On the other hand, what if she said yes? Raine suspected she’d be out of her clothes and flat on her back in less than a minute. Would that really be so bad? Besides being sexy as hell, Liam made her feel like a goddess. And she really needed that now. Kink aside, he seemed like a gentleman. Maybe he’d give her time to learn and adjust...get used to him.
Raine drew in a shuddering breath. “You heard my argument with Hammer. I’m not very good at being submissive, I don’t think. When I lose my temper, I’m awful at controlling what I say. I mean to be good… I think I’m doomed to disappoint you.” For whatever reason, that thought nearly made her cry again. Her throat closed up. Embarrassment stung. “For my own selfish reasons, I want to say yes. But you’ve been beyond fair. I can’t be less so. The truth is, I probably can’t be what you want or need.”
He smiled gently. “We’ll never know unless we give it a whirl. I’ve the desire and patience to help you. What have you got to lose, lass?”
Hammer was already lost to her. “Nothing, I guess.”
“Precisely. We’ll have an enjoyable battle of wills, you and I. I promise, you’ll not be bored.”
A tremor passed through her when his broad hands surrounded her waist. This man could never be boring, not when he ignited every red-blooded cell in her body with a single touch.
“Take a chance, Raine,” he coaxed. “Have you not shed enough tears from these lovely eyes? You could do worse than a big bastard like me.” He chuckled, clearly trying to lighten the mood. “I’d try my best to make you feel good about yourself and the two of us together.”
With every word he spoke, she grew more tempted—and confused. He said all the right things. He echoed so many of the sentiments she’d longed to hear from Hammer. Raine wondered if she should pinch herself…or wait for the punch line. But no denying that Liam made some great points. The idea of taking a chance with him made sense, even though it scared the hell out of her.
“I hear you. I just I don’t know how to take you. You sound like you’re for real, but I keep coming back to the question, why me? You must want a proper submissive. And I… Look, if you just want sex, that’s easy. I’d be interested. We could do that now and call it a day. You don’t have to take me on as a ‘project’ for that.”
Raine couldn’t pass up the chance to feel good and focus on nothing but the pleasure Liam could give her for an hour. She reached for the hem of her halter top, ready to yank it over her head. It wasn’t like Hammer would care.
“Now hold up there.” He stayed her with a light grip on her arm and a shake of his head.
She froze. Shame flooded her. Crap, she’d done it again, thrown herself at a man who had no intention of taking her up on her stupid, impulsive offer. Once more, she’d been put in her place. Though Liam had done it differently than Hammer, the result still made her feel the same. Rejected. Embarrassed. Uncertain. She’d thought Liam wanted her, but...
“I-I’m sorry. Oh, god.” She felt sick. “I d-didn’t mean to presume… I’m going to go.”
When she tried to scramble to her feet, he tugged her back against him. “Stop. I want you, lass, something fierce. But if it were just a fucking I sought, do you think I’d even be talking to you now, hmm?” He cocked a brow. “Why would I seek out a distraught woman for sex who’s been through the wringer when I can find a compliant sub?”
With that deep, lilting voice that turned her on, he made a really good point.
“What are you saying?”
“Let’s go about this the right way, shall we?” Liam lifted her from his lap. “Strip and kneel on the floor here at my feet.”
Raine hesitated. “B-but I was stripping.”
“Carelessly and without a single thought of submission in your head. That’s not acceptable. That’s not how it’s going to be. Go on now. I want to see you bonny and bare.”
With trembling fingers, she locked her gaze on his as she lifted her shirt over her head. Then she eased her skirt down her hips. With a pounding heart she sank, naked and on her knees before him. Breasts thrust out, she knelt with legs spread.
Liam silently praised her with a soft hand down her hair. She could feel the heat of his stare all over her. “You look lovely. What’s your safe word?”
She barely had time to bask in his praise before his question hit her. She blinked. “Do I need one? Are you going to…hurt me?”
“You always need one, no matter what. Tell me yours.”
Her mind went blank. She’d never needed one before, and she’d heard many over the years of working here at Shadows. It had to be something she could say easily, but not something she’d shout in the midst of pleasure or pain. “Paris?”
