A Captured Spirit

by Dakota Black

  “Don’t be silly. You need a kick in the ass, girlfriend. I know you far too well. You’re staying at home. No dating. No snacking on men.” Rebecca chuckled. “You’re a beautiful woman with no man on your arm or in your bed.”

  Cassandra looked around, a moment of embarrassment sliding up from the cleft of her breasts all the way to her cheeks. “I don’t have time.”

  “Bullshit, but I do understand how important your career is to you. That’s why the gift. Open it.”

  She eyed the festive gold ribbon and groaned. Rebecca was so different in style, attitude and just about everything else. How they’d become friends, she’d never know. As she untied the ribbon, her thoughts drifted back to Diego. Was he a dominating man, not only in business but in pleasure as well? In truth, she wouldn’t mind finding out. She swallowed hard as the slutty side of her took over, imagining him commanding her to please him, suck his cock. She could envision being taken over his lap, issued a hard spanking for being such a bad little girl.

  “Earth to Cassandra. Where’d you go?”

  “Right here.” She laughed as she ran her finger under the tape, finally peeling away the paper. The box was white with no lettering, slightly heavy. “Should I be afraid?”

  Rebecca swirled the wine in her glass. “Let’s just say that after our talk a couple weeks ago, I figured you out and what you need.”

  “Need, huh?” When she lifted the lid, she had to bite back a gasp. The black and white cover on the book had red writing splashed across the front.

  BDSM – Succumbing and Intense Desire

  “What the hell?” Cassandra whispered, glancing from right to left to see if any of the customers were paying attention.

  “Remember? Two bottles of wine? Our discussion on the fact you’re a submissive? That you long to find the perfect dominating man?”

  “Shh…” But the truth was there. She craved a commanding man, a set of rules and desired nothing more than to be taken in hand, disciplined for any and every infraction. Even thinking the words today gave her a shiver. Brushing her fingers across the cover, she could imagine living this life. Her thoughts drifted to the painting. The man depicted in the painting was her Dom, she was certain of it. But was he something else?

  “There’s more. Look inside.”

  Rebecca’s voice was way too excited. She resisted grabbing the envelope, taking another gulp of her wine before considering opening it.

  “Don’t be terrified. Good God. I want you to enjoy.”

  She lifted a single eyebrow before opening the flap. The tickets were embossed in gold, the lettering script and very classy. “What is this?”

  “What, you lost your ability to read? You aren’t that old,” Rebecca teased.

  After re-reading the information, she could feel her heart race. “A kink club?”

  “You bet. I secured two invitations to one of the hottest and newest clubs in town. Not hard core or anything, just a taste of the forbidden fruit.” The look on her face remained alluring as she swirled the tip of her finger around and around her wine glass. “Imagine dressing up, going into a dark club where almost anything is allowed. You can be anyone you want to be.”

  Cassandra sat back, her mind reeling. By all rights, and the girl who usually inhabited her body, would and should say no. But why not? Why not enjoy one of her greatest fantasies? “When?”

  “Tonight, and don’t give me any crap about it being a Wednesday. We’re young and alive. Live a little.”

  “I don’t know. I have a lot to do and—”

  “Sit at home? All by yourself?” Rebecca interrupted.

  “I do have a life, bad girl.” Wagging her finger, she glanced at the invitation. She couldn’t help but smile as her thoughts drifted.

  “You will be mine. Follow my rules. Become my slave. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  As the words and thoughts reverberated in her mind, Cassandra sucked in her breath. Maybe tonight she’d let go. Maybe she could rip away the mask.

  “What do you say? A little kink on a Wednesday night?” Rebecca gave her a salacious grin.

  “You drive a hard bargain. Yes.” She’d uttered the word, accepting the gift. Succumb. The word was delicious.

  “Excellent!”

  Once and for all, Cassandra would learn to submit to the very man of her dreams. As she blinked, trying to understand what she was seeing, the vision of his dominant stance, his body, rushed into her mind.

