by Dakota Black
You are mine.
Jesus Christ, he was losing it. One spanking. A stranger and he thought he owned her. What she must be thinking.
She blinked several times, her eyes appearing dilated. Her mouth pursed as she leaned forward.
Her hand was soft, her skin silky and for a few seconds, there was no one else in the café. “Cassandra.” Her eyes were the bluest he’d ever seen, a deep turquoise with flecks of gold.
“Wow,” Mitchell managed then cleared his throat. “Why don’t we all sit down and talk. Would you like a glass of wine, Ms. Jeffries?”
“Cassandra, please. I hope we’re going to get to know each other very well. I would love a glass of wine. It’s been a very long week.”
As he sat down, Zach had an uncanny series of sensations, blips of visions. The club experience had been so unexpected, an enlightening of his soul. But there was more and while he’d felt drawn to her the night before, today was different. There was a powerful draw with the woman and not merely because she was at least part American Indian. Yes, she recognized him, but to her credit, she acted as if this was the first time they’d met. He forced himself to look away, his cock pushing hard against his pants. He shifted but remained uncomfortable, his pulse skyrocketing.
“Why don’t you tell us about your work?” Mitchell asked as he shot Zach a look of concern.
“Um. Yes. Of course.” Cassandra eased her hand through her hair before picking up her portfolio.
Zach sat back in his seat, only half listening. What are you doing? What are you thinking? He was drawn back to the two clubs, the odd moment when a chill had filtered throughout his body as if he was being watched. Studied. He could have sworn someone else was in the room with Cherry. What about last night? Had someone been watching them? He twisted the bottle of beer as a light ringing echoed in his ears. While he’d abandoned his spiritual side years before, he knew this meeting wasn’t a coincidence.
“I would like to see the land before I give you any ideas,” Cassandra mentioned, her attention drawn back to Zach. She licked her lips as the words remained strangled, difficult.
“We may have a few complications,” Mitchell admitted. He glanced back and forth between them.
“I heard,” she countered then lowered her head, breathing out. “I may be able to help you with that.”
“How so?” Zach managed to ask. He shifted again, his balls swelling to the point he was almost panting.
She leaned in as if she was afraid she’d be overheard. “There is no way that any member of the Apache tribe would allow burial ground to be released, sold out and especially to the white man. What little land is left is precious. My guess is that either the sale was forced, or the land fell out of favor.”
“Meaning?” Mitchell asked.
“The Chief blesses every piece of sacred land as long as the spirits are considered to be good, beings of true belief.” Zach heard himself saying the words.
Cassandra opened her eyes wide as she nodded. “Very true and not widely known. I’m impressed with your knowledge. If they are considered demons for whatever reason, the land is discarded after a ceremony. Some would call it an exorcism. It’s not widely known and very few tribes follow this ancient rule.”
“So, you’re saying the land we’re attempting to purchase is full of demons?” Mitchell exhaled and took a gulp of his beer. “This we don’t need.”
She shrugged. “In a sense, but they shouldn’t bother the white man.”
“What if they open a door?”
Her gaze shifted to Zach, a knowing settling into her eyes. She swallowed hard and reached for her wine, her hand shaking. “What do you know of the door?”
“What my grandmother taught me when I was a boy,” Zach said as the memory slipped into the forefront of his brain. “If the door is opened and certain spirits allowed to roam free, various cataclysms can occur.”
Cataclysms. He hadn’t heard or used the word in years, but he was convinced the virtual door had been ripped open. Inhaling, he watched her expression and could swear she was looking into his very soul.
“Okay, all of this is fascinating, but is there a way to find out what’s really going on?” Mitchell interrupted the connection.
“Of course. I will know almost instantly,” she insisted.
“How?” Zach whispered, growing more uncomfortable.
“I’ll just know. I have a… gift.”
Zach sat back, his mind racing. He was right. They were connected and whether by the door opening, allowing a break in the spirit world or by something else, he’d never felt so strongly about anyone.
“I like this girl already.”
They talked for a few minutes as she showed them her work, every move perfunctory.
“Very impressive,” Zach offered, his throat tightening up. He remained on edge, watching everyone coming and going in the café.
“I agree.” Mitchell grinned then looked at his watch. “Shit. I’m going to be late. My girl will kill me.”
Broken out of his trance, Zach sat back, wiping his mouth. How had an entire hour flown by?
“I should go as well.” Cassandra zipped her portfolio.
“Please stay. You haven’t finished your wine.” Zach could have sworn someone else said the words. He felt a tightness in his chest, a hard thumping of his heart.
She locked eyes with his and smiled. “I’d like that.”
“Cassandra, a pleasure to meet you. If you’re available tomorrow, we’re going out to the site. The meeting could be testy given the recent protests by the Apache Council, but I’m certain that’s something that you can handle.” Mitchell rose to his feet.
“I’m certain I’ll be just fine,” she said absently and took a sip then a gulp of her wine.
“Later,” Mitchell said to Zach before grabbing his things. Just before he walked away, he winked, a coy smile crossing his face.
