Liars and Tigers

by Breanna Hayse

  "Going on a trip with Mish?"

  "No, going on a trip to find her. She took off. I blew it. I told her I had set her up and wanted to marry her. She claimed she knew all about it and had trapped me instead."

  "That sounds like her. Where do you think she went?"

  "She said up north. That's not all. She took Rodin," Alex said.

  "She did what? Shit. If anyone catches her, we will lose him!"

  "Yeah, I know. Do you have any idea of where she might have gone to?"

  "None. Maybe she—"

  "Hold on a second, I have a call coming in," Alex said, switching lines. He frowned as he listened to the caller, thanked him, and then returned to Jack. "She's in Vegas. Apparently she went to see her old artist buddy."

  "What artist buddy?"

  Alex quickly told Jack the story of how Misha had earned the money for college. "She never told you because she was afraid you would be disgusted with her."

  "Why would I be disgusted? Thank God I hate art. I would not want to have seen her in that exhibit, you know, all naked and everything."

  "Carlos said that he is having her pose for him as Rodin's Iris. He had hoped her modesty would overwhelm her fear, but it's backfired on him. I'm going to take a trip to Vegas and catch my little Tiger in the act. I can't believe she lied to me."

  "She feigned a trail for you to follow. She's a clever girl, but love has made her careless. Remember, Alex, she thinks like her felids. If you want to earn her respect, you have to behave like a tiger. She will fight you, but you have to win at all costs. Once you do, she is yours."

  "I'm trusting you here, buddy."

  "Have I ever sent you in the wrong direction?"

  "Uh, yes, in India when we—"

  "With her! Have I ever steered you wrong with her? No answer? That means I'm right. Go find her, Alex," Jack said. "Catch her and protect her. Do whatever you have to, and hold onto her. Please, make my baby girl see how loved she is."

  "Jack? Are you crying?" Alex asked, softening his voice.

  "Just a little choked up. She is the only family I have, and the closest thing to a daughter I could ever hope for. I want the best for her, and you are the best."

  "I'm a screw up, Jack. But she makes me feel like I'm better than I am. You have the house key and the alarm code? I'll call you when I find her."

  "Be careful, son."

  Alex tossed his bag into the F450 pickup, skidded down the long driveway, raced through the narrow roads and merged onto Highway 15. Las Vegas was an easy drive, but his anxiety made the minutes tick slowly. He resisted speeding, reasoning to himself that she would still be there in the extra twenty minutes he might have shaved off the trip, and that it wasn't worth a ticket or an accident. He replayed their conversation over and over in his mind, trying to devise a way to get her to see that she was worthy of both love and a commitment.

  His phone beeped, and he struck the Bluetooth button on his dashboard.

  "Hodges here."

  "Mr. Hodges, it's Carlos," the Italian man whispered. "Misha will be with me in my studio behind the house. I want you to be aware that she is, well, somewhat indisposed. In order for her to maintain the position for this sculpt, I had to use devices to suspend her."

  "Are you saying that you have her tied up?"

  "She is not going anywhere without assistance," Carlos said.

  "Excellent. And Rodin? Is he all right?"

  "The kitten is with her. Although, he got into the plaster, and is quite white at the moment." Carlos chuckled. "You love her, yes?"

  "More than anything. She makes my heart beat," Alex admitted.

  "Good. Make her happy. And the stripes upon her buttocks?"

  "She went into a tiger enclosure alone after being told not to. Are they bad?"

  "No, but well-deserved. I must go now. I will see you soon? Just come inside and don't alert her."

  "In about an hour. I just got to the border. I'm going to fill up here and then be on my way," Alex said, his mind racing.

  Misha was trapped. That could go either way for him, depending on how he approached her. Jack had told him many times that she thought like a big cat. What would a tiger do? Sniff out his female and take her. But there was a fine line, and Alex was not going to cross it. So how could he do this?

  The dilemma weighed on his mind as he made the final approach into Carlos's driveway. Alex left his belongings in his truck, and walked to the art studio located behind the main house. He quietly opened the door, and nodded a greeting to the artist. Carlos held his fingers to his lips.

