But before he takes his seat, he turns and pins me with a very icy glare and stares Damon down with furious intent. Damon is aiming a proud, full grin right at Hawk. It looks oddly out of place and borderline mean.
What’s going on? The tension between these two makes the hair on my arms stand up and I quickly tug Damon out the door.
As we step out into the snow I ask Damon, “Do you know them?”
“Yeah, that’s Benoit’s younger brother Hawk and his girlfriend, Cara. It’s a very long story. Want me to tell you back at the lodge?”
He looks hopeful and I hate to disappoint him, but I can’t.
“Actually I’m booked with computer work for the rest of the day, but maybe another time?”
“How about Sushi Koi with me tonight? Their Salmon Rolls are outstanding.”
I hesitate. “Let’s get in the car.”
He appears mildly annoyed as he opens my door and walks around to get in.
After he settles into his seat and starts the engine, I begin, “Damon, I’m not trying to play games or anything but I’m committed to have dinner with Luke tonight.”
He looks like he is about to pop a vein in his head, he’s that angry. I can actually see it throbbing along his temple with each heartbeat.
“Fine, tomorrow night then, you’re mine. I’ll come for you at seven.”
I simply nod, knowing that is enough of an answer for him. He grabs my hand and holds it on his thigh, his palm possessively covering my small fingers. Maybe it’s my newfound desire to be dominated, but I find the gesture irresistibly sexy.
He seems distracted on the way back, but by the time we reach the lobby we’re both having a hard time keeping our lips off of each other.
With a groan he says, “God Violet, I want you bad. Please think before you do anything with him tonight, all right? I want this to happen between us, sweetheart. Just give me a chance and you won’t be disappointed.”
I stroke his cheek softly and smile. “Damon, please don’t stress out. Thank you for a nice lunch. I’ll see you tomorrow, okay?”
He reluctantly lets my hand slip from his as I wander down the hallway to my room.
How in the world did this happen?
I need to choose one and end this chaos. Damon is the most refined, sexy and intellectual man I have ever met and I know we would be a good match. However, it’s Luke’s strong-willed spirit that drives me wild and I want him with a tangible passion.
Chapter Eight
Fury
As I start to get ready for my date with Luke, I know that I’m in trouble. Big time. Perhaps there’s still a small chance that he has no clue about my lunch date, but that’s wishful thinking.
I bet he knows …
As the headlights pull up the dark drive I’m hesitant to step out of the warmth and absolute safety of the lodge.
He must know, damn small town!
Briefly having second thoughts, I turn back and see Janelle waving brightly. “Have fun tonight!” I offer a polite wave as I take a steady breath and push the door open, exiting into the snowy night.
Time to face the music. Darn, I can’t see him because his truck sits up so high. I want some indication of his mood before I get in, but no such luck.
The passenger door is swung open from the inside and I step up onto the rail with a cheery, “Hi there,” that abruptly shuts down in my throat after one look at Luke.
He’s gripping the steering wheel hard enough to bend the thing. Kings of Leon’s “Sex on Fire” pounds furiously in the cab of his truck, the singer’s gravelly accusations making me feel even more impossibly guilty. Luke stares straight ahead and the look on his face is pure, undiluted fury.
Yep, Hawk told him.
“Okay … well, I see that this is not a good night for you …”
A menacing voice slowly grates out, “Close the fucking door. You’re not going anywhere, baby.”
Oh no, throw him attitude.
“Excuse me? You’re the one all pissed off at me as I sit here and wonder what could have caused it, so no, Luke I will not spend an evening with you like this.” I know full well what caused it, but I want to hear him say it instead of sitting there sulking.
He takes a deep breath and swivels to level me with a livid stare, his back rigid and neck veins straining. He turns and lays it on me in a thick, controlled voice. “Do you have any idea how upset I am with you right now because of your colossally bad decision? Are you untrustworthy, Violet? Because I have zero time to waste with women who play games.”
