by Asha Daniels
Exhaling, he walked inside.
She remained where she was, pushing off from the deck and swinging, her mind unable to process the information. As she sat quietly, kicking out her feet, she opened her heart, if not her soul. For whatever reason he’d been forced to kill Stacy, the deed had nearly destroyed him. No. He wasn’t going to get off this easily.
Jumping off the swing, she walked inside, finding him in the kitchen, a glass in his hand. The bottle of whiskey on the counter glistened in the light. “Is this a pity party of one or can I have a drink?”
He snorted. “Don’t you want to get far away from me?”
“I suppose I’ll have to, given your statement, but not yet. We are trapped here together. Can I have a glass?”
Cutter gave her a quizzical look before grabbing a second glass from the cabinet. “Suit yourself. I don’t see you as a whiskey drinker.”
“There’s a lot you don’t know about me.”
“Touché.”
She poured a small amount then laughed, pouring more. Swirling the liquid, she took a gulp, almost choking. Her eyes watering, she swallowed and could detect a hint of amusement. “Don’t you dare laugh at me. I’ve been threatened, shot at and I’m here with some CIA operative. I think I deserve a hard drink. Don’t you?”
Cutter nodded, a slight smile crossing his face. “Aren’t you afraid of me?”
“Why should I be afraid of you? You were doing your job. Falling in love isn’t something that you plan for. I might be young, but I’ve been around that block a time or two. At least I thought I had.”
“Johnny?”
“Oh, hell no. The man is a complete asshole. I’m glad I’m rid of him. There was a boy a long time ago I thought I cared about. He didn’t care about me. End of story.” She took another gulp, able to down the entire amount without gagging. “What happened, Cutter? You trusted me enough to let your guard down. Trust me enough again to finish the story. Then I’ll know whether to stay away from you.”
He seemed angry at her statement, his eyes clouding, his face pinching. “I found evidence that she was directly connected to the people who killed her husband. I confronted her with what I’d found. She laughed. She called me a little boy, a useless disgusting nuisance. We argued, and I made certain she knew that I would destroy her. She had her guards take me to try and lock me up. I escaped and after alerting my Director, I went against orders, determined to close the assignment. I hadn’t planned on killing her. I was simply going to arrest her and allow the government to take care of the processing. I was convinced I no longer cared, that she hadn’t destroyed my life. I was wrong.”
Cutter poured another hefty amount and held the glass in front of his face. “She knew everything about me, enough to twist the situation around. Including breaking down. I was such a fool. The moment I dropped my gun, she attempted to kill me. And so, I reacted, following my intensive training. I reacted first.”
There was such pain in the man’s eyes, a level of torture caused by Stacy’s betrayal. He’d harbored guilt and sadness for four years. “The CIA didn’t back you?”
“I was considered a rogue agent and was dismissed. Of course, the powers that be knew what I’d done. There was no way I could hide what I’d become, a traitor. I went into a very dark place for almost a year. Jeff brought me back. He was the only man who knew the entire story and he didn’t judge me. I owe him everything.”
She inched closer, daring to reach out and touch his hand. While he flinched, he didn’t run away. “What you had to endure is terrible, but as a wise man told me, your experiences might alter your future, but it’s what you make of the rest of your life that matters. I think you need to listen to those very exacting words.”
Cutter finally looked her in the eyes, his filled with an intense hardness. “I’m afraid I won’t be able to protect you. I allowed myself to care about you, which was ridiculous. I’m terrified that I’ll freeze if a situation occurs. I can’t allow that to happen. I… I care about you too much.”
Wrapping her hand around his arm, she closed the distance. “Then you won’t. You aren’t the same man and I’m not Stacy. And I love you, Cutter. I know it in my heart. Don’t judge my needs or the woman I am.”
“I can’t judge anyone. You have to know that.”
