“Damon, it has to be tomorrow. We’ve been through enough today, so I don’t want to discuss it, but it needs to happen tomorrow.”
He sighs again. “OK, fine.”
A doctor wakes us sometime later, and I have no idea how much time has passed. I’m given pain medicine before they cast my arm and send me home.
Damon takes a quick shower and then helps me bathe in the tub since my arm can’t get wet. I feel terrible seeing how exhausted he is and knowing how much I disrupted everyone’s day.
It’s after midnight when we settle into bed.
“It’s Saturday, so sleep as long as you need,” he says as he pulls me into a tender embrace and kisses my head.
“I love you.”
“I love you, too, precious.”
He’s being sweet, which I love, but I know part of this sweetness he’s showing is due to the little fight he has left in him. The takeover of Vasser and the revisit of his past have worn him down. My gladiator needs his time to rise again.
Chapter Nineteen
Alayna
“Reed, Alayna, come in,” Mrs. Golding says with a smile. I was certain she’d be glaring at me for how I spoke to her husband. “Your father is in his study.”
I turn to Damon. “Please, can I have a word with him alone?”
He smirks. “I guess, but please don’t hit him. He’s getting frail.” His smile widens as he leans over and kisses my temple. After they direct me to the study, I take a deep breath and tap on the door.
“Come in,” Richard says.
He looks up from his desk when I enter and gives me the same smirk I see often on Damon’s face.
“I wasn’t expecting to see you again so soon. If you’re here to give me more hell, it isn’t necessary.”
“No. I need to ask you a question, and I’m praying you have the answer.”
“Well, I’ll try to help. Have a seat.” He points to the chair across from his desk, so I take it. “You are one bold, assertive woman. I like it.”
I chuckle loudly. “I’ve never been told that before.”
“I heard about your incident with Tiffany. I forgave you for all you said to me on the spot when I heard you punched that vile woman.”
“I didn’t do it for your forgiveness.”
Richard is chuckling now. “What do you want to ask me?”
“Tiffany informed me that her son is Damon’s. Please tell me you know it’s not true. I haven’t told him yet. I didn’t want to worry him if I didn’t have to.”
Richard exhales a large breath and gets up from his desk. He strolls over to a bookcase and pulls on the right side of it. It comes away from the wall, leaving an opening to another room. “I’ll be right back.”
He returns with an envelope and hands it to me.
“What is this?”
“It’s proof the child is not Reed’s. Giving me evidence that he wasn’t the father was a stipulation to the arrangement I made with her many years ago. Reed took her word for it, but I didn’t trust that she wouldn’t come back later and say otherwise.”
I hold my hand to my chest and say a silent prayer. Relief washes over me like never before.
“If that boy had been Reed’s, I would’ve sent her ass to jail, and this family would’ve raised him. I’ve made some poor decisions in my lifetime, but I would’ve never denied Reed a child I know he wanted. That’s why I needed to be sure.”
“Then why would she tell me that if she knew you had this?”
“She knows this family doesn’t want any more negative publicity. She’s hoping Reed will pay her off. Even though it would be proven the child’s not his, it would cause a big stink first. She’s a money hungry bitch.”
“I agree with you there.”
“I’ve waited long enough. What are you discussing?” Damon asks. I jump from his unexpected voice. Standing, I turn to him.
“I need to tell you something, but before I do, what I’m going to say is not true, so don’t freak out.”
His eyes narrow. “Just say it, Alayna.”
“I punched Tiffany because she claimed that her son was yours and threatened to expose it if you didn’t give her the money she wanted.” I toss the letter to the desk and practically run to him before taking hold of his face. “Damon, look at me. The child is not yours. Your father has proof.”
He looks down at me, still appearing angry and saddened. “I was not going to keep this from you. I wanted to see if your father knew the truth before I worried you. I would’ve told you here either way.”
“I want to see it.”
Richard takes the document and holds it up.
“It’s the paternity test she took with the other boy she was sleeping with.”
