A waitress came, bringing goblets of ice water with her, and took their orders. When she left, Red played with her glass. Considering she was thinking about having sex with the mouthwatering alpha, it dawned on her that she knew very little about him, except what she’d heard through the rumor mill.
“Tell me about your family,” she said.
Ace told her about his brothers and sister. Jaren and Lily were mated, but Benji was still a free spirit, trying to find himself. He talked a little about his parents and the plane crash that claimed both their lives. When he ran out of things to say about his family, he talked to her about the pack.
“I know so little about you,” she said.
“What do you want to know?”
“Well, what do you do for a living?”
He smiled. “I invested my parents’ life insurance money and the money from the airline. Once you move in with me, you won’t have to work again. Unless you just want to.”
“I like my job at the library. And who said I was moving in with you?”
He cocked an eyebrow. “I think the pack will wonder why my mate has decided not to live with me.”
“I’ve been your mate for seven years and haven’t lived with you,” she pointed out.
“Yes, but you weren’t claimed. Once I claim you, they’ll expect us to live together.”
She hadn’t really thought of that before. Red had been on her own for so long, she wasn’t sure she could live with someone else. Did she really want to be responsible for making his meals, doing his laundry, never mind sleeping in his bed every night? She hadn’t even shared her space with a pet, much less a person. Could she handle cohabitation? She wasn’t sure. If she let him claim her, she supposed she would find out the hard way.
“I see that look in your eyes. Don’t even think it.”
“What?”
“Not letting me claim you. It’s going to happen. Maybe not right away, but it will eventually take place.”
Red dropped her gaze to the table for a moment. “What do you expect of me?”
“If you’re asking if I want you to wait on me hand and foot, the answer is no. I have someone who comes in and cleans twice a week. I’m capable of cooking but eat out most of the time. And I can wash my own clothes. What I would ask for is your respect and, in the bedroom, your submission.”
She shook her head. “I don’t know if I can submit. The lack of control…it scares me.”
“You’d be surprised how much power a submissive has. With one little word, whatever we’re doing stops. I want to be in control of your pleasure, Red, not to bring you pain. Oh, there might be a sting of pain, but it’s the kind you’ll enjoy.”
“I can’t imagine enjoying pain of any kind,” she muttered, taking a sip of her water.
He smirked. “Obviously, you’ve never had your ass spanked.”
She felt her cheeks warm. No, she hadn’t. The thought of his hand on her ass made her pussy clench and her clit throb. Maybe giving him a little control wouldn’t be such a bad thing. The sting of his hand on her ass was something she felt she could handle. It wasn’t like he was going to harm her.
Their meal arrived and Red savored every bite. When they were finished, Ace paid the check and ushered her out to his car. The movie theater wasn’t far. He surprised her by taking her to see the latest romantic comedy. She’d figured he was more of an action kind of guy, so it touched her that he’d chosen something he thought she would like. Red enjoyed the movie, but as the credits rolled, she found she was a little nervous about what was to come. She didn’t think he would claim her tonight, even if he lost control a little, but she wasn’t sure what to expect.
Chapter Four
They pulled through the gates to his home, which looked more like a mini-mansion to her, with huge gothic columns across the front. Ace pulled into a three-car garage and assisted her out of the vehicle. He unlocked the house and shut off the alarm before pulling her inside. Locking up behind her, he pressed her back against the door and leaned in for a kiss.
There wasn’t the same urgency as their previous kiss, but it was far from slow. His tongue twined with hers as his palms caressed her sides and slid around to the small of her back. Ace brought her body flush with his. His kiss had a devastating effect. His taste was intoxicating. Red felt as if she were engulfed in flames as his tongue explored her mouth. He kissed her fiercely, his mouth hard and savage. His tongue danced with hers, plunging repeatedly into her mouth. He plundered, invaded, dominated. Red thought she’d never get enough of him.
