Cruel Masters

by Stone, Piper

  He pulled me into a standing position, shifting me directly in front of the mirror, his hands remaining on my arms. A smile crossed his face as he stared into our combined reflection, but a haunted look remained. “I just wanted to make certain you were all right.”

  “I’m fine, well, at least as much as I can be.” Who was I kidding? I was nervous and angry, frustrated and worried. “What happened to the woman you cared about?”

  Dax lifted a single eyebrow, remaining unblinking for a few seconds. “It was a fling really, an adventure in a foreign land.”

  “St. Tropez.”

  Nodding, he brushed the fingers of one hand down my arm before backing away. “After Sebastian received a tip about the hotel being for sale, we figured it was a perfect maiden voyage for the yacht. We had to pick the Bounty up from the Netherlands anyway. Plus, it was the first time we’d taken a few days away from the grinds of Chicago since the opening of Extreme. We enjoyed the city. Nightlife. Drinking. Food. Then I met Isabella. We had a whirlwind romance and for about thirty seconds, I thought I’d fallen in love.” He laughed. “Things don’t always work out the way you want them to.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “There is no reason to be sorry. I was a big boy and knew what I was getting into. The bad thing is that I convinced Sebastian that we needed to purchase the hotel. I have no idea why other than I hoped I could convince Isabella that I wasn’t such a bastard after all.”

  His expression was forlorn. I inched closer, tentatively reaching out, cupping the side of his face. He closed his eyes, nuzzling against my hand. As he exhaled, the sound was ragged, so damn sad.

  “We all regret losses,” I whispered. The moment I inhaled, the scent of him sent a rush of tremors down my legs. As he opened his eyes, I was sucked into the dark passion that he’d expressed only once before.

  As if he had no control over his hunger. Very slowly he pulled me against him, his chest rising and falling.

  “God, I want you,” he muttered before entangling his fingers in my hair, his eyes darting back and forth.

  I slipped my arms around his neck, taking shallow breaths. The moment he lowered his head, our lips only centimeters apart, I issued a single moan. When he captured my mouth, holding us close for a full ten seconds, I shuddered in his arms. The quietness within erupted in intense passion. Within seconds, the kiss became our combined raw need, a desire that could threaten to consume both of us.

  Dax lifted me off my feet, holding me as if he’d never let me go. As he parted my lips, thrusting his tongue inside, I became lost in the taste of him.

  I wrapped one leg around his as our combined guttural sounds floated between us. I suddenly couldn’t get enough of him, our tongues entwining, my fingers tugging on his long strands of hair. He devoured my mouth, both of us exploring the heated recesses as our bodies molded together. While everything about this should be considered wrong, the way I felt in his arms was spectacular.

  And I never wanted it to end.

  He carried me into the bedroom, gently easing me onto the bed, hovering over me as the kiss continued. Every sound we made was animalistic, every touch embroiled with raging desire. And the taste of him was incredible, sending an explosion of electricity into every cell and muscle.

  Seconds later, he reared back, jerking his shirt over his head, then once again lowered down, licking around my mouth before biting my lower lip. Every sound he made was savage, a warning of what was to come.

  Growling, he nipped my chin before peppering my chest with kisses, biting down on first one nipple then the other.

  “Oh. Oh, my…” I closed my eyes as he continued his exploration, dragging his tongue across my heated skin. I couldn’t stop shaking as he licked zigzags and circles, moving ever so slowly further down.

  I opened my legs, yielding for him.

  Surrendering to him.

  The eruption of sensations was incredible, the scent of my desire wafting between us. There was no mistaking our connection, the jolts of current sparking between us. When he gathered my legs into his arms, crouching down and immediately swirling his tongue around my already swollen clit, I couldn’t stop a series of whimpers from rushing from my throat.

  Lights flashed in front of my eyes, my heart racing. I bit my lip to keep from screaming as he nipped and sucked on my tender tissue.

