“Because then you would have had a chance to make amends or to know what was wrong or to defend yourself.”
She sighed. “I don’t think it’s so much about the submissive thing.”
“No?”
“Or at least not all of it. My dad was very distant when I was young. It got worse when I was a teenager.”
“What about your mom?”
“She was great.” And then she died. But she couldn’t tell him that yet.
“Having your dad keep his distance felt like a punishment.”
“I guess. And I was never really sure what I’d done wrong.” Other than living when Mom had died.
He moved her legs off his lap, and the now melted ice pack slipped to the wooden boards of the porch. Pulling her onto his lap, he held her tightly. “You don’t ever have to worry about that with me. All right? I might not normally be a big on chatting, but that’s when it comes to small talk or unimportant stuff. When it comes to the big issues we’ll both be hoarse before we’re done.”
“It takes a lot for me to grow hoarse,” she warned with a grin, wrapping her arm around his neck.
He kissed down her neck, teasing her. Desire arced inside her.
“Jake?”
“Yeah?”
“Why were you scared? Because I was riding the bike? I know how to ride.”
His arms tightened around her. “Well, I guess it’s only fair for me to talk about my triggers since we’ve uncovered one of yours.”
Jake stared out in the distance, and she took a moment to study him. He had such a strong profile, firm chin, chiseled cheeks, and full lips. She hadn’t noticed his eyelashes before, but they were some of the thickest she’d ever seen.
“Someone close to me died in a car accident. When I saw it was you on that bike, when I realized it had been you going that fast, and, by the way, I haven’t forgotten that, your ass will be paying the price of that ticket, it brought up all those old feelings of fear and pain. I imagined the worse. I could picture you lying in a ditch, alone and injured. Or worse.”
She ran her hand through his hair. Crap did she feel like shit now. “I’m sorry. I really did know what I was doing.”
He turned his deep, brown gaze to hers. “And I really do think those things are dangerous. I don’t want you riding one.”
“I could simply buy one when I leave.”
He nodded. “You could, once you leave you’re free to do what you like. But I wish you wouldn’t. Because I’ll still worry about you. And while you’re here, with that contract in place, you will not be riding one.”
“Hard limit?”
“Yes. No motorcycles. No speeding. Understand?”
Part of her chafed a bit at the dictate. This was her life, after all. And this wasn’t a permanent arrangement. But she saw the fear in his eyes. Had heard in the starkness of his voice how much losing that person had affected him. Somebody he’d loved . . . a parent? Friend? Lover?
Molly nodded. She couldn’t cause him any pain and doing so would just make her petty. No matter what she’d said before, she wasn’t actually planning on buying a bike. They weren’t practical, and she wasn’t going to need one in Samoa or wherever she ended up.
“All right, no more bikes.”
“Or speeding.”
She sighed. “Or speeding.”
“Good.” He stood with her in his arms. He really needed to start giving her a warning. “Now we can get to your discipline.”
9
Was this really her life? Or was she living in an alternate reality? That’s kind of what it felt like. An out-of-body experience. She followed Jake through his house, which seemed kind of empty and a little cold. A surprise considering how happy the house looked on the outside.
She stepped into a huge, masculine master bedroom. The bed was enormous, with a dark, wooden headboard. The bedspread was a dark gray. Everything was neat as a pin—and boring as hell.
Jake turned to her with his hands on his hips and that look on his face that sent shivers through her. “Strip and present.”
“Yeah, I don’t really know how to do that. The presenting part, not the stripping. I’ve been undressing myself since I was five.”
He just stared at her for a moment, then he shook his head. Over her lack of expertise? Her bratty mouth? “Take off your clothes. I’ll help you get into the correct position.
She stole glances at him as he drew a big, brown leather bag out of the bottom of the closet. She wondered what was in it. He placed it on the bed and, without looking at her, growled, “You were given an order, Molly. I suggest you obey before I add to your punishment. And sit down to take off your pants; I don’t want you putting too much weight on that ankle.”
Drat. Did the man have eyes in the back of his head? She pulled off her top then sat on the bed to drag off her pants, wondering why she’d bothered to put pretty underwear on when he didn’t even glance her way.
She looked around for somewhere to put her clothes. Didn’t seem right to just dump them on the floor. Finally, she settled for setting them on the top of the dresser. When she turned back, Jake just stood there watching her intently. She thought about trying to hide herself. Kind of stupid when he’d already seen and touched everything.
But the look in his eyes was pure fire. He ran his gaze over every inch of her, leaving a trail of heat in his wake. And as he stared at her with undisguised need she felt her self-esteem grow.
“You’re so fucking hot.”
She glanced down at herself, hoping this was a dream, one where she’d somehow lost twenty pounds and gained three inches in height. Nope, still her cellulite-ridden, dumpy body.
“I’m not going to like the thoughts running through your head, am I?”
“Probably not,” she agreed. “I just don’t see it.”
“How beautiful you are?”
“Yes.”
“Then it’s my job to change that.”