A wince of pain crosses Damon’s face before he’s marching over to his father. He swipes the paper from his hand and studies it. “I want a copy of this now.”
“Sure.” Richard takes it back and goes to his printer. I walk to Damon and pull on his arm.
“Look at me.” He turns and gives me that saddened, tired expression. “Tell me you believe me.”
“I believe you, but you need to let me fight my own battles.”
“I know I shouldn’t have hit her but I snapped. I’m guessing like you did with Michael.” He yanks me into his arms and plants a swift kiss on my lips. “Ms. Manipulator, don’t think I don’t know what you’re implying.”
“I’m simply saying we behaved in a similar fashion.”
“Ah ha. We’ll discuss this later.”
I’m in trouble. After getting the copy of the paternity test from his father, Damon wants to leave. He doesn’t say much on the ride home, and it worries me. “Thank you for the clothes. I had a lovely time with Sheryl.”
He squeezes my hand. “I didn’t get a chance to verify. Did you keep a lot of things?”
“Yes. You’ll be pleased.”
Reaching over, he runs his hand into my hair.
“Will you go on a vacation with me?”
“When?” I ask.
“The acquisition will be settled in a little over a week. I thought we could leave right after. Unfortunately, I’ll be remarkably busy at work for a while once we merge with Vasser. I’d like some alone time with you before.”
“OK, where to?”
“Anywhere you want to go.” He smiles, and I’m grateful to see some hope from him.
“Anywhere? Oh, no. I couldn’t pick.” I shake my head. He grips my hair and gives me a stormy look.
“Anywhere you want to go, Alayna. You have two days to figure it out. Hmm ... with your injured wrist, I’m going to have to be creative in how to punish you.”
“I’m looking forward to it, Mr. Lear.”
“I’m beyond displeased that another man put handcuffs on you. I mean it, Alayna. Very. Displeased.”
He is pissed. My phone rings, pulling me from his lethal gaze. Grumbling under his breath, Damon lets me go, so I can answer it.
“This is Alayna.”
“Alayna, this is Val. I have some exciting news.”
Val is my agent. “What is it?”
“Since you gave a statement to the reporters yesterday, fans have been flooding the blogs with comments about what a real heroine you are, taking up for Mr. Lear the way you did. You were convincing that he treats you good and you’re happy.
“Add his status as a successful businessman and the great looks you two are blessed with, and you’re a juicy couple, my dear. I project your sales will be skyrocketing.”
“That’s great.” I grin against the phone, thrilled that things are turning around. “Does that mean I’m not getting canned?”
“Far from it, so get that other book to me A.S.A.P.”
“I will. Thanks for calling, Val.” I throw my phone into my purse. “Great news. Things are turning around for us.” I stick my chin up at him. “It appears my attempt at fighting your battles was a benefit to our reputations,” I say sassily.
He takes hold o
f my chin, and recalling a few of the other times he’s held it and given me that lascivious look causes my lip to quiver.
“I could hear your conversation, Ms. Wynn, and while your reckless behavior might protect your career, it does little to protect your behind.”
Feeling my face warm, I smile at him bashfully, my chin still snug in his grip. “That’s OK. What was it you said when we were in St. Louis? Oh, yes, it means I’m about to be tied up, and I always come out a winner then.”
Damon’s eyebrows raise, and as hard as he tries, he can’t hide the humor behind those lips.
“You maddening woman. I love you, Alayna Wynn.”
Epilogue
Two Weeks Later
Alayna
“Are you enjoying our vacation?” Damon asks.
“I feel as if I’ve been on one since I first stayed with you. I’m not used to living this way.” Shielding my eyes from the sun, I look over at him. I could stare at his body in swim trunks all day long.
“I’ve discovered that.”
I’m on my back in the lounge chair as Damon reaches over and pokes me in the waist.
“Are you going to tease me about my vacation choice forever?”
“Maybe,” he says.
“I’m sorry, but I’ve never been to Florida.”
