Insurmountable (Serpentine #1)

by Skye Callahan

  When we reached the Overlook, Ross immediately intercepted me, taking my hand and leading me to the table. “Lie face down along the center of the table,” he whispered into my ear. I lifted my knee to climb onto the table, but his hand on my shoulder stopped me.

  “Oh, I forgot something,” he said. Then a piece of lacy black fabric came over my eyes. “There we go.”

  Ross patted my ass and I felt my way onto and across the table. The nipple clamps and chains dug into my skin when I laid down. Then, a pair of hands positioned my arms straight down at my sides. I listened for movement, trying to anticipate what might come next, but nothing could have prepared me.

  Something hot dripped between my shoulder blades and I gasped. “Now, now,” Ross said. “Our candle holder should really learn to be still. Something pressed into my skin in the same place where the hot wax had dropped. Another drip lower on my back, then more pressure. A third just above my tailbone. Then, Ross pressed a candle between my thighs.

  All through dinner, I counted my breaths to take my mind off the hot wax dripping and puddling on my skin.

  I felt the fourth candle lifted from between my legs and hoped it was over, only to be shocked out of my hopeful place as new drops of wax fell along the backs of my legs, all the way down to my ankles.

  My concentration broke for an instant, but I reigned it back, continuing my count until the last plate was collected and all the candles were finally removed.

  But that wouldn’t be the end of it.

  “Roll over,” Ross ordered.

  I rolled, and the once hot spots on my back and legs pressed against the glass of the table.

  I felt a finger move across my stomach, slipping under the chain and pulling it up until it tugged painfully at my nipples and clit. More hands moved me, placing my palms up, and then a cool glass was set in each of my hands, followed by more glasses on the table up against the outside of my legs and one next to each shoulder.

  “New guy,” Ross said. “What’s your name again?”

  “Kirk.”

  “Ah, new guy, perhaps you’d like to remove the left nipple clamp.”

  The clamp jostled a bit and I tensed. I knew what was to follow would be simply excruciating.

  “Now, Alley,” Ross spoke again. “Be sure not to spill our drinks. If you do, you’ll owe a blow job to anyone who so much as loses a drop.”

  Fuck. Even though the blindfold still obscured most of my vision, I closed my eyes and prepared. The first clamp loosened and in an instant, blood rushed back to my nipple.

  I gritted my teeth and screamed, but didn’t move an inch. Another pair of hands immediately loosened the second nipple clamp. I couldn’t stop the tremor that swept through me, but I managed to contain it enough that I didn’t feel a drop of liquid on the table.

  One final clamp, and I knew Ross would do the honors. Fingers probed between my legs. One twist to the clamp. Pause. Another twist. Pause. One final twist and the clamp was free. I pressed my hips into the table.

  Do not move.

  My eyes rolled back in my head for a second as I fought through the pain. Once again successful not to spill a drop. I’d overcome the challenge, but that hadn’t been Ross’s plan.

  After everyone removed their drinks, he grabbed my ankle and pulled me to his end of the table until my ass sat on the very edge. He jerked off the blindfold and leaned over my face. “Impressive. No wonder Miles was so quick to snap you up.”

  I didn’t respond, knowing it would only egg him on.

  Ross lifted his glass to his lips, then paused, held out the red liquid and lowered it above my face. “Open up, Alley.”

  I obeyed, and he poured the bitter liquid into my mouth. “Don’t miss a drop,” he hissed continuing to pour.

  My mouth filled quickly and I had to choke down the liquid that just kept coming. Once his glass was empty, he reached for a wine bottle.

  I wanted to shake my head. I wanted to look to Miles for help. But I didn’t dare take my eyes off of Ross or disobey him.

  He tilted the bottle, pouring the stream once again straight into my mouth. I tried desperately to balance swallowing and breathing as the continuous stream of musty liquid fell against my tongue.

  “Enough,” Miles said, shaking the table with his objection. “You know her body won’t be able to handle so much alcohol so fast.”

  Ross growled and slammed the bottle against the table. “Remember your place.”

  “I’ll never forget,” Miles growled back.

  I was helplessly caught between two posturing men.

  Ross leaned over me again. “I think your Master needs a drink.”

  He filled my mouth with wine, then nodded toward Miles. I rolled to my hands and knees and crawled across the table. When I reached Miles, I placed my mouth over his, allowing the liquid to pass to him. He took it all, and licked a drip from my bottom lip, then pulled me into his lap where Ross couldn’t get to me again.

  But Ross had already done his damage, and as the alcohol rushed my system, I fought to keep my eyes open.

  The next thing I knew we were back in Miles apartment on the floor of his bathroom, while I puked so violently that I saw spots before my eyes. Miles pressed a cold rag to the back of my neck, but my anxiety rose with every wave of nausea.

  Finally, I got a break and pressed my cheek against the cold tile wall.

  “I need to run upstairs,” Miles said. “I’ll be just a few minutes.”

  I couldn’t imagine what might be so important, but then, I was also too weak to argue.

  Changed By You

  Miles

  After I raided the infirmary, I returned to Alley in the bathroom. She hadn’t moved much from where I’d left her, so I hoped the worst of the vomiting was over.

