by Tina Donahue
For God’s sake, get a grip.
She sank to the butter-colored sofa, her legs no longer able to hold her. Head down, Alexandra breathed hard, smelling the Febreze she’d sprayed. The cranberry cider scent reminded her of Christmas, all those TV commercials showing parties and good times.
She couldn’t stop trembling from renewed panic mingled with her building fury for reacting as she was.
It was already three in the afternoon. If Daniel had planned to come here and get in her face, he certainly could have done so before now. At the very least, he would have called.
The fact that he hadn’t soothed and worried Alexandra in equal measure. She gave herself a less than fifty percent chance that he’d show up tonight. Maybe she should call him, offer another invite, pour on the charm.
Her hand stopped short of her iPhone. If she called him now, she’d confess everything in her heart. How he brightened every cruddy day in this dreary place. Her excitement each time she saw him in one of the company buildings or the grocery store. The pleasure of watching him when he wasn’t aware of her doing so. His easy camaraderie with the other men. His deep laugh. How his smile crinkled the corners of his beautiful eyes.
She pressed the heel of her hand to her forehead.
Telling Daniel that would make him run in the opposite direction, not bring him here. A place he’d easily dominate.
The cabin was built for a man’s sensibilities. Logs formed its inside walls, their cinnamon shade matching the gleaming wood floor, newly polished by her. Leather furniture, chunky and masculine, mingled with a few feminine touches the decorator had thought to add. A vintage sewing machine table with a wrought-iron lamp on top, its ivory shade delicate but not frilly. Sheepskin rugs on the floor. Silk plants on the mantle and counters, with others hanging from the ceiling near the tall windows. A fake forest of green with splashes of red, orange, yellow. Warm colors that brightened the room further, the same as the ever-present fire.
As a bonus, there was a steam room off the downstairs bath. A spiral staircase, made of metal, led to the loft. There, a traditional log bed constructed of cedar dominated the smallish space. Tapestries and some kind of fishing equipment adorned the walls, a gold-and-brown comforter the mattress. That sucker was large enough for three people. Her and…
She didn’t want to go there. Not just yet. Instead, Alexandra wondered what Daniel would think of this place…if he showed up. What he’d think of her. She hadn’t decided what to wear, not that she had much of a choice. Her wardrobe consisted of jeans, flannel shirts, thermal underwear and two wool dresses she’d brought more for their warmth than their sex appeal. Except for a few pieces of nice lingerie that she’d purchased on a whim, none of what she owned seemed right for the occasion. Her introduction to group sex.
She buried her face in her hands. The noises she made sounded too loud, completely overwhelmed. Maybe she should simply be naked when she greeted her guests. During those times when she felt particularly good about herself, Alexandra thought her ass and boobs resembled Kim Kardashian’s.
Too bad this wasn’t one of those times.
Nudity was definitely out until the guys were well fed with several drinks under their belts. Stuffed and buzzed, they’d be in a great mood, ready for anything. Even a woman who longed for closeness but no longer hoped for it. Having fun was all that was left. As much as she could get.
Perhaps even from a guy she wanted for so much more than mere sex.
By seven-fifty, the heavenly scents of pepperoni and garlic filled the cabin, overpowering her perfume. Its jasmine and roses was no match for the three large pizzas baking in the oven. Alexandra smiled wryly, thinking she should daub pepperoni behind her ears, under her breasts and between her legs. When the guys showed up, she could greet them with a lusty sigh and purr, “Bon appétit.”
If they didn’t laugh with embarrassment, she sure as hell would. Better to just be herself. Nerdy and uncertain.
She finished putting out the snack food. Potato chips in three flavors, dip in four, Beer Nuts, pretzels, Cheetos. Plates, napkins and booze came next. A cooler of Coors, and for the more sophisticated, a bottle of Smirnoff vodka and Jack Daniel’s whiskey.
Alexandra looked at the vodka longingly, debating whether to have one shot. Her dad used to call it his Russian buddy. He’d had a lot of experience with booze and drugs. Before he’d died, he’d needed all kinds of chemical support to face Lucius.
