by Stone, Piper
I had to admit that she was a thing of beauty as she glided down the aisle, the majority of onlookers admiring the girl dressed in crimson.
The color of the sect.
I appreciated the shock on the faces of the outsiders, enjoying their twisted expressions as they attempted to hide their true feelings.
Blasphemy.
Disdain for a church with no official ties.
Sacrilege.
In truth, it was just the opposite yet all pomp and circumstance.
There was something else, the realization forcing my cock to throb, aching to the point for a few precious seconds I was breathless.
Not only was the veil she was wearing black in color, but in her hands were what appeared to be a dozen black roses. Death. Sadness. The meaning for the majority of people had negative connotations, but there was an alternative definition as well.
Rebirth and rejuvenation.
The girl was very clever indeed and if I actually counted the number of roses, my guess was that there would be thirteen. I chuckled under my breath, concentrating on the subtle moves she made. She honestly believed she maintained some level of control.
Stephanie Christine. The name suited her. I’d known her as Steffy all those years ago when I’d made a promise, one that was dark and dangerous like the man I’d become.
The murmurs in the crowd didn’t seem to faze Stephanie, her head held high as she took careful steps forward, milking the crowd. Even her parents seemed surprised, perhaps embarrassed by her formidable decisions. In my mind, they should be proud of her rebellious spirit.
“Fascinating choice. I like this girl,” Matteo whispered, obviously as amused as I was.
“A force to be reckoned with,” I said casually even as my cock continued to twitch, electricity soaring throughout every muscle and tendon. “However, she will surrender to me completely, body and soul.”
“We shall see, brother. You may have met your match.”
No one could best me, not a single human being and she was no exception.
I resisted shifting my cock as the increased adrenaline flowed throughout every cell. I already had a taste for her in my mouth, the kind of dark desire that even the father would call heinous. Well, he was partially to blame for this atrocity, yet I would be the one reaping the benefits.
Even through the shimmering veil, I caught her eyes glaring at me with hatred that had been locked into place the moment the Box had been opened and the announcement made. She was an unwilling partner, which quite frankly intrigued me. The majority of the girls obeyed without question, even feeling honored. Not Stephanie.
She already loathed being in my presence, which would make her training that much more delicious.
As she made the final approach, she gave me another hard look, the meaning made clear. She wanted nothing to do with me. I suspected she already had a plan in motion that would free her from the restraints of the Box, an escape that would take every ounce of gumption she was showing here today.
What she didn’t know was that she would never be free of me. One way or the other. I was now her master, her provider and the man who would dole out harsh punishment as necessary. There was nothing I wouldn’t do if necessary to keep her.
When she was finally in position, the maid of honor and the only one in Stephanie’s bridal party lifted her friend’s veil, whispering something that no one else was allowed to hear. Even the girl’s tentative grasp of the extraordinary bouquet brought amusement.
At least to me.
The beast dressed in expensive attire.
This was only one of few times I’d been a few inches apart from the woman who would spend the rest of her life serving me. I doubted she remembered the last time with fondness.
“Get this over with, Father,” I demanded.
Her hiss was a mild reward, the snap of her head in my direction tantalizing. “You are a bastard,” Stephanie said with joy in her tone.
I leaned over until our lips were only centimeters apart. “You have no idea, sweet Stephanie. I suggest you learn to obey beginning immediately or you’re going to find your wedding night quite painful.”
My commands were usually met with fear, trembling and sometimes tears. Stephanie was completely different. She slowly offered me the most poignant smile, a simple drag of the tip of her tongue across her far too perfect scarlet lipstick. “You’re no match for me, Christian. In fact, you’re nothing more than a little boy seeking approval, pretending to be a man. Just like all those years ago.” Her short burst of laughter was followed by tittering in the crowd.
My rage was intact, my control without question.
But tonight would be something else altogether.
The connection shared between us was electrifying. I could even smell her raging desire, the scent particularly delicious. Her nipples were already hard, pushing through the thin material, mirroring my agonized cock.
Even before I could say anything, Matteo wrapped his hand around my arm, tugging just enough it broke the almost hypnotic state I was in. I did what any loving almost husband would do. I brushed my lips across her cheek, issuing a single husky growl.
This time, she quivered.
“You seem to forget a promise I made years ago,” I stated with absolute domination in mind.
Stephanie shifted her eyes back and forth, searching mine, perhaps looking to see if my soul was as black as she imagined it. “Whatever promise you think you made I’m certain was actually a threat.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, my beautiful wife.” I could remember every detail about the afternoon, the horrible tragedy that had befallen an entire community. I’d been the savior. I’d been the only one able to protect her.
“Dear God, I want nothing from you.”
I was unable to tell if she even remembered that fateful day; however, my pledge had nothing to do with wooden boxes or supposed curses. My oath had been about something else entirely. And I was a man who always kept his promises.
“I will enjoy taking you the first time, both in disciplining and in fucking you. Then you will belong to me and nothing and no one will ever come between us. Until death do us part.” My whisper was met with a purse of her luscious lips and words that further fueled the fire.