  In his hand, he held a whip. His other was beckoning for her.

  Chapter 3

  He puffed on his cigarette, inhaling and holding the smoke in his mouth and lungs. The Menthol flavor wasn’t his normal choice, but it would do for the night. He blew out, watching the way the rings formed into perfect ‘O’s’ and chuckled. Everything was exactly on track. The late afternoon sky was giving away to twilight, his favorite time of night. However, there was no time to enjoy. He had work to do.

  The concept had literally fallen into his lap, but he had to admit, he was thrilled with the outcome, or what was about to occur. He’d been itching to expand, allow his wings to fly for some time. The damning opposition would soon be put behind him, providing needed power, influence and money. He deserved only the finest. He took another puff before flicking the bud, stubbing out the ember with his steel toed boot.

  Folding his arms, he studied the unassuming apartment building then glanced up and down the street. Other than the few residents of the structure, there were few cars parading up and down the streets given the setting was far removed from the nightlife. This was a perfect setting.

  Grinning, he remained where he was, watching the few people who entered the building. Patience wasn’t one of his virtues but on this night, everything needed to be in exact order, perfect timing required.

  And so, he waited.

  As the stars lifted in the sky, twinkling even with the glow from the city, he inhaled. The smell of the street was powerful, creating various scenarios in his mind. He was tingling all over, adrenaline pumping through his veins. He was more than ready to take control.

  As a car pulled down the street, his sense became heightened. He knew the car, the routine and had no doubt every step would be exactly the same. Rubbing his jaw, he pulled out another cigarette. One for the road.

  The thought gave him a tingling feeling. He allowed the lighter to remain lit after taking a puff, then rubbed his finger over the flame. The slight burn fueled the angry man inside. Tilting his head, he noticed the light coming on in the fifth-floor window only moments later. If his research was correct, the light would go off in two minutes.

  When he was down to twenty seconds, he counted backwards.

  Five, four, three, two, one.

  Click!

  Perfect. Right on time. He finished his cigarette and moved away from his car, yanking the leather gloves from his pocket. This was the only protection needed. Very nonchalantly he walked across the street, punching in the code for the security entrance that he knew by heart. The hallway held a warm glow, the entrance accentuated by a series of lights positioned just under the crown molding. The owner of the building had spared almost no expense in renovating the brownstone.

  He knew the area well, the real estate and the monies charged for the tiny apartments. The area was up and coming, yet the building remained mostly vacant. A product of the economy. Good for him.

  Taking the stairs two at a time, he arrived on her floor and glanced around him. There was no one else living close. Which meant there was no one else to hear or interfere. The lock was simple, easily picked with the tools he’d brought, but then he’d already known that, having been inside earlier in the day.

  He closed the door, the click almost silent, and waited. Listening. Just as he’d anticipated, the homeowner was following the daily protocol step by step, preparing for the second job. As he advanced, he could hear the running water coming from the bathroom. The door was slightly ajar, the warm light ove
r the bathroom sink highlighting his way.

  Standing just outside the door, he slipped his hand inside his jacket, fingering the rope. This was crude, much more so than he usually selected, but for the location, needed. He pushed the door open a few inches, hesitating. There were no latent screams, no sounds of discomfort.

  And so, he entered.

  The shower curtain was laced with flowers, roses and daisies accentuating the cloth background. He couldn’t help but smile, the cheap covering a reminder of his past. After only a few seconds, he eased the rope from its hiding place and wound an end around his right hand. This portion of the evening’s festivities would be easy. The rest? Well, certainly creative.

  He almost started whistling as he lifted his hand, fingering the curtain. Biting back a laugh, he stole a look at his reflection, admiring the new haircut. He looked nothing like the man in his usual pictures. This was good. Very good.

  The moment he yanked back the curtain he advanced, jerking the girl by her neck, cutting off her air supply.

