by Cathryn Fox
“I—” She stopped and stole a glance around the torchlit clearing, noting they weren’t entirely alone. Her hands fell away from him and she eased backwards. Reading her hesitation, he cupped her elbow and tugged.
“Come with me,” he said, his voice full of tortured promises.
Moving deeper into the shadows, she followed Ethan. He guided her along the gravel path that led to the foot of the rocky mountain. With their strides quick and purposeful, moisture soon pebbled her flesh. A refreshing breeze blew in off the water and helped cool her heated skin.
“Watch your step, Dani. It’s damp and the terrain can get rough.” He slipped a warm arm around her waist to support her.
She swallowed, noting that his gesture warmed more than her flesh. He really was a man who’d serve and protect until the bitter end. She pulled in a quick breath. By small degrees her body tightened.
He must have sensed the shift because he angled his head and asked, “You okay?”
“Fine,” she said and offered him a smile. “It’s just that my flip-flops weren’t made for mountain climbing.”
His sheepish smile tugged at something deep inside. “Right. Sorry about that.”
A moment later Danielle found herself cradled in his capable arms. She frowned, worried that her added weight would only aggravate his leg.
Not wanting to hurt his pride, she resisted the urge to tell him she was more than capable of walking. Instead she melted into him, once again enjoying how she felt wrapped in his powerful arms.
She didn’t bother asking where he was taking her, knowing she’d be happy wherever they went just as long as she was with him. A few minutes later, Ethan stopped and set her on the ground.
They stood on a cliff at the top of the south side of the mountain. Danielle gazed at the moonlit ocean, taking in the majestic beauty of the island in all its glory. “Wow, this is so beautiful.” When she twisted around she noticed the private grass hut overlooking the water. She widened her eyes in delight as she moved toward the hut. “I didn’t even know this was here.” The minute she stepped into it, the low, soothing sounds of the night life fell silent and she felt worlds away from civilization. Ethan followed her inside and immediately moved close to her. God, she was so aware of him next to her. A shiver raced down her spine as her entire body responded to his proximity.
Standing behind her, he bent his head forward. “Do you want me to light a torch?” he asked, his warm breath washing over her neck.
“Yeah,” she whispered, glancing around. The hut felt so rustic, so cozy, the atmosphere put her in touch with her primal, animalistic side. “What is this place?”
“It’s called the mood hut,” Ethan answered.
She squinted in the dimness and glanced at the bottles of oils, noting that there were different scents for every mood imaginable. “What else is in here?”
“Candles, blankets, incense, matches…”
“Everything you need to set the stage for seduction,” she murmured.
“If that’s what you’re interested in,” Ethan replied, his voice as shaky as she felt.
That’s exactly what she was interested in.
Danielle grabbed a small vial containing a heady blend of rose, jasmine, and gardenia and handed it to Ethan. “Put some of this in the torch.”
She followed Ethan out into the clearing, where soothing sounds of animals were coming to life. As soon as the torch was lit, an exotic scent filled the night air. Ethan drove the torch into the ground, then turned to face her. Warmth and desire enveloped her.
She glanced out over the water once again. “This place is absolutely gorgeous, Ethan.”
“I thought you might like it.” In a fast motion, Ethan hauled her to him. She held his gaze as his eyes devoured her with raw hunger and his breathing grew labored.
Oh, God, this man did the most wonderful things to her libido. Her hand touched his cheek. “Ethan—”
He cut her off. There was a gleam in his eyes as he focused on her. Without preamble he asked, “What is it you wanted to tell me?”
The torchlight behind him flickered, bathing Ethan in a warm, seductive glow. The magic of the erotic atmosphere, and the alluring scent, seeped under her skin and urged her forward. She tilted her chin and recited Mr. Malik’s cryptic words. “There is no ambiguity in the truth.”
He softened his voice and asked with a puzzled look on his face. “What does that mean, Dani?”
