Sinister Kisses (The SKALS Series)

by Noir, Adriana

  “This souvenir will stick with you for a few days,” he stated softly. “Consider it a warning. The next time I think you are trying to cast me aside I will give you a much more permanent reminder. You are mine, Taylor. There is no escaping that.”

  “I di-didn’t w-want to,” she cried.

  “But you do now,” he whispered. “Don’t you?”

  She shook her head frantically. “Nooo. I love you.”

  His hand ran over the burning globes of her ass and up her back. She choked down a cry as the fire blazing beneath her skin reignited in his wake.

  “Do you?” he asked. “Prove it to me. Make me believe it.”

  Desperation closed around her heart like a fist. Peeling herself off the tear-soaked bed, Taylor turned and started to sink to her knees. Sebastian’s hands closed around her upper arms, keeping her standing.

  “Oh no, no, sweetheart,” he chided softly.

  She whimpered, tensing as he cupped the back of her thighs and lifted her. His fingers grazed the tender welts before sinking into them. Taylor stiffened as he eased her onto the bed and sprawled over top of her. The pressure and friction of the comforter against her stinging flesh was almost too much to bear. She writhed, seeking a more comfortable position beneath him as Sebastian’s eyes locked with hers.

  He caressed the ridge of her cheek with his knuckle before leaning down to claim her mouth in a passionate stake. His knee roughly parted her thighs as he shifted his weight to one hand and tore the damp towel away with the other. Their hungry kiss smothered her scream as Sebastian snared her hips and drove inside her. One arm locked around her shoulders. His other hand slid beneath the welted globes of her ass, tilting her up into his powerful thrusts. Crying out, she held on for dear life as the tempo picked up. He drove into her deep and hard, his hold assuring her body had little give.

  Pleasure and pain battered her in merciless waves. Breathless and dazed, she lost track of time. Sebastian was tireless. He continued to pound into her, grunts and growls of pleasure reverberating from his chest. The thrusts came harder, faster, stabbing with brute force until she cried out with each forward snap of his hips. Just when she thought she could take no more, he shifted his angle. The tingling throb of release grew, carrying her higher. Her body clamped around his and Taylor screamed, twisting, her sweat-slicked form snapping off the mattress to arch against his.

  Colors swirled behind her closed lids. She clung to him, every nerve ending tingling. Her heart and lungs pounded as she struggled to regain her breath. Sebastian stiffened and shuddered above her with a ragged groan. Collapsing against her, his chest rose and fell in steady heaves. A quiet moan tumbled from his lips as he rolled onto his back and dragged her against his side. Taylor trembled, cautiously sliding her hand across his navel. She felt his head turn and the smoldering heat of his stare as he studied her face.

  “I love you,” she whispered, kissing his damp pectoral. “Please believe me.”

  He brushed the long wisps of bangs from her eyes and nuzzled her forehead. His fingers traced the outside of her arms, gently coaxing her back down. “I love you too, Taylor. That’s why I correct you. Keeping you on course is what’s best—for both of us.”

  “I’m sorry. I never meant to hurt or upset you.”

  “I know,” he said, shifting his weight with a grimace to tug the blankets down. Once they eased between them, he drew the comforter up over their rapidly cooling bodies and kissed her head. “I love you, but it’s been a long night. Let me get some sleep.”

  Taylor murmured in exhausted compliance. Lying there, she tried to ignore the sting and focus instead on the even beat of his heart. The sound brought her a sense of comfort and peace she’d not felt for weeks. She’d missed him so much. It wasn’t the homecoming she’d envisioned by any stretch of the imagination. But, despite it all, she felt safer, more complete with him there. The empty ache inside her was gone. She watched the shadows lengthen and stretch across the vast room until the pull of her lids became too much. Sighing, she closed her eyes and sent up a silent prayer with the hope that tomorrow would be better.

  II.

