by Piper Stone
I didn’t move a muscle as he refilled my glass, still moving deliberately back to the table and easing the bottle into the chilled bucket. I had no idea what to think about this man. He was obviously well versed in the art of seduction, but I wasn’t falling for anything. Not now. Not ever.
“All right. We can play your game,” I said quietly as I continued to study him.
“I assure you that this is no game, Devon. I have a need that requires being filled. Daniel Darke is very good at what he does. I trust in his selection given his reputation. He is a very astute and observant man.”
“We’re not here to talk about Daniel. We’re here so that I can learn what this is all about.”
“I do enjoy your candor. As I said, let’s take some time to share an enjoyable evening. I have nothing to hide, and you will learn everything you want to know by the end of our time together. Is that fair enough?”
I thought about his words then nodded. “All right. I can do that.”
“Excellent.” He took a sip of his champagne, his eyes never leaving mine.
He made me entirely too uncomfortable, but I continued to be intrigued. I walked away once again, knowing he would follow. As we went from piece to piece, he made a few comments. When I ended up in standing near what I considered to be the most provocative photograph of the entire collection, I’d never felt so aroused or so embarrassed. The lovely young woman was in the throes of ecstasy, the sheet barely covering the long arc of her back as she tipped her head back.
What I didn’t realize at first was that the man in the background was holding a belt in his hand, her moment of intense passion based on the punishment she’d received. I realized my legs were quivering, my heart hammering to the point there were echoes in my ears.
“There is nothing more erotic than a photograph being taken in black and white. And before you ask, Devon, no, that does not mean that every pose needs to depict something so private and beautiful. Something as benign as fruit on a table or a beautiful waterfall can have the same effect.”
“I agree with you.”
He took a deep breath, the sound exaggerated. “However, I cannot lie that there is also nothing more beautiful than a woman who enjoys sharing her passion and her body.”
I dragged my tongue across my lips, trying to keep my composure. “Where are you from?”
“A beautiful seaside community in Spain. I admit I haven’t been there in a long time. I miss the ocean, the cresting waves and gorgeous sandy beaches. Even the quaint cottages and seaside cafés I used to take for granted. I long to return.”
“And why don’t you?” I asked, curious as to what he was going to say.
He hesitated before answering, “For one thing, my parents moved the family to Barcelona when I was still young. However, there are times when memories are simply too difficult to allow to resurface. I’m certain you’ve experienced that in your life, sweet Devon.”
“Yes, I have.”
“I’m also aware you spent time in Spain with your parents.”
“Of course, you would know that. Yes, my father was a diplomat in Madrid. I was lucky enough to be able to explore several European countries during the years we were there.”
“Do you miss Spain?”
I had to think about his question. “Yes, actually I do. However, I was so young that I don’t think I appreciated being there.” A rush of images and memories shifted into my mind. I had been very lucky to spend so many years overseas. I hadn’t thought about it that way in years.
“That is a shame. Spain is one of the most beautiful places on Earth. And yes, I do plan on returning, but not to my hometown just yet. That will take some time.”
I had a feeling that whatever this deal was about included returning to his home country. That was, if he was telling me the truth.
“Is that what this is all about? You have a reason to return but you need some kind of help.”
He gave me a sly smile before walking toward the next piece. While not nearly as provocative, the artistic design was spectacular in every way. “You are as intelligent as Daniel mentioned. Yes, I need your help for a particular mission that I’ve been working on for some time.”
“Mission. That sounds fascinating. What kind of mission could you possibly have? Maybe I should ask you what you do for a living, Santiago? Is that allowed?”
“My family has been blessed with significant wealth, Devon. Sadly, I am the only one left.”
“I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Yes,” he said, a haunted look forming in his eyes. Seconds later, he tried to hide it. “I am now considered the patriarch of our family business.”
“Which is?”
“You will learn that soon enough. Tell me, why are you working as a translator for books? Do you find that interesting?”
“Yes, actually I do, although there doesn’t seem to be enough work at the moment. Hopefully, that will change in the future.” My answer was as perfunctory as I could make it.
He took another sip of champagne, eyeing me intently. “Is that what you’d like to do for the rest of your life?”
I laughed, turning my attention away. I remained tingling all over, doing everything I could to keep both my arousal and my anger in check. He already had a way of getting under my skin and I couldn’t allow that to happen. “Not really, but it can be good money. I need to make a living.”
“Fair enough. What if I could offer you an entirely different lifestyle?”
The way his eyes twinkled told me in no uncertain terms that he was a dangerous man. “Are you that powerful?”
“Absolutely. There are men who cower in my presence, fearful of what I can do to them.”
I shook my head, my head spinning from the thoughts of what he could do. “And you enjoy that. Don’t you? Do you like making people afraid of you?”
He lifted a single eyebrow, his smile bordering on evil. “Actually, I do. However, you didn’t answer my question. What if I could change your life?”