I must look nervous because he continues, “Yeah, Hawk texted me from the restaurant. I missed you and that dickhead at the lodge by ten minutes this afternoon. Looking back it’s probably a good thing too.”
“What? You came to check up on me?” I ask, outraged.
He leans closer and lowers his voice to a deep growl. “Yeah, I did, seeing as you attract trouble like a fucking magnet!”
I jerk back in frightened surprise.
“Now you have two choices, get out of my truck and you’ll never be bothered with seeing me again, or put your seat belt on and take your punishment for disobeying me ... AGAIN ... like a bad little girl. You are gonna learn to behave for me. What’s it going to be tonight, angel?”
I clasp my shaking hands in my lap and think for a very long time. I’m still not convinced that I could truly be a submissive, but this man makes me feel emotions that have such depth and complexity … I just can’t give him up.
Heavy seconds tick slowly by.
Then, without turning to him, I slowly say one word. “Drive.”
* * *
“Strip.”
He says it in such a detached voice that it leaves me feeling anxious, yet I obey his command without hesitation.
Too bad I can’t tease him a bit with my red lace bra and panty set. Maybe that would help me gain back a little ground with this guy.
Once I’m naked he moves behind me and without a word cuffs both of my wrists together at the base of my back.
Oh shit! I’m in for it tonight.
“What’s your safe word, Violet?”
“It’s ‘Freeze.’ ”
“Good, and you better not use it tonight unless the pain is unbearable. Got it?”
“Yes, I understand.”
“There are countless ways to punish a naughty sub, from one extreme to the other. Fortunately I had all this afternoon to come up with the punishment I know you’ll dislike the most.”
Oh no, please don’t let him hurt me too badly.
I blurt out, “I’m really sorry Luke.”
“You will not speak unless I ask you a question. And you will be sorry, angel, I promise you that.”
I can’t help it and let out a whimper of fear.
“Step up. All right, now the other leg. This is a butterfly vibrator with a harness attached to keep it right against your pretty clit. Being the nice Dom I am the remote is right here in my jeans pocket. You’re going to stand still and face the kitchen while I cook us dinner. You are not allowed to move or speak, aside from your safe word. And baby, don’t you even think about cumming.”
Heaven help me.
As he strolls away I see him slip his hand into the pocket of his jeans and the evil little device begins its delicious vibrations. It feels like a thousand tongues swiftly lapping at my clit. I nearly sway forward, my knees weak from the impact. It must be on the high setting as every nerve down there is simultaneously begging for release.
I can feel my pussy swell and become immediately wet, and the only thought banging repeatedly through my skull is the desire for Luke’s cock to be buried deep within me. I bite down hard on my lip to suppress a groan when abruptly the vibrator turns off.
Panting desperately, I quickly try to gather myself and figure out what his ultimate goal is with this so-called “punishment,” other than to make me beg him to fuck me senseless. I watch him step onto the deck off the kitchen to tend to the grill.
<
br /> Well two can play at this game. I’ll show him and hold out all night long, baby.
“Steaks are on.”
Oooooh, as well as the vibrator again.
I grit my teeth as he approaches me. Lord, he is so fucking hot that I just want him to take me from behind like an animal right here on the floor.
Get it together, Violet. Think about physics. Yeah, that will buy me a few minutes.
It shuts off suddenly as he strides toward me.
“Enjoying your little toy, baby?” he whispers huskily against my ear.
“What do you think?”
Uh oh.
Warm dark eyes suddenly turn arctic with their severity.
“That is not an acceptable answer.”
He tugs his thick, weathered brown belt open and slides it off the loops of his waistline in a hefty jerk.
Oh Lordy, girl, you’re in for it now.
“Told you already, angel. You’re gonna learn.” As he steps behind me the vibrator suddenly buzzes to life. “Spread your legs wide and lean forward.”
I do as I’m told and lean onto the back of the large leather chair. Suddenly I feel his doubled belt crack onto my ass in a flare of heat and pain. I can’t help but moan in distress.
