Liars and Tigers

by Breanna Hayse

  "Deal," Alex agreed. He rinsed out the tub and refilled it. Hmmm, was there enough room for the two of them? It filled quickly and, after glancing at the bathroom door, Alex stripped his clothes from his body and settled down against the high backed porcelain tub. "I'm waiting, Mish!" he called.

  Misha stood still in the door, surveying her surroundings. "Is there enough room?" she asked, as Alex beckoned to her.

  "We'll make it work. Come join me," he said, blowing some bubbles from his face.

  "I can't believe I met a man who likes bubbles baths," Misha announced, dropping her robe and picking her way into the tub. Alex grabbed her hand and pulled her down to sit between his knees with her back against his chest. "Is this really all happening?"

  "It is. How are you feeling?" Alex asked, as he used his hands to suds up her shoulders, arms and chest. He ran slippery fingers over her soap-covered breasts, and kissed the back of her neck, nipping occasionally.

  "Good. And more than a little embarrassed to be found in that position."

  "Why did you do it, Mish?"

  "Do what? Run away? Because the thought of being loved scared the hell out of me. You know that," Misha confessed, closing her eyes to his stroking hands.

  "Yes, I am aware of that. The modeling. Why did you take on this pose for Carlos? You knew how exposed you would be."

  "Carlos is one of the few artists that has a major bank account. He offered me ten grand to sit for him. I figured if I did three or four sittings, I would have enough down payment to afford a decent ranch of my own."

  "You don't need a ranch. Everything I have is yours, baby."

  "I know you don't understand," Misha said softly, parting her thighs as Alex's nimble fingers urged their way between them, "but it's important to me to have my own space. It's like your workout room. You don't like to share it with anyone."

  "I get that, but this was extreme. I don't want you modeling anymore. At least, not posing for pieces like this. Fully clothed, got it?"

  "Nude modeling is where the money is. I am not going to take your money, either, so don't even think about offering it."

  "I'm dead serious. No nudity."

  "You're being ridiculous. Fine." Misha acquiesced.

  "Why are you so stubborn?"

  "Why are you so pig-headed?"

  "Oh, no you don't," Alex said, preventing her from exiting the tub. "No more running off when you get your panties in a knot. We are going to talk out things from now on, and share in the decision making process."

  "I don't need you to make decisions for me. I am more than capable of conducting my life without your help."

  "You're angry. Why?" Alex held her firmly against his wet chest. "Stop fighting me and talk."

  "I don't want to lose my independence. I worked hard to get it and am not willing to just give it up."

  "Honey, being a couple means we both sacrifice something for each other. I'm not asking you to give up anything, just allow me to be part of your decision process. You liked it when I consulted you about how to keep Rodin, right?"

  "Alex Hodges," Misha twisted to look at him, "both you and I know that was a set up to trap me. It was clear as day that it was also Jack's idea. I know the old coot. Admit it."

  "Busted." Alex grinned. "And you jumped right in. It was selfish of me, but I saw no other way to involve you without being too blatant."

  "True, subtlety is not your strong suite. Please understand that I need to do this, for me," Misha said, reaching for his hand and bringing it to her lips. "I know it doesn't sound special, but owning a ranch of my own is something I've been saving for since I graduated college. Don't take that from me."

  "All right, I'll support you. But no more nude modeling. Promise me," Alex said firmly, reinforcing his position.

  "I promise."

  "Good girl. Turn around," Alex ordered, helping her straddle his lap. "Lower yourself onto my cock, baby. Careful now…"

  Misha hummed, her eyes closed as she gripped his shoulders with both hands. Alex steered himself within her and pumped her hips up and down his rigid organ, diving into her depth with absolute purpose. He cringed as she dug her nails into his back and raked them soundly as her thirst for him grew. She lifted her face to the ceiling, exposing her throat, and Alex sank his teeth into her neck just hard enough to make her shiver. His excitement grew when he realized that she enjoyed the animalistic side of intimacy.

  "When we get home," he panted, increasing his tempo of penetration, "I am going to tie you up and really have my way with you."