  Sebastian sat up and squinted in confusion. Relief flooded through him upon seeing the familiar shapes and shades of his bedroom. Sagging against the pillows, he let out a deep breath and studied the light streaming between the parted curtains. The sun was too high outside the window to be morning. He patted the empty bed beside him with a frown. He’d known Taylor would be up, most likely making sure he had coffee and food waiting, but that didn’t stop him for reaching for her or feeling disappointment upon finding her gone. Pinching the bridge of his nose, he fought against the all too familiar surge of anger. It wasn’t her fault, he reminded himself. None of it was her fault. Not the nightmares, not the pain, not the rage.

  After several minutes, he pried himself out of bed and wandered into the bathroom. A small throb of protest radiated through his back as he drained his bladder. Wincing, he ran an experimental finger over his side. Most of the bruising was gone, but hints of the painful reminder still lay buried beneath his skin. He washed up, popped a handful of aspirin, and attempted to finger comb his hair into some semblance of order. It was hopeless. Giving up, he tugged on a loose grey shirt and a dark pair of relaxed jeans.

  His gaze darted to the belt still lying on the bedroom floor. The sight of it pulled another frown from his tense features. Maybe it had been a bit much. Maybe, but he was never one to back down from his decisions. What was done was done.

  Taylor had tried her best to make him happy from the second he walked through the door. He’d known that—felt it with every particle of his being, but it still hadn’t been enough. Being away from her had nearly driven him insane. Throughout the torture and the beatings, he’d dreamed of holding her—touching her again, but in the end, he couldn’t let himself go. Feeling that level of love again, to know the kind of peace only she brought had been shattering. After being helpless for so long, he’d fought for some sense of control, but surrender was what he needed most. More than anything, he wanted to be home. If the past two weeks continued to assault and smother him, he would never find his way there again.

  He padded through the house on bare feet, relishing the cool press of wood and stone beneath his soles. It helped him feel more awake, more alive somehow. The rich aroma of coffee wafted through the air along with an undercurrent of bacon. His mouth watered. Glancing around, he found Taylor standing before the fire. Her eyes were distant, faraway, as she absentmindedly stroked the smooth surface of her mug and stared into the flames. He watched her for a moment before stealing up behind her. Wrapping his arms around her, he pressed his lips against the warm silk of her neck.

  “Good morning, lover,” he murmured.

  Taylor startled, the hot liquid in her cup sloshing dangerously. She tensed, stiffening in his embrace. Sebastian stepped back, releasing her. Displeasure tightened his brow.

  “I’m sorry,” she blurted, her cheeks flushing a light pink. “I didn’t know you were up yet.” She set her cup down on the coffee table and gifted him with a bright smile before winding her arms around his neck. “Good morning, handsome. Did you sleep well?”

  He rubbed his nose against hers. “Considering it’s after noon, I’d say a little too well. Why didn’t you wake me up?”

  “You were so exhausted last night,” she said, running her fingers through the thick curls at his nape. “You needed to rest.”

  He frowned and searched her eyes for the truth. He’d discovered people could lie with ease, but their eyes were not always as quick to follow suit. They truly were the windows to a person’s soul, and often betrayed the secrets their lips would not.

  “So that wasn’t your subtle way of avoiding me?” he asked, holding her gaze.

  A small smile rose on her lips. “That wicked leather companion of yours, maybe…but never you, Sebastian.”

  “Taylor, Taylor,” he stated softly, resting his forehead against hers with
a slow shake. “I love that you were honest with me, sweetheart, but that’s still not the smartest move. If I want to punish you, I will. Avoiding me will only make it worse.”

  He kissed the tip of her nose to soften his words, but the warning was clear. Her face paled and a strained swallow echoed between them. Lowering her eyes, Taylor gave a fearful nod and stroked his chest.

  “Can I get you something to eat?”

  “That would be wonderful. Whatever you made earlier will be fine.”

  A few minutes he sat in the morning room with a warm bacon and egg croissant, a cup of Greek yogurt, and a piping mug of coffee. He watched Taylor putter around the kitchen for a while before beckoning her with his finger. She drew her bottom lip between her teeth, but obediently approached his side. Smiling up at her, he patted his thigh. The tension on her beautiful face eased as she draped her arm around his shoulders and gingerly settled onto his lap. Chuckling, he plucked a piece of bacon from his sandwich.

