by Piper Stone
“Yes. Sir.”
The words came easily, as if I’d always belonged to him. He continued the rough spanking, taking his time to cover every inch of my bottom. Heat increased, spreading to every limb. I was breathless, barely able to let off strangled moans.
And still, he refused to stop.
I clung to the railing, my hands aching and my ass cheeks now on fire. He wanted me uncomfortable during the presentation. The dark and dangerous man wanted to ensure that my cheeks remained flushed, my blood pulsing.
“Five more. Then I fuck you.”
His filthy words were even more powerful than before and as he delivered the last five, each one harder than the one before, I fell into a moment of pure euphoria. Nothing existed but the two of us. There were no worries, no fears of the unknown. Just the moment that I would remember for the rest of my life.
When the round of discipline was finished, I didn’t move. I couldn’t move. A series of moans bubbled to the surface as I heard him unfastening his pants and when he pushed his throbbing cock against my bruised bottom, I let out a ragged scream. Another wave of colors splashed in front of my field of vision as he kicked my legs further apart, rubbing his fingers up and down my hot, wet pussy.
“I’m hungry,” he murmured then pushed the tip of his cock against my swollen folds. After sliding his cockhead just inside, he moved his hands over mine, forcing our fingers to entwine.
The hard thrust forced both of us to gasp and when he growled as he pulled out, slamming into me again, I closed my eyes.
“God, yes. So good,” I managed.
“So damn tight. I could fuck you for hours.”
“Then do it.”
He chuckled in my ear as he pounded into me, the force shoving me against the railing. I was lost to the pleasure, uncertain what day it was or if I even cared. The way his cock filled me, my muscles expanding to accept his thick shaft was raw and wonderful. Within seconds, I was shoved into utter bliss, my entire body tingling as an orgasm surfaced, taking its time to slide up the insides of my legs before shooting into my pussy.
“Oh, yes. Oh. Oh!” The climax caught me off guard, the explosion of sensations stealing what was left of my breath.
“That’s it, baby girl. Come for me. Come hard.” His growl was husky, the vibrations of his voice skittering into every cell and muscle. I couldn’t get enough of this man. I wanted every inch of him.
His body.
His soul.
And his heart.
As the orgasm shifted into a massive wave, catapulting over every inch, I could no longer focus or even think, the ecstasy all I’d ever wanted.
His actions became more brutal, the man fucking me long and hard, driving me onto my toes. He was so powerful, so dominating. So handsome.
I could tell he was close to coming, his breathing coming in ragged pants. After biting back another cry, I squeezed my muscles, pulling him in even deeper, the throbbing now more intense.
“Fuck. You are… Beautiful,” he huffed. “And mine. Mine!”
When he threw his head back and roared, all I could do was smile.
Except that a single tear slid past my lashes, trickling down my cheek slowly.
An ugly reminder.
This wasn’t real.
I’d never thought I’d be with a man like Houston, but now I couldn’t imagine my life without him.
Such is life. We want the things we can’t really have.
Or at least shouldn’t.
We’d started with a lie.
Not a fairytale.
An indecent invitation that had sparked a fury, but the fire would always remain between us. Two lost souls who’d found each other through Dark Overture.
Maybe it was time to say goodbye.
I stood quietly in the back of the room, happy to see Riley getting the accolades Houston had mentioned. There was excitement in the air. The combined press conference was a planned event, complete with a lavish party immediately afterwards. Everyone who was anyone had been invited. The dreaded press filled the room, along with several prominent members of the military. Then there were A-list corporate moguls, a few celebrities, and several politicians. This was a full-blown effort to reestablish the Powers’ reputation.
Champagne was being served by a well-dressed waitstaff in crystal flutes, canapes of caviar and salmon offered in giant silver trays. Everything was gorgeous and meant for the rich and famous.
Which didn’t include me.
“Ladies and gentlemen, I’m proud to announce that the contract with Powers Enterprises has been signed. Together we’ll move into the next generation, protecting our beautiful country.” The general shook William’s hand, grinning as several photographs were taken.
The entire audience clapped, photographers snapping picture after picture.
After William shook hands with everyone involved, he moved to the podium, glancing over at Houston. “Thank you so much. I can’t tell you how pleased we are to be a part of this incredible opportunity. I wanted to take the opportunity to thank my son, Riley, for his tireless work on perfecting the chip. Without his brilliant design, none of this would be possible.”
Riley seemed surprised, yet I could sense a moment of eagerness for the future.
“And I’m very happy to announce that Riley will be taking the position of vice president of Powers Enterprises. In addition, I’d like to take the opportunity to let everyone know that as of next week, this old man is retiring.”
There was a combination of gasps as well as applause.
William held up his hands, grinning from ear to ear. “Don’t worry. I have the right man following in my footsteps. Chase Powers will provide the leadership we need moving into the future.”
I found myself shifting closer, pushing through the crowd so I could clearly see Houston. This was the decision he’d been toiling over. When he caught my gaze, he smiled then winked.
