When her body began to tighten, she knew she’d come again. She hadn’t orgasmed twice in one night in a very long time, but at this rate, there would be no stopping it. “Oh, god,” she moaned.
“Give it to me,” he ordered, each word punctuated with a thrust, and not only did she fly off that precipice, she was hurled over it.
By him.
Only him.
She screamed and held on, and somewhere in the euphoric haze, she felt him grow harder. His roar temporarily deafened her, and she knew he’d found his own satisfying release.
Seconds turned into minutes as he panted above her, sweat dripping off him and splashing onto her neck, her chest.
Nerves began to creep back into her, but the moment his lips brushed her forehead, they quickly dissipated. There was no room for those nerves tonight. Tomorrow? Well, she couldn’t think about that yet because she knew she’d freak out. She’d had no intention of ever getting close to another man again, and she couldn’t get any physically closer to Aaron than right now.
With him still inside her.
“You are so beautiful,” he breathed, kissing down her cheek and to her mouth. She kissed him back, and her body immediately clenched him tighter. She wanted him again. What was wrong with her? He’d just screwed her senseless, and she wanted round two? It had to be because of the months she’d gone without.
He groaned and gave a weak thrust. “I’m going to need a few minutes before I’m up again.”
She felt herself blush, knowing he’d read her thoughts.
Or felt her body’s reaction.
He shifted and looked down at her. “Don’t do that. Don’t feel ashamed.” The fact that he could read her so easily was terrifying. It was as if she couldn’t hide anything from this man. “Just be you, baby. Just be you.”
But that was the problem. She didn’t know how to be herself anymore.
Chapter 7
Sasha woke up to a hot body engulfing hers. She felt sore in more places than she could count and was completely sexually depleted.
After round one, Aaron had definitely given her round two. Then round three in the shower hours after that. The man was a machine. Oh, he’d needed recovery time, but he hadn’t been lying when he’d made the all-night promise. Even now, deep in sleep, she could feel his hard penis nestled in the crack of her ass. The only reason they’d stopped was because he’d wrung every orgasm possible out of her and she’d practically passed out after the third round. She barely remembered him drying her off and carrying her to bed.
Yet, even through the hum of satisfaction, she felt something else entirely.
Something she knew she’d feel eventually because it was too ingrained in her now.
Fear.
Stark, cold fear at being so vulnerable. And she couldn’t get any more vulnerable than right at this very moment. She was naked and alone with a man, a man much stronger than any she’d been with before. Where Dwight would struggle to lift her up, Aaron had done so as if she was light as a feather. And as he lay beside her, he caged her in with his body. Where a normal woman would feel cherished by this, Sasha felt trapped. It wasn’t rational. She was smart enough to know that. However, she couldn’t help her reaction. Too much had happened to her, and her instinct now was very much fight or flight. She tamped down the quake she felt building within her, scared that any sudden movement would wake him.
She couldn’t risk that.
No way did she want to face him this morning, have him react to her being shut down. What would he do if he took it as an outright rejection? Before they’d had sex, he’d been angry, though he hadn’t lashed out. But now things were different. That had taken that intimate step. A step she hadn’t taken since her ex.
She couldn’t deal with it. With him.
When she scooted out of his embrace, his loose arms weren’t as difficult to move as she’d worried, and she threw a silent thanks out to the universe. Once she slipped free, she slinked out of the bed and slowly crept over to her open closet and suitcase. Not wanting to waste time, she grabbed the first thing she saw and glanced at the bathroom. She’d normally shower before work, but they’d showered several hours ago. Plus, when she looked at the still-sleeping man in her bed, she decided it wasn’t worth the risk of waking him up. She secured a pair of shoes and eased her way out of the room without another look at him. She dressed as quickly as possible before sneaking out of the house and locking the door, thankful he hadn’t parked in the driveway, blocking her in. She jumped into her car and backed out with practiced speed. It was a miracle the tires didn’t squeal, announcing her cowardice to everybody in the neighborhood. When she turned off the road, she glanced in her rearview mirror to make sure a dark SUV wasn’t tailing her. She breathed a sigh of relief once she knew she was in the clear.
Then she burst into tears.
Aaron lay as still as he could as Sasha slipped out of his arms. He’d contemplated locking them around her to keep her from fleeing the bed, but from how stiff she’d gotten, he knew forcing her to face him and what they’d done throughout the night wouldn’t help. He hoped all she’d needed was a few moments to herself in the bathroom and that she’d return to his warmth after she had time to collect herself. However, he knew that wasn’t the case as he watched her through narrow slits in his lids while she gathered clothing, preparing to escape not just him, but the house. He could call her on it, make her face him, then give her comfort, but he also knew he could only do so much. Even if he gave her ninety-five percent, she’d have to come that last five. He could try every trick in the book to get her to let go of her demons and embrace the possibilities with him, but he knew ultimately the decision would be up to her.
Plus, he had his own shit to deal with, too.
Last night had rocked his world. No other way he could describe it. He’d never, never, been with a woman before that pulled him in so deeply. Even though he enjoyed being a Dom, normally when he topped a woman he didn’t achieve Domspace. He didn’t know how to classify what happened to him both physically and emotionally last night with Sasha, but something deeply profound had happened that had far surpassed the few times he’d achieved that ultimate state at the club.
