by Piper Stone
All consuming.
There was nothing right about this, a relationship that was forced. Forbidden. But I wanted more than anything to take a chance. I might burn in hell for eternity, but I yearned for her more than ever.
“I don’t understand why I’m so drawn to you. I can’t stand the fact I ache for your touch, your kiss. I’m terrified every time that you walk out that door that I’ll never see you again, that I’ll hear about some horrible bloody shooting or a terrible explosion. That’s not a way to live, Dominick. Don’t you get that?” Her defiance abated, her shoulders slumped, and she held her face in her hands.
Moving closer until I was only a few inches away, I wanted nothing more than to ease her pain, take away every fear, sheltering her from the horrible deeds. I didn’t know how to be that man.
Sensitive.
Caring.
God help me, I longed to try. I slid my arms around her, tugging her back against my chest and cupping her face. She was so warm to the touch, my fingers on fire the instant I laid hands on her. I stroked her skin, my balls tightening to the point stars floated in front of my eyes.
“Don’t. I won’t care about you. I can’t. Never. I...” Shuddering, she leaned her head against me, closing her eyes.
“Shh...” Kissing her forehead erased all the rage, releasing the pent-up beast that had been my nemesis, a noose around my neck. The simplicity of our connection was brilliant, wild and suddenly I was enshrouded in the kind of passion I’d long since desired, but I couldn’t be fooled by my body’s reactions. I was still a dangerous man, capable of doing appalling things. I would hurt her.
Physically.
Mentally.
Emotionally.
I could scar her for life, stripping her of that spark that drew me to her in the first place, but I couldn’t stop. There was nothing that would prevent me from ravaging her over and over again until we were both drenched in our own spoils of passion.
I slid my other hand into the opening of the shirt, caressing her breast. The feel of her hardened nipple was exhilarating, another round of shockwaves sweeping through every muscle and straight into my throbbing cock. I pinched her nipple, sucking in my breath the moment she whimpered. I wanted her bared and punished, her body marked.
My God, she’d unraveled me completely and utterly, dragging me into a primal state.
She arched her back, her sumptuous lips pursed, beckoning for me as if ready to be devoured. Growling, I leaned over, capturing her mouth, tasting the sweet essence that she’d offered. I twisted her nipple as the kiss became a wild roar of combined needs, the electricity shared between us off the charts.
Our tongues mashed together, moving back and forth in a choreographed dance. Heat and flames. Desire and need. The taste of her was like none other, quenching my raging thirst.
She ran her hands up the length of my arms, clinging to me, soft moans turning into purrs. The scent of her cream filtered into my nostrils, further fueling the fire. I broke the kiss for fear of devouring her. Right here. Right now.
And I wanted so much more.
I spun her around, yanking both edges of the shirt, popping free every button.
Her face lit up, her eyes half closed as she took a decided step away from my grasp, yanking the clip from her hair. The exaggerated motion as she tossed her head from side to side was so damn seductive. Every action meant to tease and tempt, she took her time as she eased first one side of the material down her shoulder then the other. There were no panties, no bra of any kind, just the woman who’d waited, hoping I’d return.
Even in the harsh lighting of the studio, her skin glowed, almost translucent. She gasped from the force as her fingers ripped at my shirt, pulling until she was able to slide her hands under, palming my heated skin. She peppered my chest with open-mouthed kisses, darting her tongue in swirls and zigzags.
I’d lost all control, with her and with my life. I didn’t care. All that mattered was here and now, with the woman I needed, the only person who could soothe the savagery.
With the woman I adored more than anything.
That I craved...
That I loved.
God help me.
God help the assholes who ever attempted to get in the way.
Chapter Eleven
Caroline
Unleashed. The beast had come crashing out of his cage, hungry to feed.
I’d broken through some barrier, digging my way into the corner of his very soul. He was unlike the man who’d left, revved with an aggressive passion, a dark rapture that I had no doubt would consume me. There was no turning back, no jerking our collective chain. I’d given myself to him now, and possibly forever. For right or wrong.
Good or evil.
The dangerous criminal had finally captured the self-proclaimed good girl.
I’d tossed away everything I thought I knew about myself, embracing the darkness. And why? Because he was enigmatic. He was a portion of my very soul, healing the sadness that had been in my heart for the majority of my life. He’d managed to carve a place in my mind refusing to be denied.
I’d been petrified after hearing about the bomb, unable to think or breathe, completely lost in a fog. There were no words to describe the terror, wrapping bony fingers around my throat. I’d known at that very moment I was lost without him. Then I’d seen the face of my father, so conceited in his happiness, nothing able to destroy his perfect scenario, a life without any strings. The fervent second he locked eyes with mine, for that split second, I knew there was more to the deal with the devil.
There’d been that moment of blinding rage, the kind that would have allowed me to do terrible things, no matter those consequences that Dominick reminded me existed. Another telling moment. I had to be free of the past and the only way that I could was to accept my fate.
My life with Dominick.
And so I’d painted, creating picture after picture of what I hoped would be my world. Maybe they were just glass houses, fake in every aspect and easily shattered, but I would fight for what I deserved to have.