  “Such a bad little girl,” he said in a darker tone than normal, the words alone sending a thrill through me. Every sound he made guttural, he feasted on my pussy, driving his tongue past my swollen folds, shifting his head back and forth as he gathered drops of my cream.

  I could no longer focus, the sensations rocketing through me. I was powerless to move or think clearly. Everything in the room seemed to be spinning, matching the hard hammering of my heart. I was amazed that his touch spiraled me into another stratosphere, but I could feel myself letting go.

  “I could eat you for days.” Dax plunged two fingers deep inside, pumping brutally as he continued licking and sucking.

  “Oh. Oh. Oh. Oh.” My scattered moans quickly became hoarse, every nerve standing on end. When he added a third and fourth finger, my pussy clamping around the thick invasion, my legs began to shake.

  “Do you want to come, sweet Kendra?”

  “Uh-huh. I mean yes, sir.” I clawed the bedding, still gasping for air, lightheaded and purring like some crazed wildcat.

  “Mmm…” He rubbed his lips back and forth, growling again as he drove his tongue deep inside.

  “I can’t… hold it. Please. I…”

  He dug his fingers into my legs, opening me even wider, taking every inch of me he desired.

  The orgasm threatened to consume me, refusing to be denied. Just when I thought I couldn’t take it any longer, he gave me a beautiful command.

  “Come for me. I need to drink every drop of your juice.”

  There was no holding back, the climax bursting through every pore in my skin, sweeping through me like a tidal wave. Echoes pounded into my ears as I issued a bedraggled scream, my body jerking from the power of the orgasm.

  Dax refused to stop, licking roughly, his fingers and tongue the perfect orchestration to bringing me to another powerful orgasm.

  “Oh. Yes!” I jerked up, the stars floating in front of my eyes now the most vibrant colors.

  Red and purple.

  Tangerine and emerald green.

  I couldn’t stop panting or shaking, the whirlwind of sensations wonderful. Only when I finally stopped trembling did he back away, but not before pressing his lips against the inside of my thigh, biting down on my skin. His growls were entirely different than the other two men, as if coming from a place that even he hadn’t expected.

  Exhaling, I was vaguely aware that he’d moved to a standing position. As the vibrations still thrummed through me, I managed to focus enough in order to gaze on his glorious muscular body as he finished undressing. He was just as spectacular as the other two, sculpted in all the right ways.

  And his cock was magnificent, thick and throbbing, the glisten of pre-cum making my mouth water.

  As he crawled onto the bed, his eyes burning into mine, he yanked me into the middle. His hands positioned on either side of me, he lowered his head, rubbing his lips back and forth across mine. “I’m going to enjoy making love to you.”

  Making love.

  I parted my lips, darting my tongue across the seam of his mouth, enjoying his husky growls as he teased me with his cock, brushing it across my pussy. The smile on his face was devilish, his eyes sparkling in the dim lighting. Even the howl of the storm didn’t seem nearly as frightening.

  I squeezed his arms before easing one hand down his stomach, wrapping my fingers around his shaft.

  “Yes…” he whispered, his breath skipping.

  I pumped several times then dragged my finger through the string of pre-cum, bringing the tip to my mouth. A wry smile crossed his face as I swirled my tongue several times.

  “Such a tease,�
� he muttered.

  “Maybe.” The taste of him was so damn sweet, enticing my senses. I took my time but could tell he was losing his patience. When I rolled my knuckles down his taut muscles, he followed my action with his eyes, issuing a series of low-slung growls. I positioned the tip of his cock to my entrance then wrapped both legs around his, entwining my feet together.

  He laughed, the sound coming from the very depth of his being, before pushing the tip of his cock past my swollen folds. Still hovering over me, he pressed kisses from one side of my forehead to the other, slowly moving to the bridge of my nose then finally to my lips. “Perfect.”

  The word held such meaning, including perfect for the three of them.

  I shuddered at the thought, arching my back the second he thrust the entire length of his cock inside. The bolts of electricity were stunning, stealing my breath.