  "Only if you can catch me," Misha said back, her nails breaking his skin as she clung to him. "Argh!"

  Her body rose and then sank upon his invading pole, engulfing it to the shaft as it was forcefully buried within. Alex's skin tingled and his breath caught in his throat as he, too, joined the rapturous tumult of ecstasy. His cock shuddered inside its secure glove, spewing hot, fragrant juices into her cavern. He fell against the back of the tub and pulled Misha over him, his cock slowly slipping from her body.

  "I never thought it could be like this," she whispered into his throat.

  Alex mumbled his agreement, overjoyed that he had finally found a person with his taste for the exotic.

  ***

  Misha was sitting at the kitchen table, sipping iced tea, when Carlos entered the room.

  "So the prodigal artist returns, hmm?" she said, raising her eyebrow.

  "My Misha! Your young man? He is still here?"

  "He's grabbing a nap. I wore him out. Sit." Misha pointed to a chair. "Wipe that silly grin off your face. You set me up."

  "I confess, I did just that. But you needed to be forced to stay in one place long enough to see what you've been running from. Misha," Carlos touched her hand, "you have light in your eyes. That dark emptiness is gone. It may have taken some rope and a little creativity, but you deserve to be happy."

  "Those other poses, the nymphs and the eternals…"

  "Eternal Springtime and the Kiss? Yes, what of them?"

  "I want to pose for you. I just cannot do another piece that exposes me quite as much. Not now, anyway."

  "Your young man, Alex? He is good with you doing this?"

  "Yes. I don't want him present, though. He distracts me." Misha glanced away, hoping she would not be caught in her lie.

  "We will set up our time then! The male models…"

  "You can sculpt them separately from me. I don't think Alex would go for another guy touching me like that. He's very territorial," Misha said with a tiny smile. "We don't need to provoke him, right?"

  Carlos appeared to be oblivious to Misha's plan and nodded fervently. "Whatever you desire, my muse, it shall be yours."

  "Thanks. For everything. I'm going to go back with Alex and then we can meet again, perhaps on the weekends?"

  "Perfecto! You are happy, no?"

  "Very happy. I just need to see through some personal goals and then everything will be perfect."

  "I can talk to your Alex, and—"

  "No! I mean, please, don't bother him with any of this. I've caused him enough distress. He asked me to marry him, Carlos."

  Carlos clapped his hands in glee. "My Misha found love! That is the light in your eyes that I see! He is a good man. He will make you whole."

  "Alex is a good man. A little overbearing and stubborn," Misha laughed, "but nothing I can't tame in time."

  "I do not get the impression that this man of yours will allow you to keep a tight collar on him." Carlos chuckled. "You might find yourself in a harness and attached to a leash."

  Misha giggled. "That sounds like fun! Are you blushing, Carlos? The man who studies women's parts like they were objects?"

  "A woman's glory is beauty to be shared with the world," Carlos defended himself.

  "Indeed it is," Alex's low voice boomed as he joined the two at the table, "as long as it isn't my woman's glory. I'm selfish, and want to keep that beauty to myself."

  "I promised no more exposi
ng myself, Alex. Stop being so possessive," Misha said.

  "A man has a right to be possessive of the thing he loves and values. Carlos? Thank you for your hospitality, but it's time I take my tigers home. One has work to do, and the other needs to be trained."

  "Which is which?" Carlos asked jovially.

  "Very funny," Misha groaned. She stood and kissed the old man on the cheek. "I'll call you and we can get together, okay?"

  "Yes! Safe travels and many blessings," Carlos said, kissing her back on both cheeks.

  "You're planning on getting together with him again? To model?" Alex asked, as they went back to the guest room and repacked.

  "I told him no more exposure, like I promised."

  Alex looked at her suspiciously. "You aren't lying to me, right?"