He raised a brow. “Beautiful city. Is that why you picked it?”
“I’ve never been, but I’d like to go someday. It just popped into my head.” She shrugged.
“Paris it is.” A little smile played at his mouth. “Now, tell me why the devil you would think you’re a project. You’re a woman, beautiful and feisty. But you don’t see that in yourself, do you?”
She grinned a little. “Is that your polite way of saying I’m pretty but a brat…Sir?”
“Maybe a wee bit.” His rich, deep laugh caressed her before he fell serious again. “Raine, you know I can only take what you give me. Submission means you have the control. Always. Like now. Stand up and turn back around. Look at yourself in the mirror. What do you see?”
His voice turned deeper, more controlled. Finding the courage to look in the mirror was difficult. She couldn’t force herself to face her own reflection. She bowed her head, fretful that she’d annoy or displease him. Something in her seemed to shrivel up at the thought.
He walked across the room and flipped on the bright, glaring lights overhead. In the terrible hush, she didn’t know what to say. Feeling his silent will, she followed his command and raised her head. She frowned as she got a good look at her tear-stained face.
“Oh my god, I’m a mess!” Raine couldn’t stand to look at her splotchy cheeks, swollen eyes, and wild hair under those intense lights for a second more. She glanced away.
“No, none of that, lass. You’re a beauty. Look again, past the tears. What do you see?”
“I don’t know,” she murmured as she forced herself to gaze at her own reflection, trying not to flinch. “Someone lost. Someone who’s been lingering where she probably shouldn’t. Someone everyone in this club probably thinks is pathetic.”
Liam cupped her face in his hand, raising her chin. Side by side, their faces reflected.
“There’s a wee bit of a lost soul here, but you’re no longer the frightened child you once were. You’re a woman grown, and you need more than Hammer has allowed you. But you haven’t found the Dom willing to give it to you.” He wrapped an arm around her. “Until now.”
Maybe Liam could give her more. Hammer had watched over her, helped and protected her, which was more than she could say for her own family, but he hadn’t nurtured her as a submissive or a woman.
Liam palmed her heavy breasts. She sucked in a shaky breath as his thumbs lightly brushed over her nipples. As she liquefied beneath his touch, she watched the heat grow in his eyes.
“There’s my beauty, right there. Just a little trust... Give me that, and I’ll make it better.”
Or make it worse. In seconds, he’d set her entire body aching and yearning.
“Liam,” she whimpered, arching her back, legs shifting restlessly, silently begging for more.
“There now. Softly does it, lass. Put yourself in my care. I know what you need and I want you to let the longing you’ve kept inside you free. But you’ve got to be still for me.”
Damn it, that voice of his deepened again, turning her on even more. As his fingers pinched her tight nipples, she writhed. Her hips bucked. Her pussy wept. She wanted to close her eyes and savor every sensation, but his demanding stare held her prisoner.
Suddenly, his hands settled gently on the curve of
her waist. “I know you’ve been hurting. But if you want me to help you, you’ve got to be still and give yourself over to me.”
It wasn’t easy, but Raine forced herself to relax, stop her movements, and look at the two of them in the mirror.
His smile made her glow. “Excellent. For your effort, you deserve a little reward.”
He lowered one hand, aiming between her thighs. His caress brushed down her abdomen agonizingly slow, but his intent was clear. His other hand continued to torment her nipple as his warm breath skimmed over her neck.
“Please, Liam,” she whispered, struggling to remain still under his slow, teasing touch.
His hand lingered over her, his hovering fingers taunting her. “I feel the heat of your cunt, Raine. I smell you, too, sweet and ripe.”
She couldn’t speak, only look into his eyes with a beseeching hunger. Her hips jerked involuntarily toward his touch. His fingers grazed her bare heat. He quickly removed them.
“Now what did I tell you?”
“To stay still.” She bit her lip. Would he punish her now? “I’m trying, I swear.”
“Try harder. Your will is strong. Be brave enough to surrender your control. If you can do that, you’ll get what you need.”