  Dax threw his head back, stifling an intense roar, his entire body shaking. When he slowly looked into my eyes, the same wicked smile curling on his lips, I pressed my palms against his chest.

  “So tight. Jesus, woman. I could do this for hours.” Exhaling, he pulled out, toying with me for several seconds before plunging inside once again. When he finally drove his shaft inside, my muscles clamped around his cock immediately, pulling him in even deeper.

  After repeating the move twice more, I clawed at his shoulder, issuing a series of moans. “Fuck me,” I whispered. “Hard.”

  Laughing softly, he did as I requested, thrusting in even strokes, developing a pulsating rhythm. Within seconds, his actions became more brutal, driving into me relentlessly until the sounds of the box spring squeaking floated between us.

  He never took his eyes off mine as if searching my soul as he continued, his muscles straining.

  The feel of his skin was amazing, searing the tips of my fingers from the excessive heat. I couldn’t seem to get enough of him, my body bucking in order to meet every savage thrust. In those few precious seconds, we were as one, moving together in a beautiful symphony. There was no music required, the sounds of our beating hearts exactly what I needed.

  As the waves continued to crash, another rumble of thunder occurring in the distance, another ravaging climax roared into me. “Oh. Yes, I…” As the rush intensified, my scream was no longer audible.

  I could tell he was close to coming, his entire body tensing, straining as he attempted to hold off.

  But when I clamped my muscles around his cock, his body went rigid, his roar explosive. Then he filled me with his seed.

  I couldn’t stop shaking as I clung to him, trying to control my breathing. As he lowered his head, I could see utter adoration in his eyes.

  Seconds later, he yanked at the covers, maneuvering our heated bodies under the sheets then holding me as close as possible. Just as he flipped the switch on the bedside lamp, a bolt of lightning flashed across the horizon, a rumble of thunder occurring almost immediately, but I still heard the words, the dark whisper that I doubted he’d ever expected to say again.

  “I love you.”

  In those peaceful moments of togetherness, I’d never felt so desired or loved in my life.

  By three men.

  Three powerful, dangerously delicious men.

  Perhaps my life was just beginning.

  Chapter 15

  Sebastian

  And the storm continued.

  I sat nursing another drink in the darkness of the salon hours after both Dax and Chase had left. I’d suspected Dax had gone to be with her. While it had pissed me off in the beginning, he had every right. I was a fool to think otherwise. As I took a sip, I winced from the lightning bolt occurring far in the distance. I could almost feel the electricity from the powerful act of nature surging through me.

  Or perhaps it was continued fury.

  I hated the lack of control, the senseless concept that the damn weather system had blocked my ability to find answers. I also loathed the fact that I’d lost all resistance to my feelings. I loved Kendra. It no longer mattered whether my desire for her was right or wrong. I wouldn’t be able to live without her any more than Chase or Dax could. A simple fact of life.

  I snickered at the thought, shifting my hand to my weapon that I’d made certain was right beside me or on my person at all times. Maybe I was attempting to be the watchdog for the night even as exhaustion had begun to take a toll. I’d been able to live on adrenaline the majority of my entire life, but I was tired. Bone tired.

  A trained psychiatrist would say I could no longer fight the good fight and should shove away my anger regarding the past. Under different circumstances, that might be possible. Now? Not a chance in hell. I swirled the bottom of my glass on the knee of my trousers, closing my eyes. Maybe rest was exactly what I needed. Sleeping the entire night through would be a luxury, but one I wasn’t certain I could partake in.

  Still, I wanted to make certain she was all right. I took another swig, slamming the glass on the table, grabbing the Glock and shoving it under the waistband behind my back. It was fucking late, after two in the morning, but there was no mistaking the blaring sounds of music from the city nightlife as it tunneled in the direction of the yacht. Even the raging waves couldn’t keep the sound away.

  Everything on the boat seemed quiet, although I knew the captain had returned to his post only a couple of hours before, manning the helm as he’d done for me since the purchase of the yacht. Every member of the crew had been handpicked and they’d managed to keep the yacht in top shape during our absence.