She moved away from the booze, determined to face whatever came with sheer willpower, unless the guys stood her up. Then she’d bury her feelings in a bowl of onion-flavored potato chips and sour cream dip. No crime in that, except for what she was doing to her butt and thighs.
Alexandra scratched her hip. A vintage clock tick, tick, ticked on the wall behind her, the sound suddenly too loud.
She looked over. Seven fifty-five. Her heart sank. They weren’t coming. Everyone past the age of twelve knew it was polite to arrive fifteen minutes ahead of time. Wait. That was for a job interview. For a party, it was fifteen minutes late. Of course, that was for the usual affair, eating, drinking, talking. With fucking involved, shouldn’t everyone want to arrive way early to get the show on the road?
They should.
She padded to the window. A wall of darkness greeted her, the wind-driven flakes twinkling briefly in her porch light. When had it started to snow? She’d been so busy with the food and her hour-long soak, to soothe her aching muscles, she hadn’t noticed. Was the weather too bad for them to get through to this place?
Unable to tell, she hurried to her laptop and brought up the Weather Channel. No dire predictions for this part of the world, just the usual shitty stuff that all of the men were used to getting around in. The short drive from their barracks to here wasn’t a trek up the Himalayas.
The oven pinged loudly. A log crumbled in the fireplace. Alexandra headed for the kitchen first and turned the heat down to warm on the pizzas, not wanting the crusts to scorch. She hurried into the living room next, put another log on the fire and wondered if she’d have to burn through the entire stack before admitting to herself that no one was—
A sharp rap on the door rang through the room. Startled, she fell to her ass.
A few seconds passed, then more raps. Insistent. Surely randy.
Oh god, oh god, oh god. Tonight was really happening.
She pushed to her feet and needed a moment to steady herself. The room kept spinning.
More knocks. Despite how thick the door was, Alexandra could have sworn she saw it shake beneath those demanding blows. Go on, answer it.
She didn’t move.
If you don’t, they’ll leave.
Daniel would go. That was, if he was out there.
Swallowing hard, she unlocked the door and inched it open. Nat stood in the middle, the hood of his parka and knit cap barely protecting him from the frigid wind. On his right, Junior bounced up and down, patting his parka, trying to keep warm. On the left, Red brushed snow off his ginger-colored lashes. The tip of his nose and cheeks were ruddy from the cold.
Her hope fell. Daniel wasn’t here. He hadn’t—
Footfalls on the porch steps interrupted her thoughts. Daniel joined the others. A few seconds late, but he’d actually made it.
Giddy with joy, she blurted, “Hi.”
The others looked over at him, clearly waiting for his response or reaction. He shouldered past them. “Hi.”
Alexandra smiled. Her nerves were so taut, her mouth wobbled.
He seemed to notice. “Everything all right?”
She nodded quickly.
“Damn,” Junior mumbled. “It’s cold out here.”
“Oh sorry. Come in, please.” She backed away, giving them loads of room to do so.
Nat, Red and Junior piled in after Daniel. He’d stopped a few feet from Alexandra, taking in her full length. Her azure tee matched the color of her eyes, its hem landing right at her pussy. Beneath the top, she’d worn short black
boxers. Completing her ensemble were furry booties in a zebra design, the fuzzy pile zigzagged in a blue-and-black print. In other words, what she usually wore to bed.
It was the sexiest thing Alexandra could think of and definitely registered with Daniel.
His prominent Adam’s apple moved up and down with his hard swallow. He stared at her naked thighs as if he’d never seen that part of a woman before.
Breathtaking warmth flooded Alexandra. Her pussy responded, growing wet with need.
Nat closed the door. The wind pulled it shut with a loud bang. She jerked. Daniel didn’t seem to notice the noise. He moved into her.
Stunned, Alexandra couldn’t budge. He was closer than he’d ever been. She caught his scent, a woodsy, masculine fragrance, clean and inviting. It mingled with the crisp aroma of snow on his parka and the fabric softener he’d used on his brown-and-cream flannel shirt. Several strands of his wind-tousled hair caressed his forehead and bristly cheeks. God love him, he hadn’t shaved.