“With Houston as CFO, I think it’s a good time for me to work on my golf game. Now, it’s time to enjoy the party.”
As the laughter and congratulations flowed, Houston walked toward me, the same grin I’d seen before on his face.
“CFO, huh?”
“Well, it suits me better than day trader. Don’t you think?” he asked as he wrapped his arm around me, grabbing a glass of champagne as a waiter walked by. He lifted it, waiting for me to do the same. As we both took a sip, the same wonderful feeling remained from before.
I was tingling all over.
“Mmm… A man with a title. I think that’s sexy as hell.”
“Oh, you do, huh?” When he tugged my panties from his pocket, I groaned, the heat on my face increasing.
“You are so bad.” I scanned the people around us, praying they didn’t notice.
“Yes, I am. I needed a little good luck charm. I think they worked.” The man dared to pull my panties to his face, taking a deep whiff.
I closed my eyes, shaking my head. “What am I going to do with you?”
“You have plenty of time to decide. It’s time to go.”
“We’re not staying for the party?”
“I have more important things to tend to, like keeping you in line.” He took our glasses, casually placing them on one of the tables then grabbing my hand. “Besides, we’re going on a short trip.”
“What? Now?”
“I have a business meeting in a couple days in Palm Springs, but I thought we could take a little time and sightsee.”
“You? Sightsee? Not a chance.”
As he tugged me toward the door, he gave me an even more powerful explosive look.
The man was planning on ravaging me.
As soon as he pulled me to the car, he opened the trunk, allowing me to see that he’d already packed for the two of us.
“You had this planned,” I said in passing, my heart skipping several beats.
“I did.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because it wouldn’t
have been a surprise,” he huffed. “Get in. Only a couple hours and we’ll be there.”
“What’s to see in Palm Springs?” I asked coyly as he opened the door, ushering me into the car.
Leaning over, he pressed his lips against mine, barely darting his tongue inside. “You’re going to have to wait to find out. But if you aren’t a good and patient girl, I have no issue pulling over somewhere and reminding you.”
He laughed as he closed the door and I could swear the man was whistling as he walked around to the driver’s side. What the hell did he have up his sleeve?
He ceremoniously removed his jacket, ripping off his tie and unbuttoning his shirt. When he donned his sunglasses, I could swear the man looked like a movie star.
After jumping in, he found an old rock station on the satellite radio then turned his head slowly, squeezing my leg until I shivered. “Buckle up, baby. You’re going for a ride.”
And a ride it was. He’d purchased not only a Mercedes for me to drive, but one powerful Charger as well. Today was all about the sportscar. As he rolled up the highway, pushing not only the limits of the hemi but the speed limits as well, I’d never seen him so joyous. It was as if the weight had been yanked off his shoulders and tossed away.
He insisted we stop for lunch at a tiny Mexican restaurant. The food was delicious, the margarita incredible.
And the man someone I could fall in love with all over again.
By the time we were within the city limits, I was relaxed, singing to whatever Bon Jovi or Whitesnake song popped up on the music selection. He took his time, showing me parts of the city, even stopping at several small shops along the way.
I was floored by his actions as well as his easygoing attitude.
The heat of the day was oppressive but as the sun began to lower, he shifted onto the highway again.
Destination unknown.
Less than twenty minutes later, he made a turn and I barely had time to notice the sign.
“What? A tram? To where?”
As he cut the engine, the same devilish smile crossed his face that I’d seen countless times before. “The sunset at the top of the mountain is beautiful. There’s this perfect place that allows you to see the entire city. I haven’t been there in years. I thought you’d enjoy.”
“Then let’s go.”
I was surprised that there was no one else waiting to board the tram. It was obvious he’d already paid for the ride in advance, allowing us to breeze through to the steel car without any hesitation.
“Enjoy your ride.”
The employee closed the doors, leaving just the two of us inside. I moved toward the side, taking several deep breaths. My thoughts had been all over the place, but I’d honestly convinced myself it was best to move on. The jerk of the tram as it was rolled forward made me laugh nervously. “I’m afraid of heights.”
He inched closer, flanking my side. “Don’t worry. It’s perfectly safe.”
The way he remained close as the tram started its trek up the cables, the incredible mountains coming into view within seconds was heartwarming. Yet there was a stillness to him that confused the hell out of me.
“This will only take a few minutes,” he whispered as he wrapped his arms around me, holding me close.
“What a crazy thing we’ve shared,” I finally said after a few seconds.
“Yeah, I know. I didn’t know what to expect.”
“Did you find what you were looking for?”
“Absolutely, and much more.”
When he pulled away, I felt nothing but cold inside, trying to pretend that there wasn’t a continuous ache. If only this could be the perfect ending to a fairytale.
“I need to say something to you,” he said quietly, tugging me around to face him. “What we’ve shared has been amazing.”
“But?”