  “I’m not the greatest at this,” I said taking her left arm and looking for a good vein. Luckily, she had a large one near the surface. I tied a tourniquet around her arm, wiped it with alcohol and prepared the needle.

  “What are you doing?” she moaned.

  “You need fluids.” I pressed the needle into her skin, hoping for a flash of red to show I’d hit the vein. Slowly, I pushed forward. Come on. Come on. Then finally blood appeared, and I released the tourniquet and pulled the needle free of the tiny line. When the IV was set, I pushed through a syringe of saline and taped it in place.

  “It burns,” Alley said.

  I kissed her forehead and attached the first bag of liquids. “It’ll be much better than dehydration.”

  Squeezing the bag, I forced the initial fluids into her body. Then, I scooped her up and carried her to the bedroom, jerry-rigging the bag to the headboard to keep the saline flowing.

  When she finally fell asleep, she tossed and turned every few minutes moaning and grunting. I wished for something I could do to ease her misery, but we both had no choice but to wait it out.

  At nine o’clock, my phone rang, showing Kirk’s name on the screen. He’d helped me get Alley back to my apartment without incident after Ross had finished his show.

  I snuck away from the bed, to avoid waking Alley and accepted the call.

  “I’m in,” Kirk said.

  I scoffed. “I figured we’d scared you off last night.”

  “Close.” He exhaled. “You need help. I’ll do it.”

  My shoulders finally relaxed and I rubbed my hand over my mouth. “Good. There’s a furnished apartment ready for you here. I need someone who’s readily available.”

  “Today?” he asked.

  “Today. Can you do me one favor on your way over here? I’m in need of chocolate cake.”

  “Chocolate cake, huh? How’s Alley doing?”

  “She could be better or much worse. I’ve been pushing fluids through an IV, and she’s sleeping it off.” I peeked into the bedroom again. “She informed me a couple of weeks ago that chocolate fixes everything, so….” I trailed off, not knowing where to go next. Or if I needed to justify my request to him.


  Considering the state he’d seen us both in the previous night, I doubted there was much left for me to hide. If I hadn’t had Alley to take care of, I might have ripped Ross’s head off then and there.

  “Got it,” he said. “I’ll be there soon.”

  “Then, I’ll make the necessary arrangements.” I let out a long breath after I disconnected the call. For once, I had a good feeling. A confidence that Kirk would help me continue the changes I wanted to make, help me crackdown on the team, and most importantly, protect the girls.

  Protect Alley.

  Alley

  By the time I woke up, it was nearly noon. My head felt heavier than a concrete truck, and my tongue had taken on the texture of a felt blanket at some point in the night. Miles had already removed the IV, so I rolled out of bed, and stumbled to the living room, hoping to find him.

  “Morning, beautiful,” he said.

  I knew he was wrong. And yet, I knew he meant it. I had finally realized that he’d never said anything he didn’t mean. I collapsed on the couch next to him and curled up against his side.

  “Hungry?” he asked.

  I moaned. Even the thought of food made me sick. “Not really.”

  “What if I have chocolate cake to offer?”

  I sat up so I could see his face. “Are you serious?”

  “And ice cream.” He winked. “Chocolate fixes everything, right?”

  How’d I get here? Even though I’d lived it, I couldn’t process the fact that I’d gone from rock bottom to this. “I’m not sure it fixes a hangover, but I’m willing to give it a try.”

  Maybe I didn’t have everything I wanted. Maybe I’d never have my life back, my freedom, but I had Miles. Two mismatched people in a far from perfect world.

  Some people would never understand.

  They’d never see my life as anything except a disgrace, but the magic of it all—the only magic I needed—was that he saw me as more. More than a slave. More than sex. In our quiet moments alone, we had each other. No matter what the rest of the Retreat threw at us, I had his one promise…

  No sandy beaches, white gowns, or happily ever after’s. But I’ll give you my bed and my protection, and I’ll try my damnedest to make you forget everything else.

  First off, I’d like to thank you, the reader, because without you I could sit and write all day long, but I would have no one to share my dreams with!

  I couldn’t make it through everything without the support of my husband, Sir Callahan. He has never questioned my love of writing and even when I drive him to the brink of insanity, he does everything he can to keep me motivated and working. And of course, Sassy, our hard-headed, loud-mouthed, and loveable cat who keeps us both entertained and sane.

  I have been fortunate to have no shortage of friends and family who have encouraged me to become a writer. Many thanks to…

  My family: Mamaw, Papaw, Mom, Dad, Amanda, all of my sisters, brother, nieces and nephews for encouraging my insanity and giving me wonderful inspiration to work with.

  My former neighbors and their cats: Gordon, Cat Cow, and Baby Cat for understanding why I’m always sitting in my backyard and staring off into space with what I sometimes expect appears to be murderous looks on my face (and for sometimes leaving me half-eaten birds that I suspect are intended as between scene snacks).

  Pepper Winters, my late night writing partner and best friend. She keeps me working at a pace I never thought was possible, but even more than that I’m honored to call her my friend. Our sticker wars and chats prove every day that I always have someone who understands me like no one else—even if she does live on the opposite side of the world.