  "Misha, my love, I must go to town and get more clay. I will be back shortly," he said, winking at Alex.

  "No! You can't leave me tied up like this," Alex heard Misha say. "Not alone!"

  "You're not alone."

  "Alex? Oh dear Lord, how did you find me?" Her vocal tone changed from annoyance to frantic.

  He stepped around to where her head was supported in the suspension unit, and pulled up a stool. "Time we talked, don't you think? And you can't run away this time."

  Misha scowled, looking at him upside down. Carlos had placed her naked body in a full body sling for full view. She was supported by the layer of nylon running under the length of her back and neck, and her legs were tied securely to reveal the focal point of Rodin's Iris, her pussy. Alex nodded with approval, observing that her right hand was tied to her right ankle, which forced her leg to draw up to her chest. Her left leg was left to dangle outside the harness, and blocked by one of the suspending ropes to keep it widely splayed. Carlos had also secured her left hand underneath her body to give the illusion of being absent and represent the original sculpture. Out of respect for Alex, a cloth had been draped over her pussy.

  "Let me down and we'll talk."

  "No, I like you like this. I don't like another man viewing your lady parts, though."

  "He's an artist and this pose is classic. Please let me down."

  "This pose gives me direct access to you. Access that I could very well take advantage of."

  "You wouldn't dare!" Misha hissed.

  "First things first." Alex moved the stool closer to her head and sat down, then leaned back and crossed both his arms and his legs. "I want an explanation. Why did you run away from me?"

  "I'm not saying anything until you let me out of this trap."

  "At least you see it for what it really is—except," he tapped her nose, "the only real trap is the one in your mind. This is a holding pen. It will keep you safe and within reach during our discussion. Answer me, Misha."

  "I don't know," she grumbled.

  "You don't know why you ran? I think you can to better than that. Hello, Rodin," Alex said, and the cub rubbed against his leg. "We will talk about you in a minute, kitty. But first your mommy has some explaining to do."

  "You want to marry me."

  "I love you and yes, I want to marry you. What is so terrible about that?"

  "Marriage is a trap. It's designed to force two people to be in the same cage for the rest of their lives. There is no freedom to explore, no room to hunt. Animals rarely breed in captivity, and you want me to be one of those animals."

  "First, let me preface this by saying that you might think like a felid, but you are a human being. Marriage, at least in my mind, is there to protect you and your interests. I don't know what kind of freedom you are referring to, since we both know you have not made a habit of being promiscuous, and that you are comfortable committing to a job." Alex stayed calm as he stroked the tiger. Rodin purred, and jumped onto his lap for more. "Second, I am not asking you to breed. I already have two kids whom I love to death, and who I can't see as often as I like. You would be a great stepmother to them, but I am not asking you to bear one of your own."

  "It's still a trap. Like everything else you put me through."

  "You respect traps, Misha. You, in fact, expected one. That in itself is setting a trap of your own. You wanted me just as badly as I wanted you. Do I have
to just take what I want to make you believe that I love you?"

  "Maybe you do! Maybe," she struggled to look at him, "you need to prove how much you want me by taking away my choices."

  "So you admit, you do want me in full control. I knew you were a natural submissive, but I had no idea to what degree," Alex said, reaching over and running his fingers along her neck. "Do you love me, Misha?"

  "Yes, damn it."

  "How much?"

  "Too much, okay? Enough to risk losing Rodin if I got caught with him," Misha's voice caught in her throat. "Enough to risk another ass blistering."

  "You needed to run to see if I would actually hunt you down and claim you, didn't you?"

  "Damn you, Alex."

  "Answer me. I want to hear you say it."

  "Really? Is this necessary?"

  "Not only necessary, it is vital. And the least you can do for the worry you put me through."

  "Very well," Misha sighed, "If I say it, will you let me go?"

  "Never. I am taking what is mine and keeping her." Alex smiled. "And if you meant, will I let you down from there? No. Not until I am done with you."

  "You're right. I needed to know you cared enough to come after me. I have these stupid abandonment issues, okay?" she said, bitterly.