She ached to run her fingers over his upper lip and chin.
Daniel didn’t give her the chance. With surprising ease, he slung his arm over her shoulder and drew her into him, their bodies touching. A jolt of desire hit Alexandra so hard she had to bite back a moan. His heat was incredible, chasing away the chill of his coat and the air she’d let inside. Nearly a head taller than her, he seemed enormous, virile, dangerous and seductive.
Her heart beat out of time. They were near enough to kiss. His mouth rich and full, the stuff of her most salacious fantasies.
“You still want to do this?” he asked, low enough so the others wouldn’t hear.
Surprised by his question, she nodded. To have him leave now would be unthinkable.
“You feel safe?” he added.
His casual embrace ensured it, as though they were dating, comfortable with each other. “Yes, of course.”
Even though he didn’t have feelings for her, other than what appeared to be lust, he was a good man. He wouldn’t deliberately hurt her. Why was he asking?
He didn’t seem convinced of her answer. “You need to be certain,” he said. “This ends now unless you explicitly trust what’s going to happen.”
Alexandra started to perspire. “I do… What did you have in mind?”
Daniel studied her for a long moment, his expression unreadable, though there was a hint of indecency in his eyes. Heat prickled Alexandra’s cheeks and forehead, nourished by excitement, not fear. Whatever he’d planned, she was definitely all for it. Downright eager.
“Everything,” he answered, parroting what she’d said yesterday. “I’m in charge. Not you. Not any of the other guys. Me, alone. If you can’t accept that, then this is over right—”
She interrupted. “I accept it.” He’d honored his part of their bargain by showing up and taking over in the best possible way. Now Alexandra would honor hers. “You’re the boss.”
Delight danced in his eyes. “Yes, I am.”
He cupped the back of her head and pulled her into him, their thighs and bellies snuggled together. Alexandra inhaled sharply. Before she could release her breath on a wanting sigh, he slanted his mouth over hers and slipped his tongue between her lips.
God. She sagged against him, shocking need tearing through her, rendering her helpless and weak. If not for Daniel’s solid body, she would have dropped to the floor.
Tightening his hold, he deepened their kiss, his mouth greedy and demanding, hers loose and impassioned beneath his. She nestled closer. He ground his hips into hers, his opened parka allowing her to feel his erection, rock solid, long as freaking hell. Alexandra dug her fingers into his coat, wanting it off and them naked, him inside her.
Despite her wayward lust, Daniel didn’t stop and strip. He enjoyed her leisurely, fully, his tongue dancing with hers, then sweeping over her teeth. He tasted of minty toothpaste and a flavor that was unique to him that spoke of good health, a male at the height of his power. Alexandra finally moaned, unable to help herself. Daniel offered a faint growl in return, then broke their kiss and rested his forehead against hers.
As a lover and friend might do.
His behavior was so unexpected and enchanting, she lost all reserve and breathed, “I like you being in charge.”
He made a noise that sounded of contentment and amusement, then traced her jawline with his finger. “We’ll see.”
She trembled at his touch and odd response. We’ll see? He still didn’t believe she was into this even after their kiss? Only one way to prove her intent. She pressed her face to his neck and released all of her weight into him.
Daniel sucked in some air and spoke on a sigh, “What are you making?”
Not following, she murmured, “Making?”
“Baking. Cooking.”
Oh. “Pizza.” She imagined them feeding each other, with him eating the pepperoni slices off her nipples and mound. “Hungry?”
“The guys surely are.”
She’d forgotten about them.
Daniel eased away, giving Alexandra no choice except to notice the rest of her guests.
They’d removed their parkas and boots, dumping the coats on a chair, leaving their shoes near the door so they wouldn’t track in snow or mud. Red warmed his hands at the fire even though the cabin was nearly hot, prepared for the coming debauchery. He wore that truth on his handsome face as he studied her with unguarded interest. Nat popped Beer Nuts in his mouth, also taking her in, as though she were tonight’s entrée. Junior eyed her thighs and the booze in equal measure.