Ace pulled away, breathing heavily. Red’s heart was racing, her panties damp. Her thighs had clenched together in an effort to ease the ache building between her legs. Her pussy throbbed with need. Only Ace made her body react this way.
“Are you ready for your first lesson?” he asked.
“The kiss wasn’t it?”
He smiled. “I figured you’d been kissed before.”
“Not like that.”
“You shouldn’t say things like that to me. Not when I want you so desperately. I’ve hungered for you for years, and now that I finally have you in my home, I find that I’m hanging on by a thread.”
A shiver raked her body at his words.
“Come on, Little Red.” He took her hand. “It’s time for you to be brave.”
She followed him up the stairs and down a long hall. They entered a room that could only be the master bedroom. A large four-poster bed sat on a platform, flanked on either side by nightstands. He led her toward the bed, stopping beside it. He pushed her sweater off her shoulders and let it fall to the floor. When he reached for the hem of her shirt, she braced herself. She’d never undressed for a man before, not even that horrible night so long ago. No, she wouldn’t think about it!
Ace lifted the shirt over her head and tossed it on a nearby chair. Red fought the urge to cover herself with her hands. She was far from slim, her stomach slightly rounded. Self-conscious about her body, she wanted to hide from him. Ace trailed his fingers across the tops of her breasts and down over her belly, his touch feather-light, a stark contrast to the way he kissed.
He reached for the snap on her jeans and then slid the zipper down. Working the denim down her legs, he removed her shoes and helped her step out of them. Ace pulled her socks from her feet and his hands caressed her calves then slid up her thighs to rest at her hips.
“Beautiful,” he said.
Seeing the desire in his eyes, she felt beautiful. He slowly removed the last of her garments, leaving her bare to his hungry gaze. Her nipples pebbled under his scrutiny and she wondered what it would feel like to have his mouth on her. Often she’d dreamed of what it would be like to make love to someone, to have them touch her, caress her, bring her to orgasm. Would she find out tonight or would he merely tease her?
“Are you ready for this?” he asked. “Do you trust me?”
“I trust you,” she said softly. And she did, but it didn’t quell her nerves.
“Lie on the bed, in the center.”
Red crawled onto the mattress, moving to the middle and lying on her back. She watched as he walked across the room to a tall armoire and pulled out four lengths of silky-looking rope. She swallowed hard as her pulse pounded in her ears. Her breath quickened and she worried she might pass out. Ace approached the bed and gently grasped her left wrist. After fastening it to the post, he tugged on the rope, leaving plenty of slack so that she didn’t feel trapped. He made quick work of tying her other hand and her ankles.
Spread open to his gaze, she’d never felt so exposed before. She felt a blush work its way from her toes to her face. It was hard to miss the bulge behind his zipper and she delighted in the knowledge that he wanted her. Red wondered if he would take her tonight. She didn’t know what he had in store for her. Something told her the ropes were only the beginning.
His fingers trailed up her leg and gently brushed against the curls at the junction of her thighs. Her skin broke out in g
oose bumps at the slight contact, and she felt herself grow wetter as her body prepared for him. Ace moved across the room again, returning to the cabinet. He pulled out several things, placing them on the nightstand.
Lifting a feather tickler, he softly caressed the skin of her throat, gently moving it down the column of her neck and across her collarbones. He dipped it lower, tracing the valley of her breasts before teasing a nipple. She felt the rosy peak harden further and her womb clenched. Red’s heart no longer raced from the fear of being tied down, but from desire. As warmth suffused her from head to toe, the ropes were forgotten.
Ace circled her navel before teasing her pussy. He continued down her thighs, easing the tickler down her legs until he caressed her toes. Then he worked his way back up her body. Every nerve in her body came alive at the contact and her breathing became labored. She’d never imagined sex would feel so wonderful.
“Your body is so responsive. I can’t wait to see you come,” he said.