  “You don’t have to treat me like a china doll. I’m not going to break,” he said, feeding her the crisp slice. “Quit fussing and spend time with me.”

  “My butt hurts,” she admitted with a blush.

  He couldn’t help but laugh. Lifting a brow, he ran his hand over the upper curve of her thigh. “Does it now?”

  She wiggled in his lap, drawing another chuckle. Cupping her chin, he tugged her face to his for a quick kiss.

  “Then your reminder is serving you well,” he stated quietly.

  He ran a finger over the delicate silver chain gracing her neck and lifted his gaze to hers. It humbled him to find nothing but love and acceptance reflecting back at him from those expressive grey pools. He’d expected a hint of rebellion, pain, or even hatred. Those were things he was used to dealing with on a personal and professional level. What he saw in her eyes made his heart swell with pride and hope. A sense of calm soothed his rampant emotions. He’d known she was special from the first moment he saw her, but for Taylor it had been a matter of her finding her place. Knowing her place. Now, not only did she understand, but also she accepted. Even with the gentle reminder, she’d gone out of her way to please him and was still eager for his touch. She truly was the perfect woman in so many ways.

  Nuzzling the fragrant warmth of her skin, he held her close, savoring the quiet sanctity of the moment. The smell of warm vanilla and cashmere teased his nose. Combined with her own unique fragrance it was a scent he’d come to know by heart and love. It was the smell of comfort and seduction—home. Taylor rested her head against his, her fingers massaging his nape with slow, gentle strokes that threatened to lull him back to sleep. Closing his eyes, he breathed deep. The heat of her body melded with his, pulling him closer to slumber, but he'd slept enough. He didn't want to waste another minute with her. Shifting, he pulled her to straddle him. She giggled and he leaned his head back to offer her a lazy smile. She drew in a breath as he gripped the back of her thighs and rocked her against him.

  The pressure and friction against his straining zipper wrung a pleasured groan from his throat. Curling his fingers in the hem of her shirt, he peeled it over her head. Damn if he didn’t love the way the lacy demi cups cradled those perfect breasts. He closed his hands around the full mounds and rubbed his thumbs across her nipples until they stiffened and Taylor squirmed. Slipping his hands around back, he unclasped the hook and tugged the garment free. A sharp gasp escaped her as he clamped his mouth over a dusky peak and sucked with zeal. Her back arched. Her fingers speared through his hair while hot moisture rocked against the ridge of his jeans.

  At this rate, it wasn’t going to take either one of them long to finish. He scooped her up with a growl, loving the way her toned legs instinctually wrapped around him. Sunlight streamed through the bay windows bathing her body in a light he didn’t want to miss. Supporting her weight with one hand, he popped the button free on his jeans with the other, letting them fall where he stood. Freeing her breast, their mouths clashed in a hungry fusion. He tugged her cotton pants down as much as their position would allow before sweeping his plate aside and lowering her onto the table. Taylor winced at the scrape of the mosaic tile beneath her tender skin, but she eagerly thrashed out of her clothes as he did the same.

  Snaring her hips, he yanked her to the edge and drove into her, blessing his choice of a high table. Taylor’s head fell back, her dark hair spilling around her, as he pumped into her with wild abandon. Coffee sloshed over the rim of the mug before it fell, shattering against the floor. Her breathless cries and the look of agonized bliss playing across her face drove him closer to the edge. The snug grasp of her body was unbelievable, bordering somewhere near pain. Gritting his teeth, he pinned her hips and pounded into her until those silken walls clamped down in and rocked him in a series of contractions that wrested away sanity and control. The house echoed with his hoarse cry as he emptied himself in a moment of crippling pleasure.

  Bracing his palms on the edge of the table, he leaned forward, resting his forehead against hers as he tried to still the frantic beating of his heart. He grimaced at the feel of cooling coffee beneath his feet. Meeting Taylor’s gaze, he offered a sheepish grin. Soon both of them were laughing as he shifted his weight and splashed in the puddle. His eyebrows danced. Catching sight of his expression, her eyes flared and she shook her head, holding out a staying hand.

  “No! No! Nooo!”