“Those were Mr. Malik’s words of wisdom to me.”
“Go on,” he coaxed. The perplexed look in his eyes prompted her to continue. He caught hold of her hand and tugged.
“I came here to fulfill a fantasy.”
“What fantasy?” he asked, even though she suspected he already knew.
There is no ambiguity in the truth.
Danielle knew if she wanted to experience true passion, she needed to tell Ethan exactly what she wanted. Deep inside she believed he was a man she could tell all her secrets to, and for the first time in her life she didn’t feel embarrassed by her needs. It was time to embrace her submissive side and offer herself up to him. When she looked into his eyes, she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that he was the right man for the job.
The arousing scent of sweet jasmine continued to seduce her senses. The passionate aroma combined with the amazing chemistry between them gave her the courage to go on. “One night. A no-holds-barred affair.”
He nodded. “And?” he asked, encouraging her to continue.
“And…” She paused to study her soldier. Even though he was troubled and restless, she instinctively trusted him in a way she’d never trusted another. She knew Ethan had integrity, character and a fierce sense of protectiveness. “Just once I want to experience the pleasure of submission with a man I can trust.” His nostrils flared, while his eyes darkened. He groaned low in his throat. “With my pleasure and my pain,” she added, and bridged the small gap between them. “And, Ethan.”
“Yeah?”
“I suspect you’re that man.”
He gripped her hips. “You suspected right.”
Without warning, his burning mouth closed over hers and his tongue slipped inside. His kiss was so full of power and passion, it sucked the air from her lungs. By curling his hands around her body, he absorbed the shiver that ripped through her. A moment later he stepped back and spent a long moment looking at her. She stood there, watching the flurry of emotions pass over his eyes. Her body quivered as his gaze tracked her every movement. There was a suggestive edge to his smile.
He cleared his throat and slanted his head. “I checked into island customs earlier, Dani.”
“You did?” Her voice sounded both strangled and excited.
“Yeah, and you were right. Since I saved your life, you now owe me yours.”
Oh. Good. God.
“You are mine to do with as I please, and you must obey me at all times. I am your master,” he said, bringing her fantasy to life. She almost sobbed with pleasure. “Do you understand, Dani?”
“Yes,” she whispered. She had to work to get that one word out as her entire body vibrated with excitement.
Ethan reached out and brushed his thumb over her engorged nipple. “Yes who?” he asked.
She swallowed down a whimper. “Yes, Master.”
“Ah, that’s better.” He placed his hands behind his back and began circling her body. “So you completely understand that I can do whatever I want with you, and you can’t protest. If you do, I’ll have to discipline you.” He pitched his voice low and added, “And trust me, you don’t want any part of my discipline.”
Her body tightened and her thighs quivered in erotic delight. It took great effort to speak. “I understand, Master.”
Standing behind her, he touched the back of her shoulder. “So if I touch you like this, you won’t protest.”
She shook her head as her pussy clenched with need.
He slapped her ass. “I can’t hear you,” he bit out, his v
oice firm. “Speak up.”
A wheezing sound escaped her lips. “No, Master.”
“Good.” His hand trailed lower, to her ass. He pulled up her dress, cupped her cheeks in his hand and squeezed her to the point of painful pleasure. “And if I touch you like this, you won’t protest?”
Her heart beat in a mad cadence. With her breathing barely controlled, she whispered breathlessly, “No, Master.”
Without removing his hand from beneath her dress, he circled her, his thick fingers inching toward her throbbing pussy. He pulled aside her panties and rolled his thumb over her swollen clit. His gaze slid to her breasts.
Aching to impale herself on him, Danielle bit down on her lip. She felt like her body was going up in flames. She gulped air before glancing into his dark, tortured eyes. She loved that he was playing this game for her.
“Hmph.” He frowned, his fingers stretching open her swollen lips while his thumb inched into her slick heat.
Her veins thrummed with impatience for him to go deeper. She flushed. “What is it, Master?”