He didn’t know how to explain it to himself or why he felt fiercely protective of her either. He could fight his growing attraction, or he could just go with it. He was never one to back down from a challenge. It wasn’t in him to do so, but when the thing he was facing head-on came with baggage complex enough that it blocked the woman in question from feeling free to accept what was happening between them, he didn’t know how best to proceed. Maybe time was what she needed.
If so, he could do nothing but give it to her.
It wouldn’t be easy for him to let the ball stay in her court until she was ready to toss it back, because he was a man who thrived on control, but for now, he knew it was the best course to take.
He got up and dressed in last night’s clothes before heading out. If he didn’t have time to go home first, he’d snatch something from Ian’s closet before heading to the office, but thankfully that wasn’t an issue.
All the way home and during his shower, he kept thinking about Sasha, and not only thoughts of being inside her. He couldn’t stop thinking about her. From the moment he met her, she was a force that took center stage. He knew if he allowed it, she would be someone he could fall in love with.
And didn’t that just scare the ever-loving shit out of him?
He was getting ahead of himself anyway. There was no rush where she was concerned. Hell, he knew any kind of rapid relationship was off the table. Whatever happened between them would have to evolve slowly, organically.
His thoughts never deviated throughout the day. All while dealing with sellers eager to re-list their houses now that the market had started shifting, to buyers window shopping, not sure what they were looking for, his mind and heart stayed with one pixie-haired woman. He’d even managed to draw up paperwork on the condo. Thank
fully, he was buddies with the listing agent, so he’d been able to call and chat with him about their offer. The seller would be back on Wednesday, and since Sasha would be leasing the condo instead of buying, the paperwork wasn’t as involved. Once he got their approval on it, he could have Sasha sign them. Normally, the listing agent drew up the lease, but Aaron wanted to make sure Sasha’s rights weren’t restricted. He wasn’t sure where their relationship was going, but he didn’t want any obstacles in his way as things progressed. And an unbreakable lease was a complication he wished to avoid.
By late afternoon, he still hadn’t heard from her, and he was battling the urge to drop everything and seek her out. He knew she’d be off work by now. Damn, but he hated giving up control like this. When his phone rang, his fucking heart pounded, but disappointment struck when he saw it wasn’t her calling. He recognized the number, though.
“Master Aaron,” he answered.
“Um, hi, Master. This is Gabi from Boundaries.”
“I know who this is. How can I help you, Gabriella?”
“I need you. Tonight. If you’re available, Sir.”
He checked his watch, already knowing he was free. Maybe this was just the distraction he needed to keep hold of his balls and his sanity. “I’ll be there in an hour.”
“Thank you, Master.”
“You can thank me later.” When he hung up, his heart lurched into his throat as he thought about how he’d replied, how he’d always replied to requests from subs. He didn’t mean anything sexual in specific terms. He knew how to be a Dom without becoming intimate with a sub. Them giving him their all was all he ever meant by that.
But he’d also fucked Gabi on several occasions, and he knew she’d interpret his words based on past experience. He felt a twinge of guilt because of that. Then he felt pissed at himself for that reaction.
He and Sasha weren’t exclusive. Hell, she’d run from him this morning. Did she expect him to stop his lifestyle while she figured out what she wanted? He couldn’t even be sure if he was anywhere on that list at this point.
Closing up his office, he headed home for a quick change into his leathers and then made his way to the club. He’d arrived early because he wanted to set up the room. He pulled out the St. Andrew’s cross and some floggers. He’d just finished getting things ready when Gabi walked in, head bowed.
“Come here,” he said as he released the straps.
She walked over and got into position as he strapped her in. She knew better than to ask the questions he saw swirling in her eyes. They usually talked about what she wanted before starting, but they’d been together enough times that she should trust his judgment in this. Besides, he wasn’t in the mood to accommodate her queries, and she had to learn that sometimes it was about pleasing her Dom … not her.
Once he had her right where he needed, he stood in front of her.
“What’s your safe word?”
“Red,” she said shakily.
He gritted his teeth, knowing his next words would shock her. “I want you to use it tonight.”
She blanched and started shaking her head.
“I haven’t brought you to your limit yet, Gabriella, and you need this. I need this. We both have things to work out tonight, and I will push you beyond your tolerance.”
He hadn’t realized how much he needed this until right now, but that didn’t mean he’d ignore Gabi’s responses. If he needed to pull back, he would, but he needed her to learn her limits, so she’d be more willing to try other Doms with more confidence. He knew she hoped he’d want her to be his, but he’d set her straight before they ever played together. Aaron had no desire to collar anyone. It meant settling down with one woman.
He’d forgotten that lack of desire desire recently.
“If you need a break, I want you to say the word yellow. I’ll decide how much of a break you get. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Master.”
“Good. Let’s begin.”