He was right; she knew that. She’d watched enough scenes to know how it worked. She closed her eyes, focused, not on the way he made her ache, but on hearing his voice in her head and heeding his command. Be still. It took a moment. The urge to lean closer to him, sway into his mesmerizing touch was strong, but she forced her will to be stronger. With a deep breath, she raised her chin, opened her eyes. And didn’t move.
“Now there’s a pretty sight. I knew you had it in you, lass. You’re pleasing me so much. Let me show you.”
His fingers plunged into her swollen, weeping folds, and she arched back, crying out as her pussy gripped his digits tightly. “That’s a good girl. You are one of the most lovely creatures I’ve yet laid eyes on. Feel what I do to you. Center yourself around my touch. I mean to draw you to me, little by little, Raine. I’ll take everything you give and always want more. Are you strong enough to handle that? Do you crave more of the feeling I’m giving you right now?”
It was as if he could see into her soul and know everything she wanted to hear. Liam’s tender dominance made her feel so alive. So free. If this sensation was what all submissives felt…god, no wonder women flocked to this club. No wonder so many wanted Liam.
“God, yes.” On fire and feeling like a desirable woman, the words were out of her mouth before she could think. He devastated her with his voice, his deft touch. Her body reacted as though he plunged his cock deep and sure inside her. And her defenses began to crumble.
When his thumb circled her little pebbled clit, her dormant body ignited, the fire so painfully scalding that she couldn’t hold back the torrent of release rolling inside.
As if sensing the rushing wave cresting higher, he brushed his lips up her neck. “Feel me, my warmth and sincerity. Feel with your heart, not your head. Yes…” he moaned. “You’re surrounding my fingers like a hot, silken glove. Come for me, Raine. Let me feel how the woman and the submissive long to be freed. Shatter for me hard!”
Inside her, the wave of ecstasy crested and broke. She was helpless to do anything but give her pleasure over. Here, in this moment, she felt more protected and cherished than she ever had. Her mind and body splintered, fracturing to pieces before him. Screams of joy tore from her throat and with it, the blissful hope that he would never let her fall.
He held her in his arms as she trembled in the aftermath, gently brushing back the hair from her face and whispering praise. He smiled warmly as she slowly focused back to their images in the mirror.
“Beautiful, lass. Your submission is a bounty beyond compare. I’d all but resigned myself to the status quo of subs here at the club. But a bonnier woman with such fire I’ve never seen. If you let me, I will comfort you and cherish your submission. Hold your head high for me.”
She raised her chin.
“Yes, like that. Now wipe your tears and be brave. Stop your worrying about whatever it is you think I need. Give me all you can so you can be whole.”
No doubt he must see that she was a bigger challenge than he’d intended...but it wasn’t turning him away. If anything, he seemed more determined to have her. She had no idea why he’d turned his goodness her way if it wasn’t for the sex. Maybe he wanted to stick one in Hammer’s eye. Maybe he just liked helping wounded doves. Whatever. She was done looking a gift horse in the mouth.
He wrapped his arms beneath her breasts and pulled her tightly against him. The warmth of his body enveloped her with a comforting promise of protection. His hard, thick cock burned into her lower back, but he made no move to ease himself.
She closed her eyes and savored his touch—the touch of a man who seemed to both want and appreciate her. It was far more than she’d ever had before. Than she’d dared to hope.
“Thank you.” Raine didn’t know what else to say to express all the gratitude in her heart. This man would be so easy to kneel for.
“Will you give me a bit of your trust, then?”
Whatever happened next, Liam had given her a precious gift: hope. She had to stop being so defeated and hold her head up. Face life. She’d always done that before. If Hammer didn’t want her, she wasn’t going to let the son of a bitch break her.
“I need a bit of time to be sure. I’m not in the best frame of mind to make decisions. A day or two... Is that too much to ask?”
“No, that’s wise. Take a couple of days, then give me your answer. For right now, come. Lay with me on the bed and let me hold you. Try and get a little sleep.”