  "They aren't stupid. Your parents abandoned you at a casino, your foster mother was going to abandon you to a pimp, your first cat family was sent away, and you lost your first job. Jack forced you to go away to college. Your history is filled with the loss of relationships, one after another. Except now," Alex stood and looked down at her face, "you have me. I am not going anywhere, nor am I going to allow you to run away in fear of that happening."

  "How did you find me? I sent you on a false trail."

  "I'm just as resourceful as you are, young lady. It is about time you learn that."

  "What are you doing?" Misha yelped as he walked around to her spread legs, his warm hand not once leaving her skin. Goosebumps rose on her as he grazed her inner thigh and removed the cloth that was hiding her treasures.

  "I'm surveying my prize," Alex said, gently running his fingertip down her moist slit.

  "Don't do that. You know I'm a… you know!"

  "I know you're a virgin, which is why we are going to make this happen nice and slow," Alex crooned, adding his left hand to stroke the inside of her thigh. "I am going to pluck this flower today, and show you that I am not afraid to take my tigress as my own."

  "You are going to rape me? Oh my God, no!" Misha struggled uselessly against the bonds.

  "Rape implies taking you without your consent. You will not only be consenting, but I will have you begging," Alex said huskily, lowering his mouth to her widely spread, exposed pussy. Misha trembled as he blew warm air over the pink lips and between her bottom cheeks. A shiver traveled along the length of her body.

  "I won't allow it," she coughed out, after an uninvited moan passed her lips.

  "I don't see how you can stop me," Alex ran his tongue over her clit, "or that you really want to."

  "Fuck…" Misha whispered, as his tongue pressed eagerly against her little nub.

  "That will happen when you beg me for it, Tiger. This sling is rather handy. I think I might get one for us to use at home."

  "I'm not ever getting in one of these again," Misha said breathlessly, tensing as he sucked gently on her swollen clit.

  "You'll do as you're told, little girl," Alex grinned, nibbling on her inner thigh while his fingers caressed her wetness. "Stop being so stubborn."

  "I have to be stubborn," Misha arched her back, gasping at the feel of his finger penetrating her body. "I'm not an easy catch."

  "That's for certain. But well worth the pursuit." Alex carefully inserted two fingers inside her. He was not taken aback by the absence of a hymen, knowing that her physical activity had likely torn it years ago, but her tightness intrigued him. Slowly, he stretched her hot walls, listening for her reaction.

  Misha began to hum, muffled growls of pleasure rumbling deep in her throat. The sound of her sharp intakes of air aroused him and corresponded with the slow, gentle plunge of his fingers. He studied her convulsing pussy, the soft, pink muscles opening and closing in response to her body's hunger to be mounted.

  "Not yet, my girl," Alex said, as his mouth tasted every inch of her inner thighs and the delicate creases around her womanhood.

  "Alex," Misha moaned. "What are you doing to me? I feel so… so helpless."

  "Being helpless feels good too, doesn't it my love?"

  "Mmm, yes."

  "Would you like more?" Alex asked, bringing his hands across the plain of her stomach and stopping on the outside of her straining breasts.

  "Yes," she whispered, her eyes closed.

  "How badly do you want more?"

  "Don't make me beg."

  "I want you to beg," his lips wrapped around the heaving nipple of her left breast. "I love that you can't block me. Maybe Carlos should have gagged you, too."

  "Stop talking," Misha panted.

  "That's been your problem," Alex mumbled into her warm flesh. Misha squealed as he captured a nipple between his teeth and pulled upon it. "You don't talk. You just react."

  "Ohhh…" Misha's body began to shine with perspiration. "More. Please."

  "More of what? My mouth?" Alex asked, moving to her other breast as his hand caressed her glistening mound. "Tell me, Tiger, what do you want more of?"

  Misha whimpered, biting her lower lip while he tugged upon her other nipple with his lips. "Don't make me say it."

  "If you want it, you will have to ask for it. For now on, no more guessing games. Tell me what you want."

  "I want you, damn it."

  "How do you want me?"

  "Shit," she gasped, as his fingers found their warm nesting ground within her, "I want all of you. I want your heart, your mind, your body and your love! I want you!" Her voice raised in pitch.