  She kicked out, her arms and legs flailing, her mouth going slack after only a few seconds. Wrapping the rope around her neck, he twisted and dragged her out of the tub, leaving the water running. She continued to claw, her hands and fingers slapping above her head then her fingernails tearing into the rope.

  He glanced down, admiring her beautiful body, the full breasts and hardened nipples. The admiration was something he couldn’t help but do, almost as if respecting the victim just moments before he ended their life. Her eyes bulged, but she was watching him, every step of the way.

  Pulling her into the bedroom, he dumped her onto the bed and let go of his hold. She was going nowhere. Although she sputtered, her tongue hanging out of her mouth, the scream she offered was silent.

  He peered down, tugging strands of wet hair from her face. She had to be perfect before he left. The moment he tugged the knife out of the sleeve, he could see she was beginning to understand. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. You’re going to a better place.”

  The knife almost glistened in the moonlight streaming through the open blinds and the moment he began to carve, creating the perfect masterpiece, a swath of pure peace settled into his system. This was magnificent.

  “Remember…”

  The gruff word was stated quickly before the phone call was ended. Zach glared at his phone, hissing before tossing it across the bed. How the fuck did the asshole get his phone number? The voice was disguised yet vile. He paced the room, moving back and forth as he thought about the call, as well as the distinct gift.

  Who was haunting him and why? Jerking the phone up from the bed, he hit *69, only to hear the beeping sound as if the phone number didn’t exist. “Fuck!” This couldn’t be happening. Not now. He rubbed his eyes and held his breath. The freaks couldn’t win. When he was calm, he exhaled and thought about the deal with New Horizons.

  He was angry, anxious and in need of some level of relief. The day had turned out to be shit. There was no avoiding the inevitable. Rush was going to proceed.

  Granted, the fifty grand was a deterrent, a ridiculous decision but then again, wise given the nature of the transaction. Still, fighting the Apache Tribal Council wouldn’t earn them any decent press.

  He glanced over at the box he’d positioned on the dresser. Tomorrow, he’d be forced to deal with the finger, but what did that mean exactly? Providing this to the police would only lead to additional questions, ones he wasn’t ready to answer. If this had something to do with his past, his entire world would collapse. He rubbed his eyes and grew antsy. He had to get the fuck out of here, if only for a little while.

  His club of choice was off limits, at least for the time being, but he needed some level of peace, if only to chase away the demons. There was another club in town. He could risk a single night. His decision made, he changed into black jeans and shirt and grabbed his leather jacket.

  Storming into the garage, he knew a ride on the motorcycle would help soothe the beast crawling to the surface. He had to forget, to let go. He had to find a quiet resolve.

  As he zoomed out of the garage and down the driveway, he hunkered down over the bike, enjoying the way the wind whipped against his body. A night ride had always been his favorite, a moment of pure relaxation, even during the years of being so very alone. Tonight, was no different.

  He headed for the city, for a club where only the owner knew him, and no one cared. He sped through the darkened streets, exceeding the speed limit as he maneuvered around various vehicles, flying free. When he reached his destination, he was forced to park on the street. He secured the helmet and stood watching the various people, one in particular catching his eye.

  She was tall, her long dark hair flowing in the light wind. He could tell she remained apprehensive as she walked across the street, talking with her companion. He had no idea why he was drawn to her, but he followed, keeping his distance yet also making certain she remained within his sight.

  There was an aura about her, a quiet yet impressive demeanor and he had no idea why, yet he felt as if he knew her. The thought was riveting, drawing him even closer. He wanted to see her, to find out why he thought her so alluring.

  The moment he neared the club, he hissed. Crowded bodies were dancing, many of the patrons already intoxicated. This wasn’t a place he’d normally come to, especially given his needs, although he’d been here twice, allowed in as a guest to a separate area, one for the more discerning in the ways of kink, albeit milder BDSM than he was used to. At least this was entertainment for the night.

