Convincing Rowena [Passion Peak, Colorado 6] (Siren Publishing Everlasting Classic)

by Tara Rose

  “What about the security guards he uses on nights the club is open?”

  “Most of them are cops moonlighting, so they’re all out looking for the other three men right now.”

  “I thought he had security cameras all over the place?”

  She shook her head. “Not back there. He’s talked about installing them, but it’s a huge job. He’ll have it done now, no matter how much of a hassle it might be.”

  “We need help from the state police to find those men.”

  Angela snorted. “Yeah. Good luck on that one. I asked Nash and Ian about that and they said Tommy told them Ken said no way. This is a local problem, and they’d handle it.”

  “Oh, wonderful.”

  “You know how he is.”

  “Nash needs a big German Shepherd like Carma’s great-aunt has. Or a whole gang of them.”

  “Yeah. That’s not a bad idea.”

  * * * *

  It was just after midnight when Rowena pulled up to her house. As pre-arranged by phone, Phil and Knox were waiting for Eve in Phil’s cruiser. They hadn’t wanted Rowena to drive home alone after dropping off Eve, since her home was one of the houses the men knew to target. Van was waiting on the porch, and it looked like every light in the house was on.

  She waited until Phil, Knox, and Eve had driven away, and then she collapsed into her husband’s arms. He held her close, stroking her hair and back, and then they went inside.

  “You must be exhausted.”

  “I’m not going to work tomorrow. I already told my crew.”

  She glanced up at him sharply. “Why? Did something else happen?”

  “No. I just need a mental break. Larry or Bobby will call me if any problems come up, but I doubt they will.”

  “I’m glad you’ll be with me.”

  “I hate leaving you alone here at all.”

  “We have a security system.”

  “That didn’t stop Clay Martin.”

  A shiver ran down Rowena’s spine. “These men aren’t serial rapists. But I’d be lying to you if I said I didn’t still have nightmares about the night Martin took Eve from this house.”

  “If they break any glass, it will trip the security system. But I wish you could go somewhere else during the day when I’m not here. You could take your laptop and still work.”

  “What about Snowball?”

  “They’re not after her.”

  “They’re not after me, either. They’re after what they think is still hidden in these walls. But what are they going to do even if they do get inside? Just start ripping out drywall? It’s a big house. It would take them a long time to look everywhere. So if I’m gone, that would give them even more of a chance to do some serious damage in here.”

  “True.” He didn’t sound convinced.

  “And while we’re on the subject, something has been bothering me about them trying get into Pet’s house. Unless they knew specifically where something was stashed, they took a big risk. These guys don’t seem like amateurs.”

  “Maybe Jonas told them?”

  “Maybe. But we don’t even know where things in here might still be hidden. Does Pet know where in her house her husband hid things? And even if she does, how would the men who tried to break in know that, unless she’d told Jonas? Why would they take a chance on breaking into someone’s house without knowing exactly where to look?”

  “Okay. You make a good point but I’m too tired to try and wrap my head around this right now. Let’s get some sleep.” He pulled her close again. “I’m just so glad you’re home.”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Thursday morning, Rowena woke to the smell of coffee and French toast. She opened her eyes, surprised to see daylight through the windows. And judging by the amount of light in the room, it was well past the time she normally rose. One glance at the alarm clock on the nightstand had her panicked. It was almost noon. She started to climb out of bed, but was stopped by Van’s voice.

  “Relax.”

  She turned to watch him carry in food and the smaller coffee pot on a tray, then place it on a table that he’d moved closer to the bed while she’d slept. “You made me breakfast?”

  “Brunch.” His grin sent arousal coursing through her body. “I’ve been up for hours.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Why? Don’t be silly. You were exhausted last night, so I let you sleep.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Let’s eat. And then we can do whatever you want for the rest of the day.”

  She took a bite of French toast, moaning at the taste. “All right. Who made this for you?”

  “Ouch. I can cook, you know. It’s just that you’re much better at it so I prefer to let you do it.”

  She smiled. “All right. We’re even. But seriously, this is very good.”

  “Thank you.” He dipped his head. “I aim to please my gorgeous wife today. Anything you want is yours, my lady.”

  “Wow. Anything?”

  His eyes smoldered with lust. “Anything.”

  “Well, in that case, after I eat I need a shower. And of course, I’d love you to join me in there. Only you can wash my back the way I like it done.”

  He leaned over the tray and kissed her. It was just a quick kiss, but it was ripe with passion and heat. “I was hoping you’d say that.”

  “The shower is just for starters.”

  “Oh, good. Because between the toys you brought home and the ones I haven’t yet tried, I may need to take tomorrow off as well.”

  Rowena shivered in anticipation, and then she wolfed down the rest of her breakfast. “I’ll take care of the dishes.”

  “No you won’t.” Van stood and picked up the tray, nodding toward the bathroom. “You get in there. I’ll be right in.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  He grinned, and her pussy grew wet. “Will you call me that today? All day long, I mean?”

