by K. A Knight
“Fair point. Now go back to sleep, will you? I’m comfy.”
My mouth flops open when he closes his eyes, his long black lashes causing shadows on his cheeks. Stupid pretty bastard.
“Let. Me. Go.” He tightens his arms again but doesn’t open his eyes. Motherfucking cocksucker. I eye him, wondering how I can get out of this without killing him with the knife hidden under my pillow. He smacks my ass again and I yelp. Narrowing my eyes on him, I lean forward and do the only thing I can think of. I bite his neck. I don’t press hard enough to hurt, but hard enough for him to feel it. He shivers under me and his arms tighten again.
“Mi Alma,” he groans. I let go and smile wickedly. Ah, so Maxen likes teeth.
“Let me go or I’ll do it again,” I warn. He slowly smiles, the effect devastating on my traitorous body that is enjoying this way too much.
“You can bite me all you want.” He licks his lips as his eyes heat. Fine, he wants to play this game? I dart forward and bite his shoulder, harder this time. He groans and buries his head in my hair.
“Fuck, Taz.” His voice is rough. I press harder, and his hips jerk as he thrusts beneath me, sending a spike of pleasure through me. I let go and pause, licking my suddenly dry lips, wishing he would do that again. Shit, I wanted to wind him up, not me. Knowing that he’s turned on only makes me hotter. My clit throbs as he rubs his dick against me and his hands slip down. Before I can run away, my head spins and I find myself blinking up at him in shock.
He grins down at me and settles between my parted thighs.
“If you want to play dirty Mi Alma, you should have said.” His head lowers and I turn mine just in time for his lips to hit my cheek. He smiles against me and kisses my skin softly. I don’t know why I’m fighting him, but it’s turning me on like nothing else has before. He kisses down my cheek to my neck, his teeth gently scraping, making me moan. He smiles against my skin. Cocky bastard.
“Are you going to play nice?” His voice is smoky and sinfully sexy. The fact it’s whispered against my skin sends an onslaught of sparks through me.
I shake my head, but my legs wind around his waist keeping him pressed against me. Traitors. It’s my turn to rub against him like a cat in heat when he bites my neck. He let’s go and softly kisses where he just bit. Then he does it again, lower, each time leaving a gentle kiss to wash the sting away. I’m panting by the time he lifts his head, my breath shuddering out of me with need.
“What about now?”
I bite my lip to stop from demanding he carry on, and he grins again. Those lush lips parting in a grin.
“Keep fighting babe, it only makes me harder.” His head lowers to the other side of my neck this time. As he kisses and nips down it. The feel of his erection rubbing over my clothed crotch sends sparks shooting down my spine, my nerves alight. I lift my hands and try to push him away, but without looking, he grabs them and yanks until they are above my head. He holds them in one of his large hands while the other strokes my side, getting closer and closer to my pebbled nipples. Goosebumps break out on my skin in their wake.
Trying to twist away from him, I move from side to side. His free hand digs hard into my hip, stilling my movement. I know it will leave bruises, but fuck it’s hot that he doesn’t treat me like I’m glass. At the same time, he bites down hard, and I arch beneath him as I let out a cry of pleasure. He lifts his head again as my lips part. His face is inches away from mine and he stares at me like a starving man.
He lowers his head slowly this time, giving me every chance to turn away. When his lips ghost over mine, I’m lost. I raise my head and chase his lips. The kiss turns hard and brutal, all clashing teeth and lust. I open and he plunges his tongue in, battle with mine. I bite his bottom lip hard which has him thrusting against me again.
I break away and turn my head to the side, gulping in air. I moan again when he nips my ear, his breath hitting my sensitive lobe.
“I want you so fucking much. It’s crazy how hard you get me. I knew I was fucked when I saw you cut that guy's ear off.” He lifts his head, the sight of his swollen lips making me momentarily forget what we were talking about. A clear imprint of my teeth on his neck has me grinning like a fool before his words register. I face him in shock, he must see the question on my face.
“Oh yes, Mi Alma, that turned me on like nothing else. Watching you fight? Fuck, it’s like porn.” His lips smash into mine again and I’m lost in the taste of him, like sex and booze all wrapped in one unbelievable package.
I hear the door to the main room open, but he keeps kissing me until he has to break away to breathe. Leaning his forehead against mine, we breathe each other in, our eyes locked in intimacy. I can still feel him hard and hot between my thighs and it keeps my body wet and wanting.
“You can fight this all you want, I will just keep coming. I knew when you told me to fuck off I would make you mine.”
I snarl at the thought of being a possession again. He pinches my nipple with his free hand hard through my shirt, leaving me writhing with need. He waits until my eyes focus on him again.
“I am not him, Mi Alma. I am yours as much as you are mine. You just don’t know it yet.”
“That’s crazy, you don’t even know me!” I protest. He kisses my forehead gently.
“This world is crazy. I know what I need to.”
He kisses my face with each compliment. “You’re a fighter.” Kiss. “A survivor.” Kiss. “Strong.” Kiss. “Loyal.” He pauses above my lips, “and just as batshit crazy as us. Taz you are ours whether you like it or not, so you might as well get used to it.” He gently caresses my lips.