He moved closer and reached around and tugged her hair free of the tie. Grabbing hold of the tresses, he wrapped them around his fist then pulled on it until her tipped head back. He stared down at her. “When I look at you, it’s all I can do to stop myself from turning you over the closest surface and taking you. You’re lush and sweet and so damn fuckable.”
“Funny, I never thought of fuckable as being a particularly positive attribute to have, but I think I’ll take it.”
He leaned in and took her lower lip between his teeth, biting down, he gently licked her throbbing skin. Other parts of her began to throb in solidarity.
“If I could, I’d keep you like this all the time. Naked and waiting for me.”
“Hmm, could be an interesting job. Does it pay much?”
“I’d give you an orgasm now and then—if you’re good.”
“So generous.”
He gave her a wicked grin that made her melt a little inside. Then he held out a hand. “On your knees.”
She slid to her knees. Well, it was more like a thump. She winced. “Sorry, I’m never going to manage that gracefully.”
“You will. With practice. Sit with your butt against your heels. Now spread your legs. Wider.”
Oh, holy hell. She spread her legs out, trying her best to keep her balance. Yeah, graceful, right. Never gonna happen. She blushed as she realized her pussy was completely on display. And Jake was taking full advantage. He sat on the bed and stared at her.
“Such a pretty, plump pussy.”
“Is plump a good thing in this instance?”
His gaze narrowed. “Quiet or I’ll gag you. Put your hands on your thighs, palms up.” He walked around her as though inspecting her. She felt nervous. “Sit up a bit straighter; you should be proud.”
“Of what?” The words escaped before she could hold them back.
“Of your submission.” He moved back in front of her. “It’s a gift. Something freely given to me. You have trusted me to care for you. That’s no small thing. It’s beautiful. And
you should celebrate your submission. Your body. Not everyone can do this. It’s special. You’re special.”
She wasn’t so sure, but she found herself sitting up straighter.
“Good girl. Keep your gaze down. I have a few preparations to make.”
Oh, hell.
Jake knew she had to be dying of curiosity. He wanted to build her anticipation. To have her wondering what was coming next. Keep her on the edge. He’d been easy on her so far. And she was new, so he wasn’t going to push too much too fast. However, she was going to know by the end of the night that he took her safety very seriously.
He laid out his implements on the side of the bed. Blindfold. Handcuffs. Rope. Spreader bar. Riding crop. Feather. Butt plug. Lube. He grabbed the blindfold and moved back towards her. Anticipation had his cock hardening. His balls were tight and aching. He stopped in front of her.
“Close your eyes.”
He slid the blindfold over her face.
“Open your eyes. Can you see anything?”
She shook her head.
“Words, kitten. That’s very important. Especially when we haven’t played much before, it’s easy for me to miss something vital.”
“Okay. Um, no, I can’t see anything.”
He crouched down and reaching out, grabbed hold of her right nipple, quickly twisting it.
“Ouch! Hey! I used my words.”
He grinned. She was so cute.
“Just testing. That was also a reminder about addressing me properly.”
“I thought that might just be while we were in the club.”
“I’ll certainly require more respect from you when we’re playing at the club. But I also want you to develop good habits. So, you’ll address me as Sir no matter where we’re playing. I’m going to take hold of your hand and help you to stand.”
“Because you’re worried I’ll trip over my own feet? Sir?”
“I don’t want you injuring yourself. Especially with that weak ankle.” He was still thinking about taking her back to see Doc Harper. He didn’t like that it was still swelling up. And he wanted to make certain she really should be off the crutches.
He helped her up and led her towards the bed. “The bed is right in front of you. I want you to crawl onto it and stay on your hands and knees.”
“This might have been easier if you’d put the blindfold on after I got on the bed,” she commented.
Maybe. But this way kept her more on edge. Kept her guessing. And it meant he got to watch her as she climbed up. Her full, pert ass was on display, perfect for what he intended to do to her.
He grabbed the spreader bar. “Push your knees out wide. I’m going to attach the spreader bar. What’s your safeword?”
“Red, Sir.”
“Good. You’ll use it if you really need it.”
“Yes, Sir.”
He could tell the position was already helping to put her in a submissive mood. She moved her legs out. Fucking perfect.
“Wider.”
There was a slight hesitation, but she pushed them further apart. Now he could see the lips of her pussy. He cupped her mound, and her moisture coated the palm of his hand. Already turned on.
He grabbed the spreader bar. It had soft cuffs attached to each end. He placed one around her good ankle. She startled a little but didn’t move.
“Good girl,” he murmured to her, liking the pleased little sigh she emitted. “If this cuff irritates your sore ankle, I want you to tell me immediately, understood?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Don’t think I’ve forgotten you told me your ankle was fine when it wasn’t,” he kept his voice low. “There’s going to be added punishment for that.”
“Ooh, goody.”
He smacked his hand down on her ass. Hard.
“Um, I mean, please don’t punish me, Sir.”
He snorted. “You might change your mind about being a brat when I get to the punishment part. I’m not going to go easy on you like I did last night.”
“I don’t think you went easy on me last night.” This time there was a slight note of trepidation in her voice. “I think you hit just the right note of pain.”
“I bet you do. The big difference between last night’s punishment and today’s is last night you got to come.”