  "After everything we've been through, you ask me that? Unbelievable!" Misha grunted, rolling her eyes. Her conscience tugged at her, knowing that she would feel guilty for lying to him later, after she bought her ranch. In the meantime, she would tell him what he wanted to hear. After all, it wasn't her fault that he was such a prude, right? Plus, no one would ever see her face, so he had nothing to worry about.

  Chapter 14

  Alex found himself breaking into a spontaneous grin during his drive home. Misha's truck was right in front of his, and, he was pleased to notice, actually doing the speed limit. But then several vehicles near him swerved, and started to slow near her vehicle, with people pointing in her direction. He frowned as a little orange face pressed against the back cab window.

  "Damn it! Call Misha!" he shouted to the Bluetooth dialer. No answer. Growling, he left a message. "Put Rodin in his crate before anyone else sees him. There is going to be accident with no one watching the road. Misha! You know better! Just you wait until we get home. I am going to spank you until your bottom forgets what the word sit means. Damn!"

  He honked his horn at her several times and was promptly ignored. That meant only one thing: she was blaring her music too loudly again. How many times did he have to tell her to turn it down so she could hear sirens? Or a horn?

  He gripped the steering wheel and pressed his foot down on the gas to move up beside her. Sure enough, her lips were moving as she sang along to her favorite rock music, windows up and oblivious to the rest of the world. Grumbling, he pulled in front of her and slowed his truck slightly to get her attention.

  "Fuck!" he yelled out, as she ran into his bumper. Knocked out of her oblivion, she slammed her brakes, skidded to the side of the road and up into an embankment. Alex pulled over and exited his truck, slamming the door loudly.

  "What the hell were you doing, girl? Put him in his crate before the cops see him!"

  "Why are you yelling at me? Your truck is fine."

  "Really? You had the music on so loudly you couldn't hear me call your phone, or my honking to warn you that your buddy there was taking in the view. Everyone driving by saw him! Then you rear-end me because you weren't paying attention to your driving. That alone pisses me off to no end."

  "No harm done. I'll turn it down." Misha shrugged.

  "Like hell you will. Take my truck."

  "But you don't have a stereo," Misha frowned.

  "There is a reason I don't have a stereo. It is for safety."

  "No, it's not. It's because you talk on your Bluetooth phone all the time. That's just as dangerous as me playing music too loudly." She stomped her foot.

  "I am always completely aware of my surroundings, young lady. You can check the volume yourself, and see that it is lower than regular conversation. Unlike you," he stepped forward to stare down at her, "I care about my safety."

  "Oh, so you are going to bring that up again? This is why I want my own place!" Misha stomped toward her truck.

  Alex grabbed her by the arm. "Unless you want me to put you across my knee right here in the middle of traffic for everyone to witness, you will watch this attitude. You are a hair's breadth from getting this sass paddled out of you when we get home."

  "You wouldn't dare!' Misha narrowed her eyes.

  "Wanna bet? The next time you talk back to me, I promise that you will feel my hand for a good, long time." When she did not answer, Alex put his palm out. "Your keys. Now."

  "You are a class A jerk," Misha hissed, slamming them into his hand.

  "And you are going to discover what a real disciplinary session feels like. Get moving. I will deal with you when we get home, missy."

  Alex put the unhappy cub back into his crate in the back seat of the cab and buckled in, his eyes not leaving the truck in front of him. He eased Misha's vehicle off the embankment and pulled up behind her as she waited to merge onto the I-15 traffic. Thankful that a police officer had not come by, Alex called Jack and updated him on the recent events.

  "You're joking, right?" Jack chuckled. "Did you know that she has gotten about three tickets for playing it too loud when in Nevada? Cops say if they can hear it clearly from like fifty feet away, she broke the law."

  "So this is a regular issue with the little brat, huh?"

  "I took the radio out of her first car after she started staying with me because of it. So the smart ass got herself an mp3 player and plugged it into her ears. Cops didn't bust her for that, but I did. I can't believe she hit your truck, though!"

  "It's like she does everything she can think of to provoke me. I don't get it. She even accused me of being dangerous because I use my Bluetooth."