“What happened to you is terrible and I have no idea how you survived, but you did. I’m not going to betray you. I’m going to love you. That is if you’ll allow me. And this darkness you talk about. I know the man inside. I’ve seen that part of you. I know what you’re made of and I’m not afraid of finding out more, experiencing life with you, submission. Pain. Pleasure. I want to submit. I want to obey. That’s what I crave more than anything. You awakened the woman inside. Can’t you understand how special our connection is?”
The tortured look remained as he fisted his mouth, groaning, his body tensing, but he managed to give her a nod. “I understand more than you know.”
Her eyes had difficulty focusing and she counted as the seconds ticked by, terrified that he’d shove himself back in a padlocked box. “Cutter.”
“Come here. Close. I need you.” Taking both of their glasses, he eased them down onto the counter then dragged her into the heat of his body. “My disobedient and beautiful woman. What am I going to do with you?”
“I think I heard you were going to give me a spanking.”
“You need much more than a hard spanking. Fuck. I’m a fool, but I refuse to let you go. First things first.” Cupping both sides of her face, he lowered his head, breathing across her mouth. Darting out his tongue, he dragged the tip across the seam of her lips. He hesitated, his breath sounds ragged. Growling, he crushed his mouth over hers.
The kiss was different from before, more passionate, a raw need that filtered through the current, creating a wild fire of need. Moaning, she threw her arms around his neck and as their tongues entwined, she undulated, creating a wave of friction. The tension was gone. The love they could share, and nothing was going to come between them again.
And she would use the knife on anyone who attempted to take away their happiness.
Chapter 9
Cutter was alive, electrified by the woman in his arms. He’d spent the last few years shoving aside any feelings, no matter how raw or hungry he’d become. He was a killing machine. He’d destroyed lives, villages in his attempt to follow orders. Now, this moment, this explosive time shared together was fragile, unhinged. He drank in Jasmine’s essence, feasting on her mouth, the kiss wild and passionate, yet filled with the kind of desperate need he feared would shove her away.
But she didn’t run.
The weight of her arms around his neck was soothing and he sucked on her tongue as his hands roamed her back, rubbing up and down, his fingers relishing the feel of her slender back. Cradling her ass, he lifted her into his arms, holding her aloft as the intense longing continued. His cock was aching, pushing in an agonizing fashion against his jeans. He understood the danger, knew that any incompetence could cost her life, but it was the chance he was willing, almost eager to take. She belonged to him. No man would rip her away from his arms. When he broke the kiss, he cupped her chin, his thumb digging into the skin under her jaw.
Moaning, Jasmine tipped back her head, clenching her eyes shut as he lowered his head, licking and nipping her skin. She clung to him, her hands clenching around his jacket, her legs wrapped around his thighs.
He wanted nothing more than to rip away her clothes, savor every inch of her naked body. She was so hot in his hands, so alive and the current ran thick, creating a haze around his eyes. Driven by need, he headed for the stairs then exhaled, easing her down to her feet. “Go to my bedroom. I’ll be right there.”
“But…”
Swatting her on the ass, he shook his head. “No buts. Safety. You are mine to protect. Never forget it.” Rubbing his thumb across her lips, he allowed the pressure to increase.
Her eyes were penetrating, the usual sparkl
e replaced with a vibrant lust. She wrapped her hand around his wrist and pursed her lips, pulling his thumb into her mouth. As she sucked, the sounds exaggerated, she rocked her head from side to side.
The touch, the action was so intimate, so damn inviting that he was forced to swallow. “What you do to me.”
Moaning in response, she brushed the back of her other hand across his cheek, slowly. Deliberately. Her actions were nothing more than a blatant invitation, a woman sharing her need.
Cutter took a purposeful step back, breaking the connection. “Go. Now.”
Biting her lower lip, she lowered her head. Possibly in reverence. Possibly out of hunger.
He watched as she backed up toward the stairs then smiled before gripping the railing, her hand running along the smooth surface as she headed into the shadows. A quiver skipped down his legs. What they experienced tonight would be different, special.
