening.” Sidestepping them, she gave them a nod.
“Damn!” The young man made a face then winked before motioning his buddies to follow.
Only when they’d passed did she realize that the man issuing the warning had disappeared. She stood in the empty hallway, rehashing all she’d found out. At this point she had more questions than answers.
The day had been productive, at least in terms of the barrels of oil pumped and the fact several men had left for ten days off. While Nash had been promised new recruits, Camden wasn’t able to predict when they would be hired. Then there was the matter of the approaching hurricane. The tracker had the beast already up to a category three. While the course had shifted, turning more to the west, the fact it was already up to a strong category three kept concern in everyone’s mind.
He continued to study the reports of the day’s work and given everything he’d been told, the men seemed to be back in a groove. They could actually meet the deadline with a little help from mother nature. After pouring a drink, he grabbed a set of pages off the printer. He’d spent the better part of an hour searching for any information on Canterfield Industries. The first few pages listed on Google held several press releases of two smaller companies they’d acquired, deals made with NASA and the Navy, as well as smaller venues located throughout the world. The company seemed to be a sleeping giant, taking contracts with some of the top Fortune 500 companies.
What did they have to do with Rush Enterprises? Oil barrels? But if they weren’t producing, then what? He sat back, thinking about the possible scenarios. Rush’s stock continued to be lower than this time last year, although they were listed on the Fortune 500 list close to the bottom. If Canterfield wanted to force them into a takeover, they could offer what might be considered a pittance in the industry.
What did surprise him about Canterfield was the fact there were no pictures of events, no glorious parties or company newsletters. There were also zero listings of who their current Board of Directors was. Given it was an international company, the same requirements as held in the United States didn’t apply. The reason could be what Tank had hinted at when he suggested Nash should check their Press Releases. If the owners were ex-military, considering selling weapons to a foreign country, they certainly wouldn’t want their identities splashed across the internet. He thought about his time serving, hard years when he was little more than a boy. Still, the education as well as the training could certainly lend itself to what Tank believed to be true.
Keeping anyone quiet who might expose them would certainly be an agenda item, including a doctor with a mouth. He laughed and rubbed the tip of his finger back and forth across his mouth. The two of them investigating could prove caustic for Canterfield. And dangerous. At this point, he wasn’t entirely certain he could trust Tank or his wild hair idea.
He tossed the papers across the coffee table and rubbed his forehead. The pressure was intense. Tonight, he needed additional release. Hearing the knock on his door, he smiled, his thoughts flashing to events from the night before. Walking with his drink, he rubbed his hand through his hair before opening the door.
“Gunner. What are you doing here?”
Toby glanced over his shoulder, as if expecting someone else to be in the room. “I’m sorry to bother you, sir. I brought the information you were looking for.”
“Come in.” Nash left the door open as he turned away. “Would you like a drink?”
“I don’t know, sir.”
“You’re off duty.” He didn’t wait for an answer, instead pouring another glass half full with whiskey. “What did you find out?”
Accepting the drink, Toby stared into the glass before taking a sip.
“The access?”
“Yes, sir. Other than Parker and Steven Michaels in engineering, only Tank has access to every level in the computer. Well, you of course now, sir.”
“You can cut the ‘sir’ crap, Gunner. I haven’t garnered any respect from the men here yet.” The news was as he anticipated, and he continued to have his doubt about Tank’s loyalty.
Chuckling, Toby inched forward, still looking into his glass before taking another sip. “You have good taste.”
“I knew I’d need some strength for this cruise. Just didn’t know how much.” Nash studied the way the man sniffed the liquid then purposely refilled his glass, taking a huge gulp. “Who else knows about the access. Anyone?”
“Not that I know of, sir. I mean Nash.” Toby’s face reddened.
“Keep it that way. Just between you and me.”
“What do you suspect is going on?”
“I haven’t figured it all out yet, but I have some ideas.”
“That’s good… Nash. I’m glad to hear that. The other men will be relieved.”
Nash took several long strides toward him. “Another thing that’s just between you and me.”
“Absolutely.” Tension easing, he took several sips of the drink.
“Is there anyt
hing else you need to tell me, Gunner?”
Shrugging, he hesitated before answering. “Just that some of the men are hassling the doctor.”
He laughed and swirled the liquid in his glass. “Trust me. The woman can take care of herself.”