“Guys, are you still asleep-“ Drax’s teasing cuts off and Maxen grins down at me before turning his head to Drax. I peer over Maxen’s shoulder to see him leaning against the door frame, looking smug.
“Well, well, well. If I knew it was that sort of party I would have been back sooner. Care if I join?” My pussy throbs at the thought of having both of them. I’m pretty sure my panties are toast at this point. Maxen distracts me by turning and offering me a quick kiss before jumping up. He stands there in his boxers, impressively tented at the front, completely unashamed. I lick my lips as I take him in, all muscle and glowing skin. He stretches his arms above his head, making his erection bob with him. I swallow hard and watch all his muscles move with sinewy grace. Fuck, he’s so fine. He turns and winks at me and I know the bastard did it on purpose. I yank my blade from under my pillow and throw it. It grazes his cheek and sticks in the wall behind him. He bends over laughing so hard I see tears run down his cheeks. He straightens with a chuckle as I fume on the bed. Sauntering to my knife, he gives me a good look at his firm, peachy ass.
I blink as he walks towards me. I should be scared of all that power heading my way and the knowing smile on his lips. Instead, I lean back on my arms, thrusting my breasts out and letting my legs spread a little. After all, two can play this game. He stumbles and almost falls as his attention drops to my chest and then my legs. He swallows hard, his Adam's apple bobbing, before stopping in front of me. He leans over me, his head next to my ear as he slides the blade back under the pillow.
“You’re playing a dangerous game here, Mi Alma. I’m tempted to throw you up against the wall and fuck you until you forget why you’re fighting in the first place.” His voice whispering naughty things in my ear as my eyes lock on Drax’s makes me shiver with need. Drax watches me, not hiding the lust in his gaze as it drops to my body and slowly slides down to my parted thighs. Maxen pulls away, dropping a kiss on my lips as he goes.
“Fuck,” Drax moans, rubbing his face as if trying to get rid of the image of me.
“You’re just jealous.” Maxen teases as he saunters past Drax, leaving me spread out on the bed looking bewildered. What the hell just happened?
Drax pouts at me.
“He’s right, you know. I’ve been wanting to kiss you since that shit hole of a town, and seeing you like this? I’m going to be imagi
ning you riding me while Maxen whispers dirty things in your ear all day.”
I rub my thighs together, trying to relieve some pressure. He watches and then points at me as his name is called in the other room. “I’m next.”
Then he follows Maxen out.
When he’s gone, I blink, bringing myself back into the real world. I bang my head back against the pillow in frustration. Why is the thought of Drax joining Maxen in playing with me so hot? The bigger question is am I going to let them? I bang my head again, don’t I have enough problems without wanting to start some sort of harem?
CHAPTER ELEVEN
Play Time
Finished feeling sorry for myself, I drag my horny ass to the bathroom, grabbing my clothes that are folded on the sofa on the way. I slam the bathroom door behind me. I have a quick cool shower. It’s not cooling my lust in any way.
When I come out dressed and washed, the others are sitting around the table with food spread out between them. I slump into my seat next to Thorn and grab a plate. He leans over and quickly kisses my cheek before going back to eating. I look around and the others don’t even blink at it. Jesus, did Maxen mean all of them? I shake my head and start eating.
Jax slides a piece of paper towards me as he munches on some fruit. When I quirk my eyebrow at him, his lips split into a small smile before going back to eating. I put down my food and pick it up.
I know your job is finished, meet me at the training grounds tomorrow – D
Well fucking shit balls, that’s my plan of avoiding him out of the window. I stare at it long enough that Thorn ducks his head and catches my eyes.
“What’s the plan?”
Nibbling on my lip, I debate our options. Turning down his invitation wouldn’t be smart. So, it looks like we are waiting unless they want to go without me. The guys must notice my mood because they stay quiet and watch me with wary eyes. Feeling the need to do something, I stand up and move over to my things.
“I have to wait. I’ll find out what Dray wants and then get you wherever you need to go. Either that, or you go on without me. Your choice,” I strap my weapons on as I speak, unwilling to admit I want them to stay with me.
“We stick together,” Thorn declares. Jax nods and Drax throws me a wink. I look to Maxen.
“What he said.” He smiles at me and I find myself smiling back.
“Looks like we have nothing to do today apart from Taz,” Drax smirks, clearly eyeing me up. Finished with strapping on my weapons, I saunter to him, making sure to meet his eyes while I lick my lips.
His nostrils flare and he quickly stands and steps forward. I stop in front of him and lean up on my toes, using his chest for support. I breathe on his neck and he shivers. Leaning forward, I put my mouth to his ear so with every word he feels my breath hit his sensitive flesh.
“You couldn’t handle me. I like it rough and hard,” I step back and throw him a smirk as I turn away and head for the door.
“Holy shit, I think she just might kill me.” His voice is strained and the others laugh. I hear them scramble to follow after me.
“So, where are we going?” Drax asks, obviously recovered.
