by Piper Stone
A beautiful moment of rapture washed over me, my pulse skyrocketing as every cell was set aflame. He was so rough, taking exactly what he wanted, using me in whatever way he wanted. I could feel I was close to coming, the tingles in my body prickling every inch of skin. Every sound muffled, I met every savage thrust with one of my own. We were in a perfect rhythm together and as the climax rushed up from my toes, I threw my head back with a silent scream.
“That’s it. Come for me. That feels so damn good.” He continued plunging as the single orgasm shifted into a beautiful wave. I was stunned at the euphoria, no longer able to feel my arms or legs.
Seconds later, he slowed down, still sliding in and out as he rubbed up and down the length of my back. When he rolled his hand down my bottom, I cringed even as my pussy continued to clamp and release. He pressed his thumb between my ass cheeks, pushing into my darkened hole. “Are you ready for me to fuck that tight ass of yours?”
“Mmm…” I undulated my hips, trying to crawl forward but he tugged me back several inches, patting my bruised bottom before sliding the tip of his cock to my puckered hole.
“Does that mean you’re a virgin, Bristol? I can tell that you are. We’ll take it nice and slow.”
I continued to watch our reflection as he pushed his cockhead just inside. Then I almost panicked, smacking my hands against the bedding as he thrust in another inch. Within seconds, another wave of pain coursed through me, my muscles aching. His cock was huge, wide and long and I blinked several times as the wave of anguish continued.
“Breathe for me. That’s it.” He slid in an inch at a time, holding me in place as I clawed at the comforter, making horrible noises over the panties. This was even more humiliating.
Revolting.
Horrible.
I threw my head back as he thrust the last few inches inside. I’d experienced nothing like this before, a combination of anguish and ecstasy that rolled into every cell and muscle. I was blinded from the intensity, the fire swarming through my aching limbs. I was unable to focus on the blurry reflection, nor did I care. I finally closed my eyes, no longer fighting him, in fact moving in time to his hard thrusts.
“So tight. So damn tight.” His words were muffled at best, his husky growls fueling the fire and electricity we shared. For all the hatred I felt for this man, there was no denying our chemistry.
I had no idea how long he continued, his breathless sounds becoming more ragged. But as he pounded into me in rapid motions, his grip even firmer, I hung my head. The sound of his strangled roar as he filled me with his seed was just as sinful as the act itself.
Houston wasn’t a man to be liked or respected.
He certainly had no capacity for love.
Yet I remained drawn to him for some inexplicable reason, like a moth to a flame.
He was nothing but the devil in disguise.
And soon, he would be my husband.
Chapter 7
Houston
The power of money.
I’d learned early in my life that money could buy almost anything, including feigned happiness. I’d also realized at a young age that there were thousands of people living a life of pretense and pretend, the concept of keeping up with the Jones taking on an entirely different level.
Of deceit.
Of carefully crafted tales.
Of polished smiles.
All in an effort to become top dog.
It didn’t matter the circumstances, the game often played used untold rules, often fueled by deals made behind closed doors or in dark and smoky bars where the players asserted their control. My brother had been especially good at molding himself into a carbon copy of my father. In some ways, Chase was even more ruthless than the great William Powers. Chase’s ability to sniff out weakness was well known, his enjoyment of destroying his enemy’s reputations, families, and livelihoods.
In my early days, his actions had been revolting.
However, I was no longer the younger brother who’d refused to fall into my father’s footsteps. My time spent entirely on my own had given me a new appreciation of the need for full control over every situation.
That’s why I wanted nothing other than blood.
My brother’s blood to be exact.
At this point, I didn’t give a shit what happened to him. I snickered at the thought as I stood on the balcony, admiring the view of the ocean. What I’d also realized only in the last few days was that I’d become nothing but an animal in expensive clothing. Perhaps I’d suppressed the majority of my true nature for a good portion of the five years I’d been away. Although I’d been merciless in my handling of stocks, I’d also parlayed limited funds for my clients as well as myself into a portfolio of true wealth.
Sighing, I shoved my hands into my pockets, the plan I’d enacted morphing between my eyes both disturbing as well as exciting. I certainly hadn’t planned on Daniel finding a single woman who challenged me the way Bristol continued to do. I also had made a commitment to myself that I wouldn’t give a flying fuck about the girl. As long as she followed my rules, played the game well, then I’d mostly leave her alone.
Unfortunately, I’d already realized that my cravings for her were bordering on sadistic in nature. We had a connection between us that defied the odds. I was honestly surprised she hadn’t walked out the night before, catching an early morning flight back to her life.
But she’d remained.
I’d even felt her presence during the middle of the night, as if she’d been searching for me in the darkness. Sleep hadn’t come easily; the two hours or so I’d managed had been fraught with dreams. She’d stood over me, watching me slumber as if trying to figure out the monster she’d made a deal with.
Today was the official start of the little game I’d set in motion.
“What are we doing for our great nuptials?”