She would succumb to him once and for all. And possibly forever.
Exhaling, he ran his hands through his hair then took long strides, heading for the front door. He moved out onto the porch, scanning the perimeter, searching for any sign that their safety had been breached. There was no indication of a visitor, but the wind had kicked up yet again, creating a swirling noise in the trees. His instincts were on high alert. Closing and locking the door, he made certain the back was secured then took off his jacket, leaving it over the back of the couch.
He stood on the bottom of the stairs, contemplating one last time a decision that would push away the past. Dear God, he prayed that it would. This was the single woman who could break the wretched cycle. His heart at ease, he walked up the stairs.
When he entered the room, he was taken aback and stood in the doorway, his eyes roaming the prize in front of him. Jasmine was on the bed, completely naked and on her knees, her arms in front, her face against the comforter. She was offering her body and soul.
He wanted nothing more than to please her, to give her the kind of passion few understood and fewer still could ever have. He pulled off his boots, setting them beside the door then pulled the gun from his waist, easing the pistol onto the dresser, pushing the gun out of her line of sight. He could react at a moment’s notice, protecting her. Protecting them both.
Moving toward the bed, he ran the tip of his index finger down her spine, holding his breath as she moaned. He created circles and zigzags on the small of her back, the touch enigmatic. She was his prize. She was his submissive. The thought was daunting.
“Beautiful.” The single word was little more than a whisper, yet she heard, her breath sounds full of ecstasy. He crouched down at the end of the bed, using a single finger to lift her head then guiding her to a kneeling position. “Remove my belt.”
“Yes, sir.” Giving a single nod, she used both hands, unfastening his buckle, her eyes lowered in respect. She didn’t fumble, didn’t falter, merely eased the leather strap from the metal and pulling on the belt, inch by inch sliding the thick well-worn piece from its tight confines. When the strap was free, she held the piece in both hands, holding out the belt as an offering.
Cutter was consumed with desire, the dark cravings bridging the surface. This was about control. Utter obedience. She would learn to surrender, to create a world of her own, a blissful state. And he would teach her everything he knew. He would rekindle the burning embers. “Look at me.”
She lifted her head, her eyes misting.
“What do you see?”
“My sir.”
The revealing words were precious. He took the belt from her hands, easing it onto the dresser. There would be time for discipline. “Undress me.”
Jasmine nodded and climbed off the bed. A slight smile curled on the corner of her mouth as she took slow and steady steps toward him, her fingers touching the buttons on his shirt, unfastening one at a time.
She seemed so small standing in front of him, so much in need of being protected. His heart raced as she finished unbuttoning, slowly easing the material off his shoulders. He watched in fascination as she folded his shirt, making certain the buttons were in the center, the collar and cuffs protected. He was in awe, a moment of quiet reverence.
Her hands moved to his pants, popping the button, tugging on the zipper.
Cutter could swear he heard her humming, the sound full of passion. He was shaking when she lowered his pants and underwear, her deft fingers drawing them past his hips and to the floor.
She dropped to her knees, very gingerly eased one foot then the other out. She took the time to remove his socks, rolling them together before standing. Just as before, she folded his pants, making certain the creases were in the right location then placed them and the socks on top of his shirt. When she was finished, the humming ceased, and she walked back in front.
His throat was dry, his hands almost numb and he cupped her breasts, fingering her nipples until they became rock hard. He was surprised at the dazzling sensations rocketing through his muscles. How could a single woman be responsible for bringing him alive? Brushing the back of his hand up along her chest to her neck, he craved the slight touch, adored the way her body reacted.
Panting, she bit her lower lip, yet her happiness couldn’t be contained. Her eyes twinkled in the shadowed light, her entire body vibrating.
Cutter lowered his head, kissing her cheek. “I’m going to make you come several times, but only when I allow.”
“Yes, sir.”
