48 Hours

by Callista Arman

  “Look at me, Maddie.”

  She obeyed. He stood a scant arm’s length away. He’d unbuttoned his shirt, but hadn’t taken it off. His chest was well-muscled, sprinkled with a dusting of dark red hair. He looked tired, yes, but at the same time disturbingly intense. The darkening of his blue eyes when he looked at her said the night wasn’t over for them.

  She wanted to ask where Rafael was, if he’d be joining them. Until now, all her play with Patrick had been witnessed by the older man. Suddenly, faced by Patrick alone, she felt uncertain. Her tongue was tied in knots.

  “Get up.”

  She rose on shaky legs, her eyes still fixed on Patrick’s face. An urge to cover her nudity seized her—ridiculous, really, since the man standing in front of her had already touched and licked practically every inch of her. But there was something about this encounter that made her feel naked. Stripped open. She swallowed hard.

  “Master…” she trailed off, not sure if he’d allow her to speak.

  He gave a slight nod.

  “Master, thank you for what you did at the club. If I’d been recognized…” Her throat closed.

  “I know,” Patrick said quietly. “Your career would’ve been in the toilet. I couldn’t let that happen.” He studied her moodily. “It was my job to protect you. Though I know you could hardly have imagined that scenario when you made up that contract.”

  Maddie gave a shaky laugh. “Hardly.” She bit her lip. “Can I…may I ask you a question?”

  Another incline of his head.

  “Rafael…will he be joining us tonight?”

  An odd expression crossed Patrick’s face. “Do you want him to?”

  “I…want only what will please my Masters.”

  Patrick snorted. “The perfect submissive answer, huh?”

  Maddie looked at him, confused. “Wasn’t that what you wanted?”

  “Yes,” he said softly. “Yes, it was. Come here.”

  Maddie padded to the edge of the stage and descended, taking the steps that would lead her to Patrick. She halted in front of him, so close that if he wished, he could easily cup her breasts in his hand. The thought made her nipples peak. She wished he would do it.

  But he didn’t. Instead he stood perfectly still, studying her body with disturbing intensity. Finally, he recaptured her gaze. “I’ll be with you until morning, Maddie. I have plenty of ideas about what I want you to do in that time, but what I want to know right now is—what do you want?”

  She blinked at him. “Whatever you want, Master.”

  He let out a sigh. “This is still a game to you, right?”

  She frowned at the resigned tone in his voice. She couldn’t figure out what he was getting at. “What else would it be?”

  “Nothing.” He stood another minute, just looking, not touching. His closeness was starting to affect her, as was the fact that she was naked and he was clothed. Her gaze dropped to the strip of bare chest his shirt revealed. She wanted to touch him. Wanted to run her tongue down his body. Inhale his scent, taste his salty skin. She wanted to unzip his pants and…

  What had happened? This was Patrick McIllhenny, a guy she’d never even glanced at, except when he was fixing her computer. Now he filled all her senses.

  “Kiss me, Maddie.”

  Her gaze flew to his face. “Kiss you?”

  “That’s what I said.”

  Her fingers went to her lips. In all the time she’d spent as a submissive, neither Rafael nor Patrick had kissed her. Suddenly, a kiss seemed like the most intimate act imaginable. And Patrick was commanding her to kiss him, not stand passively while he kissed her. Her stomach fluttered, but it didn’t occur to her to refuse his command. She was beginning to understand she could refuse nothing Patrick ordered.

  She licked her lips. Going up on tiptoe, she brushed her mouth against his. His lips didn’t move, didn’t claim her, didn’t open. She kissed him again, harder, molding her mouth to his, pressing her body against him, wrapping her arms around his neck. Rubbed her breasts against his chest. Ground her hips into her groin. She wanted him to respond, damn it. But he just stood, stoic, hands at his sides, while she tried desperately to coax a response from him.

  She kissed his jaw and face, thrust her tongue into his mouth. His cock had gone hard against her stomach—at least that told her he wasn’t completely unaffected. She kissed her way down his chest and stomach, pausing only long enough to unfasten his belt and pants. She shoved down his boxers and stroked his cock. Opening her mouth, she drew him in completely.