Zach fiddled with his now warm beer, uncertain of what to say. His entire mind was filled with thoughts, salacious and lurid desires. This wasn’t who he was supposed to be. They were both professionals. Even her voice was alluring, drawing him in. He wanted to get to know everything about this girl, absolutely everything.
He also wanted nothing more than to take her to bed. As he stared into her beautiful blue eyes, he knew in his heart and in his mind.
One day, she would belong to him.
Chapter 5
Cassandra hadn’t realized how much time elapsed as they walked out of the café. She remained in a state of shock, half frightened of the fact Zach remained close, almost too close. Seeing him here, and after the previous night, she knew there was some irony in the destiny. While she’d never had the same strong beliefs as her grandmother, the electricity, the intense connection was not something she could ignore.
Or avoid.
He was just as enigmatic, but today all business, no mention of the night before as of yet. They’d talked easily, even ignoring the strong tethering, but she knew he felt it too. They were meant to be… She shifted as he closed the distance until he was standing only inches from her. “I should go.”
“I know,” Zach whispered as he brushed his finger across her jawline.
The touch took her breath away. She blinked as he tipped her head, his thumb rubbing back and forth. “Zach, I…”
“Shh… There’s a reason we met. I know you’re aware of this.” He leaned down, kissing her cheek, his lips remaining. “Last night was incredible.”
“It was you.” She shivered, goose bumps dancing along her skin. Visions. Spirits. Now, this man. Nothing was making any sense.
He nodded then shook his head. “I hope I didn’t hurt you.”
“You allowed me to be free for just one night. I enjoyed it. I wanted more.” She was embarrassed to tell him, but the words were spoken with ease.
“I did as well, but I didn’t want to frighten you.”
She couldn’t help but smile. So strong yet caring. “You didn’
t.”
“This may sound insane, but I want more, Cassandra. I know we barely know each other, but I crave you. All of you.”
When she gripped his arm, her nails digging into his coat, she fell into the moment, unable to stop what was about to occur. As he slid his lips across to her mouth, hovering, waiting, she heard herself moan, a single breathless whisper. “Yes. I do too.”
Crushing her mouth with his, he pulled her into the heat of his body, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her onto her tiptoes.
There was no way to describe what she was feeling, the intense and heightened pulses cascading throughout her entire body. As their tongues moved back and forth, the move almost barbaric, she threw one arm around his neck, fingering his long hair. Even though her eyes were closed, vivid images rushed back and forth, moving faster and faster, coinciding with the rapid beating of her heart.
He grunted, breaking the kiss and nipping her lower lip before licking down the side of her neck. Panting, he pulled her arms down to her side then whispered into her ear. “You belong to me. All mine.”
She knew she was nodding, accepting the fact as if she was meant to be here, in his arms, accepting his command. And she wanted nothing more than for the moment to continue.
Easing back, he kept his head lowered, his hands gripping her hips. “Now.”
“Yes.”
He took a step back and reached for her hand and within a few seconds, she was sitting in his car. She had no way of knowing what to expect, but in her heart, she accepted the fact this was the man she was supposed to be with.
Zach slid into the driver’s seat, starting the engine. “Where do you live?”
She bit her lip, realizing that in letting go, this was the start of something they would never be able to end. As she divulged where she lived, she thought about her reasons why. Only Rebecca knew where she lived. She’d allowed no one else to enter her sanctuary. Her nerves furrowed into her belly, but she refused to give in to her fears. This man was supposed to be in her life.
His only acknowledgment was revving the engine and pulling out, one hand on the steering wheel, the other firmly planted on her thigh.
Cassandra was light headed, her emotions riding high and as the lights of the city flashed by, creating a blur of colors, she held her breath. This man, this stranger was going to become her lover, her Master.
“You crave discipline, a strong man in your life.”
“Yes.”
Exhaling, he remained where he was, his face pointed toward the windshield.
“Yes, sir,” she corrected.
“And you will learn to obey.”
“Yes, sir.”
He tipped his head, his face pensive, his eyes narrowing. “Then we go. Tonight, we begin.”
The words were more thrilling than she’d heard in so long. The single moment she’d attempted, allowing herself to succumb to a man had resulted in her fears being accentuated, her longing displaced. Until now. Until this man.
He raced through the city, moving around every obstacle, his breath sounds little more than scattered pants. His grip became firm, squeezing her leg. As if his hunger refused to wait, he tugged at the hem of her dress, pulling the thin material up to the top of her thighs.
The very moment his heated fingers touched her leg, she jerked forward, moaning, the sound one of raw need. She parted her legs without him asking, knowing what was required, exactly what he wanted. As he slipped his fingers under the lace of her panties, she gripped the dashboard, inhaling the sweet scent of her pussy.
Issuing a single growl, he toyed with her clit, swirling his fingers around the tender flesh, his eyes never leaving the road. He accelerated, taking the darkened streets and curves with ease. He seemed to know his way, never asking questions, never uttering a word.
She was exhilarated, her muscles tense with anticipation.
When he pulled along the curb directly in front of her house, throwing the gear into park and shutting off the engine, he turned, his eyes roaming her face. “You will do as I say.”
“Yes.”
“Without question.”