Chapter 8
With the exception of a quick text from Aaron yesterday letting her know things were progressing well with the condo paperwork, she hadn’t heard anything else from him since leaving him in her bed that morning. Was he pissed? Was that why he hadn’t talked to her except to give her the obligatory update on her new place? She didn’t know. It had been so long since she’d dated that she didn’t know how to read men. The last man she was with was abusive, so of course her natural response to an angry man was to avoid him at all costs. If Aaron was mad at her, she didn’t want to be around him.
Not that he’d ever done anything to make her feel threatened by him, but she had slipped out on him like a scared little kid. She’d be mad if someone had done that to her.
Then again, maybe he didn’t care. He’d fucked her already. Could have been that was all he’d been after, and she was being naive to think anything more, deeper had happened between them. After all, they’d only had one date, and she’d given up the goods already.
Gah, she didn’t know what to think. What she did know was she wasn’t ready to go back to Cassie’s house and sit there alone. Last night had been torturous enough. Ian had mentioned a bar not too far from their place. She could go there and have a drink or two before she had to come home to the empty house. She wasn’t sure how she felt going alone. She should’ve gotten the numbers from the gals at the bachelorette party. Or maybe she should’ve asked Kimber to join her before she’d left the office. Too late now.
Finding the street wasn’t that difficult, and the glowing Sheehan’s sign was easy to spot. Sasha figured people could see that bright four-leaf clover from space.
She parked and made her way in. It was a little crowded, which seemed shocking for a Tuesday night, but she was more used to the clubbing habits of southerners, which were limited to the weekends with the exception of special events like Monday Night Football or Deer Widow Wednesday. As she scoped out her seating options, she spied a few empty bar stools and made her way to one of them.
“Hello there. What can I get you?”
Sasha looked up as she adjusted her seat and smiled at the older bartender. “Hi. Do you have any local brewery beer?”
The man nodded and pointed out a few varieties ranging from pale ale to dark lager. She went with a light one since she wasn’t sure if she was going to like anything too stout. After carding her—and she thanking him for pretending she looked like a kid—he started a tab for her and served the cold beverage.
She was sipping it as she looked around the bar, taking in the laid back atmosphere. It felt as if it were a nice little local pub. One she could see herself frequenting, so she made a mental note to thank Ian for mentioning it before he left on his honeymoon. When she turned back toward the bar, the stool beside her shifted and her gaze flew to the man who’d just sat down beside her.
“Haven’t seen you around here before,” the guy in the expensive suit said. He was cute, but like all other men, she wasn’t interested in him.
Okay, maybe not all other men. She knew of one hot agent who she loved exploring her real estate. She’d have giggled at that silly thought if this other man weren’t leering at her.
“First time visiting.”
“Oh, my lucky night.” He leaned in and stroked a finger over her hand. She yanked it away and glared at him.
“Not interested, buddy.” She turned away and sipped her beer, but the dude scooted closer and her stomach bottomed out. Why the hell hadn’t she called Kimber to see if she wanted to come along? Now Sasha was here alone dealing with this creep.
“Too bad. I am,” he said, invading her personal space.
“Back off.” Why was her voice trembling? God, a year ago, she’d have kneed a guy like this right in the family jewels. Now she just wanted to run.
“The only way I’m getting off tonight is with your help, darlin’.” He gripped her wrist again, tighter this time, but she put the force of all her strength into yanking it away from him. She got free, but
she’d also succeeded in pulling him right up against her. “You have nice tits,” he slurred. Fucking great, a drunk asshole, one with no inhibitions, which meant she was in serious trouble.
“Leave me alone.” She shoved him back and quickly stood to get away from him. She didn’t know where she was going to go. It wasn’t like she could go straight home. What if this jackass followed her there? Paralyzing fear washed over her at that thought.
Then she was gripped from behind and whirled until she crushed against a chest. She had a second of realization before Aaron’s lips crashed to hers. He kissed her hard and fast before pulling away. Oh God, Aaron, Aaron, Aaron.
“Sorry I’m late, baby.” He looked behind her. “You didn’t have to keep my seat warm,” he said to the other man. “Get the fuck out of it.”
“Didn’t know she was taken,” the guy said, and she heard him shifting, hopefully leaving. After several seconds of watching Aaron’s gaze track something, probably the creep’s departure, he finally looked at her again.
“Are you okay?” His arms were like steel, his face cold. If she had to guess, she’d say he was furious, and what was shocking was that the knowledge didn’t scare her. No, the fear she’d been experiencing just seconds ago had vanished the moment Aaron had wrapped himself around her.
“I am now.” She leaned into him and his arms hugged tighter around her. His nose buried into her hair, and he inhaled.
“I want to fucking kill him. The look in your eyes when you jumped off that stool…” He blew out a breath. “I could goddamn kill him with my bare hands.”
She rubbed her hands up and down his back, soothing him. It was very surreal to be in a position where she tempered a raging man without fear for herself.
Why hadn’t she felt this comfortable waking up in his arms? She’d known then she wasn’t being rational, but she’d still reacted. It took a brush with real danger to make her feel even guiltier about slipping out on him. Swallowing not just the lump in her throat, she looked up into his blazing eyes.
Love Against Odds Volume One (Love Agaist Odds Book 10) Page 17