“Then so be it.”
Chapter Two
Christian
Hunger.
Need.
Anger.
They were all rolled into one, bitter emotions furrowing in my stomach. A threat. All these years she’d thought I’d threatened her. I’d been nothing but a dark and demanding young man with a desire for power, my obsessive needs unfolding on that very day. Maybe I had issued more of a warning than anything. She’d seemed so innocent, so damn frail. I’d seen her through the years, had known she looked up to me more than any of the other growing boys within the community.
Maybe my words had been my last effort at holding onto the goodness in my heart, as well as her life. Perhaps I’d been trying to save both.
I snickered at the thought as I entered my office, finding Stephanie standing in all her glory, her body language tense. She hated me. There was no way around her true feelings, even if yearning was captured in her expression and those dazzling eyes of hers.
What I was beginning to understand was our marriage had been intended to bring our families together.
I studied Stephanie’s facial features, her emerald eyes mere pools of darkness as she glared at me. I’d barely managed to keep my hands off her through all the bullshit surrounding the wedding, but certain pomp and circumstances were required. Now I had her all to myself, if only for a few minutes.
She stood her ground as I walked closer. There was no fear in her expression. In fact, I gathered a sense of desire burning within her. I’d felt the crackling electricity at the church, the rapid thudding of her pulse. I wanted her hot and wet, craving my cock. I shifted as my balls tightened once again, the longing difficult to contain. She remained quiet, studying me more out of
curiosity than anything else.
Perhaps drawing her own line in the sand.
Her insubordinate nature only made me want her that much more.
I crowded her space, drinking in the exotic essence of her perfume. When I lifted my hand, only then did she make a single sound, a slight moan pushing past her lips. I used the tip of my index finger to slide a stray strand of hair from her cheek, the tip imbedded in her glossy lipstick.
She remained stiff as I eased the hair behind her ear, taking my time to tangle my fingers in her long strands. “You’re frightened of me,” I said quietly.
“No, Christian. I’m not frightened of anyone.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” Every part of me was tingling as I swept my fingertips down the length of her arm, delighting in the warm flush creeping along her jaw. “I will admit, you are incredibly beautiful.”
“And you’re nothing but a monster.”
The comment was meant to catch me off guard. Instead, it drove me to yet another level of need as well as fueling my obsession. I slid my hand around her throat, pulling her forward, my fingers digging into her skin. “Maybe I am, but this monster is the one who owns you.”
“That will never mean anything to me. Never.” Her words were frank, cold but her body betrayed her.
“I can smell your desire, Stephanie. I can tell how much you hunger for my touch. My cock. My domination. One day you will submit to me willingly, but I have no problem taking you when and how I want.”
She laughed even though the sound was stilted. “Willingly? That will never happen. You are truly a bastard.”
I lowered my head until our lips were mere centimeters apart, taking several deep breaths as I controlled the internal beast ready to consume her right here, in the middle of my office. “We shall see about that; however, I will not allow you to speak to me that way. You will be respectful at all times.”
“Or what?”
“Or punishment will be swift and harsh.”
“Who the hell do you think you are?” she demanded.
“Your husband.” I crushed my lips over hers, my hunger raging off the charts. I’d never felt so connected to anyone, the effect leaving my mind buzzing and my heart racing. I could almost taste the shame on her lips, so reluctant to yield to me.
She’d become such an amazing woman, no longer the sickly girl who’d taken my breath away even then.
She slapped her hands against my chest, pushing hard in an effort to get away. She should already know better. I would never let her go.
I slid my other arm around her waist, pulling her onto her tiptoes as I thrust my tongue past her lips. The taste of her was exactly what I needed, fulfilling at least a portion of my desire, enough to keep my thirst quenched until the stifling guests were forced to leave.
Even if my cock was aching like a son of a bitch.
She clung to me with one hand, still using the other to push hard, trying desperately to break the connection, but there was such heat building between us, igniting a passion that was blinding in its intensity.
I became like a crazed man, ready to feast on her sweet pussy, shoving my cock into every hole. I wanted her on her knees sucking my balls. I craved her riding me like a wild stallion and I longed to shove my shaft deep into her tight little asshole. I allowed my hold on her neck to soften, caressing her skin as she trembled in my arms.
Using a single finger, I slid the edge of her dress down her arm as I eased her against my desk. My mind reeled from the thought of bending her over the thick wooden surface, spanking her tight little ass until she cried out my name.
She whimpered into the kiss, still fighting me although she’d parted her legs, as if giving me permission to taste and take.
I planned on doing both.
I broke the kiss, dragging my lips down to her neck as I eased my hand into the bodice of her dress. The feel of her swollen nipple in my fingers was the most powerful aphrodisiac in the world. I couldn’t help myself, taking the tender bud between my thumb and forefinger, pinching and twisting until she cried out.
Her head was lolled back, her eyelids half closed. Then she reached back, grabbing the edge of the desk with one hand, her breathing ragged.
Sweet music to my ears.