  He groaned, his fingers tangling in her hair. She worked his shaft, her head bobbing. Keeping her throat slack, she went down on him, taking every inch, her lips brushing his pubic hair. Then she withdrew and licked her way down to his balls. Working his shaft with her hand, she sucked gently on the loose sac.

  “Oh, God, Maddie.” He hauled her up, into his arms and covered her mouth in a searing kiss. He took her hard, his tongue thrusting, his teeth snaring her lips, a growl growing deep in his throat.

  They stumbled toward the bed. Patrick stripped off his pants and shirt so roughly she heard the fabric tear. Then he was on her, and in her, and all around her. Her legs were on his shoulders, his arms were a cage. His mouth came down on hers hungrily. His cock slid into her passage.

  He fucked her slowly, holding her immobile in his arms. With her legs and arms trapped between them, she couldn’t so much as lift her hips or stroke his shoulders. All she could do was feel his cock taking her, over and over, pounding that sensitive spot high in her vagina. He didn’t have a condom on and the sensation of skin against skin was unbearably erotic. She felt her orgasm crest and explode, and still he fucked, not even slowing his pace. He lifted her again, urging her toward another peak. She let him take her there. Abandoned her body to his pleasure. Her climax rushed at her.

  She shattered, screaming Patrick’s name. With a jerking movement he pulled out, depositing his seed on her stomach and breasts. Then he collapsed atop her with a groan.

  She lay still as the mind-blowing pleasure receded, loving the weight of his body atop her. Finally, he stirred and looked down at her. An easy grin spread across his features.

  “Guess I forgot to tie the ropes.”

  She gave a shaky laugh. “I’d say you had me caged well enough.”

  He led her to the shower and washed every inch of her body. Afterward, they made love again, slowly this time, Patrick lying on his back and commanding Maddie to worship his body. At first she was shy playing the role of courtesan. But when Patrick’s groan of approval sounded in her ears, she realized there was very little she wouldn’t do for this man.

  Chapter Ten

  Maddie woke alone, tied spread-eagle to the bedposts.

  She tested her bonds. There was a bit of slack in them, but only an inch or so. The blanket was gone, leaving her exposed to the air. How Patrick had managed to do this without waking her was a mystery, but then he’d been surprising her all weekend.

  She lay alone for about an hour before the door opened. Both her Masters entered. Rafael untied her. After a short visit to the bathroom, she was led to the dining room. A large breakfast was laid out. Maddie’s stomach rumbled.

  Rafael laughed and indicated she should eat. She did, sitting quietly as the men talked. The conversation turned to golf and they discussed the possibility of playing that day.

  “I’d love that,” Maddie said. Her golf game was excellent.

  Rafael frowned at her. “I’m afraid you won’t be joining us, cara.”

  She opened her mouth to protest, but shut it just in time. Rafael looked pleased. He returned to his discussion with Patrick.

  Maddie silently steamed. She had only a few hours left in her agreement with Rafael and he planned to use the hours golfing with Patrick?

  After breakfast, Rafael guided her to a sun-drenched conservatory. Exotic plants filled the space, giving it the aspect of a jungle. Exquisite orchids hung all around and a small fountain
gurgled in the center of the room. The floor was flagstone. A few chairs and tables were scattered about.

  A hammock hung between two vine-covered posts. Rafael instructed Maddie to stand quietly while he produced a long length of soft rope. He tied the first loop round her neck.

  Then, while Patrick watched with obvious interest, the Dom wrapped the rope several times around Maddie’s torso. He tied three knots on each breast, framing and plumping her nipples. He roped and knotted her stomach and back, then looped the cord between her legs. A large knot settled harshly on her clit, a series of knots lined her pussy and butt crack. Rafael pulled this section of the rope tight, causing Maddie to cry out.

  He tied Maddie’s arms to her sides, her hands pressed against her thighs. Strong ropes encircled her legs, binding them tightly from thighs to ankles. Her breath came in shallow puffs, making her head go light. The room swayed as she stood teetering, trying to keep her balance.