“Yes, sir.” The words came easily, as if she’d been waiting her entire life to hear the command. Perhaps she had, her hunger waiting, needing this kind of release. She waited until he opened her door, his fingers intertwining with hers, his pull one of damning need, a hunger much like her own.
He pulled her into the shadows, never hesitating, as if knowing his way.
She fumbled to unlock her door, her legs trembling as he slid his hands around her waist, rubbing them up and down the tops of her thighs.
He ground his hips and groin against her buttocks, creating another wave of heated friction.
Lowering her head, she placed one hand on top of his as she opened the door, breathing out as he ushered her inside. The slam of the door brought a smile and she stood in the darkness, the quiet nothing more than an all-consuming aphrodisiac. She was awaiting his direction, his demands.
Zach wrapped his hand around her hair, yanking back her head as he bent down, sucking on her neck.
She swayed back and forth as he sucked, his teeth digging in. He was marking her, making certain everyone knew that she belonged to him.
He slid his arms around her, finding the sash. Untying, he peeled away the material, easing the dress off her shoulders. “Beautiful,” he whispered as he caressed her shoulders, her arms, the touch more and more forceful. “Remove your bra and panties.”
When he released her, his hands leaving her body, she whimpered, feeling the loss. Nodding, she removed her underwear then tipped her head, trying to find him in the darkness. As she stepped out of her heels, she felt so small, tiny next to the muscular man.
Exhaling, Zach walked around her in a complete circle then moved to the front, taking her face into both of his hands. “Perfect. You are perfect.” He lifted her into his arms and took long strides, finding the kitchen with ease. The open blinds allowed the stream of moonlight as well as the single street light to cascade inside, highlighting the small room.
She felt so good in his arms, so right as if she’d always known him, had always belonged to him.
He smiled as he looked at the cluttered area then swept his arm across the small island, pushing away everything that was in his way.
She was so alive, her skin rippling with goose bumps and the moment he laid her down onto the counter, she lifted her arms.
“Good girl. No touching.” Zach spread her legs, pulling them up and out, exposing her pussy. He blew a swath of hot air across her stomach then dragged his tongue around her bellybutton.
Jerking up, she clenched her eyes shut as he bit down on her flesh. She was so wide open, so exposed to this man, but she wanted to beg him to fuck her, to use her in any way he craved.
He licked down, moving his tongue back and forth then swirled the tip around her clit. Once. Twice. “You’re wet.”
“Yes, sir.”
“You’re a very bad girl.” Licking all the way down the length of her pussy and back up, the sound exaggerated, he chuckled. “Punishment and pleasure.”
“Yes… Yes, sir.”
Zach opened his mouth and buried his face in her cunt, his tongue swirling, darting in and out of her pussy before sucking on her clit.
She could have come at that very moment, but she knew better. “Oh!” Her entire body shaking, she struggled to remain docile, allowing him to discover and explore her body. Wiggling, she moaned as he continued sucking, darting two fingers inside her cunt. “Oh, God!”
“Don’t come,” he whispered and lapped at her cunt, his sounds becoming crazed.
Suddenly, he stopped and lifted his head, moving his wet lips up her stomach. Cupping her breasts, he kneaded both as he gazed into her eyes. “Discipline before pleasure.” He pushed her legs together and lifted. “Hold them together. Don’t let them go.”
“Yes, sir.” She wrapped her arms around her legs, pulling them up and back.
Exposed, she knew what his intentions were, what he was required to do in order to begin their relationship. She shivered, biting on her lower lip as he searched through her kitchen drawers. When the overhead light was turned on, she whimpered, the sound unlike any she’d made before.
Zach eased back toward her, holding a wooden spoon in his hand. “We begin with this.” There was a slice of joy in his voice, an acceptance of his place as her Master.
“Yes, sir.” She was shivering and darted her eyes to the open window. Her neighbors were close, so damn close. What if they walked by? What if they noticed? Would they care? Would they think less of her? She closed her eyes, allowing her fingers to dig into the back of her legs. The concept of discipline, rough punishment had been in the forefront of her mind for as long as she could remember.
Crack!
He smacked the spoon against her ass just once, as if helping her understand what she was going to face, to learn. And to obey.
Pop! Crack!
Whimpering, she bit back an anguished moan. While the strikes were hard, they weren’t severe as of yet.
“You need discipline every day. Yes?”
Smack! Crack!
“Yes! Yes, sir.” Dear God, she was tingling all over.
Pop! Crack! Crack!
The spoon hit her on the sit spots, creating a wave of heat flushing through her system.
“And I’ll make certain you receive exactly what you need.” His words were more of a command, his tone hoarse, husky with desire.
Smack! Pop! Whap!
He cracked the spoon, hitting her ass and the back of her legs. With every hard smack, every strike issued, he grunted.
Crack! Pop!
“Oh!” Jerking up, she allowed her legs to be let go, her arms flailing.
He pressed his hand against her ass, rubbing. Caressing. “Maintain your position.”
“Yes, sir.” Now, her voice was shaky.
Smack! Pop!
This time, the spanks were against the back of her thighs. She shivered, her eyes flitting to the window, the movement of cars outside.