  “I sure will, Sir.” She scrambled out of bed and practically ran to the bathroom as he chuckled behind her. Once inside, she turned on the water, and then stepped under it and closed her eyes. It had been a very long week, and she needed this. It was symbolic in more ways than one. She wanted to wash away the stink and grime from driving nineteen hours and sleeping in an SUV, as well as all the crap she’d been holding on to for so many years. It was time to let go of everything and give over to the fantasies she’d been harboring for so long.

  Van would never hurt her. He hadn’t done so—not once—in all the years she’d known him. Even when she had lived with another man, halfway across the country, he’d been there for her. He’d waited for her, and he’d stuck by her when the media circus had followed her home to Passion Peak. And he was here for her now, willing and ready to do whatever he could to help her shed the past once and for all. No one else in her life had given so much to her. No one.

  He opened the glass door and stepped in. She didn’t even have time to admire his naked body because he pulled her close for a kiss so hot, she was surprised the water didn’t turn to steam as it hit the floor. He pressed her against the wall and ground his rock-hard dick into her lower abdomen, tangling his fingers in her hair.

  His lips and tongue moved over hers, making her dizzy with need. The warm water cascading over both of them didn’t help matters any. Rowena’s entire being was on fire for him. When he finally released her mouth, she collapsed into his arms as he caressed her back and ass cheeks. “Did your ass miss me? I’m going to paddle you today. I’m going to spank you, and flog you, and then I’m going to fuck your pussy and your ass until neither one of us can walk.”

  “Okay.” She could barely breathe let alone form a complete sentence.

  He smacked her right ass cheek, hard, and she jumped. “Okay, what?”

  “Okay, Sir.” Rowena pressed her face against his shoulder and grinned.

  “That’s better.” Van reached over to his left and took a bottle of shower gel off the shelf where they both kept their bath product
s. He opened the top, and the smell of freesias filled the space. “We’ll use yours today so you don’t smell like you’ve been out walking in the woods all day.”

  She giggled. “Right now I smell like I’ve been riding in a car for a week.”

  Van pressed his nose against her right breast and took a deep, loud inhale. “Maybe three days. Not quite a week.”

  “Oh, I’m sure that’s a real turn-on for you.”

  He gave her a droll look then took her left hand and placed it on his cock. “Satisfied that I’m horny?”

  She grasped it. “Very.”

  His grin sent a fresh wave of desire coursing through her body. “Let go. I wash you first, then I’ll tell you what I want you to do next.”

  She released his dick and put her arms overhead, thrusting her breasts forward. “Oh, I see how it is today. Yes, Sir. I’m ready for you to command me.”

  “That’s better.” Van poured a generous amount of shower gel into his hand and replaced the bottle on the shelf. Then he lathered her entire body, starting with her neck and working his way over her breasts, down her abdomen, over both arms and legs, and finally spending long moments on her pussy. He moved in slow, torturous circles, watching her face the entire time, until she writhed against the wall and moaned constantly.

  Her orgasm was right there, poised on the edge, but she knew he wouldn’t let it crest. Not yet, anyway. When he turned her around and did the same thing to her back and ass, Rowena thought she’d go out of her mind with need. He moved her under the water and kissed her until she could hardly stand up as the water washed over them both, rinsing away the shower gel. When he released her mouth, she gazed into his eyes, desperate with the need to have his dick inside her.

  He turned her around and backed her toward the far wall. “Sit down.”

  She did, and was treated to the sight of his cock, red, swollen, and dripping with pre-cum, eye-level with her face. “I took a shower this morning so it’s clean.” Van grasped her head, one hand on each side, and Rowena moaned loudly. He was going to hold her head still while she gave him a blow job. “You know what to do, beautiful.”

  She didn’t hesitate. Rowena took as much of his dick into her mouth as she could, and then Van pushed another inch inside. She loved it. Rowena wrapped her lips around him, and she didn’t even have to move her head. He fucked her mouth, holding on to her head with his strong hands, and she reached around and fondled his balls from behind, just for fun.

  His loud moans told her that he loved it, and when he pushed further into her mouth, she relaxed her throat muscles so she wouldn’t gag. It didn’t take long for him to come. Her mouth was filled with hot, salty liquid, and she swallowed every tasty drop. When his contractions finally stopped, he pulled her to her feet and held her for long, luscious moments.

  They turned off the water, and Van dried her off as if she were a child. Then he picked her up and carried her to the bed. How the hell he had the strength to do that after what she’d just done to him, she had no idea. He pulled her into arms and just held her. “That was fucking incredible.”

  “Thank you, Sir. I’m glad you liked it.”

  “I mean it. That’s the best damn blow job you’ve ever given me, which is saying a lot. What happened to you in Racy?”

  “I found the answers I was looking for.”

  “Thank God. Give me a minute or two for the blood to make it back into my brain, and then it’s time for your spanking.”

  Rowena snuggled closer to him, and when he released the embrace and sat up, she did as well.

  “I should let you come first. And then I’d get to watch it all over again a second time.”

  “Whatever you want, Sir.”

  Van grinned. “This was supposed to be a day about what you want.”

  Rowena got on her knees and put her arms around his shoulders. “What I want is for you to let go and unleash your inner Dom. Pretend I’m your sub today, and command me. If you want to make me wait to come, then make me wait. It’ll be that much sweeter when I do.”