  Rafael smiled. His fingers plucked at her nipples. The knots had trapped the flow of blood from her breasts, leaving the nubs rigid and aching. Just a slight touch had Maddie gasping. She lost her balance and bound as she was, she could do nothing to help herself. She tottered, and Rafael didn’t reach out to steady her. Panic surged as she felt herself fall.

  She needn’t have worried—Patrick caught her. He lifted her easily and laid her on the hammock. Then he fetched another rope and tied Maddie to the swaying fabric, cocooning her securely.

  He straightened and examined his handiwork. “I like it,” he told Rafael with a grin.

  Maddie glowered at him.

  Patrick gave her a cocky smile, and then he and Rafael were gone.

  * * * * *

  Patrick chose a two-wood from the loaner set Rafael had arranged for him to use. The clubs were top-of-the-line—most likely they cost ten times more than the old set he had in his closet. He hefted the graphite shaft in his hands and squinted, gauging the shot to the green. The narrow expanse of fairway was framed by forest. Even a slight hook or slice would land him in the woods.

  He teed up his ball, but didn’t make a move toward it. Instead, he eyed Montevale. “Why did you do this?”

  The Dom didn’t pretend Patrick was talking about golf.

  “I told you before, it amuses me.”

  “That’s not an answer.”

  Montevale inclined his head. “That is true. But instead of answering, let me ask a question of my own. You have dreams of being a Dominant, Mr. McIllhenny, but is your present life worthy of a submissive?”

  Patrick kicked a tuft of grass, smearing green on the toe of his rented gold shoes. “No. I have a shit job that pays nothing, no money in the bank and a rotten apartment in a questionable section of town.”

  “Ah. And do you believe Madeline, exquisite creature that she is, should consider giving herself to a man of such low…ambition?”

  “I have ambition,” muttered Patrick. “There’s no end to the things I want. I want my own business. More money than I can count. A condo in Lakeside Heights.”

  “Then why don’t you have them?”

  “I need capital to start a business and no bank will lend me the money. I know, because I’ve asked. They’re all touchy since the high-tech implosion.”

  Rafael made a dismissive noise in his throat. “Mere excuses. Mr. McIllhenny, if there is one thing you take away from this weekend, I suggest it be this. No man is given what he wants. He must take it—not in a dishonorable way, for a man’s honor is everything. But to shrink back when he should be strong—a man who does this will get only what he deserves. And that will not be a life that includes a woman like Madeline.”

  Patrick stared at the Dom, his stomach churning. “You’re going to keep her for yourself once this is over, aren’t you?”

  Montevale’s lips thinned. “It’s an idea that has some merit. Madeline has made so much progress in a short time. It wouldn’t take much for a man—the right man—to complete her training.” He paused. “She could bring me much joy.”

  “As much as your wife did?”

  “What do you know of my wife?” he asked sharply.

  “Only that she died. Your friend Monique told Maddie that much. She also said Maddie reminded her of Mariella.”

  Montevale didn’t answer. He turned to his golf bag and lifted out a wood.

  Patrick’s mood blackened. He took a couple of practice swipes with his club, then stepped up to the tee and swung for all he was worth.

  The ball sliced into the forest.

  * * * * *

  Maddie listened to the play of water in the fountain. It was all she could do. She couldn’t move, other than to wiggle her hands and toes. She was trussed and bound, her nipples and clit throbbing with the pressure of the knots. Golf took forever, she knew. She would be here alone for a very long time.

  The forty-eight hours were up tonight at ten.

  And then—what? She couldn’t begin to guess. The thought of leaving Rafael wasn’t a welcome one. Did he intend never to see her again? Or would he perhaps ask her to stay? If he did, would she have the courage to say yes? The courage to be open and loving to her Master every minute of the day and night, no matter what he demanded? Her heart cracked open at the sight of the sadness in his eyes, but could she ever come close to giving him what his wife had given him?

  But then there was Patrick to consider. Last night had been a dream—his kiss had been rough and demanding, his touch gentle and forceful by turns. He’d drawn her over the peak more times than she could count, but hadn’t stayed the night. Instead he’d left her tied spread-eagle, shivering with cold. What did that mean?