Nestled in his massive arms, I felt safer than I had in years, protected by a man who could just as easily snuff out a life as care for one. He’d changed in the few short days, his personality no longer edged with steel. I’d seen the look in his eyes, the fury at not being able to control the situation.
Or controlling me.
Yet I’d also seen several glimpses of the haunted man, eager to find a soulmate. I could only pray I wasn’t wrong.
I closed my eyes, pretending everything was going to be all right, even though the same foreboding clouded my every thought. This house of cards couldn’t stand for long. But for tonight? There was just the two of us and I was stronger because of it.
Dominick seemed larger than life as he took the stairs two at a time, heading straight to his bedroom, kicking the half open door. The space was nothing like I expected, gothic and modern fused together, including thick iron posts at both the head and foot of the bed. He was breathing rapidly as he eased me onto the comforter on all fours, pointing his finger in an authoritative manner.
I was required to follow his unstated commands and tonight I would forego the challenge, obeying without question.
A smirk crossed his face as he took a step back, jerking his shirt over his head.
I marveled at the way he looked as if seeing him for the first time. He was far more gorgeous than the majority of men yet so flawed in his beauty. A nose that wasn’t quite perfect, but chiseled and strong. Cheekbones that had seen several fists, voluptuous lips that had been split more than once. He was rugged and dynamic, scars scattered on portions of his upper chest. As he peeled away his pants, exposing muscular thighs, my breath was stolen.
He was battered and bruised, roughhewn and sculpted and I wanted him covering my body with his, dominating me in every manner. When he was completely undressed, he slid the palms of his hands down the length of his chest until his fingers were able to
roll over his cock and balls.
I ached for him, longing to have his shaft in my mouth, his cum trickling down my throat. He yanked open a drawer, freeing a coil of rope, unwinding and stretching it in his hands. I was mesmerized as he took his time, his expression little more than a barbarian testing his own patience.
He moved to the foot of the bed, grabbing first one wrist then the other, positioning them over a cold iron bar. There was no time wasted as he wound the rope, securing me to the bed. When he was satisfied he leaned over, cupping and lifting my head. “No matter what you think, you will always belong to me. You will do what I say, when I say. And if you don’t, you will be punished time and time again.”
This time, the words were thrilling, driving into the very core of me, leaving me molten with desire. My mouth was dry, unable to answer him and as punishment, he tweaked my nipple, twisting until the pain was excruciating. “Yes, sir. Yes. Sir!”
“You do need discipline in your life.” A dark chuckle was followed by a single kiss on my lips, sultry and wet, so hot I was unable to think clearly.
He raked his hand through his hair, the expression on his face turning carnivorous.
“Yes, sir.” I wiggled, struggling with my bindings, longing to get to him.
“I will return, but in the meantime...” The words hung as he opened the same drawer again. When he turned to face me, I could see a piece of material of some kind in his hand.
“What? You’re leaving?” I was shocked, a moment of panic rushing in. Then I realized what he was going to do.
Blindfold me.
He held his finger over his lips, shaking his head. “You need to learn to trust me at all costs, no matter what I ask of you. That could save your life one day.”
Real life and the fantasy collided together, a reminder that there was nothing normal about this. “I don’t understand.”
“I think you do.” Advancing, he crawled onto the bed, gently placing the blindfold around my eyes, tugging strands of hair. “I will be your lifeline always. So will the skills you’ll be taught.”
“Dominick, I don’t like this.”
“Shush.” He tied the two ends, making certain there was no way I could see.
The room was completely silent, not even a breath sound with the exception of mine. I swallowed, trying to control my nerves and after a few seconds, I couldn’t take it any longer. “Dominick? Are you still there?”
“Allow your other senses to find those answers. The weight of my body is still on the bed. Can’t you feel the heat surrounding you?”
I bit my lower lip, nodding my answer. Then I felt fingers dancing along my spine, moving ever so slowly.
“Can you feel my hand caressing you?”
“Yes.”
He stopped completely and shifted, forcing me to gasp. I was terrified of him leaving and there was no logical reason. Suddenly my knees were pried apart then nothing. No sound.
I concentrated on what I could hear. The beating of my own heart. The thudding in my neck. My nerves were raw, my cells completely on edge. I shivered the second he darted a single finger between my ass cheeks, sliding down further until he flicked the tip back and forth across my wet pussy. “Oh. Yes.”
“Are you hungry for pleasure?” His words were whispered, more seductive than normal.
“Yes, sir.”
“Will you do anything for that pleasure?”
“Yes...”
He issued another chuckle, even more demonic as he thrust the entire length of his finger into my pussy. The simple act was shocking, tightening every muscle. I gasped then pushed my entire body toward him in an involuntary effort to receive more. I craved more. I had to have him, his rough touch and his demanding ways.
“You’re so wet, my sweet Caroline.”
The first hard crack on my bottom was stimulating, a moan slipping past my lips. The second was even more severe, the force shoving me against the metal railing. I could no longer control my breathing, taking gulping breaths in anticipation of more.
Pain.
Ecstasy.