Ace set the tickler aside and picked up something else. She’d browsed sex toy sites often enough—though never got up the courage to actually purchase anything—to recognize the Pocket Rocket. He circled her nipples, drawing a gasp from her. The pulsing tips became overly sensitive and she wondered if she would come just from that bit of teasing alone. She felt her cream trickle down the crack of her ass and lifted her hips, desperately wanting him to play with her clit.
Ace answered her silent plea, parting the lips of her pussy. He lightly teased her clit, circling the bud, his touch whisper-soft. It was enough to make her tingle from head to toe, but not enough to push her over the edge. Her hot, wet sheath clenched as he applied a little more pressure and pleasure zinged through her.
“Oh, I’m…” She was what? Something was happening. She’d never felt this way before.
She could feel something building inside of her, her body tightening and straining, and then she was flying. A kaleidoscope of color burst behind her eyelids and her lips parted on a silent cry. She whispered his name as her body shook from the intensity of her release. Still he teased her clit, building her up again. Red whimpered, not sure she could handle much more. Her body was overly sensitive and she felt like she would shatter at any moment.
“Come for me, Little Red.”
Red’s toes curled and her blood heated. She felt a fine sheen of sweat coat her body. Ace reached between her legs with his free hand and eased a finger inside of her. He coaxed her to orgasm with slow, easy thrusts. She came wildly, explosively, straining against her bonds as her body arched off the bed. Collapsing onto the mattress, she panted for breath.
Ace slid his finger out of her pussy and removed the Pocket Rocket from her clit. Setting the small vibrator on the nightstand, he trailed kisses from her belly to her neck before claiming her lips in a searing kiss. Red was on sensory overload, but her pussy clenched and spasmed, as if seeking something more.
“Can you handle me, Little Red? Do you want more?”
She knew in that moment what she needed, wanted. “Yes.”
Ace removed the ropes and gently massaged her wrists and ankles before removing his clothes. His body was beautiful, all hard planes and angles. Red reached for him, but he seemed hesitant.
“Werewolves don’t carry diseases, but…are you on birth control?” he asked.
She shook her head. “I haven’t had a use for it.”
“Then, unless you want a baby anytime soon, you’d better wait a moment while I get a condom.” He reached into the nightstand drawer and withdrew an unopened box of condoms. “I bought these this morning, hoping I’d get to use them sometime soon. You have no idea how much I’ve wanted you.”
He sheathed himself with the latex before covering her body with his. Ace’s weight pressed down on her and she felt a moment of panic, but he kissed her, distracting her from the memories of her past. Red felt his cock brush against her pussy and she spread her legs wider. He slowly sank into her, giving her body time to adjust to his size. Ace wasn’t a small man, and she worried he’d split her in two. Finally, he was fully seated and her pussy clenched him, needing him to move.
Ace took up a slow, easy rhythm and she felt pleasure ripple through her.
“Feels so good,” she murmured before kissing him again. “More. I want more,” she whispered against his lips.
His thrusts became stronger, deeper. While he didn’t claim her in the way a werewolf claims his mate, his body pressed into hers, as if he were trying to imprint himself on her. His cock powered in and out of her, driving her pleasure higher and higher. With a cry, she came, her body exploding in sensation. She shuddered, her pussy milking him until he found his release, her name falling from his lips.
As he stilled inside of her, he pressed his lips to her throat, her collarbone, and finally her lips. His kiss was softer, more sensual as he explored her mouth. She ran her hands up his biceps until her palms rested on his shoulders. His sweat slicked her fingers and the heat of his body warmed her.
“You didn’t claim me,” she said.
“I wanted to. I barely held my wolf in check.”
“Thank you. For showing me that I can overcome my fears and for giving me more time before I become your mate in truth.”
“Whether I claim you or not, you’ll always be my mate, Red. Never doubt that.”
He eased from her body and rolled off the bed. Disposing of the condom, he returned to her, stretching out beside her. His palm caressed her belly and he kissed her shoulder.