The stimulation on my clit is taking over as the blows fall harsh and repeatedly until the pain and heat morph into an overwhelming ache for him to take me and fuck me brutally. That’s my sole desire as I vaguely hear the leather slap hard against the wooden floor.
“Stand up,” he says with a low, strained groan.
I comply immediately and as I scan the length of his gorgeous body I’m aware of his impressive erection straining to be released. Undoubtedly it has enjoyed the show. Sweat is beading on his brow when he says, “Now, I’m a patient man, so I’ll ask again. Are. You. Enjoying. Your. Toy?”
With effort I try to keep my voice steady as I whimper, “Yes, yes, Master I am.”
“Very nice.”
He runs the back of his hand lightly across my cheek and his voice sounds soft as he says, “So unbelievably beautiful, baby.”
Then he turns and heads back into the kitchen while I’m left in painful “need-to-come” limbo. Sweat starts running down my forehead as I strain against the urge.
The vibrator stops again.
“Come, eat now, angel.”
I cross over to the dining area and see that he has a lovely meal set out for us, complete with a fine Argentinian Malbec accompanied by delicious looking filets, large stalks of asparagus and twice baked potatoes. Tapered candles in tall, silver holders cast a low glow over the table.
Hmm, such a romantic …
As he assists me in sitting, I almost giggle at the thought of this being my first time dining naked. Also I realize that it’s the very first time a man has prepared a meal for me. I feel a soft tug at my heart.
“You’ll remain cuffed during the meal. I’ll feed you.”
“All right.”
As soon as the word dies on my lips a dark set of eyes bore into mine. I quickly correct myself. “Thank you, Master, that would be lovely.”
He gently holds the glass to my lips and the wine is heavenly. The only thing better is his steak. I remain silent because I know that I’m still being punished.
Nooooo! My clit floods with heat once more as the sinister little butterfly fires up again. My gaze pleads with him and he grins in amusement as he neatly cuts my steak into small pieces.
“Enjoying your meal, baby?”
Bastard.
I nearly wail as the cushion of the chair pushes the vibrator deeper against both my pussy and my clit. I begin to shift restlessly back and forth to avoid the orgasm that’s threatening to unleash on me.
“Yes, Master, it’s lovely.” I can’t suppress a distressed whimper. All my nerves are on fire now. He shuts it off and I’m left panting.
Evil, naughty man.
Luke gives me another sip of wine and then says in a smooth, controlled voice, “What you did today was unacceptable. I’m not sure what you were trying to prove, but game over, angel. You’re about to be claimed by me and you will act accordingly from now on. You’re mine, and I don’t share. Ever. Understand?”
My eyes flare. So this is definitely moving to the next level. I want nothing more in this moment than to give in to him, but the rational, scientific part of me knows that it would be difficult for us to make this work long-term. While I know in my heart this is true, I’m going to be here for three months and would rather spend that time with Luke instead of without him.
“I understand Master.”
His eyes glow with approval.
“Come with me,” he rumbles as he assists me from the chair. “Let’s get to know each other better in the tub, baby.”
* * *
As I lean back onto his thick chest I realize that I’m completely at ease with this warrior of a man. I think it’s his brutal honesty and black and white personality that assures me I have nothing to fear from him. Well … unless I’m a naughty girl, that is.
Lounging in the bubbles and hot water, I feel all of the earlier tension of the day slide away. His arms are wrapped around me in a warm bear hug and his chin rests on top of my head. Lulled into a calm stupor, I can’t resist saying, “Not to crush the mood, but how do you know Damon?”
He shifts his large frame behind me, clearly uncomfortable with the subject.
“That douche and I played hockey together for many years.”
“Okay ... and aren’t hockey players normally buddies?”
“Yeah, they are, except he was always a loner off the ice. There’s something not right about him. Look, I don’t usually talk about this but I’m going to tell you anyway for your own good, understood?”