“There’s nothing wrong with the sunny state, but I was thinking bigger.”
“I’ll admit, I’m glad you overruled and surprised me with Antigua. It’s breathtaking here.”
“You’re breathtaking, and if I have to look at you even five more minutes in that bikini without touching you, I’m throwing you over my shoulder and taking you back inside the villa.”
Getting up, I climb on top of him in his chair. His strong arms wrap around me as I rest my head on his chest. It’s about two in the afternoon, and we’re on our veranda at Hermitage Bay, an exquisite resort. A gush of wind hits me, so I snuggle even closer.
We’ve been here three days, and I’ve already come to the realization that I might as well be naked when I wear a bikini. Damon sees it as an invitation to put his hands all over me. Having to apply sunscreen to parts of my pasty body only entices him further.
I’ve managed only a few hours of sunbathing since we arrived. Every time I attempt it, Damon lasts less than thirty minutes before he’s luring me back inside to have his way with me.
I can’t say I mind, so I’ll be going home with only a few more freckles and a minimal tan. His chin is resting on the top of my head as I stare out toward the water. The tide crashes against the sandy shore before it rushes back out to the cascading shades of blue.
We’re high on a hillside, able to admire lush, green mountains in the distance and the crystal water. I watch the palm trees sway and view the hut like accommodations of other resorts that line the beach below us.
“I have a special dinner planned,” he says.
“Mmm ... the food here is sensational.”
“You can only make that noise from me pleasuring you.” I feel Damon growing beneath me as his fingers slide into the back of my bikini bottoms and begin massaging my cheek.
“Up.” After he removes his hand and swats my ass, I attempt to rise. “When I think of your dainty wrist being broken, I get angry.” Holding my arm, he balances me as I get my footing.
“It was my fault, and I don’t regret it. I only wish I’d learned to hit properly. And since when am I dainty?”
“Since I realized I could do this, young lady. Watch that hand.” Damon grabs my legs and flips me over his shoulder. I’m squealing as he carries me into the villa.
“I’m impressed. I think you made it a whole forty minutes on the verandah this time,” I say as all the blood rushes to my head.
“I might not be able to tie your wrists, but you have arms and legs that will work fine, Alayna.”
I giggle as he treads across the hardwood floor before he lowers me onto the bed and falls on top of me. “Stop laughing.”
His tongue is soon in my mouth as his erection presses against my thigh. This kiss is urgent, hot, and all-consuming like Damon.
Letting my mouth go, he climbs off the bed and teasingly pulls off my pink bikini bottoms. I’m still breathless from his commanding kiss. His eyes are piercing and warn that I’m to obey.
While he rummages through the suitcase, I stare up at the towering ceiling that is accented with slats of dark hardwood. He comes back with several long, black scarves.
“I had to be creative on what to bring since we had to fly, but these will work.” He lays the scarves on the bed, and I see that he has his hand balled into a fist like there is something in it.
Reaching over, he slides his free hand under my back and unties my bikini top. It’s swiftly off and on the floor. He opens his fisted hand and displays what look like shiny, silver balls, smaller than a marble.
There are two sets, magnetically stuck together, making four total. Those appear way too small to go inside of me, so what the hell are they?
“These are nipple magnets, Alayna, and they’re strong. They are going to hurt, but I’m confident they will give you pleasure, as well.”
My eyes are large and round as I try to imagine how they’ll feel.
“The longer you wear them, the more painful they’ll become since the closer they get to each other, the stronger the magnetic pull.” Damon’s gaze is full of excitement. “Do you want to wear them?”
“Yes, sir.” My breathing is shallow and rapid as he applies the first pair. The sting is instant as they snap together, my nipple pinching between them.
I feel a lot of pressure, but I also feel awakened, my core contracting and aching. He applies the other two, causing me to whimper. Sliding two fingers inside of me, he smiles with satisfaction.
“You’re wet. You like them. They will be ice cold next time we use them. Now, scoot backward, and put your back flush against the headboard.”