“I don’t remember giving you permission to get so wet.”
Oh sweet Jesus!
He shook his head and gave a heavy sigh. His thumb purposely pressed harder against her clit, coaxing it to come out to play. “I’m afraid I might have to discipline you for your insubordination, after all.”
Body throbbing with need, she squirmed against his finger without permission. That action earned her a scowl.
“I also think you need to be disciplined for shaking that hot little ass of yours at me and my comrades earlier.” His brow furrowed. “Did you really think you could do that and get away with it?”
His words brought on such a burst of excitement that she nearly erupted right there, all over his hand. Concentrating on the points of pleasure between her legs, she moaned her response.
He pinched her nipple, hard, while his other hand did the most delicious things to her pussy. She adjusted her body, coaxing him to push his finger all the way up inside her. He didn’t, letting her know he was completely in control.
“Answer me, Danielle. Did you think I was going to let you get away with that?”
She took note of his dark tone and the way he used her full name this time. She whispered in an unsteady voice after slipping her lids closed, “No, Master.”
Ethan stepped away from her and bit out, “Look at me.”
She opened her eyes and met his turbulent gaze. He looked so fucking wild, so primal, so sexy. It excited her beyond anything she’d ever known.
His scalding eyes dimmed with desire. “Take your clothes off.”
The authority in his voice thrilled her, but she hesitated and glanced around.
Ethan gave a humorless laugh. “What is it, Dani? Are you worried someone will see you? Maybe you should have thought about that before you shook your ass at my comrades.” He jabbed his thumb into his chest. “If I want someone else to see your body, they’ll see it. That decision is mine. Understand?” Possessiveness flashed in his eyes. “Now, get undressed, and show yourself to me.”
He stood there with a riveted expression, legs spread and hands behind his back as he watched her shed her sundress.
“Keep going,” he commanded.
Silence stretched on as she unhooked her bra and let it fall to the ground. Wiggling her hips, she lowered her panties, certain she heard a low growl crawl out of his throat.
Once she was naked, his eyes softened, warmth flooding the depths of his baby blues. Without warning, he leaned in and brushed his lips over hers. His kiss was achingly gentle, full of such tenderness that it took her by surprise.
Oh, God…
Out of nowhere a myriad of emotions erupted inside her. Her head shot up. Her voice wobbled. “Ethan…”
“Back up.”
“What?”
With a tense expression on his face, he raised his voice and looked over her shoulder. “Back up against that tree.”
Given no time to explore that tender interlude, she stepped back until the tree bark scratched her flesh.
He advanced purposefully and stood before her. She glanced down and could see the huge bulge in his pants. Needing to touch him, she reached out and cradled his cock in her hands. He shook. Almost violently. It excited her to know she had the ability to rattle him.
Jaw clenched, he flinched backwards and growled, his tone clearly indicating his displeasure with her. “I didn’t give you permission to touch me.” With that he pulled a jackknife out of his back pocket and moved into the woods. He came back with a couple of long, flexible tree vines.
She gulped. He was a regular Boy Scout. “Put your hands behind your back.”
He stepped around her and, using one of the vines, shackled her wrists together, forcing her compliance.
Oh, how she loved his ingenuity, his creativity, his preparedness. Who better than to know his way around the woods—or her body—than her trained soldier?
“Now, where were we?” he asked. “Oh, yeah, I remember. I was about to discipline you.”
6
And discipline her he would.
Ethan stepped in front of her and, in a whiplike motion, slapped the vine against his palm. He loved the way her eyes lit with excitement. A fever broke out on his skin as he took pleasure in the sight of her gorgeous, naked body tied to a tree, his to do with as he pleased.
And boy, oh, boy, did he please.
Sexual need was ruling his actions. He inched closer to her. His pain and injury completely forgotten, life surged through his veins in a way it never had before, giving him strength and power.
