by Piper Stone
“Then what is your thing?”
He seemed genuinely interested. “I love animals, walks on the beach, and a fabulous glass of cabernet as I read a good novel in front of a fire. I’m a simple girl at heart.”
“Hmm... A girl with a troubled past who finds solace in being very much alone. That sounds like something I would say.”
He’d been checking up on her. Well, if he really was a member of the police force, that would fit his job description. “I’ve had my issues. Haven’t we all?”
“You are very right. We’ve all done things we’re not proud of but if we learn from our mistakes, we can certainly grow in life. Sometimes even in love.”
This was perhaps the most truthful statement he’d made. “Sounds like a man scorned.”
“Sounds like a man burned.” He lifted his glass, polishing off his wine, his eyes never leaving her.
“Then we have something in common after all,” she half whispered, trying her best not to inhale any more of his cologne. The scent was unlike anything she’d ever experienced, intoxicating in a manner that left her wet.
“Do you want to talk about it?”
“Not in the least. The past is the past. Maybe coming here was all about an adventure, tossing away the life I thought mattered.”
He slid his hand across the table, intertwining two of his fingers with hers. “A broken heart is the very reason to make significant changes in our lives. What do you do in America?”
Her mind shifted to the entire cover that had been developed overnight, one she’d been forced to learn far too quickly. “I have a little business in Florida.”
“A professional woman. No wonder you’re so savvy.” He cocked his head, his gaze sweeping ever so slowly down from her face to the necklace she was wearing.
Sophia fingered the locket, the picture of a fake pet somehow comforting. With her schedule, she’d never been able to even own a pet. Hell, plants died within the first two weeks.
“May I?”
“Of course.”
He moved from his chair, crouching down beside her. As his hand wrapped around her locket, she took a series of deep breaths. The slight brush of his fingers gave her a series of quivers, her pussy tingling. He carefully opened it, peering at the picture of the Golden Retriever. “And who is this handsome buck?”
“MacGyver.” They hadn’t named the dog, only provided her with the concept. The name seemed to suit.
“A master in his abilities to thwart a criminal. I like that. He suits you.” Pierre fingered the picture for a little too long, lingering in a way she knew he wanted the touch more than the information.
“He’s loving in a way the majority of humans will never be. No matter what kind of a day I’ve had, he greets me total adoration. He allows me to stain his fur with my tears and never complains when I don’t feel like playing ball. I can be me around him, no fear of being told I’m stupid or lazy. He’s accepting of his mommy dog in a way no one else could ever be.” She slipped her fingers to her mouth, fighting back tears for some ungodly reason. What the hell had she just spouted off? A load of crap.
But her heart ached at the thought.
“You are very right. There is no other kind of love like from a beloved animal.”
Her mouth was suddenly dry, her nipples fully aroused. She gathered the scent of her cream trickling into her already damp panties. This wasn’t the best shape for her to be in, but she could tell by the single bead of perspiration sliding down from his forehead that he was just as turned on as she was.
Maybe more so.
“I had a dog once, so I understand what you’re saying,” he said in a faraway voice. “He was everything to me. I adored him. While he really belonged to my brothers as well, the dog thought I was his owner, following me everywhere.”
There was such sadness in his eyes, the kind that couldn’t be manufactured. “What happened to him?”
Pierre stiffened, moving back and finally settling back into his seat. He poured the last of the wine from the bottle into their two glasses before answering. “My father had him killed.”
She was stunned, completely uncertain of what to say. “I’m... sorry.”
He swirled the wine in his glass before lifting his gaze once again. “Don’t be. Nothing good ever lived in our house and nothing ever will.”
The tension furrowing into every muscle in his body was easy to see, the hurt remaining on his face. “Parents can be very cruel, even more so than some of our enemies.”
This seemed to draw him out of his sadness, although his grin was restrained. “We have more in common than we realize, lovely Ashley. What kind of business?”
“A bakery. I always loved to bake when I was a child.” If this was ever challenged, she would fail the test completely. She’d never baked a thing in her life that she hadn’t burned to a crisp.
“That sounds wonderful.” His expression darkened once again as he turned his attention to the ocean. “I miss my former life, but you can never go back. Maybe I should come to America one day and help you run your bakery.”
“And what qualifications do you have? I only hire professionals.” She laughed when he lifted his eyebrows.
“Pizza? Maybe we could expand.”
She held out her hand, trying to break the odd tension. For some crazy reason, she was enjoying the hell out of herself. “Deal.” The moment they shook hands, she was lost in the man. In his prowess. In his attentions. In his sexuality.
In his dominance.
A series of images swept across her field of vision, a happy couple with not one but two beautiful Golden Retrievers, walking hand in hand through a park on a cloudless day. She’d never been one to fantasize, at least not about a perfect relationship complete with a house and a white picket fence. She wasn’t into marriage, her parents’ nasty divorce a reminder that there was no such thing as true love. Why now? Why this?
The electricity was almost overpowering, searing every nerve ending as the white-hot heat sent a blazing trail straight into her pussy. She took several deep breaths, attempting to focus on anything else, but the draw was unbelievable, leaving her unable to focus.