Chuckling, he took my hand into his, my left hand, rolling his finger around the gorgeous diamond he’d given me at the start of the adventure. “But…” He allowed the single word to trail off as he slowly removed the ring from my finger.
A rush of emotions crowded into my mind and heart and almost instantly tears slipped past my lashes. I could barely watch as he shoved the ring into his pocket.
“But what?” I struggled to say, no longer able to look him in the eyes. He knew this couldn’t last. Neither one of us were fools. We’d entered into a fake relationship under false pretenses. That didn’t make for a happy relationship on any level. There would always be questions.
There would likely always be lies.
“But…” he repeated before dropping to his knees.
“What are you doing?”
“You are so damn hardheaded,” he huffed as he pulled a tiny black velvet box from his other pocket. He pulled my hand closer, running his fingers across my knuckles. “I’ve been a fool but that stops here. I’m not letting you out of my life, Bristol Winters. You are everything I’ve ever wanted, and I can’t imagine spending a day without you by my side. The other ring wasn’t about love. This one is.”
As he opened the box, my entire body trembled. “I don’t…”
“I wanted to do this right. Will you do the honor of becoming my wife?”
A flash of images rolled into my mind from the day we met. The quaint jazz bar. The plane ride. The horrible dinner.
And the fact he’d saved my life.
“Yes. Yes!” There was no other answer. There was no other choice.
I was desperately and madly in love with him.
The moment he slid the ring on my finger, the rush of emotions was almost too much to take. He stood, staring into my eyes, his twinkling from the gorgeous sunlight shimmering in through the bank of windows.
“I love you, Bristol. I think I have from the moment I laid eyes on you.”
The tram swayed as it arrived at its destination, but I wasn’t certain I gave a shit about the majestic view.
All I cared about was the man who held me in his arms.
“I can’t believe you did this,” I whispered.
“Mmm… I’m not finished.”
Pulling away, I pressed my hand against his chest. “What have you done?”
“Do you trust me?”
I cocked my head, brushing the tip of my finger down the side of his chiseled face. “With my life.”
“Remember that,” he said, growling in such a deep tone that I shuddered to my core.
He took both my hands, pulling me toward the door, the same damn rebellious smile on his face. After disembarking, he eased his arm around my waist, walking us up a set of stairs.
There was no way to describe seeing his entire family waiting on the platform. The area had been decorated in ribbons and flowers, the wind tickling through them. There was even the sound of bells, the beautiful ring floating toward the heavens.
“What is this?” I managed, looking from his father’s face to Ashley’s. She was beaming, tears already streaming down her face.
“This is our wedding, my lovely bride to be.”
“How did you manage?”
“I have my ways,” Houston laughed as we walked closer.
Ashley held out her hand. “Come with me.”
“Go.” Houston pushed me forward.
As his family gathered around, I was struck by how close they seemed to be, their words of love and congratulations not what I would have expected.
But then again, my soon to be husband had managed to save a corporation.
Why not the entire family?
Ashley led me to a sparse restroom, the ugliness of the steel stalls and concrete floor actually making me smile.
When she held out my dress, the one I’d purchased as part of the ruse, I had no idea what to say.
“You deserve to have a special day,” she said in such a revered whisper I almost burst into tears.
“You are amazing.”
“Nah. I’m just a Powers girl. A friend of mine allowed me to believe in love. I thought I’d r
eturn the gesture.” She winked, her smile remaining.
As she helped me into the dress, taking her time to make certain every button was in place, the small train fluffed and in position, all I could do was smile.
When she was finished fixing my makeup and hair, adding a small spray of flowers on top of my head, she squeezed my arms.
“Someday, you’re going to have to tell me the real story.”
I glanced into the cracked mirror, studying our combined reflection. “What story?”
“Uh-huh. I know my brother too well. But you can keep pretending.” Her smile genuine, she took a step away. “I have one more surprise.”
The beautiful bouquet she pulled into her hands was exactly what I would have chosen.
“They’re gorgeous.”
Winking again, she placed them in my arms. “Just like the bride. Welcome to the family, Bristol.”
Every bride envisions their wedding day.
The music.
The flowers.
The dress.
The reception.
And the man.
On this day, as I walked onto an expansive deck overlooking a lovely city, the mountains highlighted by the warm glow of the ebbing sun, I realized that dreams were not always fantasies, but could be made real.
If we allowed them.
When I took Houston’s hand, gazing into his eyes, the dark clouds finally disappeared.
We’d started this wild ride with deception.
We were ending it with a promise.
And I was happy to belong to a man who I’d thought had no soul.
The End
Afterword
Stormy Night Publications would like to thank you for your interest in our books.
If you liked this book (or even if you didn’t), we would really appreciate you leaving a review on the site where you purchased it. Reviews provide useful feedback for us and our authors, and this feedback (both positive comments and constructive criticism) allows us to work even harder to make sure we provide the content our customers want to read.
If you would like to check out more books from Stormy Night Publications, if you want to learn more about our company, or if you would like to join our mailing list, please visit our website at:
