Iron and Salt

by Calinda B

  A mischievous twinkle flashed in Ryan’s eyes. “I’ll have to let you play with my baton, later.”

  “That would be lovely. I’d love to play with your baton.” She reached her hand out and squeezed the hard heat beneath his trousers. Her wet hand left a suggestive damp spot on his pants.

  His hand shot out to stop her strokes. He closed his eyes briefly, sucking in a breath. When he opened them, the potency of his lion’s gaze melted her. He crouched, kissed her hand, and placed it back in the water. “Easy, sweetheart. I could come in your hand in two seconds flat, and I’d prefer to give you pleasure first. And, I have to ask you something else.”

  “What is it?” she said with a sigh, wanting to get all these questions out of the way.

  “Now that some time has passed, how do you feel about having transformed for the first time? Are you happy? Scared? Angry that you now have proof of the thing you’ve called a monster all these years?”

  She rolled her lips between her teeth. “I don’t know. I don’t have it all sorted, yet. And honestly, I’m so horny for you, it’s the last thing on my mind. Let’s get down and dirty, officer.”

  A wicked smile creased his face. “I can’t think of anything finer. But, one more question.”

  She threw back her head. “Ryan, you’re killing me here.”

  “It’s important. In a few minutes, I won’t be able to be rational, and I want to ask you something.”

  She huffed out a sigh. “Go ahead. Spill it.”

  “You’re immortal. I’m not.” His lips pressed into a grim line.

  “Now why would that be a problem? I’ll simply slip you the Leviathan potion sometime.”

  Ryan’s eyes widened.

  “I said, we’ll deal,” Marie said, huffing out a sigh. “Stop with the inquisition.”

  He smirked. “You’re going to have to show me your tentacles sometime.”

  “Absolutely. But first, I get to play with your baton.”

  “Not yet. Let me wash your hair.” He pivoted and seized the stainless-steel pitcher.

  “You want to wash my hair?”

  What guy had ever asked her that? A sense of delight fluttered through her chest. She scooted forward in the tub, inclining her head back. “Ready.”

  “All I’ve got is guy’s shampoo,” he said, grabbing a bottle from the window ledge next to the bathtub.

  “Not just any guy’s shampoo…it’s yours.” She smiled.

  Crouching behind her, he dipped the pitcher in the water and gently poured the water over her hair, shielding her eyes with his free hand. After setting the pitcher on the tile floor, he squirted some shampoo into his palm.

  She closed her eyes as he massaged her scalp, raking her hair with his fingers to distribute the shampoo.

  His hands felt exquisite as they stroked and caressed. Everything he did was tender and caring. After he’d lathered her head, he rinsed her hair thoroughly.

  The soapy water coated her neck and shoulders.

  He kneaded her shoulders and massaged her neck. Then, he guided her back against the porcelain and let his hands slide down to her breasts. His fingers moved in circles around her breasts, pausing to tweak her nipples into hard buds.

  Her sex pulsed with exquisite sensation. She tipped her head back to see him looking at her with utter adoration.

  “God, you’re so beautiful, Marie,” he said, his voice husky and thick. He cleared his throat and pushed to standing. He snagged a large, fluffy white towel from the rack and held it out to her.

  She stood, water streaming from her skin, and let him dab the drips from her hair, then wrap the towel around her.

  He kissed her neck and moved his mouth down to her shoulder, scraping his teeth against her skin.

  The gesture sent shivers coursing through her. The towel fell to the floor. Wanting to feel his skin against hers, she proceeded to unbutton his shirt, revealing his muscular torso. Her hands roamed his hard, flat belly, sliding around to his back.

  He slid his palms along the curves of her hips and backside. He seemed to delight in his unhurried exploration if his dilated pupils were any indication.

  His tender ministrations eased all self-consciousness and hesitance from her soul. Desire filled her body. Loving Ryan was as easy as being his friend. It felt…perfect. There was no other word to describe it.

  She started to unbuckle his belt, but he snagged her wrist with his hand.

  “What?” she said, surprised.

  “Not yet, Miss Ward.” A mischievous glint shone from his eyes. Still holding her wrist, he led her into the bedroom.

  He threw back the covers. And then this new Ryan took over…a Ryan she’d never met before. Because in bed, Ryan turned out to be a beast.

  Chapter 24

  Wednesday night – Marie

  Ryan seized Marie’s wrists behind her back as she faced his huge king-sized bed. The room was dark, with only light from the hallway slicing through the doorway.

  “Get on the bed,” he commanded, releasing his hold on her. “On your knees.”

  She started to turn her head to look over her shoulder at him, but he said, “Did I say you could turn around?”

  She paused. “No.” She side-eyed him, noting his uniform and the Garda countenance written on his face.

  “I caught that glance. Face the opposite wall. Don’t look at me again unless I tell you to, or there will be consequences.”

  She let out a snort of amused protest.

  A slap stung her ass.

  She yelped and reached behind her to soothe her smarting skin. “Ryan, I…”

  “It’s Officer Conway, Miss Ward. Now get on your knees.” He gave her a small shove. It wasn’t enough to hurt, but it told her he meant business.

  A thrill of arousal shot through her core. No one had ever got away with bossing her around.

  “Yes, sir.” She crawled onto the soft mattress. Her long damp hair trailed alongside her face. Her breasts hung heavy from her chest. “Like this?”

  “Spread your legs.”

  She complied.

  “Now rest your cheek on the mattress and place your hands behind your back.”

  She settled her head on the sheet and gripped her right wrist with her left hand in the small of her back. A stray lock of hair fell into her eyes. She started to reach toward her face to brush it away, but another smack landed on her behind. She jerked in surprise. Shit. That hurt.

  “Did I tell you to move?” Ryan’s voice was low, commanding and so hot she thought she might come from the sound of it.

  “No, but…”

  “Then, don’t move, Miss Ward.”

  She replaced her hand behind her back once more. The itch from the lock of hair along her cheek began to consume her attention. Her nose pressed into Ryan’s linen catching his musky scent. She took a long, deep inhale, trying to distract her attention from the tickle on her face. Then, she tried flicking her head as subtly as she could.

  Ryan spanked her again.

  She sucked in a breath.

  “I’m not kidding when I tell you to not move, Miss Ward.” The fingertips of one hand landed on her smarting skin and began to caress.

  The touch felt exquisite. She wanted to arch her hips and press into his palm, but she didn’t dare. She didn’t want another slap. Ryan’s slaps had a serious bite.

  His hot breath landed on her skin as if his mouth was millimeters away from her. Next, came his mouth, kissing softly over each butt cheek.

  Exquisite. She held her breath, trying hard not to move. Her arms began to ache from their position on her back.

  He continued kissing and caressing her, moving his face down between her thighs. He nipped her with his teeth.

  Pleasure coursed through her from the combined bite of his teeth, coupled with his soft kisses. She wanted to writhe but stayed as still as she could. The lock of hair began to drive her crazy. She scrunched up her face.

  The tinkle of metal caught her ears, followed b
y the rasp of his zipper. A swoosh, like a belt, slipped free of his belt loops, followed.

  He’s not going to spank me with his belt, is he? She tensed.

  “Relax, Miss Ward,” he said.

  A flutter of cloth landed softly on the carpet. Ryan straddled her, letting his thick, hard erection land in the crack between her butt cheeks.

  She hissed in a breath, hoping breathing wasn’t cause for punishment.

  Something cool and supple trailed along her spine like he dragged his belt along her skin.

  She let out a moan.

  He thwacked her softly with his belt.

  She sucked in a breath.

  “Moaning counts as moving,” he said, increasing the intensity of the belt slaps.

  She imagined her skin all red from the slap. Closing her eyes, she held her breath and tried not to move.

  He scooted down and softly kissed her sore skin again. His erection dangled along her thigh.

  I want him inside of me. The intense want became unbearable.

  His hand landed on her inner thigh and caressed. Then, he slid two fingers up and down her silken folds. “You’re so wet, Miss Ward. Did I make you this wet?”

  This is a trick. If I answer, he’ll slap me again. She pressed her lips together.

  “Answer me, Miss Ward. The rules of the game are simple. I make a request, you comply. Got it?”

  “Yes,” she breathed.

  “So, are you wet for me?”

  “God, yes.” Her core ached for him to enter.

  He massaged her clit.

  She longed to wiggle into his touch, to get his fingers, anything, inside of her. But, in keeping with the rules, she stayed still, barely breathing.

  His fingers slid toward her core and slipped inside.

  Oh, God, she silently moaned, gritting her teeth together.

  He pumped his fingers in and out several times and then slipped them free, circling her clit again.

  Her arousal grew until she felt like she’d explode. “I want to come, Ryan. Please let me come.”

  Slap. Another stinging blow landed on her backside.

  She rolled her lips between her teeth.

  Next, he blew on her smarting skin and continued to stroke her engorged clit.

  She bit her lip to keep from orgasming. The sensation thrumming through her body was intense.

  Finally, when she didn’t think she could take it anymore, he said, “Release your hands and get on your hands and knees. I’m going to let you come.”

  She scrambled into position, arching her back for easy entrance.

  He fit the head of her cock at her entrance.

  She writhed, backing into him.

  With one, quick thrust, he was in. “Sweet Jesus, Marie. Touch yourself.” He gripped her hips with his strong hands.

  She reached between her legs and rubbed her swollen flesh.

  Ryan rocked wildly into her. His fingers dug into her skin.

  She came almost instantly, exploding around his cock in one mind-numbing orgasm. “Oh, Ryan,” she cried.

  “Marie. Here I come, baby.” He let out a lion’s roar of a groan and let loose inside of her, bucking wildly. Then, he stilled for a moment, holding her hips in place. “Jesus,” he breathed. He guided her onto her back and gazed into her eyes. “Well?” he said, his lips curving into a smile.

  “Well, what, Officer Conway? I can barely speak.” She fingered his warm arm.

  “I’ve thought a lot of things about this moment,” he said, stretching out beside her. “But I never thought I’d come so hard.”

  She laughed. “Me, neither. I’m going to like getting to know this new side of you. Who knew you’d be a beast in bed?”

  He stroked her messy hair. “I’ve fantasized about you a time or two,” he said. “Scoured the internet for ways to please you. I’ve got lots of ideas I’d like to try.”

  “That sounds fantastic. I’ve got ideas, too. But first,” she said, dreamily, her eyelids fluttering closed. “Let’s rest. Then I’ll be up for round two.” She tucked her head in the crook of his arm, caressing his warm, strong body and drifted into the best rest of her lifetime.

  Chapter 25

  Thursday morning – Marie

  After a delicious night of dirty sex and tender love-making, Marie woke up to the insistent tune of her mobile phone. “Where’s my mobile?” she mumbled, reaching her hand out to feel along the floor.

  “It’s right here,” Ryan said from the bathroom. “I was just picking up your clothes to take them to the laundry room, and it started shrieking. It’s your mum.” Wearing nothing but boxers, he flipped off the light and crossed to her side of the bed, handing her the phone.

  Barely conscious, she tapped the speaker icon and said, “Hello, Mum.”

  Ryan grabbed his shirt from the floor, and crawled next to her, stretching out on his side. He bunched the shirt up and placed it behind his head. Then, he started playing with her nipples.

  “Where have you been? I assumed you came home and went straight to bed,” her mum said. “When I knocked on your door, you didn’t answer. Your bed doesn’t look slept in at all.” Her voice sounded tightly controlled like she was one second short of launching into a tirade.

  “I’m not there. Case closed.” She shoved Ryan’s one pillow into a better position behind her head. She’d stolen it from him in the night. Then, she tapped on the speaker icon.

  “Where did you sleep?”

  Marie scrunched up her face. Then, she looked at Ryan, seeking support.

  He shook his head vigorously, then made a gesture of zipping up his lips. That new glint of mischief she’d discovered last night flashed in his eyes. He pushed back the covers, rolled onto his hands and knees and crawled between her legs.

  “Did I lose you Marie? Are you still there?” Mum said.

  “Still here, Mum.” All sorts of naughty sensations swirled in her belly, as Ryan spread her thighs apart with his palms.

  “No!” she mouthed, all the while her body screamed “yes!”

  “Are you going to tell me where you are? Or do I have to send out a search party?”

  Ryan’s tongue flicked her sensitive clit.

  She sucked in as quiet a breath as she could manage. “I’m an adult, Mum. I’m safe. That’s all you need to know.”

  “You sound like your brother. What’s going on?”

  The slow sweep of Ryan’s tongue lathing her pink folds sent a shudder up her spine. She sat up and tried to push him away.

  He let out a low rumble of a laugh.

  She frowned and tapped her lips with her forefinger, trying to get him to be quiet. Meanwhile, her body begged for more.

  “Are you with someone?” Mum said.

  “Good morning, Lassi,” Ryan said.

  Marie’s head fell back against the wall accompanied by a look of utter exasperation.

  “Ryan? Is that you?” Mum said.

  “In the flesh,” he said, inserting two fingers inside Marie.

  She whacked her head softly against the paneling. Everything about this moment felt wrong. I mean, talking to my mother of all people while Ryan is doing delicious things to me?

  As pleasurable sensation coursed through her, everything about this moment felt like a “give me more, please,” kind of right.

  Her mum said nothing.

  Marie’s belly began to squirm. “Did I lose you, Mum?”

  “We’re all convening over here at noon.” She spoke in that “and don’t you dare contradict me manner.”

  “We’re going to debrief all the grisly horror of the last couple of days. That’s the one thing that was missing when we went through this before. Your father and I feel it will give closure and offer some support to everyone.”

  Ryan’s fingers pushed in and out of her core. “We’ll be there, Lassi.”

  A snort, sounding a lot like a bull about to charge, escaped through the phone. “You and I are going to have a talk, Ryan.”

  �
��I look forward to it,” he said, smirking.

  “Bye, Mum. See you at noon,” Marie said. She disconnected the phone and tossed it on the floor.

  Ryan laughed. “Man, did it feel good to do that. I’ve heard enough about tentacle play over the years, I had to go there.”

  “You’re evil, Ryan Conway.”

  “More like wicked,” he said, getting down to business with his skilled tongue. “Now shush, woman, and let me have my way with you. We have hours before we have to head to your parents.”

  Marie spread her legs wide. How could she resist the love of her life?

  Chapter 26

  Thursday late morning – Paul

  Paul and Anne stood in the glass-enclosed shower stall at the hotel, wonderfully naked and sated from twenty-four hours of lovemaking, love-fucking and just plain fucking. His limbs felt languid as he soaped up her pretty body.

  She squirted some shower gel into her palm and lowered her hand between his legs. She massaged his cock and balls, and damn if he didn’t start to get hard again.

  His head fell back into the warm stream of water as a wave of pleasure cascaded through him. “Jesus, Anne.”

  Her skin was flushed from the water and the steam filling their snug enclosure. “Let’s leave him out of it. He and I are going to have words someday. But not today.” She pulled at his now rigid erection. “Speaking of today, what’s on the list of plans?” Her eyes sparkled with wicked intent. Droplets of water clung to the ends of her blonde hair, then, dripped, lazily streaming down her body.

  He leaned down to kiss her, seizing her nipples between his fingers. He massaged and tweaked them into hard rosettes.

  Anne moaned into his mouth.

  Easing back, he murmured into her lips. “After you’re done with my magic wand, we’ll head downstairs to get breakfast.”

  She chuckled. “So now it’s a magic wand? I thought you told me it was a weenus.”

  “It got an upgrade being with you. Now it’s a manly cock a.k.a. magic wand.” He grinned. “You’ve already changed me, Anne. For the better.” Water cascaded along his belly, washing the soap from his skin.