Easing her back to the edge of the bed, he forced her down and gathered her legs into his arms, opening and pushing them against the comforter. “Hold them open for me.”
Obeying instantly, she wrapped her arms around her knees. Her eyes darted back and forth, her chest moving up and down.
He flexed his fingers open and rubbed across her face. The electricity created an arc, sending vibes dancing down his back. He continued exploring, using just the tips of his fingers as he explored her body, her shoulders and arms, her voluptuous breasts and tight stomach, her rounded hips and thighs. Her pussy was the perfect color pink, the hair shaved, bald. So smooth.
Her body continued to tremble, and she reacted to every touch, dragging up to meet his fingers.
The scent of her, the way her pussy lips were already swollen was driving him to a frenzied state. He dropped to his knees, kissing along the inside of her thighs, dragging his tongue up and down, back and forth. Even the taste of her skin had changed, sweeter. His balls were swollen, filled with cum but he could hold back for an extended period of time.
“My sir,” she whispered.
“Close your eyes,” he commanded then breathed across her clit.
“Oh!” Her eyes were clenched shut, her fingers digging into her skin. She bit back another moan and pressed on her legs, stretching them even wider.
Cutter darted out his tongue, the tip sliding against her clit.
“God!”
He chuckled and repeated the move, delighted in her reaction. Bending his head, he licked across the top of her pussy as he salivated, his muscles tensing. Using both hands, he pressed the tips against her pussy lips, pulling on her tender tissue, exposing the opening to her cunt. He pressed his face into her pussy, sucking on her clit, his eyes never leaving her.
“Oh, God. I…” She was shuddering, arching her back, her mouth now open wide.
He licked and sucked until her clit was swollen then dragged his tongue up and down the length of her cunt. Easing two fingers just inside, he wiggled then added a third. Her pussy was so wet, her tissue slickened, shimmering in the light from the blinds. As he began to use a combination of his fingers and his tongue, licking, nipping, pumping in and out, he was mesmerized by the look on her face. So full of rapture.
“Cutter. I…” She swallowed and jerked up again.
“Mmm… Hold your position,” he growled and buried his face in her cunt, tossing his head from side to side, sucking on her juice. He thrust three fingers inside, pushing them as deep as possible. Pumping hard and fa
st, he ate her, his face slickened. He flexed his fingers open, adding a fourth finger.
She undulated, her body shifting, her legs shaking. “I can’t… I…”
Lifting his head, he removed his fingers, smacking her pussy. “You will hold it until I tell you.”
“Yes, sir.” The words were whispered, hoarse and ragged.
He resumed licking, sucking on her clit. Sliding his wet fingers down the crack of her ass, he wiggled until he was able to slide them inside.
“Oh!”
Every action methodical, he slid in an inch at a time, her ass muscles gripping the thick invasion. She was so tight, and he would enjoy taking her again. Dragging his tongue up and down, he studied her pinched face, the way she was trying to obey, holding back the intense orgasm. She wouldn’t be able to hold back for long.
And neither would he.
Closing his eyes, he licked fervently as he pumped into her ass, pushing past the thick ring of muscle. She was his for the taking, his for the teaching. Yes, he would train her well. When her breath sounds began to skip, he picked up the pace, licking and sucking, thrusting harder and faster. He could tell she was on the edge, her body refusing to process her own commands. “Come for me.”
“Yes, I… ahh!” Jerking up, her eyes were open wide, the scream cut off and strangled air pushing from her lungs. Her entire body was shaking, and her legs slipped from her hands, yet she tried to hold her legs in position as she reached up, clenching the bedding, her hands yanking the material.
Cutter refused to stop, his mind reeling as he sucked, licking and drinking every drop of her cum. When the climax turned into a wave, he pushed against her legs and buried his face.
“Yes!”
When she stopped shaking, he backed away, licking his lips and rising to his feet. He leaned over, planting his hands on either side of her head. “Look at me.”
She opened her eyes, blinking several times. “Mmm…”