“It would depend on what I had to do in order to achieve it. You should know up front that I’m not a call girl. I’m not arm candy or anything of that nature. If that’s what you’re looking for, both you and Daniel selected the wrong person.”
Very slowly he backed me against the wall, the move surprising me. “What I’m looking for is someone who can provide me with an opportunity that has been eluding me for years. That will entail being what you call arm candy for a few select events and yes, you need to act as if you and I are very close, intimate in fact. As you mentioned, this isn’t about playing games, although there will be a need for a part to be played. I’m certain you will be able to handle that, even though I’m told you are rough around the edges. I can help refine the woman inside begging to be released, to help her find the joy and passion she’s been seeking her entire life.”
There was no reason for his comments to infuriate me the way they did, but I was finished with toying around whatever the hell was going on. He was one of the most arrogant men I’d ever known, and I’d met plenty of them. Something boiled inside of me that fueled an entirely different kind of fire.
Rage.
There was no amount of money that could make this situation palpable. “How dare you, Santiago, if that’s even your real name. I might be rough around the edges, but I’ve been forced to be that way in order to provide a life for myself. Like you, I am all alone. No brothers. No cousins. No large inheritance. My guess is that you’ve never had to work a single day in your life, always pampered and provided with the finest in everything. That isn’t the kind of life I want to live or the type of man I could ever consider being with.”
There was something so dark about the look in his eyes, a primal hunger that was both thrilling as well as terrifying. The flash in his eyes was also entirely different, as if the rules of the game had just changed.
As if I’d passed some test.
And as if he’d made a decision.
“You
will learn.”
His words were laced with defiance.
“What do you think I can learn?” I struggled to whisper the question. When he placed one hand on the wall next to my head, leaning in, I could swear he was going to kiss me.
“You are exactly the kind of woman I desire, Devon, and I’m going to make you a promise. Before the night is over, you will become mine.”
Chapter 3
Devon
Asshole.
Santiago Spanish Man had moved from just being arrogant to becoming a condescending asshole and I refused to accept his bullshit. I offered a slight smile, mischievous and full of my own concept of seduction. Then I placed my palm against his chest. What I hated more than anything was the way my body reacted from the slight touch.
He really believed that I’d fall for him so easily. I wasn’t naïve and I hadn’t been born yesterday. His need to seduce me was merely one of his steps of keeping me in line. What in the hell was he hiding?
My legs were quivering, my pussy aching, and damn if my nipples weren’t so aroused that the slight touch of the slinky material of my dress as it rubbed back and forth across them was too much. I had to fight to keep from panting. I’d never felt such explosive electricity.
His smile remained, his nostrils flaring as he inhaled, obviously drinking in my perfume. He lowered his head until our lips were almost touching, his hot breath skipping across my skin.
I licked my lips, arching my back.
“I want you, Devon. I hunger in a way I’ve never done before.”
While his words burned deep inside, my psyche had taken over, refusing to allow him to get under my skin. “I…”
“Yes?”
He dared to brush his lips across mine, a series of low and husky growls floating around me.
“I…”
I allowed the single word to linger before straightening to my full height, hardening my glare then shoving him with all the fury that had breached the surface.
Caught off guard, he stumbled backward, narrowing his eyes as he tried to regroup. I didn’t allow him to regain an advantage.
First, I tossed the remainder of the champagne in his face, enjoying the sounds of shattering crystal when I dropped the expensive glass.
Then I took a single step closer, fisting my hand and cold cocking him. “I wouldn’t allow you to touch me if you were the last man on Earth, you arrogant, disgusting pig.” After grabbing my purse, I stormed toward the door, and I honestly didn’t care how I managed to get home. I just had to get out of his clutches. I made it to the entrance before he even moved. When I slammed my hands against both doors, I expected them to swing open.
They didn’t.
Instead, they didn’t budge an inch. My God. I’d been locked in with the freak. Oh, shit. I knew there had to be a back entrance. I shook the handles, loathing my stupid actions. I glanced at the glass, able to see his reflection as he sauntered toward me, taking his time. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
Turning, I bolted away from him, keeping a wide berth as I tried to find the back room. After a few seconds, I managed to see the small door and fled through it.
That’s the very moment a hand snapped around my arm, dragging me backward and against a hard, muscular chest. The force was enough to knock my purse out of my hand. The moment it hit the floor, my weapon shifted into the light.
Santiago glanced down, a chuckle erupting from his throat. “Nice touch, Devon.”
Then he wrapped his hand around my throat, holding me in place.
I struggled, hissing as I tried everything to gain an advantage, trying to kick or elbow him. Something. Anything. He was far too strong, holding me in place as if I was nothing but a ragdoll. I could hear his heavy breathing, the husky sound filtering into my ears. After taking a few deep breaths, I dropped my gaze to the protruding gun, trying to figure out how many feet away it was.
When he kicked it away, I cringed.
“That was very naughty of you,” he whispered then nuzzled against my ear. “A weapon. Did you really think you needed to protect yourself?”