  He lost her for several minutes then she popped into view, her long hair flowing behind her as she was led to the entrance. Excitement surged through him, his thoughts unfettered as he moved even closer. Inhaling, he caught a whiff of her perfume and for a brief second, closed his eyes, envisioning what he could do to her.

  Zach wasn’t surprised at his thoughts, only the understanding they were drawn to each other for some unseen reason. He could almost hear what she was thinking, what she was craving, and his cock and balls were throbbing, longing for release. He would meet this girl. He would find out why his entire body was on fire.

  And one day he would own her.

  “Come to me. Now.” His tone was commanding, his eyes imploring and there was no way she could question.

  When she took his hand, she realized her lower lip was quivering, allowing him to see her fear, anxiety building, pressing against the righteous girl in her mind. He could see through her, into her soul, knowing exactly what she needed.

  What she craved.

  As he pulled her close, nipping her earlobe, his whispered words were husky, sensual. “You belong to me and always have.”

  Tingling, her nipples hardened, pushing against the tight dress. She was wet, her pussy clenching, longing for the touch of his hand, for his fingers to slide into her dripping cunt.

  He seemed to sense her desire and eased his hand down from her breasts to her crotch, crawling the thin material up with his hand. “You do as I say, or I’ll spank you in front of everyone. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Cassandra moaned then slipped the back of her hand across her mouth. Thank God, the music was far too loud for Rebecca to have heard her guttural exclamation. She clenched her eyes shut, savoring the vision. Her fantasy man was the one from the night before. Only this time, there was no other woman in the room, just the two of them and he was claiming her.

  She wished she’d been able to remember his face, to learn who he was, but her visions rarely allowed her the opportunity. Only in her paintings did she have an inkling of their identity and in truth, she never wanted to know, find out any further details. She had enough nightmares, too many fears about what she was seeing to explore the possibilities.

  Her mind drifted to the painting from the night before. The disfigured man depicted was only a shadow of himself. She’d covered the piece, refusing to look at his face, but she knew whoever he was
held violence deep inside, a rage that was consuming him. Shivering, she gripped her purse, clawing the smooth leather. Why was she forced to live this life? Contend with monsters and spirits, demons who screamed for retribution? Why couldn’t she rid herself of the horror show?

  “Are you alive, girlfriend?” Rebecca teased.

  “Absolutely.”

  Shifting from foot to foot, she realized she was as wet as the girl in her dreams, even more so. She wanted nothing more than to shove her fingers into her cunt, pumping as she thought of him. Biting back another moan, she concentrated on the flashing neon lights as they entered what Rebecca called the party zone. The entire block catered to the nightlife scene, debauchery and booze, or so her friend liked to call the area of town.

  “We’re here. Aren’t you glad we came?” Rebecca purred and squeezed her arm. “Don’t be apprehensive. I know this isn’t your style, but just wait until we get inside.”

  “This is fine. I’m looking forward to the evening.” She glanced over her shoulder, certain she was being watched. Her nipples hardened as they neared the entrance. A man was close. She knew he was waiting, studying her every move.

  Cassandra held her breath as tingling sensations, electric jolts of current rushed down the backs of her legs. Swallowing, she looked up and down the neon infused street, observing the various people moving down the sidewalk. This was an area she almost never came to, fashionable and considered one of the hottest series of clubs, bars and restaurants in town. Club Naughty had a reputation of being kinky, yet mild in comparison to others she’d heard about.

  “What do you think?” Rebecca asked as she flanked Cassandra’s side.

  “Interesting.”

  “Right. Come on. You look fantastic.”

  She looked down at her attire, frowning, given the fact she felt underdressed. The simple red dress did accentuate her curves, highlighting her full breasts and hips, but she was by no means dressed for a night of kink. Then again, she wasn’t ready to try anything out of her comfort zone just yet.