“I hope so, sir. I really do.”
“Is there something else?” Nash read the man’s pinched face.
Toby looked over his shoulder and inched closer. “I had a call from the brass, Mr. Dane.”
“Okay. What did Camden have to say?”
“He was looking for you, of course. I mean…” His words trailed off.
“What you have to say to me is fine.”
Swallowing hard, Toby nodded, his fingers clenched around the glass. “He mentioned, I mean he alluded to the fact that Tank can’t be trusted.”
This struck him as odd. Why would Camden tell a crewmember something to this effect? “Are those his exact words?”
“No, sir. It wasn’t what he said, but the fact he asked a lot of questions about Tank, how long I’d known him, if Parker had experienced any trouble with him. Those kinds of questions.”
Nash had no idea what to make of this, but he made a mental note to ask Camden. Meanwhile, he had no doubt the information would slip, at least to certain members of the crew. Perhaps this could work to his benefit. “I guess time will tell.”
“Yes, sir, I mean Nash, I thought you should know.”
Tap. Tap.
Toby shot a look at the door. “I should go. You have company. Thank you for the drink. I do appreciate it.” He drained the glass, easing it to the table. His hand remained wrapped around the crystal for a couple of seconds.
“Thank you for letting me know.” Nash eased the drink down on the table and walked him to the door. He caught Gunner’s reaction seeing Veronica standing on the other side. Perhaps this would keep men from pawing her.
“Have a good night, sir. Doctor. Nice to see you.” Toby moved out into the hallway, nodding to both of them before moving quickly away.
Veronica waited until he was out of sight before groaning. “Timing is everything.”
“Don’t worry about it. You’re the rig’s doctor and I’m in charge. Come in. I was expecting you.” Inhaling, he instantly became hard, aching to whip and fuck her. The perfume was subtle yet intoxicating. “Once this door is closed, there will be no more talking unless I ask you a direct question. Am I clear?”
“Yes, sir,” she whispered and purposely took another long stride inside.
He closed and locked the door then reached out, grabbing her around the throat and pulling her toward him. “I’ve hungered all day.”
Her lower lip trembled but her eyes shimmered, her own desire building.
Lowering his head, he breathed across her face and neck before nipping her earlobe. “Are you wet and hot for me?”
“Yes, sir.”
“In need to have my cock in your tight ass?”
“Oh, yes, sir.” A moan slipped past her lips.
He slid his hand down her arm, crossing to her breast. Pinching her nipple in between his fingers, he growled as she winced. He wanted nothing more than to give her a night full of pain, a dark slide into ecstasy. He rubbed his thumb across her mouth before pushing against her lips, forcing his finger inside.
Veronica’s eyes were open wide as she sucked, her body leaning forward as if wanting more.
She was even more beautiful tonight, eager in a manner he hadn’t expected. He would give her all her body craved. He enjoyed the way she licked and sucked on his thumb, her hunger evident by her hardened buds, her chest moving up and down. When she reached up, wrapping her hand around his wrist, he pulled back. “Remove your clothes. Hand me your damp panties.” Of course, they were wet, her pussy no doubt soaking them. He could tell by the rich scent of her cunt wafting between them.
Exhaling, she nodded and proceeded to undress.
His cock was throbbing, aching to the point he was in near agony and he allowed a few seconds to gaze upon the woman who now belonged to him. The thought was scintillating. He’d planned tonight, going over every detail. He grabbed the rope that he’d secured from his bag and rolled the thick twine through his fingers. She was watching, studying what he was doing. If there was any fear, neither her face, nor her actions indicated it.
When she was naked, she rose to her full height and took a deep breath, her eyes darting back and forth. She lifted her arm, her hand balled around the purple panties.
Nash continued his actions as he inched closer. Using his other hand, he brushed the tips of his fingers across her face and lips to her neck then down to her shoulder. Accepting the gift, he rubbed the lace under his nose and issued a husky growl. “Excellent.” Shoving them into his pocket, he dragged his fingertip around her nipple. Her skin was soft to the touch and the moment he placed his fingers on the heat of her body, she quivered. He trailed his fingers around to her back, sliding them up and down her spine. The rope remained in his hand as he explored her body, savoring her small waist and ample hips. “Spread your legs.”