Her voice held the same rebellion as the night before. I could clearly see her discipline did little to calm the fire. I shifted around to face her, my cock instantly stiffening at the sight of her. She’d selected a tropical dress, the flowing material unable to hide her voluptuous body. Even standing in bare feet, she held an air of elegance as well as defiance.
“It’s entirely up to you. I’m certain Ashley has it all planned out by now.”
Bristol laughed as she leaned against the doorway, taking a deep breath. “I guess you expect me to wear a frilly white dress. Isn’t that what your family requires?”
I couldn’t help but laugh. “I think you’re already aware I couldn’t care less about what my family thinks.”
“Then I’m not going to suffer in a long train and white veil. That would seem too much of a farce. Forget the church wedding as well. I don’t want to perform some kind of blasphemy in front of God.”
“I didn’t know you were religious.”
“Does it matter?”
“No, not in the least. My family has always pretended, but that was only for appearances’ sake. As you likely gathered, that’s the way of things.”
“So sad.”
I walked closer, drinking in her perfume. “Don’t feel sorry for us, Bristol. I don’t know of a single family that hasn’t endured tough times and tragedies.”
“I’m sorry about what happened to your mother.”
Her statement cut me like a knife, her tone of compassion pushing a lump into my throat. “There’s no great drama with regard to the story, other than why she married my father in the first place.”
“Still, I’m sorry about your loss.”
“As I said, don’t feel sorry for me. What is the saying? We make our beds and are forced to lie in them? So be it. I’m rich and soon I’ll be powerful. That’s the only thing that’s important in my life. Are you ready to go?”
She stared at me with those huge green eyes of hers. My balls tightened from the sight alone. “Of course money is the only thing that matters to you. Why should I expect anything different? I’m packed and ready to go.” S
he backed away, shaking her head, her eyes remaining locked on mine.
Sighing, I snarled when I heard the sound of my phone. When I pulled it from my pocket, all I could do was smile. The game was on. “Pops. You’re calling earlier than normal. What can I do for you?”
“After that little display last night, I think we need to talk. My office in one hour.”
“Not going to happen. We take possession of the new house this morning. It’s high noon or nothing else.”
I could tell my challenge pissed him off, his huffing and puffing his usual reaction when anyone dared to go against him.
“Fine. Don’t bring her with you.”
“She has a name. You will give Bristol respect. Period.”
“Fine,” he hissed. “This meeting is private. She’s not your… possession yet.”
When he ended the call I laughed, more gleeful than I should be. Yes, my plan was working. Soon, my father would crumble, but not because of my illustrious brother. Soon, the great William Powers would succumb to me.
Watching Bristol’s reaction was like enjoying the moment a flower opened from sunlight and water, petals wafting in a light breeze. While I had no doubt that she loathed me on every level, she couldn’t hide her glee at seeing the house I’d purchased. Yes, it had been sight unseen. I had no desire to maintain the house for longer than necessary. However, I had some insane kind of satisfaction in watching her ever changing expression.
“This is gorgeous,” she whispered as she turned in a full circle in the kitchen, running her hand over the pristine appliances and granite counters. As she flitted from one area to another, I followed her, keeping my distance and allowing myself a few moments to enjoy.
“What are we going to do for furniture?” she asked after a few minutes while she unlocked one set of doors leading to the trio of decks.
“I meant what I said. That’s entirely up to you. Money is no object. Ashley will be here shortly to escort you to several suitable locations. Select what you want.”
“I thought I wasn’t worthy.”
I shook my head. “It’s up to you. Furnish the house entirely in beanbags if you want.”
She narrowed her eyes and gave me an odd look before taking a deep breath. The sound of the ocean splashing against the shoreline seemed to fascinate her. Maybe she’d never been to a beach before. The thought gnawed at me for some insane reason. I’d taken advantage of where I’d grown up, caring little about the ocean other than an occasional day spent with buddies, surfing the waves without a care in the world. “Be careful what you ask for.”
“I will remind you that our wedding is in less than a week. You will also need to concentrate on the details.”
There was no response to my statement. In fact, she ignored me, heading toward the stairs. I followed behind her, barely glancing at the various rooms as she headed toward the end of the hall, throwing open the double doors. I could hear her slight exclamation before I walked into the room.
I had to admit, the real estate agent had earned her commission. While the space was bare, the oversized windows and attention to detail with regard to the woodworking was more than just suitable.
She shook her head several times then moved into the bathroom. “My God. This is larger than a good portion of my apartment.”
I didn’t bother following her. I certainly didn’t see us taking a shower together. “I have a meeting with my father this afternoon. Perhaps we can make plans to go out to dinner later.”
There was no answer at first. When she walked out of the bathroom, she purposely searched my eyes. “That will be fine. Obviously, it’s your choice.”
While the electricity we’d shared the night before remained between us, it continued to surge through me. Just the thought of the way my belt sounded as it connected with her porcelain skin created the kind of need that was difficult to shove aside. Fucking her had been nothing but icing on the cake. Did that make me a bad man? Absolutely.
“As I mentioned before, this doesn’t need to be contentious,” I said as I tugged my wallet from my pocket, selecting a credit card.