“What? I don’t get to come?”
Now he had her attention. He reached for the butt plug, opening the packet, and pulling it out.
“Last night was a small infraction. Today you put yourself at risk. Not just by riding that bike, but by breaking the speed limit.” He scowled as the fear of what could have happened to her hit him all over again. He could have lost her today.
“I didn’t know you felt that way about motorcycles. And I wasn’t actually in any danger.”
“If you think that then you’re an idiot,” he snapped. Fuck.
She grew tense. What the hell am I doing? He took a calming breath. He couldn’t let his fear grow into anger. Not right now. He had a duty to Molly to remain in control. She trusted him.
“I’m sorry, Molly. I shouldn’t have said that. Please accept my apologies. Sometimes I get snappy when I’m scared.”
She softened again. “It’s okay. I understand.”
He shook his head. What a tender heart she had. He bet it had gotten her into all sorts of trouble in the past.
“Baby, you should be telling me I’m an asshole right now. Not being so understanding.”
She snorted. “I can if you want. Jake, you’re an asshole for worrying about me. For caring about whether my ankle is sore or not or if I’ve had enough to drink or if I’m safe. Yeah, you’re a real asshole.”
“So why didn’t you tell me what you were planning?”
“It was spur of the moment. I wasn’t keeping it from you.”
She was smart, but she seemed to jump into things without thinking them through first. He needed to curb that without taking any of who she was away from her. Although he was surprised she was so reckless. From what he’d heard Savannah and her men say, Molly had been her lifeline during a stormy part of Savannah’s life. Calm. Rational. He saw glimpses of that person. But there was another side to her entirely.
“I really do know how to ride. And I know I was going a bit fast—”
“A bit? If you’d met someone around one of those bend you could have been seriously hurt.” Maybe dead. “Those things have no protection.” He was growing tense and angry again. “I’ve seen a lot of motorcycle accidents and, trust me, even if you survived you’d most likely come away a paraplegic or brain dead. Driving that fast was dangerous and illegal. And you’re going to end up with a very red ass as payment. And I consider riding a motorcycle a risk to your health and safety, even if you don’t. Especially riding one while you have a sore, weak ankle. The danger you put yourself in is completely unacceptable to me. So you’ll be punished for that. Any other arguments?”
He knew his voice had grown icy, but he wanted her to know how serious he was about keeping her safe. And if he had to pound on her ass to make his point then that’s what he’d do. Gladly.
“No, Sir.”
Well, that surprised him. But he’d said his piece. And after this session he knew she’d damn well think twice before hopping on a motorcycle again. At least while they were together. He pushed that thought aside. He didn’t want to think about things ending. Not right now.
He grabbed the lube, placing it in his back pocket before moving behind her so he stood between her open legs. He ran his hand over her full ass, watching the way her cheeks clenched together as though she expected him to immediately spank her.
Oh, no. He wouldn’t give her that satisfaction. Seemed she’d enjoyed her punishment last night a bit too much. This time, he had something else in mind. He pulled her cheeks apart until he could see her asshole winking at him. Pink and perfect.
“Lean down so your face rests against the bed,” he told her in a gruff voice as he pulled out the lube and squirted
some on his fingers.
As she moved, her cheeks spread wider. Perfect.
“Sir? What are you doing?”
He’d thought about gagging her. But she was too new. She needed to be able to say her safe word. He also wanted to hear the little noises she made.
“I’m getting your ass ready for your plug.”
She sucked in a harsh breath. He ran his finger over her puckered entrance then pushed just the tip of his wet finger inside her. He pressed a little deeper. Damn, she was tight. She pulsed around him. Clenching then releasing. His cock strained against his pants as he imagined thrusting his cock inside her. He’d have to fight for each inch. It would damn near kill him.
“Is this part of my punishment?”
“Nope. This is me getting you ready to take my cock in your ass.”
“Tonight?” she half-squeaked.
“No, kitten. You need a bit more preparation than that. I’ve got a training plug for you to wear tonight. We’ll move onto a bigger one tomorrow.”
He now had one finger inside her. He slowly pulled it out then pushed it deeper. He reached around with his free hand and ran a finger through the slit of her pussy. So wet. She was enjoying having her ass breached.
He flicked her clit, and she cried out, shuddering. “I thought I wasn’t allowed to come.”
“You’re not. You come without my permission and you’ll find yourself with a nice piece of ginger root stuck up your ass.”
“Oh, God.”
He pressed a second finger inside her ass, scissoring them to stretch her. “How does that feel, kitten? Do you like having my fingers inside you?”
“It burns.”
“Not as much as ginger root would. I can promise you that. I’ve got some ginger lube. Would you like a little taste?”
“Thank you for the kind offer but I’ll have to decline at the present time.”
He grinned then pulled his fingers free, giving her butt a smack when she moaned in protest. He grabbed the plug, slathering it generously in lube. Then he spread her cheeks again, pushing the tip against her entrance. “Take a deep breath in, kitten.”
“Oh, shit, we’re really doing this.”
He gave her three sharp smacks.
Molly's Man (Haven, Texas Book 4) Page 13