“Help yourself,” she said, gesturing to the liquor. Her hand shook slightly.
“Uh-uh.” Daniel curled his fingers around her wrist. Despite having been outside, his hand was already warm, wonderfully pleasant. He brought her arm down. “We’re not helping ourselves.”
Confused, she smiled. “Why not?”
“You’re going to serve us.”
His answer was as solemn as his expression. As imposing.
He’d warned her that he’d be in charge, hadn’t he. She’d told him she was into everything. Dominance. Submission. Discipline. This was the beginning of it. Dizzy, she locked her knees to keep standing. “Okay. I’ll serve all of you.”
He released her hand. “Exactly as I want.”
Was there any other way? Apparently not. Alexandra caught a hint of danger and challenge in Daniel’s words. He was pushing her to the edge to see how much she’d take before she told them all to get lost.
She wouldn’t.
Alexandra wanted to surrender, throw herself on his mercy. Twisted, maybe. However, she’d never experienced such excitement.
“Of course,” she answered, quiet and meek, the way a submissive would. At least, she hoped. “I’ll bring the pizzas in here and will do exactly as you say.”
Again, he caught her wrist before she could head for the kitchen. “Not until you remove my boots.”
Red had already turned away from the fire and continued to watch her closely. So did Nat, finally forgetting his Beer Nuts. Even Junior focused on her face to the exclusion of everything else.
Alexandra couldn’t stop her vivid blush, nor did she want to change how deliciously vulnerable she felt. With her full attention on Daniel, she murmured, “Whatever you want.”
He took off his parka and tossed it to Nat, who dropped it on top of the other coats. Daniel faced her, his stance imperious, hands on his narrow hips, legs parted, the wondrous bulge behind his fly more than obvious.
The air grew thick with expectation, her and Daniel’s silence drawn out, which made the crackling fire and lashing wind seem even noisier. Sounds that matched the rage of emotions tearing through Alexandra. Desire, curiosity, disquiet. Yeah, there was that. She was a virgin at this. Though not for long.
At last, she sank to her knees before him, no different from a slave.
“No,” Daniel said, gesturing for her to stand.
Alexandra stayed where she was, looking at him dumbl
y, not knowing what he expected.
He raked his gaze down her, lingering on her breasts, smiling wolfishly at what he saw before glancing up. “On your feet. We’re going to strip you first, then you’ll do whatever I say.”
Incomprehension flooded her face, followed by a dazed expression. Her complexion went from rosy to bright red.
Good. Daniel had wanted to shock the shit out of her. Nat, Red and Junior had no business being here. He’d told them that last night when he’d called and explained that they could show up, because she’d practically insisted upon it, but they’d better not do anything Daniel didn’t want. If they did, he’d promised to make their life on the job a living hell.
Not his typical mode of operation, but that had changed. Big time. Even though Alexandra seemed reluctant to protect herself, he’d planned to do so, making certain no one hurt or disrespected her.
Nat had chuckled at Daniel’s threat as though he’d expected it all along. Red had kept saying, ‘“Okay, okay.” Only Junior had argued until Daniel made himself more than clear, his cold rage reducing the younger man to silence.
They all behaved like choirboys now while Alexandra continued to look up at him. A bead of perspiration trickled from her hairline to her cheek. She blinked slowly, similar to someone coming out of a trance. Her face colored even more.
“Ah, after you strip me,” she said, her words halting, “am I going to strip you?” She paused. “All of you?”
Not if Daniel had his way.
He regarded her breasts and thighs. She adjusted her weight. He continued to think about the luscious curves her few clothes hid. Was this how she dressed for bed? He fucking liked it. If he’d been a less honorable man, he would have torn the tee and boxers from her. He craved her that badly—for a good time—and tried to keep arousal out of his voice.
“No,” he answered at last. “Only you’ll be nude.”
Her throat bobbed with her nervous swallow.