  The last one came out in a squeal as he scooped her up. The beautiful ring of her laughter chimed throughout the house, joining his chuckle as he quickly but gently lay her down in the puddle and sprawled over top of her. He wanted to kiss her, but they were both laughing too damn hard. It was crazy, but the moment felt good—right. Grinning down at her, he chomped at the side of her neck with a playful growl, making her thrash and squirm. Her hands splayed against his shoulders before working their way into his curls. He didn’t bother trying to contain his smile as he gazed into her eyes.

  “What is this obsession you have with my hair?”

  Her cheeks colored, but the smile playing on her face was nothing short of radiant. “I’m in love with these things.”

  “Just my curls?” he asked, lifting a brow.

  “Absolutely not. I love all of you,” Taylor murmured. “Every last inch.”

  “Mm. That goes double for you,” he whispered. Brushing his lips against hers, he stole a kiss. “But you’re crazy.”

  “No I’m not. They’re so thick and loose and wild—untamed, just like you. It’s almost as if they have a life of their own. One minute they make you look like an adorable schoolboy and the next they make you look so sinister.”

  His body shook with a loud chuckle. “I hate to break this to you, darling, but that’s not my hair. That’s just me.”

  She scrunched her nose and pressed it against his. “The floor is getting cold.”

  “I know a good way to warm it up.” He drew her earlobe between his lips and gave it a gentle nibble.

  “Again?” she asked breathlessly.

  “Oh yes, sweetheart,” he murmured against the side of her neck. “Again.”

  He’d just finished tugging on a clean pair of pants when the doorbell rang. His eyes narrowed at the sound. Cursing, Sebastian shook the excess water from his head and sighed. Only two people besides himself and Taylor knew the passcode for the front gate, and he wasn’t in the mood to deal with either of them. Jogging down the steps, he rounded through the kitchen, nabbing the remainder of his croissant out of the fridge on the way past. The afternoon had brought his appetite back into full swing. Maybe later, he’d order Chinese. Cooking didn’t really appeal to him now, nor did the thought of sitting by himself while Taylor slaved away in the kitchen. His gaze darted to the morning room. Thankfully, she’d picked up the broken mug and mopped the floor before joining him in the shower. The last thing he felt like doing was offering explanations today.

  Stuffing the sandwich in his mouth to hold it, he unlocked the heavy front doors and hauled t
hem open. His heated gaze bore into his sister for a long moment before shifting to her companion. Steeling his jaw, he shook his head and turned back inside, leaving the doors open behind him. A quiet voice in the back of his head cautioned it would be safer to push them shut and retreat back into the arms of the woman he loved. Tension crept up his back and branched across his shoulders, settling near the base of his skull as he heard the door close and the echo of footsteps behind him. He made his way back into the kitchen and tossed his food into the garbage. Giving his neck a stiff roll, he braced his hands on the island and stared at Josh in silent expectation.

  “I just wanted to see how you were. I’ve been worried about you, Baas.”

  “Have you?” Sebastian asked quietly. He traced a swirl in the granite’s surface before lifting his gaze. “It’s a little late for concern now, Josh, don’t you think?”

  His partner paled at the implication. Regret and shame haunted his blue eyes. Seeking respite, he shifted his attention to the floor. Sebastian snorted beneath his breath and pinned his sister with a calculating stare. The last two weeks had taken a definite toll on her. Shadows stretched across her pale face and the angles were sharper, more defined than he remembered. Her thin shoulders strained against her coat as she regarded him in silence. Pain branded her eyes, but there were accusations written in those green depths as well—accusations and a definite spark of resentment.

  His jaw clenched. Monique trembled as he approached and leaned over her, his stare boring into hers.

  “Is there something you would like to say to me?” he whispered.

  Her chin lifted for a moment. He cocked his head, his fist balling instinctually at his side. The pale column of her neck bobbed with a tense swallow. Her lips whitened as she struggled to keep them pressed together. After a long moment, she lowered her head and averted her gaze.

  “No, Sebastian.”

  His shoulders jerked with a humorless huff. “That’s good, Monique. Because if I did do the things you are thinking, it wouldn’t be wise to push me to that point again, would it?”