“Are you all right?” he finally asked.
She sputtered then reached for her drink, almost toppling the glass. “I’m fine. I think maybe a little too much wine.” The comment was ridiculous since she gulped the remainder, but there was no way to make sense of her reaction. She’d touched him several times before, enjoying his rippled muscles and the way his hard cock throbbed in her hand.
“You’re flushed,” he whispered in the most provocative manner.
“Don’t worry about me, Pierre. I’ve always taken care of myself.” The words slipped past her mouth without a second thought. She couldn’t remember if Ashley’s parents were even alive or close to her. Hell, she didn’t care.
“I appreciate that in a woman, Ashley. I love a woman with confidence as well as intelligence. You have the entire package.”
The moment seemed far too intimate, much more so than stripping in front of him for a hard spanking. The heat continued to creep up from the base of her neck, suddenly becoming suffocating. “Tell me about this club.” As if a conversation involving dark kink was going to make her feel any better.
“Club Risqué is well known, although very private. The locals call it erotic darkness, where all your sinful desires can come true. By invitation only.”
“And you are always invited, fully fulfilling your fantasies.”
He lifted a single eyebrow. “I have been known to enjoy the scenery, but make no mistake, Ashley. I do not frequent clubs with women I’ve picked up in a bar.”
“Or a casino?” While she was taunting him, the same sweltering darkness she’d seen a majority of the night was present, the aura around him a protection. He didn’t want anyone getting close. Then again, neither did she.
“Anywhere. I am very private. I am also not into relationships of any kind. Have I enjoyed women
from time to time? I am a man after all with needs of my own, but the participants were women I’ve known and who I trust implicitly.”
“You make this sound like you’re spouting off a resume.”
“In my line of work, I must be very careful.”
“Then we have more things in common than our friends and family,” Sophia commented as casually as possible. “I don’t know you, Pierre, and I’m not private, I’m protective of my world as well. This is new for me.”
“But you thrive on discipline.”
There was no answer that made any sense. “I thrive on rules, but the kind of punishment you doled out isn’t in my nature.”
“That’s where you’re wrong, little one. You came alive last night, as if awakening from a deep sleep. You need a firm hand at all times, a man who doesn’t have any concerns about taking you over his knee when necessary.”
“That’s not me in any manner.”
“Aren’t your nipples hard just hearing my words?”
Sophia sucked in her breath.
“Don’t you hunger at night, when you’re all alone in your bed for a man to strip you of your mask, freeing the woman inside?”
“Not even a chance.” She was growing more uncomfortable by the minute.
“I’ll venture a guess that you’re the kind of woman who could learn to ask for what you needed, the discipline you crave. Don’t you want to ask me for a spanking right now?”
“No. Never.”
“Are your panties damp, Ashley? Don’t you want nothing more than for me to take you into the bathroom, spanking your ass like the bad little girl you are?”
Swallowing, she could feel the goosebumps popping along her arms and legs. “I’m...” A nervous laugh escaped from her mouth.
“When you had the leather strap between your legs, didn’t you wish that I’d tie you spread-eagled, smacking your sweet pussy and beautiful breasts?”
She’d never been so uncomfortable, her pussy clenching to the point she was terrified she would have a climax right there. “That’s not fair.” She could envision the man spanking her everywhere, reminding her who she belonged to. This was crazy. Struggling to control her nerves, she rubbed her forehead.
This was shameful, completely unlike her.
Liar. You’ve wanted this for years.
“I never said I was going to be fair, just realistic. I can smell your desire from here, the raging hunger you’ve had pent up for so many years. Am I wrong?” Pierre never blinked, his eyes pinned on her.
“I can’t do that.” Her voice sounded so weak, helpless and that wasn’t the woman she was.
“Ask me.”
“No, I can’t. I just...” She was more ashamed than she’d ever been in her life, but there was a part of her that craved exactly what he was suggesting.
He leaned further over. “Ask. Me.”
She could only pray that the fear wasn’t discernable in her voice. She had to maintain some level of control in order to observe the various guests. Do your job. Don’t fall into his... Spell. Her heart raced, her blood pressure increasing. “I’m not the woman you think I am.”
He sat all the way back, breaking the spell. “I’m never wrong, Ashley. I knew what you craved the first time I laid eyes on you. You need a hard spanking tonight, just like you did last night, but in order to obtain one, you’re going to have to ask. If you don’t, we’ll enjoy a few minutes in the club then I’ll take you back to the hotel. It’s as simple as that. Do we have an understanding?”
The man was treating her like the misbehaving girl he believed her to be. And she was allowing him. Perhaps the fact her inner voice was nagging at her, picking at her mind was a reminder that he’d managed to grasp aspects about her that no one else ever had before. “That’s not going to happen.”
“Perhaps not but I do think we understand each other. I will enjoy showing you off as well as giving you the experience of a lifetime. If. You. Ask. If only once, then so be it. The last question for you. Do you trust me?”