I push myself back by bending my legs and using my heels, feeling the sheets slide below me. My fantasy of being by a beach with Damon on cool, crisp sheets has come true this week, but they don’t smell intoxicating like him.
After sliding a pillow behind my lower back, he eyes me for a few seconds. “Sit up straight, spread your legs, and lift them.” He assists me, pushing my knees toward my chest and spreading my legs far apart.
“Now, stretch out your arms to the side of each leg.” Taking a scarf, he wraps one around my elbow and knee, tying them together, pushing my kneecap against my chest.
He repeats this on the other side. “Fuck, you look gorgeous, and I’m not finished.” The stinging in my nipples strengthens as he takes another scarf and ties my wrist to my ankle.
“We’re going to try this, but you have to tell me if it hurts. I don’t want to injure your wrist further. My hope is that the cast will protect it.” Moving to the other side, he wraps the scarf under my ankle and ties it over my cast, above my wrist. “How is that?”
“It doesn’t hurt, sir.”
Damon stands at the foot of the bed and examines me as he removes his swim trunks. His velvety erection twitches against his stomach as he drags his bottom lip through his teeth. I begin to moan as the magnets move closer, the pain to my nipples growing.
“I’m about to drive you crazy, and there is not a damn thing you can do about it but sit there and enjoy it.” He prowls up the center of the bed. “Nothing will hurt except for your nipples, and you’ll use your safe words when it gets to be too much, correct?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Good girl. Now, let’s see how fast I can make you scream.” His tongue begins its teasing trail behind my knee, gliding down my leg as he thrusts two fingers into me. He works them back and forth, his mouth closing in on the apex of my thigh.
I hear him inhale before the low growl rises from his chest. “Baby, I love your scent,” his tongue reaches the fingers inside of me and begins its assault, “and the way you taste.”
I notice it’s not goi
ng to take long to climax. Moans flow right out of me as he swirls his tongue and licks and strokes, bringing me closer to the peak. I’m trying to keep my back straight when my body is desperate to push against his torrid mouth.
My nipples are on fire, but I don’t want him to take his tongue away, so I ignore it as the pleasure grows and grows.
“Damon, I’m going ... to come,” I say breathless as the unraveling begins. He groans and thrusts his tongue in me as his hands grip the underside of my thighs.
The orgasm claims me, and after a few seconds, I try to squirm away from his mouth, but he won’t ease up, licking circles on my clit. I’ve completely surrendered to Damon, not only bound by scarves but by him and his unabated hold that keeps me in the pit of pleasure.
Damon
“Don’t ever come without me present. Do you hear me, Alayna?”
“Yes, sir.” Her eyes close and head tilts back, pressing against the headboard.
“Open your eyes. I want to see, smell, taste and feel all of it with you. If I find out you’ve had an orgasm without me, I’ll bring you to the brink a hundred times before I’ll let you come. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir. Only with you. Would you please remove the magnets, sir?”
I take them off, along with undoing the scarves. Her legs hit the sheets before she stretches her arms. My mouth is on her nipples in a flash, lapping and sucking.
They’re so erect from the magnets squeezing them that I can’t resist tugging on one with my teeth. She cries out and grabs hold of my hair.
“Even after all that, you want more,” I say.
“Please, sir.” She moans as I do the same to the other stiff nipple, so I stifle her sounds with my mouth, sharing her taste. Gripping my hair, she brings me in closer.
I’m sitting on the back of my calves, so I grab her hips and move her over to me. She sinks onto my cock, and I groan, burying my face in her hair.
Her nails scrape along my scalp, signaling me to take a bite. Draping her thick curls over her other shoulder, I graze my teeth down her neck before planting them into her creamy flesh.
She whimpers and leans her head back, inviting me in. Her silky legs are wrapped around my hips, and her hands clutch my hair as she slides up and down my cock over and over.
One Urge, One Plea, Keep Me Trilogy Page 32