  He brushed a finger along her face, his eyes full of incredulity. “Where did all this come from?”

  “I don’t know. I only know that I’ve never felt this free.”

  “Oh, Rowena.” He pulled her close and kissed her neck. “I’m so happy. And if that’s what you want from me today, then you shall have it.”

  “It’s what I want, Van.”

  He moved to the edge of the bed and stood, then held out a hand. “On your feet, sub.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “No questions. Get up.”

  She giggled and stood, taking his hand. He led her to the front of the room where they had a small sofa and a chair next to a desk. Rowena often used that part of the room to work in during the afternoon when the sun hit this side of the house. Van told her to stand next to the sofa, and then he crossed the room to the dresser and began to take things out of the bottom drawer. She watched, waiting for the expected unease to envelope her, but this time it didn’t happen.

  Even when he took out bondage cuffs, she still felt aroused. No fear, no flashbacks of mistrust, and no negative voices inside her head, telling her that she couldn’t handle this. It was as if she’d left that part of her back in Indiana. Was it really gone forever? Could it honestly have been that simple, all this time? And why was she even questioning it?

  Van walked toward her and dumped everything onto the coffee table. He watched her carefully, no doubt waiting for a reaction. He sat down and crooked his finger at her, gesturing toward his right thigh. “Assume the position.”

  “Yes, Sir.” His choice of words reminded her of porn movies where students were about to get paddled, and she grinned. “Have I been a bad girl?”

  “Yes. And every second you stand there and not do what I just told you to do earns you extra swats.”

  “I like this side of you.” Rowena draped herself across his leg and moaned when he caressed her ass cheeks.

  “I do, too.” Van reached over toward the coffee table, and Rowena watched him pick up the small paddle with holes she’d bought last week in Sassy Brassy. “This is nice, but I think I like the one you bought in Indiana better. Then again, maybe I’ll just use both.” He placed the paddle on her upper back and picked up the long, leather one that Carma had talked her into, saying she preferred the longer ones because they swatted both cheeks at once. “I’ll alternate them, and you can tell me which one you prefer.”

  “Tease.”

  “What color are you right now?” His voice held a tiny note of concern.

  “I’m green, Sir. Honestly.”

  “I’m so proud of you right now.”

  Rowena sighed. This was actually going to work. She could hardly believe it. “Thank you, Sir. I’m proud of myself.”

  “You should be. I mean that.” The first swat was with the long paddle, and he didn’t strike her very hard, but it stung nicely. He paused for a second or two in between swats, and soon Rowena’s ass was warm, but there was no fear. Her heart pounded, but that was from the excitement racing through her body.

  Her mind wasn’t filled with images of the e-mails that Brandt had sent, or of the endless moments of humiliation she’d endured each time the tabloids ran another story. Instead, all she saw was Van, his gorgeous blue eyes, and that look that came over them as he gazed down at her while making love.

  She was okay. His left leg pinned both of hers and he paddled her ass, harder now, but she was all right. He switched to the smaller paddle and alternated striking her cheeks with it. The sensation was different, and she suspected the holes gave each swat more of a punch, but she liked it. No, that wasn’t quite right. She loved it.

  Rowena moaned and writhed against his thigh as her climax grew again. The more he hit her, the closer she came. Her pussy was soaking wet and her clit throbbed. Even her nipples ached to be touched right now.

  When he stopped and caressed the areas he’d just punished, she reali
zed that she had no idea how many swats she’d taken. “I am so proud of you,” he said again.

  “Thank you, Sir.”

  “Did you count?”

  “No.”

  “You took fifty swats. Fifty.”

  Rowena smiled as a shiver ran up and down her spine. “I hope you’re not done, Sir. Fifty is just a warm-up, right?”

  Chapter Seventeen

  Van groaned out loud. He eyed the bondage cuffs, wondering if he dared to push it right now. Her ass was pink, but not bruised or puffy. She actually wanted more. Dare he try to restrain her again? If this didn’t work, they’d be back to square one. “Time to stand up.” He helped her to her feet, and then he pulled her close, remembering what Nash had told him this past summer about aftercare. “I’m so proud of you.” He knew he sounded like a parrot, but he was desperate to do this right, and make it an experience that would leave her wanting more, not frighten her or make her wish she’d never suggested trying it again.

  She pulled away and gazed into his eyes. “And I’m proud of you, Sir.”

  Van shook his head slightly. He had no idea how the women in Racy had been able to get through to her, but he must remember to thank them. Over and over again. “I have an idea.” He took her hand. “Follow me.” He led her to the back of the sofa, then crossed the room and took out pillows from underneath the comforter. He stacked them up on the sofa, then asked her to bend over the back of it and rest her arms on the pillows. “Is that comfortable?”

  “Very.”

  “I want to try the cuffs on your wrists, but only if you say it’s all right.”

  Yes, Sir. I want that.” She hadn’t even hesitated. Van swallowed hard against the sudden lump in his throat as he took them from the coffee table and fitted them around her wrists. His fingers shook slightly as he clipped them together.