The question once again but this time she found it easier to answer. “Yes.”
* * *
Opening up to anyone was a complete mistake. They both remained quiet as Wrath drove, the club a distance from the restaurant. The conversation had been far too easy, sharing a detriment. A bakery. What a crock of shit. The suit of armor wrapped around her was fortified steel. The only truth to her comments was about her love of animals. Then again, that was the only completely truthful thing he’d offered as well.
After parking the car, he took her hand into his, sensing the tension in her. He’d risked losing her before arriving at the club with his hard push, but he’d seen right through her. The way she’d responded to the spanking had been freeing for both of them. “There’s nothing for you to be concerned about. Asking isn’t a weakness.”
“I’m fine, Pierre.”
“When a woman says she’s fine, that usually means she’s upset in some manner.” He kept his grip firm, both of them taking long strides. The owner knew his true identity, as well as the various ones he’d used over the course of doing business in the lovely city. There was never a question about entrance, or anything else. Discretion and privacy were vital to those frequenting the club. However, he’d called ahead, making certain that there would be a private room available for his needs.
“I can handle myself.” She exhaled, even grumbling under her breath.
He was ready to make certain she understood that he was in total command. “While I understand your reservations, you will speak to me with respect while we’re in this club. Do you understand?”
“Yes.”
Swatting her ass, he could see the flash of anger in her eyes. He jerked her against him, cupping both sides of her face. “Try that again.”
She hesitated, her mouth twisting. “Yes. Sir.”
Growling, he crushed her mouth, dragging her onto her toes as he thrust his tongue inside. Everything about her was raw attraction, his desire bordering on insatiable. He had to control his emotions as well as his raging needs or he’d take her right here without so much as a second thought. Their tongues entwined, her desire as intense as his own, although she pressed her palm against his chest in a protective manner. She was in turmoil, refusing to give into her own needs.
If she belonged to him, it would take time for her to learn what was required of her, but he would enjoy the training.
Fucking.
Owning.
His cock was engorged, painful as it pressed hard against his linen pants. He’d gone commando, for no reason than her infuriating comment.
The kiss continued for a full minute. When he eased back, he fisted her hair, yanking until her neck was exposed. He blew across the nape before sucking on her jugular.
Moaning, her body shivered in his hold, her hand finally clenching his jacket. He adored the soft sounds, the hungry purrs.
“Tonight, you belong to me and no other. Make no mistake, I will guard my territory.”
“Yes, sir.”
Wrath released his hold, still keeping her close. “The things I can teach you if only you’ll let go.”
She nodded, her eyes darting back and forth.
“All you have to do is ask.”
As they walked inside, he wrapped his arm around her. “The club has several rooms, every proclivity satisfied.” He led her toward the bar, motioning for the bartender. She stood straight, the tension remaining. The music was loud, the rhythm matching the shimmering neon lights pulsing on the dance floor and walls, adding to the seductive atmosphere. There were hundreds of patrons crowding the space, all enjoying the spoils of the club.
He enjoyed watching her reactions, the subtle changes in her expression. She barely sipped her wine, preferring to observe. That allowed him the opportunity to search for the mark. There were several men who fit the man’s description, but no one that looked exactly like Mr. Wallace. At this point, he needed to be certain he found the right target.
After several minutes, he took the wine from her hand, leading her toward the dance floor. In truth, this would allow him an even better opportunity to scan the crowd.
She placed her arms around his neck in a perfunctory manner, still stiff. Still people watching.
“You must have clubs of this nature in the United States.”
“Thousands, but as I mentioned, not the kind of club I frequent.”
“And what are you afraid of?” he asked as he slid his hands down to the small of her back. Just having her in his arms seemed right, fitting at this moment in his life.
Chuckling, she finally paid attention to the man she was dancing with. “Nothing. Everything. Letting go.”
“Honesty.”
“I have no reason to lie.” Her words were stilted. “Collars and leashes. Is that all men want?”
“Do you think that’s all I want?” Wrath asked quietly.
She shrugged slightly as she looked from right to left, concentrating on everything she was seeing. “I honestly don’t know.”
“Then I guess you’ll have to trust me.”
“Yes, I guess I will.” Ashley clung to him, even resting her head on his chest. “And what if I ask?”
A sheer line of adrenaline rushed through every muscle, excitement igniting the embers that had remained burning since their tryst. “Then I’ll release the woman from her cage.” The way she processed his words was telling. She was ready to let down her guard, share with him something he considered special. “Ask...”
Ashley fisted his jacket, pulling away as she looked toward the floor. “I admit, I’m afraid as well as ashamed.”
“Why are you ashamed?”
“Because this isn’t me.”
“That’s where you’re wrong.”
She waited, her body now moving in a perfunctory manner. Only when the song ended did she finally shake her head. “I’m asking.”
He lifted her chin. “Say the words. Ask for exactly what you want.”
“I want...” Exhaling, she tried to get out of his grasp.
“No.” Wrath yanked her back, refusing to allow her to go anywhere. “I need to hear you.”