“I’m going to see Major. Something is obviously going on and I need to know what. Why don’t you go check the bikes?” I stop and turn to them when I hear grumbling.
“I'm with Taz!” Drax shouts and darts to stand at my back. Maxen grins at me and I almost smack him.
“Me and Jax will check the bikes. You can have Drax and Thorn.” I cross my arms and glare at him.
“I don’t need babysitters.” The snark is obvious. Maxen steps up to me and I concentrate on his bare chest, grinding my jaw to stop myself from snapping. He tilts my chin up until my eyes meet his.
“You don’t have to fight us, Mi Alma. No, you don’t need babysitters, but I want Thorn with you in case anything happens. You just said yourself something is wrong. Trust us Taz, please?” I swallow my anger and look into his open expression. So full of hope and tenderness and I just can’t turn him down.
“Fine,” I grumble, uncrossing my arms. Arms wind around my stomach from behind as a body meets my back.
“What about me?” Drax whines.
“If anything, she's looking after you.” Maxen throws Drax a smile before leaning down and kissing my forehead.
“Be good Mi Alma, let us know what you find out.” Jax steps to his side and offers me a meaningful look before following Maxen’s retreating back.
“Now we can play,” Drax whispers while nuzzling my hair. Thorn watches from where he is standing leaned against the wall with his arms crossed. My eyes run along him, lost in all that bare muscle. When I flick my eyes back up, he’s watching me, the hunger clear. He drops his arms and pushes off the wall. Stalking towards me, moving like a predator, his strength is clear to see. He stops when our feet touch and I have to lean my head back against Drax’s chest to see him.
“Why?” I clear my throat, then try again “Why all of a sudden are you all coming after me?” He stares at me, obviously assessing the question.
“Maxen.”
I blink, er ok? Drax’s chest rumbles as he lets out a bark of laughter.
“What he means is Maxen made his move. Plus, I told them all how much you liked the idea of us sharing you so now you’re free game.”
My eyes narrow with anger and I’m pretty sure they are spitting fire.
“Get used to the idea, baby. We all want you and now we aren’t hiding it anymore. Now let's go get your information shall we?” Thorn throws me a sweet smile which pops my anger like a balloon.
“Fine.” I wiggle out of Drax’s arms and stomp down the corridor. A thought pops into my head like a light bulb and I spin to see them stumble back at my quick movements.
“You know that means you are all free game too. I can play with all of you.” Thorns smile is slow and sexy this time but Drax looks shocked at my forwardness. I throw him a wink and strut off in search of Major.
◆◆◆
After searching for over an hour and asking at least four guards, I give up my hunt for Major. With a grumble, I turn to the training grounds as the midday sun beats down on us. With an annoyed huff, I walk towards the wooden fence. Leaning against it, I look down into the sand-covered enclosure.
Easily the size of a football pitch, the enclosure is where fighters - mainly slaves - train for the fights. Weapons are laid out on a table just below us, from swords to a mace. There are a few fighters dotted around here and there, watching intently as they spar with each other. It brings back memories, but I push them away and focus on a woman down below us.
Sweat drips down her body as she ducks swing after swing from the skinny kid in front of her. She’s tall, probably a bit taller than me, with short spiky black hair. Her green eyes flash in fear as the kid's fist heads towards her unprotected stomach.
Something touches my hand and I glance down in surprise. I'm gripping the fence so tight my knuckles have turned white. I look to Thorn who doesn't even bother glancing at me as he uncurls my fist and twines his fingers with mine.
A scream has me spinning back to the fight to see the kid is on the ground holding his bleeding leg. Well, shit. The woman is bent over, her breath sawing in and out as she sucks in air. A knife clatters to the floor. Ah, so that’s how. My heart stutters when I realise what she just did. Before I can shout a warning, a big guy marches out of the shade and towards her with deadly intent. When he reaches her, he backhands her and she falls to the ground, cupping her now red cheek.
“Why did he do that?” Drax sounds angry, but I don’t look away from the woman.
“She’s a slave. Weapons in the training grounds are only for chosen fighters, which are hardly ever slaves.” The big guy stands over her shouting, so hard spittle flies from his mouth. He spits on her and then kicks her stomach. She curls around herself, crying openly.
Shit, don’t interfere Taz.
I try to count backwards in my head but as insult
after insult is thrown her way, punctuated by kicks, my anger rises. Memories of me being punished flash through my head and I know I can’t let this happen. I might be able to kill without blinking, but I can’t sit by as someone suffers. Maybe I'm not a monster after all.
Steeling myself, I hop over the fence and land softly on the balls of my feet. All the other fighters stop and watch as I strut confidently to the big man. He doesn’t even notice me, too engrossed in his slave. My fury ratchets up a notch when he unthreads his belt and palms it. He lifts it in the air. Rushing forward, I catch the lash mid-swing, the leather slapping against my palm with a resounding smack. I don’t let the pain show, instead, I use his surprise to yank on the belt. He stumbles forward as it drops to the floor.
“You stupid bitch. Do you know who you are messing with?” His face darkens to a deep red as his eyes bulge. I turn sideways so I can see the girl but keep the master in my eye line.