“Are you sore?” he asked.
“A little. But in a good way.”
He smiled and twined their fingers together. “Do you want to shower here?”
“Are you sure you don’t mind?”
“I’m sure. Do you want to take one with me or alone?”
She bit her lip. “I’ve never showered with anyone before.”
“Come on, Little Red. It’s time to explore the delight of having someone wash you. I promise all I’ll do is touch. I don’t think you could take me again tonight. Maybe not for a few days.”
She was happy she’d been able to please him as much as he’d pleased her. She’d worried that she wouldn’t be good at sex, that she would disappoint him with her inexperience. Allowing him to assist her off the bed, she followed him into the adjoining bath. Ace started the shower and let her step in first. As she wet her hair, he stepped in and slid the door closed.
His fingers trailed down her body before he reached for the soap. His shower gel smelled like him, and she found that she liked the idea of being surrounded by his scent, even if it was just for tonight. In the morning, she’d shower and wash his scent from her body, but she wouldn’t forget the feeling of his skin against hers, his cock filling her. He’d taken her to paradise tonight and it was a memory she would always cherish. Even if he had held back.
Ace worked up a lather in his hands before running his palms over her body. He gently washed her, taking a moment to massage her shoulders and back. Red had never been treated so well and she couldn’t wait to reciprocate. When it was her turn, her hands coasted over his body, enjoying the feel of his muscles under her fingertips. He was so hard, so powerful. It amazed her that he could be so gentle. She’d always been afraid of strong men, thinking they might hurt her, even if they didn’t mean to. But with Ace, she knew that she came first and that her well-being mattered to him. She might not know him as well as she’d like, but she knew he would never hurt her.
When they had dried off and dressed, Ace walked her out to his car. Part of her was disappointed that he hadn’t asked her to stay. Red wasn’t sure she was ready for that step after just one night in his bed, but she had to admit that she wondered what it would feel like to sleep wrapped in his arms. When she was younger, she’d loved to cuddle and she found the idea of cuddling with the alpha intriguing.
“I’ll pick you up in the morning, and we’ll grab a cup of coffee and then I’ll drop you off at work.”
Her
brow furrowed. “But if you take me to work, how will I get home?”
“I’ll take you home.” He smiled. “Which home will be a surprise.”
Her heart sped up at the thought of another night of lovemaking. She couldn’t think of what they’d done as simple sex. It had been more than that, at least to her. Red had come alive in his arms, under his masterful touch, and she couldn’t wait to see what else he had in store for her. Would she find everything they did exciting? Or were there things he’d want to do that would prove to be too much for her? She hoped she could handle anything he wanted to try with her.
The drive to her apartment was a silent one, and when they arrived, he helped her out of the car. Ace was the perfect gentleman and walked her to her door, although she figured it was more for safety reasons than anything else. He gave her a brief kiss, leaving her wanting more. With a wink, he turned and walked away.
Red let herself into her apartment and flipped on the light. She locked up and dropped her keys on the counter that divided her kitchen from her living room. Her apartment was tiny, but it was hers, and that was all she cared about. She didn’t need a mansion to be happy. After being bounced from foster home to foster home, just having a constant place to return to each day was a blessing. Her furniture was secondhand and didn’t match, but she’d bought it with her hard-earned money.
“We couldn’t be more different,” she muttered, thinking about Ace’s posh mansion and various vehicles. She didn’t know his net worth and didn’t really care, but she had a feeling it was more than she made in three or four years.
Pulling off her shoes, she dropped them by the door and headed into the bedroom, removing her clothes as she went. Her nightgown was draped over the foot of the bed and she slipped it on before crawling under the covers. It was still early, but she was exhausted. Who knew sex would be so tiring? It wasn’t just the physical aspect of it though. It had been emotionally taxing as well. She wasn’t sure if she’d lost part of herself to Ace or found something that had been missing. Maybe it was a bit of both.
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