  "Well, Boss, she is in your hands now. If I may give you some advice," Jack said soberly, "keep an eye on her. Misha has a bad habit of breaking promises when they interfere with her goals…"

  "Lying, you mean."

  "Yeah." Jack cleared his throat. "It's not like she does it to spare anyone's feelings, but more to distract them from her trail. She always get busted eventually. If I were you, I would contact this Carlos and tell him the limitations. He seems to be pretty up front from what you told me."

  "I agree. I've gotta go, she's taking an exit. Thanks."

  Alex parked next to Misha and rolled down his window. "What's wrong? The tank should be full and… unbelievable. MISHA!" he shouted, noticing the earbuds. Startled, she looked at him and rolled down her own window.

  "What's the problem now? I need to go to the bathroom."

  "Damn it." Alex got out of the trunk and put his hand through her window. "Hand them over."

  "I need my phone!"

  "The earbuds. I'm not going to tell you again."

  "You are so unfair!" Misha complained, throwing the headphones at him angrily. "Mother-fu…"

  "What did you just say to me?"

  "Nuthin'." Misha crossed her arms and looked away.

  "Your 'snarkasm' is only succeeding in making it harder for your little backside to sit after we get home. Look at me, and don't you even think of rolling your eyes," Alex barked. He held her chin firmly in his hands. "This bratting is neither cute nor acceptable. It will cease this instant or you will not be sitting for a week."

  "Is this how it's going to be when we get married? You bossing me around and not letting me do anything fun?"

  "If you mean that you are about to embark on a life that includes accountability and consequences, yes. I swear, Misha, you are really testing my ability to maintain my temper. Why do you insist on trying to provoke a fight?"

  "You're the one who started with me."

  "That will certainly be a topic of discussion once I get your bottom home and spend some time turning it beet red. Comment?" he asked, folding his arms and raising his eyebrow.

  "Why don't you go pour yourself a cup of shut the hell up?" Misha hissed.

  "Get over here. I am not going to put up with this any longer," Alex growled, pulling her forcefully into the large back cab of his Ford truck.

  "Let me go!" Misha squealed, struggling against his grip.

  "Don't even think about fighting me, you are not going to win. I have had just about enough of this nonsense," Alex stated, slamming the cab door sh
ut behind them. He grabbed her by the ear. "Over my knee, now!"

  "Let gooo!" Misha yelled, holding his index finger and thumb and trying to pull them off her earlobe, "you are hurting me!"

  "I will show you what hurting is, young lady. You are a true test of one's blood pressure," he commented, yanking her jeans down her hips to mid-thigh. "Keep kicking. It will wear you out and make it easier for me to blister this backside. This," he began to furiously smack her bottom, "is the 'next time' I warned you about."

  Misha's screams were muffled by the seats of the vehicle. With her face nearly touching the floor and one hand still holding tightly in an attempt relax the hold on her ear, she was stuck.

  "I'm sorry!" she cried out. "I'll be nice! Ohmigod…"

  "This is not about what you want, but about what you need," Alex scolded, his hand dropping in rapid descent upon her scarlet-colored rump. "This is about what I need as well. I don't deserve to be treated like garbage. I've already had one marriage like that, and I am not doing it again."

  "You don't want me anymore?" Misha's tone changed and she began to weep.

  "Quite the contrary," the spanking did not cease, "it is because I want you that I will not tolerate this crap. You've pushed my limits and now will pay the penalty."

  "Stop, please!" she bawled.

  "I will stop when I am good and ready," Alex informed her, lowering the sharp, staccato swats to the creases above her thighs. "What did I tell you would happen if you got mouthy with me again?"

  Misha just cried, not releasing her grip on the hand holding her ear. His other hand landed on the back of her thigh and she yelped. Alex repeated his question and informed her that he expected answers.

  "Y-you said that I would feel your hand for a good, long time," Misha sobbed.

  "So your listening skills are functioning. Good to know. Why are you being spanked, young lady? Remember, humility is your friend right now."

  "Don't you ever get tired? Please stop and I'll talk!" Misha begged.