She obeyed instantly, opening them almost two feet. While her breathing continued to remain ragged, she said nothing.
He rubbed his hand down her ass to her upper thigh. There were only two red marks from the previous night’s spanking. He was out of practice. The thought gave him a smile. “Bend over.”
This time, she darted a quick look over her shoulder before bending over at the waist, placing her hands on her knees for support.
Nash rubbed his fingers up the crack of her ass then tapped on her buttocks. “Spread your ass cheeks for me.”
A single whimper escaped her mouth as she reached around, pulling back her cheeks, exposing her dark hole.
“Very nice.” Exhaling, he wiggled his thumb until the tip was just inside her asshole. She remained nice and tight, exactly what he craved. He slid his other fingers between the folds of her pussy, rubbing the tender tissue between the tips. He pinched and twisted until her body tensed then rolled the rope down the length of her back. “Every inch of you is mine.”
The words seemed to give her a sense of peace. She nodded, her long hair draping down to the floor.
Dear God, he wanted this woman. A moment of raw and savage hunger rushed into his system. “Go and place two pillows near the foot of the bed.” He could tell his heart was racing, his blood pressure increasing.
“Yes, sir.” Her voice soft, almost childlike, she moved toward the bed, performing her requirement.
When she’d finished her task, he took deliberate steps toward her. “Remove my belt.”
The gasp was cut short, but her hands were shaking as she turned to face him, fumbling to release his buckle. She swallowed several times as she worked to free the belt, pulling the thick leather strap from the belt loops one at a time.
Nash gave her an encouraging nod. “Feel the leather. Rub your fingers across the grain.” He moved to the headboard, tying one strand of rope around the metal bar then moving to the other side, repeating the move. She knew what was coming, what he was about to do. He stood in front of her, caressing her face. “You make me hard. Do you trust me?”
“I… Very much so, sir.”
“Good. Open your mouth.” This time, he gingerly placed the panties into her mouth, cupping her jaw until she clenched down, accepting the gag. There was no need to explain the power exchange, no fear that she didn’t understand. She was a submissive woman, demanding in her own right but in need of a controlling man. “I’m going to tie your arms and legs and I’m going to whip you, hard and fast, before I fuck you.”
She nodded twice, blinking several times.
“Good girl. Lie over the pillows and spread your arms and legs wide.”
There was no hesitation in her step. She was in position within seconds, her face down on the bed, the offering clear.
Nash took his time tying the rope around her wrists then her ankles. The pillows provided the perfect height an
d he stepped back, admiring his work. It had been a long time since he’d taken the time to secure and punish, elongating the intensity of the session. She was a precious creature and his thoughts drifted to taking care of her, comforting and even… He shook his head, surprised his thoughts were anything but carnal. At this moment, he could only handle feeding the beast dwelling deep within him.
Crack!
He slammed the belt against the floor and grunted as she shuddered, her fists clenching. She was prepared.
Whoosh! Slap!
He brought the belt down hard, practiced so that only the tender flesh of her ass cheeks would be striped.
Smack! Crack! Crack!
“Mmm!” The muffled sound was mixed with her body tensing, her toes curling.
He issued another series of hard whips then rubbed her ass, checking his technique. She would bruise, wear his marks for a couple of days, but she would also want more.
Crack! Whoosh! Pop! Whap!
Nash sucked in his breath and moved to the other side.
Smack! Crack! Crack!
Beads of sweat oozed down the side of his face and his breathing was becoming labored, his eyes having difficulty focusing. She was the single women to bring out the utter darkness, the monster he’d thought snuffed out. Closing his eyes, he counted to five before beginning again.
Crack! Pop! Crack!
She jerked up, straining against her shackles, panting past the gag.
He rubbed his fingers up along the inside of her thighs until he reached her pussy. Pumping three fingers into her cunt, he drove in and out several times until her whimpers turned from pain to pleasure. She was soaking wet. He took a step back, his body swaying and his vision clouded. This was more tonight, an experience he wasn’t prepared for, but he gave in.
Dropping the belt, he crawled onto the bed, placing his legs on either side. Leaning over on his hands, he kissed her shoulder. He was sweating, his heart racing. The woman had dragged him into the light.
Moaning, she twisted her hands, stretching.
Nash continued peppering open mouthed kissed against her skin as he tugged the panties from her mouth. “You’re glistening.”