“Then don’t make it that way.”
When I inched toward her, she tensed as if I was going to inflict punishment for her frank words. “Take this.”
She glanced down at the card, smirking afterwards, refusing to accept. “I assume it has the necessary limit for my needs.”
The woman was pulling out all the stops to push me over some imaginary edge. I closed the distance, using the edge of the card and skimming it down her cheek. She shuddered from my actions, her body quivering. For a few seconds I contemplated chucking the appointment with my father. I certainly wasn’t going to play by his rules and my hunger was even more significant on such a gorgeous morning.
“I assure you, beautiful brat, that I have enough funds to keep you happy.” The second I brushed the card across her glossy lips, she pulled away, snatching it from my hand.
“Of course you do. I’ll try and find furniture that’s suitable to your family’s illustrious requirements.”
Unable to help myself, I cupped her chin, tugging her forward. Her single moan was telling. She was just as aroused as the night before, but her longing was tempered by her fear of my actions. I lowered my head, rubbing my lip against hers then pulling away. “I’m not my father, Bristol. You choose whatever will make your stay more comfortable.”
She pressed her palm against my chest, allowing her fingers to toy with my shirt. “I hope you aren’t your father, Houston, but not for the reason you think.”
“Please do tell me why.”
Lifting her head, she narrowed her eyes. “Because he’s so unhappy, mostly with himself. That’s not only sad but disheartening.”
“Maybe that’s all I deserve.”
“I don’t buy that, but it would seem you want to believe it.”
As I shifted my other hand down the length of her curls, pressing my fingers against the small of her back, pulling her even closer, she pushed against me. She was such a fighter, a woman refusing to succumb to anyone.
That made me want her even more.
That also would make breaking her that much more enjoyable.
I captured her mouth, darting my tongue inside. I wanted nothing more than to devour her, her struggle in my hold only fueling the rapidly increasing blaze. As my cock pressed against my pants, the pain becoming agonizing, all I could think about was stripping away her lovely dress, fucking her like some wild animal against the counter in the bathroom.
The sound of the doorbell was the only reason I didn’t.
Bristol managed to push hard enough that she shoved me away, breaking my hold entirely. Although she rubbed her fingers across her lips as if she’d enjoyed my near taking of her, she shook her head, her eyes expressing the venom she obviously felt.
Chuckling, I winked at her. “That must be Ashley. She’s early.”
She flew past me as if I was planning on keeping her locked in the house. At least she’d accepted the credit card.
By the time I made it down the stairs, Ashley was already squealing from the sight of the house.
“This is fantastic! And a clean palette. I have so many ideas.”
I shifted my gaze from my sister toward the feisty woman I’d soon be exchanging vows with. At least she appeared comfortable around Ashley.
“You did good, brother.” Ashley’s grin was infectious, at least for Bristol.
“I do have my moments. Take good care of my bride while I go to Pops’ office.” I took purposeful steps toward Bristol, gripping her arm. I expected her reaction to be to pull away. Instead, she threw her arms around me, shifting her body back and forth. The friction she created as her body rubbed against my trousers was far too seductive.
“I’m going to miss you,” she purred.
“I don’t think you will at all,” I countered. “Just don’t buy out all the stores.” I laughed, the sound something I didn’t recognize.
&nbs
p; Happiness.
I was faking a relationship but for a few precious seconds everything felt normal.
As if I’d know what that meant.
Bristol backed away, holding the credit card in front of her face, swaying back and forth like the bad girl I knew her to be. “Now I have the card.”
Ashley laughed with her, obviously delighted she’d have a chance to show my sister the town.
I kept my smile as I walked to the door.
“Be careful. I think our dear father is on the warpath,” Ashley warned.
As if that was anything different than usual.
On the warpath.
I actually enjoyed the thought.
My father’s office was in the same location it had been for years, the midlevel building maintaining a prime view of the ocean from his suite of offices. While he’d never shown interest in the water for any recreational purposes, the view was a requirement in his mind, only the best. He was nothing but a bully, including using his office as a pretentious method of showing off his power.
The lobby was bustling, dozens of people coming and going. I’d stopped to grab a cup of coffee on the way and took my sweet time heading for the elevator. Maybe I was the one pressing every button available. I kept my smirk as I waited for the ‘bing’ of the elevator, walking onto the floor and taking a deep breath. While I’d been given no indication of the reason for the visit, I could only imagine it was his real opportunity to grill me about my sudden marriage as well as my arrival in town. Or perhaps he was making good on a single promise he’d made five years ago before tossing me out of his office.
A portion of the business.
Which I’d wanted nothing to do with then. Now? It was an easier method of determining whether Ashley’s concerns were well founded.
However, I was prepared for whatever he had to sling in my direction. I’d had a lifetime to prepare for a moment just like this.
As I would have expected, the office was also busy, the employees barely acknowledging me as I walked in, heading directly for my father’s office. While it was only a few minutes past noon, I knew my tardiness would only further fuel his anger.