“I’d like to hear it,” I say, wrapping my hands atop his much larger ones.
“About thirteen years ago I came out of a night practice at the rink and heard yelling coming from a car in the parking lot. I could tell one of the voices was a woman’s so I jogged over and saw that it was coming from Damon’s car. He was full on shouting and hitting Cassie Richards, Cara’s older sister. I could see that she was bleeding and was trying in vain to defend herself. Right before I got to the car to yank the asshole out, he saw me, locked the doors and sped away.”
I turn around in the mass of bubbles and meet his solemn eyes. “Oh my God Luke, that’s horrible.”
“Yeah,” he says, chewing his bottom lip thoughtfully. “Only I wish that was the worst part. It was the last time Cassie Richards was ever seen.”
“Say again?”
“She disappeared. She was only nineteen and Cara was just seven at the time. I went to the cops and told them what I’d seen. They questioned Damon for weeks but without a body their hands were tied. Also, Cassie had issues with her folks and made it known to anyone that she was saving to head for San Francisco. After months passed, people just assumed she took off.”
“Wait, didn’t you confront Damon?”
“Fuck yeah; I beat him to within an inch of his life. If he was innocent he would have pressed charges against me, yeah? Instead, he ran off to some Ivy League college on the east coast to become a doctor.”
I take a minute to process this. “I understand the contempt you have for him now.”
“Listen, angel, promise me now that you’ll stay away from him. That’s the reason I got in his face at The Buck Bar. He’s twisted as fuck and I don’t want him within ten feet of you, got it?”
“Well, I’m staying at his relatives place, but I’ll do my best to avoid him.”
I feel his warm, slick hand glide down my stomach and lightly sweep across my pussy. In a thick male voice he murmurs gently into my ear, “Is my baby going to be a good girl so I can let her come for me?”
Oh am I ever.
“Mmm, yes.”
“Yes?”
“Yes, Master,” I whisper.
“Up you go.” I’m pulled out of the tub by arms the size of t
hick tree limbs and carried to his big bed. He undoes the clip holding my hair up and fans it out carefully on the crisp white sheets. Positioned nude above me, he watches my eyes with such unabashed passion, I swear he can read my secrets.
“You’re one of a kind Violet, you know that? You are without a doubt the most breathtaking woman I have ever laid eyes on.”
Pleasure sweeps through me from his compliment. “Thank you. I’m glad that I please you, Master.”
“I see my little angel wants to play.” In his deep Dom voice he commands, “You will behave from now on girl, understand?”
My pulse kicks into overdrive at the tone of his voice. It is enough to command complete surrender from me.
“Yes, of course, Master.”
“Up on your knees, facing me.”
I immediately scramble to comply and once again I’m stunned to see our difference in size this close up. Luke is a wall of tanned muscle and chiseled features. He’s utterly magnificent.
“I like that wide-eyed look, baby,” he says. “Now tell me your safe word.”
“Freeze, Master.”
“Good girl.”
Here we go, lucky me.
As I smile he licks his thumb and firmly begins to swirl it against my swollen clit. I was already aroused from our bath together and now my body once again has a mind of its own.
I sway toward him and he immediately pulls away and stares at me with a deep frown.
“I see that I’m going to have to train you to behave for me, you bad little girl.”
Oh yeah, that’s so hot.
I really don’t mind what he does so long as he keeps up the dirty play.
He climbs off the bed and returns within moments carrying the naughty black chest. My inner sex kitten purrs in pleasure.
“No blindfold for you this time. You’ve earned the flogger tonight for being such a demanding little slave. I see that I’m going to have to teach you some manners, angel, and I want you to watch me as I punish you.”
My eyes pop wide open in disbelief as he pulls out an intimidating black braided leather-handled flogger with possibly a hundred suede foot-length strips hanging off it. I find myself frozen in both terror and bewilderment as I’m left to wonder how that is supposed to bring pleasure.
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