He placed the whip between her legs, and with excruciating slowness meant to drive her wild, he dragged it higher and higher on her thighs. He slipped the vine between her pussy lips and stroked her. She shivered under his invasive touch. Her eyes snapped shut. Her head rolled to the side.
“Oh, Jesus,” she whispered.
Ethan growled as his cock thickened with need. He clenched his jaw, forcing himself to slow down, to do this right because if she wanted to play master-servant, dominant-submissive with him, he’d damn well play it for her, and he’d damn well drive her mad in the process.
“Open your eyes,” he barked out, struggling to rein in his lust.
When she immediately did as he requested, desire slammed into him. He stared at her, welcoming the power and control she handed him and the way she trusted him so readily.
“That’s better,” he said, shoving his hard cock against her thigh in search of some sort of relief before he exploded inside his pants. Soon, he promised himself. Soon.
He trailed the vine higher, until he reached her breasts. He whacked her pebbled nubs with the tip. Pink nipples tightened and puckered against his gentle assault. Ethan slapped the vine over her tender flesh a second time, gauging her reactions, so he could give her what she wanted, but not wanting to hurt her just the same.
He stabbed a finger between her legs, feeling her hot, creamy core. She clamped her legs together, holding his hand in place. He could feel small butterfly pulses inside her and knew she was close.
“Please. Fuck me with your fingers. I want to come,” she murmured shamelessly.
He wiggled his finger, stroking her G-spot, giving her a taste of things to come. He lowered his voice, and in complete control of her and of the situation, he said, “You’ll come when I say you can come, and not before.” Her muscles clenched and her waves grew stronger with his words. “Are we clear on that, Dani?”
“Nooo…” she cried out, bucking against his index finger, crazy with need. Her words of protest were lost on a moan when he added another finger to the mix. He finger-fucked her for a moment, stroking deep inside her, and then easing out, bringing her to the brink of ecstasy but never allowing her to tumble over. She whimpered when he withdrew his fingers and turned his attention back to his vine.
Using small whip-like motions, he treated her entire body to a vine lashing, the pro
tector in him taking care not to mar her delicate skin. She shifted and twisted against the tree. Her actions conveyed without words how much she enjoyed it. There was something about the way she trusted him that really got to him.
She tipped her head to see him. When glossy green eyes met his, he ached to hold her, kiss her, fuck her, and possess her.
He shook his head to clear his thoughts, and stepped back into his role. Ethan pushed the vine between her legs until it reached her ass. “This is what you get for not following my orders,” he bit out harshly, knowing how she wanted this game to play out. He stroked her clit again, toying with her hard, blood-filled nub until he had driven her into a frenzy of need.
With her backside wiggling, her head fell forward, her hair cascading over her eyes.
Ethan fought the urge to brush it away and rain tender kisses over her forehead, her cheeks, her mouth.
“Ethan,” she whispered with her green eyes blinking at him, begging for release as he pinched her clit. “It’s too much, too intense,” she said breathlessly, pleading with him to take her over.
He sent her a look of intimacy and promise. “Shh,” he commanded. “I never gave you permission to speak.” With that he angled his head and drew one hard nipple into his mouth. Blood pulsing hot through his veins, he sucked hard and long, rolling her pert nub between his teeth, nipping and biting, leaving his mark.
With the vine teasing her ass, his thumb caressing her clit harder and his mouth wrapped around one pert nipple, Dani sucked in a breath and arched into him. Her ragged breath felt hot and erotic against his neck.
Ethan inched lower, his tongue trailing over her flat stomach and her hips until he reached his destination—her hot little pussy. Sinking to his knees, he positioned his mouth in front of her gorgeous sex.
He gripped her ankles, forcing her to widen her legs. He heard her gasp when he brushed his nose over her pussy, inhaling her tangy, aroused scent. He sat back on his heels, shot her a glance and tsked. “You’re a very naughty girl, getting all creamy and wet without asking first.” She rolled her hips toward him and he felt a shiver race through her.