  Krissy V was one of the first people I spoke to after setting up my author page. She was one of my first betas, and I’m so proud that she has also followed her passion for writing. She’s a wonderful person, and another of my international friends that I’m looking forward to meeting one day.

  Diane knew me long before my debut novel and was also one of the first to help me improve my writing and storytelling before pressing publish that first time. She’s a supportive blogger, friend, and fellow writer and I hope that she continues to follow her dreams as well.

  Sheila, another fantastic person, beta reader, and author who I would never have met if I hadn’t followed my dreams. Her words of encouragement from the very beginning have meant the world to me.

  Sasha has been a wonderful friend and huge help to me as I’ve continued to grow. She always has words of encouragement and is willing to lend a hand when I get buried under my never-ending to do list. I’m also thrilled to add her to my list of trusted betas, and she provided some amazing suggestions to improve the story.

  Vicki is also always around with her trained eye to help make sure that I’m not writing myself around in circles, and I really appreciate all of her help and feedback.

  Lyra Parish, Rachel Brooks, Chelle Bliss, and Gemma James, my fellow authors and good friends who are always around if I need my ass kicked or a word of advice. As well as Silla Webb, and all of the authors in Authors Having Each Other’s Backs. It’s an honor to be a part of such a supportive and wonderful community.

  Verna, Becky, Cassia, Drue, Summer, Philomena, Michelle, Allison, Shayna, Alissa, Tiffany, Shanean, Di—I’m sure I’m forgetting names, and I feel horrible because I could go on and on. But I want to thank every single book blogger who puts so much time into reading, reviewing, and promoting our hard work. These ladies deserve their own holiday! An extra thanks to the ladies—Becky and Amber who have helped me with my reading group, now known as Skye’s Darklings. And to Nicole who I recently met, but she has already been a huge help in getting folks motivated, events scheduled, and keeping me in tune with the promo that needs to be done to help these books sell.

  Amber Vaughn deserves a book to herself. She’s an amazing blogger, pimper, and all around beautiful person. She saves my ass with every release and corrects my hillbilly grammar when necessary.

  Every one of my fans, readers, and Darklings. You make this job incredible.

  I wish I could include the names of all the people who have helped me along the way, but that would be an entire book in itself, and then all of you would get bored and annoyed that my acknowledgements are longer than the story.

  That doesn’t mean I love any of you any less! Thank you for your support!

  Skye Callahan is the bestselling author of Irrevocable a dark romance that ran away with her emotions and led her on a whole new writing journey. She enjoys exploring the darker sides of life through her fiction, whether through paranormal creatures or the depraved underbelly of human nature. Her other works include the follow up to Irrevocable, Bend Don’t Break, The Redline Series, The Fractured Legacy Series, and Bound and Unbroken.

  Her love of reading and writing started at a young age and she has been blessed with a family that continues to support her dreams to be a full-time writer. She has lived in Ohio all of her life, where she enjoys taking long walks through cemeteries with her husband, looking for signs of Bigfoot (when the insane Ohio weather permits), studying local history, and hanging out with her nieces and nephews.

  I’d love to hear from you!

  http://skyecallahan.com

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  Continue reading for information on some of Skye’s other books, including brief sneak peeks!

  Find all books and purchase links at:

  http://skyecallahan.com/books/

  Irrevocable

  Dark Romantic Suspense

  Irrevocable, Book 1

  Release date: May 4, 2015

  Purchase now

  Sometimes when you can’t go back, the only way out is to descend into the darkness.

  my Captor

  When I woke in that place, I just wanted to survive. But survival came at a cost, for which they demanded my will and b
ody.

  my Master

  With pain came acceptance. Fully-dependent on the man who claimed me, I learned to appreciate what I had-life and relative safety.

  my Protector

  I watched him spill blood and tend my injuries. With betrayal came a revelation.

  The only way out was to bring them all down or die trying.

  “You HAVE to read this book…. I just cannot emphasisejust how much I love this book!”★★★★★ Alicia, Mean Girls Luv Books

  “Not only did Irrevocable gut me, it took me on a roller coaster ride full of emotions that I usually don’t experience while reading romances….”★★★★★ Shayna Renee’s Spicy Reads TOP PICK of 2014!

  “Finallya good DARK read, that has it ALL!!”★★★★★ Shelby, Wicked Reads

  “A must read for all who dare to step out of the light and into the darkness!”★★★★★ Summer’s Book Blog

  Chapter 1: Stolen

  Through the haze of sleep, I felt hands on me. Cold and rough. I thought for a fleeting moment that it might have been Kyle.

  Then, I remembered our break up.

  It had happened weeks ago, but maybe that part was the dream. My memory was fucked and I couldn’t latch onto a thought long enough to ride it out of the fog.

  “Did you make a decision?” Kyle asked.

  I rolled over and pulled the comforter up to my neck. I had decided that I didn’t want to make a decision—mostly that I didn’t appreciate him trying to force me into a decision when I had told him time after time that I didn’t want him moving into my apartment even after six months together.

  “You can barely afford the place anyway since your sister moved out. I don’t get why it’s such a big deal unless you don’t want to be together.”