Growling, I fisted a portion of her dress, yanking it up until I could slide my hand between her quivering legs, the heat like a wildfire. I was shaking from the heady rush of adrenaline, kicking her legs further apart. When I cupped her mound, I issued a husky deep breath of my own given how wet the thin lace felt to my fingers. “You want me.”
“I... um...” I could tell she was fighting her body’s reactions, trying desperately to gain control. “No. I don’t... want you,” she managed.
I shifted my fingers under the thin elastic, the tips easily finding her tight little clit. “So wet for me. I’m the only man who can make you this wet.” I continued pinching her nipple, savoring the way she panted.
Her lower lip quivered, her one hand still pushing against me, her fingers clasping around the material of my tuxedo jacket.
I swirled the tip of my finger around her clit several times, finally lowering my head and sucking on her bruised nipple.
“Oh... Fuck...” Stephanie arched her back even more, the offering beautiful and blatant, one I wanted nothing more than to take advantage of.
But this was only a taste, a beginning of her training.
“Imagine what I’m going to do to you,” I whispered then rolled my finger up and down the swollen folds of her pussy.
“Um.” She took a deep breath then dragged her tongue across her lips, blinking several times.
I took my time sliding one then two fingers inside, shuddering from the heat erupting from her body, the wetness slickening my fingers. She was white hot and more than ready, forcing me to maintain my control. I added a third finger, moving in and out with a gentle manner, flexing all three open as I pumped deep inside.
A light sheen covered her face, adding to her incredible beauty, her body responding to my every touch. She was like a blossoming flower, ready to open up to the sunshine. Only my world was all about the darkness. Perhaps she’d shower me with the light of day. So many evil thoughts ravaged my mind as I plunged harder and faster, using my thumb to tease her tight little clit.
I continued pinching and twisting her nipple, finally sliding to her other breast, able to lower her dress until both were presented like a tantalizing feast.
Her body responded to every touch, her hips rocking forward, riding my fingers. Even the way her mouth was pursed in a soft ‘O’ was an indication of just how aroused she’d become. My balls were tight as drums, my cock aching to the point I could see stars.
Now all four fingers were fucking her, driving into her pussy with wild abandon. “Are you ready to come for me?”
“I, I...” She finally tilted her head forward, staring me in the eyes. Hers were filled with myriad emotions, but I gathered a glimpse of her soul. She would not submit easily.
“You will learn in time.” I bit her nipple savagely then lifted my head, standing at my full height. “Twist your nipples for me.”
Stephanie’s chest rose and fell as she studied me, but within seconds, she obeyed, both hands cupping her breasts, her fingers pinching her hardened buds until they were a soft violet in color.
Her mews almost echoed in my ears, matching the scattered beating of my heart. I inched closer, my fingers still firmly imbedded in her pussy. With my other, I fisted her hair and lowered my head. “You may call me a bastard but I’m the only man who can give you everything that you want.”
A smile curled on her lips, one of knowing and something else.
A hint of upcoming revenge.
I pumped harder and faster, using enough force in my actions that I kept her on her toes. “Come for me, my lovely wife.”
She bit her lip, conviction in her eyes.
“I said, come for me.”
Whether or not she was
choosing to obey me or simply fulfilling her own needs remained to be seen. We would make a magical, explosive couple and I couldn’t wait to mold her into exactly what I’d craved my entire life.
“Oh... Oh, yes!” Stephanie threw back her head, clamping her mouth shut to keep from screaming.
As her pussy muscles clamped around the thick invasion, pulling my fingers deeper inside with every shuttering convulsion, I leaned over, whispering yet another promise. “This is just the beginning.” After she finished quivering, I took several steps away from her, waiting to see her reaction.
She was poised, even coy in her mannerisms, merely adjusting her attire and smoothing down her dress. When she was satisfied with her appearance, she walked toward the office door, stopping and turning only once. “Are you joining the party or remaining like a brooding child alone in your office?”
God damn, the woman had the innate ability of getting under my skin. I took a moment, sliding my wet fingers into my mouth, licking every drop of her sweet cream. To her credit, she didn’t seem disgusted, merely bored with my activity.
“I’ll be there in a few minutes,” I finally responded.
“Well, I should freshen up then.” Stephanie blew me a kiss, more defiant than ever as she walked out of my office with flair. Within seconds, Matteo swaggered inside, an amused look on his face.
“Trouble in paradise?” he asked, moving toward me, a drink in his hand. “I thought you could use this.”
“More than you know.” I immediately took a sip, catching the fact she’d taken a single glance in my direction.
“A true handful.”
“She hates me.”
Matteo darted a glance over his shoulder. “We were raised to believe our families were enemies. It’s going to take some time. This will be very good for the sect.”
“We will see.” I walked closer to my desk, still pondering why I’d been selected. The Council made the decisions regarding the arranged marriages as well as other business decisions. There was no rhyme or reason to the fact I’d been selected. At least not in my mind.
“You did know there are reporters outside. Rex and the other guys are trying to get rid of them, but I tell you what, one is determined to get pictures.”