They were rolled together, the longing the same for both. I was crazed with desire as he gave four more severe spanks, moving from one ass cheek to the other. Then they simply stopped. I hung my head, licking my dry lips and wiggling my hands.
Something wet was placed on my pussy lips. I gasped, rearing back as the sensations rocketed through me. His tongue. He’d shoved his tongue inside, lapping at my cream. I could hear his guttural sounds as he sucked and licked, his tongue working against my muscles. I opened my legs as wide as possible, dazzled by the electricity shooting through me.
The amazing bliss stopped cold, his hand moving up from my buttocks to my back, caressing in a loving manner.
“As I said, I will return. I want you to reflect on your misguided behavior. I also want you to think about time. How long you’ve been here. Remain quiet. Not a single word spoken. Let’s see if you can follow my simple rules.”
Time? How in the hell long was he leaving me like this? And rules? This was entirely different than I’d anticipated. I opened my mouth, ready to spout of my disenchantment then I realized this was a test. Of loyalty. Of honor. Respect.
I felt the weight on the bed change as he crawled off, groaning when I heard his footsteps on the wooden floor. Then I heard what had to be a light switch. He was leaving me in darkness.
The bastard. I bit back a cry, trying to remain strong then realizing that it didn’t matter whether he’d turned off the light or not. I was already in total blackness, at his complete mercy, required to trust.
My entire body trembled at the realization. He was ruthless yet daring me to feel secure in his home and under his care. Damn him.
I waited until I heard the sound of his footsteps in the distance before struggling in earnest with the rope. The more I wiggled, the tighter they became. I was out of breath for no reason at all other than fear of the unknown. He could do anything he wanted and I’d allowed myself to fall into his trap. Could I actually trust him, or had I been a complete fool?
I hunkered down, leaning over the railing and was able to feel a rush of air, likely coming from a vent. I counted to five then lifted my head, listening for any other sounds. He’d done this for a reason. My conviction in him was vital. He would return, releasing me from my bindings. Then he would take me into his arms, coveting me all night.
Right?
I hissed, trying to get more comfortable. My pussy continued to ache, my inner thighs wet with trickles of juice. He’d purposely excited me, elating all my senses before leaving. I bit back a strangled laugh. I would return the favor one day.
If there was another day.
No. No! Dominick had changed. He was my savior, not my enemy. I had to believe in that or we would fail miserably. And so I waited.
There was no sense of time, no understanding of the darkness, but I forced myself to concentrate on every little noise, every change in the heating system. Even my own heartbeat. I wanted to know exactly what was going on. At least five minutes had passed, maybe a little longer. I had to count. That would calm my nerves.
One.
Two.
Three.
A solid four additional minutes had gone by. Then another two. I was now shivering but not from the cold. Anxiety. Anticipation.
Blatant desire.
There was something amazing about the quiet as well as the darkness, allowing me to concentrate on my breathing, even with random thoughts racing throughout my muddled brain. I hadn’t fallen into this easily or without questioning my sanity. I was a strong, intelligent woman, destined to lead a path of her own. This was merely an augmentation.
Thinking the words forced a laugh then chastisement. I’d lost grasp on the time.
Wait. Had I heard a footstep? I craned my neck toward the door, holding my breath in an effort to catch the tiniest blip of movement. There it was again. Definitely. A floorboard creaked just outside the door. I hadn’t h
eard that before. A second creak, closer in but a solid six feet away. I almost cried out but remembered the rules. I could beat the man at his own game.
Even though I issued a series of sailor made cuss words under my breath.
I heard nothing else for at least two full minutes. One hundred and ten seconds to be exact. I sat up as far as the bindings would allow, lifting my head in my effort to listen, capturing everything. Yes, a heavier breath. He’d crept closer, padding on those sexy bare feet of his. A second moment of panic rushed in. What if this wasn’t Dominick but a crude and wretched reminder that I was nothing more than his property?
Trust. He’s begging for your trust. The words riled me this time for several reasons. Maybe what I needed to learn was patience instead. He didn’t have the right to earn my trust.
A single touch against my shoulder made me jump, an automatic cry at the very tips of my lips. I managed to suck it back, holding my head even higher. I turned my head, inhaling deeply. The scent was decidedly masculine, rich with exotic spices and a hint of the deepest forest.
Dominick.
In all his glory.
I exhaled, unable to yank back and smile and was rewarded with a brush of his finger sliding all the way down my arm. I shuddered, my pussy quivering. He continued his exploration, allowing his finger to trace around my knuckles then traveling back up, brushing around my neck to my shoulders. I was absolutely breathless, my mind shifting to the most desirable kinky places I could ever envision. And the images were vivid, much more so than normal.
A steel ‘X’ cross.
My naked body.
A savage-looking leather tawse.
I couldn’t stop shaking as he added pressure, dragging his finger back and forth across the ridges in my spine. I took several small breaths, refueling my mind as the visions continued.
A masked man.
A room full of spectators.
A hefty punishment.
My pussy clenched and released several times, driving me to the point of climaxing. I knew better. I wasn’t allowed. Or was I? The rule had never been stated, but I knew in my soul that he was the only one to allow any kind of pleasure.