  "Do you want to feel me inside of you? To mount you like a tiger takes his chosen mate?"

  "Yes. Please, Alex, do it," she pleaded.

  "I can't exactly take you from behind, but I can use this set up to our advantage," Alex responded, his voice hoarse as he released his bobbing cock from his jeans. "Can you feel me rubbing my length against your thighs, Misha?"

  "Oh Lord," she muttered. "You feel so big. Please don't hurt me."

  "I will never hurt you. Not intentionally," Alex murmured, flicking her clit with his finger as he nestled the mushroomed head against her dripping passageway.

  "More," Misha begged, as he slowly inched the tip of his manhood inside of her.

  "Easy, girl," he coaxed, cradling her hips in his hands. "Easy, now…"

  Misha let out a quick yelp, wriggling her body as her opening adjusted to his width. Satisfied that she was ready for more, Alex pushed harder, and slid into the tight glove of her shaft. Misha cried out unintelligible words and began to rock her pelvis back and forth, forcing him to seat himself more deeply within her. Cautiously, aware of her recently lost virginity, Alex waited to feel her muscle relax around his rod, and only then began to pump his cock in slow, piston-like motions. He dug his fingertips into her hips as his arousal grew and swelled to press against the velvety softness of her inner walls.

  Her demands to impale her came as wordless growls, and he complied, fully aware of the primal grunts and growls they shared between them. Misha stiffened for a single breath, began to quiver, and spastically arched her body to take him in. She shuddered under his powerful strides and roared aloud her pleasure. Alex's body tightened and he plunged deep into her shelter in shivering pulses, bathing her in his juices. His heart pounded with joy. He had won the hunt and taken his mate.

  He curved his body over hers and kissed the tears from both her cheeks, following those with a kiss on the lips. "I love you," he said, looking into her glazed eyes. "Will you marry me?"

  Misha blinked through her happy tears. "Yes."

  Chapter 13


  Alex gently untied the ropes and lowered the sling to the ground. After massaging the blood back to her limbs, he helped Misha to her feet and handed her a modeling robe.

  "Let's get you inside and cleaned up," he said softly, lifting her in his arms. She clung to him with her hands around his neck, burying her face under his chin. Alex felt a lump in his chest as her simple gesture brought back memories of how he would carry his children to bed. After settling her on the guest bed, he drew her a bath complete with bubbles, but to his dismay, Rodin found his way in before Misha.

  "Damn it, cat," Alex grumbled, hands on his hips as he stared at the fuzzy animal swatting at the bubbles. "This bath was not meant for you. Don't you know cats are supposed to hate the water? I guess that doesn't count for you, though," he said, kneeling on the floor and reaching in to bathe the young tiger.

  "Watch out, he likes to bite during baths. Water makes him playful," Misha said, leaning against the door frame with a smile.

  "I'm getting that message. Ow! Watch the teeth, mister," Alex scolded, as he scrubbed the rest of the plaster powder from the cub's coat. "Okay, that's enough already. I am not a snack."

  "I bet you are great with kids," Misha commented, while Alex wrestled the cub with a towel during the drying process.

  "Kids are easier and they don't have sharp little teeth. Stop that!" Alex reprimanded, after Rodin grabbed his hand in his mouth. The cub released him and sat back, twitching his tail.

  "Watch out," Misha laughed, "he's plotting revenge. That tail twitch is your warning sign."

  "Revenge for what?" Alex asked, placing the wet towel on the rack and emptying the tub. "Telling him not to bite me?"

  "Oh no," Misha giggled. "For making him get out of the water. Don't turn your back on him. He is ready to pounce."

  "Let go of my foot, you little fuzzball!" Alex ordered. Rodin had wrapped his front paws around Alex's right leg, and was alternatively chewing and kicking at his foot. Misha laughed hysterically while Alex attempted to shake the cub off his leg. "Do you think this is funny?"

  "Very much so! Don't get mad, he's only playing. Rodin? Come here, baby," Misha chuckled, patting her thigh. The cub released his 'prey' and joined her, rubbing his body against her legs. "I'll go put him in his crate while you draw me another bath, okay? Call me when it's ready."