Naughty? If he thought that was naughty, the man would soon learn what I was made of. “Let go of me, you freak.” I ignored the other comment. The last thing I needed to do was piss him off any further.
“Now I’m a freak. Interesting. What does that make you? You came here of your free will to meet with me. You knew the assignment would be out of the ordinary. You accepted my champagne, enjoying my surprise. You were well paid from my money in order to do so. Now you call me names? Tsk. Tsk. That makes you a very bad little girl.”
Was he kidding me? “That doesn’t change the fact you’re an asshole.”
He laughed, the deep baritone creating goosebumps, which I knew he could see. Damn my body for responding this way.
“I assure you, lovely kitten, that I’ve been called much worse over the years. However, you will need to learn obedience.”
I was appalled and sickened by his words. “Never. If you don’t let go of me, I will have you arrested.”
“No, you will not because you need the money and the chance for a better life. We can discuss the particulars later. What needs to happen is a lesson in respect.”
The man was serious. I was shocked, unable to think clearly. Was I really experiencing this bullshit? What had been wrong with me? I must have lost my mind. I grabbed his arm, digging my nails into his skin.
He responded by squeezing his hand around my throat. I was instantly lightheaded, but not because of the pressure. Because I felt his throbbing cock digging into my bottom. He was as aroused as I was. That was horrible. Just…
“What needs to happen is a round of punishment. I think that will help you understand.” I dragged me further into the back room and toward some kind of bench.
“Punishment?” I managed, ripping at his arm.
“Yes, a good old-fashioned spanking will be perfect. Don’t you think?”
I was horrified, words jumbled in my brain. He had to be kidding. No one had ever spanked me before in my life. Was he simply a nutcase or did he really believe he could get away with this kind of behavior?
“Don’t you dare touch me.” As if my statement was going to do any good. He was determined to take control. To punish me.
To own me.
No. No. No!
This wasn’t going to happen. I continued to fight him, struggling with everything I had, but he sat down as if all my kicking and squirming meant nothing. When he pulled me over his lap, yanking my dress over my hips to my waist, I was mortified, gasping for air.
“You can’t do this,” I insisted, although goddamn it, there was a whiny tone in my voice. That had to stop. I was a strong woman, and he would learn that soon enough.
Right before I shoved an icepick into his eye.
When he jerked at my panties, tugging until I heard a ripping sound, I let out a yelp. “Stop. Stop! You’re crazy. You’re horrible!”
“Yes, I can be, but I can also be a very fair man, but only if you learn to obey me at all times. Do you think you can do that?”
“Hell, no.”
“Then you’re going to receive many spankings and other harsh punishments until you do. That will take time.”
I had no idea what to say to him. He actually believed that after this night I would ever see him again? The man was a monster as well as completely insane. I couldn’t wait to see him locked behind bars. I’d visit him often just to gloat. I wiggled in his lap, realizing almost instantly that I was only driving his arousal to a heightened level.
I also realized my mouth was dry, my thoughts turning dark and filthy.
“I’m warning you. If you attempt to do this, I’ll make your life miserable.”
“I’m certain you’ll try, little kitten.” He smacked his hand down on my bottom with enough force the breath was ripped from my body.
Oh. My. God.
Stars floated in front of my eyes immediately. I was pushed into another stratos
phere and when he cracked his hand down at least four times, I thought I was going to burst into tears. I’d never known a spanking could hurt so much. I struggled and undulated, only to figure out my movements were pushing my desire into an unwanted place. I was wet and hot all over, fighting with the burning hunger mixing with my need to beat the crap out of him. Who the hell did he think he was doing this to me?
He continued the spanking, forced to shift one of his muscular legs over both of mine in order to keep me from sliding off his lap. I was shaking all over, doing my best to pitch my body off him, but as he delivered crack after crack, the sound of his palm hitting my naked skin filtered into my brain. I could feel the heat building, my heart racing from the building pain. I couldn’t have been more shocked as the scent of my longing filtered into the air around us.
There was no doubt he could tell how excited I was even though I remained flabbergasted.
Exhaling, he stopped long enough to caress my bottom. The way he brushed the tips of his fingers across my bruised and aching skin continued to elevate my excitement as well as utter humiliation. I’d lost count of how many strikes he’d given me, although there was no doubt in my mind that I’d have difficulty sitting for one hell of a long time.
I closed my eyes, envisioning all the vile things I was going to do to him. That gave me a small amount of comfort. When he resumed the round of discipline, I sputtered like some stupid kid.
“Please stop. Please.” The words seemed foreign to me. I’d never begged anyone for anything in my life.
“Only if you promise to be good and act like an adult.”
That was it. I would bide my time until I was able to get away from him. Then I would strike like a panther.
“Fine. Then we talk?” I asked coyly.
“Hmmm… Then we talk.” Although he’d made a deal, he issued six more in rapid succession, moving from one side to the other.