  If Patrick asked her to be his submissive, would she agree? Her feelings for him were as jumbled as the conflicted personality he presented to her. He’d proved himself capable of dominance in the bedroom, but what about in life? He was content to be a peon at her firm, content to live in a substandard part of the city.

  Perhaps, like Maddie, he was a study in opposites. Maddie was forceful in her daily world, submissive in bed. Maybe Patrick was the opposite—easygoing and ineffectual in life, dominant in bed. The trouble was, Maddie needed a man who was dominant in every aspect of his world. So though she felt her heart tug every time she looked in Patrick’s blue eyes, she couldn’t afford to act on her feelings for him. In the end, they would only hurt each other.

  She sighed and willed her body to relax. After a while, her brain shut off, too. Her confused thoughts drifted away. She thought she slept, but she wasn’t sure. She felt light and drifting, calm and serene. Her breathing blended with the run of water in the fountain.

  The men arrived much later. She wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but the sun was already slanting low through the windows. How many hours left? Only a few, Maddie was sure.

  Patrick’s fair skin was slightly sunburned. Rafael seemed sober as he unwound the ropes that bound her. He massaged her arms and legs, letting them grow accustomed to freedom before lifting her from the hammock. He ran a possessive hand over her body, his finger lingering between her butt cheeks. He inserted his thumb in her rear passage and pressed. Maddie sucked in a breath.

  “I will take you ass now, Madeline.”

  She swallowed. “As my Master wishes.”

  “And your other Master will take your pussy at the same time. You will enjoy the sensation of having two men inside you.”

  “Yes,” she said thickly.

  She watched Rafael strip off his clothes, until he stood completely naked before her for the first time. He was every bit as magnificent as she had imagined. Dark skin, black hair, chiseled muscle. His cock was thick and long and erect. She stared at it, imagining it invading her rear passage. It would stretch her more than the plugs she’d worn.

  Patrick shucked off his own clothes. At Rafael’s instruction, he dragged a low, padded bench to the open space near the fountain and lay down on his back. The beautiful cock that Maddie had worshipped so thoroughly last night was rigid. He
rolled a condom over his shaft, anchoring it firmly at the base.

  Juices slicked Maddie’s pussy. Obediently, she straddled Patrick and guided his cock to her opening. She sank down on him with a gasp, loving the feel of him hard and deep inside her. She rocked forward, rubbing her clit against his coarse hair. Rafael’s knots had left her sensitive there. The scraping motion sent a jolt of hot desire through her body.

  She let her head fall back, her hands on Patrick’s legs behind her. His hands covered her breasts, kneading and squeezing. Her pussy contracted around his shaft. She started rocking back and forth.

  She felt Rafael’s naked body behind her. His hand on her nape pressed her into a more horizontal position atop Patrick. Patrick gripped her waist, his hips still pumping.

  Rafael poured lubricant on her hole and worked it in with his fingers, inserting one, then two, and circling them until she moaned. Then he caught her hips in a punishing grip and placed the tip of his cock at her rear opening.

  A wave of panic smothered Maddie. A butt plug was one thing, but to take Rafael’s cock thrusting in and out of her ass? It would hurt, she knew. She gripped Patrick’s shoulders.

  “Shh…” Patrick whispered, still flexing inside her. “Just relax.”

  She caught his gaze and nodded. She closed her eyes as Rafael entered her, concentrating on opening up and letting him in. He rocked in inch by inch, timing his thrusts with Patrick’s. Her ass burned, sending tears springing into her eyes.

  With a final grunt Rafael pulled her to him, embedding himself fully. Maddie let out a sound that was half moan, half scream. He started to move inside her, but she hardly the presence of mind to focus on the sensation. Patrick was playing with her breasts, plumping and squeezing her nipples. Then he angled his body and thrust upward, sending a wave of pleasure through her pussy.

  It mingled with the pain in her rear passage. Rafael was pumping now, groan and grunting, his fingers like a vise on her hips. The men rocked in rhythm, taking turns filling her, never leaving her empty. Maddie felt the pleasure build, overpowering the pain. She was out of her mind now, grunting and moaning like an animal. She was completely trapped, completely used by these two men, each of whom had claimed a piece of her heart.