He stepped away, taking the soothing veil of body heat with him. Shivering softly, instantly missing his reassuring warmth, she watched as he held out his hand. She turned and took it, allowing him to lead her to the bed. “Just sleep?”
He settled against the sheets, bringing her close, then stared into her eyes. “You need it, but I’m still a man. I want you naked against me. Rest your weary head for now. We’ll work everything out.”
Chapter 5
With less than an hour to go before this travesty was set to begin, Liam prowled into the bar, looking for Beck. Hammer had avoided him all afternoon, knowing Liam would do his best to talk him out of this public humiliation. It was meant to strip Raine of her considerable pride, and Liam understood. But tearing the lass down wasn’t the way to correct her. And if his friend wasn’t going to listen, maybe Liam could convince Beck to see reason. Raine certainly didn’t deserve what the sadist would dish out in Hammer’s name, and unless Liam missed his guess by a mile, Raine wouldn’t like it, either. He’d held and reassured the girl enough all morning to know that the last thing she needed was more pain.
And with every moment he’d cradled her in his arms and slid her soft skin over his own, he’d only wanted her more.
Seated at the long, sleek bar, Beck nursed a glass of whiskey in one big hand. A coiled whip dangled from his hip. Instantly, Liam saw a vision of Raine’s blood trailing down her fair skin, pooling in the small of her back, in the crooks of her knees, just like that of the masochist Beck had worked to oblivion last weekend. Every protective instinct came off its leash. Even if Beck was skilled enough never to scar his subs, Liam would not have Raine’s perfect, milky skin cut even once—and he didn’t want to think too hard about why he felt so insistent.
Beck turned and watched his approach with a welcoming smile. At Liam’s glare, the sadist’s expression turned puzzled.
He didn’t give Beck the opportunity to say a word, just growled at the man in barely controlled rage. “Don’t be thinking you’ll mark wee Raine. I’ll be there watching you like a hawk. If you make her bleed, I’ll take your fucking whip and shove it up your ass!”
Beck raised a brow at him, eyes glittering. “Who flipped your bitch switch? First of all, Hammer already talked to me about what I’m allowed t
o do to the princess. And second, it’s none of your business. She’s been under Hammer’s protection for years. His choice, his punishment. My pleasure. Piss off.”
Liam leaned in, pointing his finger directly in the other man’s face. “I mean it, Beck. Don’t mark her, or you’ll answer to me.”
Now that he’d gotten that off his chest, Liam tapped the counter. The bartender set a shot of whiskey before him. Liam slammed it back, needing it to calm his nerves. He tried to think of any other way he could spare Raine this degradation, but his options were limited. He couldn’t help her unless she chose to help herself.
Beck lifted the whip from his hip and arched the long leather single tail above his head, splitting the air with a sharp crack. Looking over his shoulder, he smirked at Liam. “Don’t worry. The marks from this little beauty won’t last long. She can handle it. She might even like it. And if she doesn’t...” He shrugged. “Well, that’s why it’s punishment.”
Liam charged Beck, fury boiling his blood. “If she so much as breaks a fucking fingernail while she’s with you, I’ll break your goddamn face.”
Beck looked somewhere between annoyed and amused. “Okay, so the whip is out. How about a nice, thick leather paddle? It won’t break her skin, but the bruise it will leave. . . Hmm, yeah.” His grin turned to a leer. “That deep purple hue on her lily white ass will make your dick hard.”
Liam knew a hundred ways to get off, but bruising a pretty sub wasn’t one that tripped his trigger.
“Listen to me. Not your whip. Not your fucking paddle, or any other cutting, bruising, intense pain giving, sharp-knotted flogger you have touches her skin. I don’t give a flying fuck what you and Hammer have cooked up. I’m telling you, I don’t want her marked, period.”
“So basically, you just want me to kick back and have a manicure?” Beck threw up his hands. “Maybe I should just flog her with cotton balls. No, wait! You probably think that would be too damn brutal.” The sadist grinned slyly. “I guess I could beat her with my tongue.”
One Dom To Love (The Doms of Her Life - Book 1) Page 7