  Dax had believed the purchase had been an extravagance, but the ocean was one of the few things that had a calming effect. I found it difficult to believe how fearful Kendra was of the water.

  As I entered the corridor, I couldn’t help but smile. That was going to change. I’d add it to her training schedule.

  Laughing softly, I jerked to a stop when I heard what sounded like several thuds. What the fuck? My hackles raised, I yanked my gun into both hands, moving silently toward one of the outer doors.

  Pop! Pop! Pop!

  “What the fuck!” I yelled, storming onto the deck. Dark shadows bounded from over the side, another series of popping noises were followed by several pings.

  As well as the sound of shattered glass.

  We’d been boarded, the assholes taking out as many lights as possible. I bounded into the corridor, racing toward the cabin. I heard several additional thuds, yelling coming from the deck above. When I rounded the corner, I issued a deep bellow. The door to the cabin was open.

  I stormed inside, prepared to take out whatever asshole had dared breach our space. Before I reached the center of the main room, I heard footsteps. Swinging around, I was ready to pull the trigger.

  “Fuck!” Chase barked, holding out his arms, a weapon firmly planted in his hand. “What the hell is going on?”

  I didn’t take the time to say a damn word, merely rushing into the bedroom, Chase following closely behind.

  “Jesus. Dax.” Chase rushed toward the fallen man, crouching down beside him. “He’s alive.”

  “Where the hell is Kendra?” I headed to the balcony just as a massive light from the bridge was swung over the ocean waters. “She’s gone. She’s fucking gone.”

  Two popping sounds occurred immediately, but there was enough time to catch the powerboat sitting just off the bow, one large enough to carry at least a half dozen soldiers. I held the gun toward it, taking gasping breaths. Not only was the damn thing too far away to be accurate, I couldn’t take the chance of hitting Kendra.

  “Fuck. Fuck! Take care of him,” I commanded before rushing toward the door.

  “Where the hell are you going?” Chase demanded as Dax moaned, struggling to sit up.

  “To find the woman I love.”

  “Wait,” Dax huffed. “There were two of them, both speaking French, but I know there are more. They were here for Kendra specifically.”

  That was all the information I needed. Nothing was going to stop
me from saving her. I took the stairs two at a time, my feet pounding on the deck as I ran in the direction of the other boat. Within seconds, I realized that it was too late, the sound of the powerful engine revving, almost immediately cutting through the waters. I took aim, trying to maintain focus as the captain managed to shine another light on the fleeing vessel.

  “Kendra!” I screamed, catching sight of her. No. No. No! Rage unlike anything I’d ever known swept through me. “I will kill you!” Pirates. The fucker had hired pirates to capture her.

  “Where is she?” Chase insisted, smashing against the railing.

  I tumbled backward, turning in a full circle. “We were too late. Too late. She’s gone.”

  Dax staggered toward us, still naked from the night of passion they’d shared, blood streaming down his face. “One of them issued a threat.” He struggled to catch his breath.

  “What?”

  “What a shame to lose something so precious.”

  As members of the crew raced toward us, I stared out at the blackened water. I would find her, no matter how long it took.

  “Ready the dinghy. We’re going after them,” I barked the orders to the crew.

  “The damn thing isn’t powerful enough to catch them,” Chase insisted.

  “Yeah? Well, who’s going to stop me?”

  “Are you all right, sir?” Captain Heller yelled as he approached.

  “Just get the damn dinghy ready!” This time I snarled.

  Chase leaned over the railing. “Wait a minute. Why are they stopping?”

  I shifted my gaze toward the powerboat, struggling to control my breathing. “What the hell are they doing?”

  “And why are they turning on a light?” Chase asked.

  “No. No,” Dax yelled.

  All three of us had been involved in treacherous situations, moments where we thought our lives were in danger. Yet as I watched the monsters drag Kendra to her feet, the light used to highlight the damning event, I knew in my gut that this was the worst thing to happen in my life.

  The slow motion was damning.