by Kelley, HD
Without saying a word, he led me back to the great room and through a sliding glass door that opened to the pool deck. We walked down a paver covered path, past the pool, and toward the sound of the ocean, stopping just before we reached the water’s edge.
“Sit,” he commanded, the tone in his voice all business now. I hesitated but only for a quick second. The sand was soft beneath me. It felt like home.
Alec sat beside me and propped the two glasses up in the sand, filling each one with the wine he took out of the refrigerator. He handed me a glass. “Drink,” he commanded.
There was no hesitation that time. I lifted the glass and took a long drink, doing my best to calm the anxiety that was building. I’d forgotten how good it tasted, maybe too good. I took another drink, adding just the right amount of courage. “Why did you bring me here?” I asked.
Alec sipped from his glass, his wicked grin slowly returning to his face. “Because you miss your home, because I want you to be happy.” He took another sip. “It’s the same reason I moved you to the Sandestin, to keep you safe, to protect you.” He shook his head as if trying to clear some awful memory. “But you compromised your own safety by disobeying me.”
Great. Not that again. I emptied my glass, the liquid courage taking immediate effect. “How many times do I have to apologize for that, Alec? I said I was sorry, and I meant it.”
“Well, I said I was going to punish you, and I meant that.”
“Oh, you’re very funny, Alec Payne.”
“That may be, Isabella, but I still intend to spank you.”
What? my inner voice snapped. He couldn’t be serious. Could he? Gently, he took the glass out of my hand and set it upright in the sand then lunged toward me. Before I knew what was happening, I was lying in the sand, my arms pinned above my head, Alec’s body pressed to mine.
He placed a soft kiss on my lips. “I’m really going to enjoy this, Isabella,” he whispered, his breath brushing over my lips. My sex tingled, excitement and fear simultaneously rushing through me.
In one swift move Alec rolled over me and was sitting on the sand with me sprawled across his lap. “I’m going to spank you now, baby.” His voice was gruff, not at all the playful Alec of just a few seconds ago. I tried to squirm free, but he held me firmly in place then swatted me on the butt.
“Ouch,” I cried out, half laughing. He hit me again, then again. “That hurts,” I protested, but truthfully it didn’t hurt that bad. He swatted me again. That one really did hurt. “Alec! You’re hurting me.” Another swat.
“It’s a spanking, Isabella. It’s supposed to hurt.” Again and again he continued. Eventually, I stopped squirming, using all my energy instead to absorb the sensation. Pain mixed with pleasure, an erotic sensation I’d never felt before. When he finally stopped, my breathing was so ragged I could barely move.
“The next time you roll your eyes at me, I’m going to spank you even harder, and not for your pleasure either, Isabella. Do you understand me?”
Still breathless, I couldn’t speak. Alec swatted me again. “Answer me.”
“Yes,” I panted. Another swat. “Yes what?”
“Yes, sir.”
He helped me off his lap onto the sand beside him. I winced when my butt hit the ground. “I hope you remember that feeling should you decide to roll your eyes at me again.” I sat silently, stunned by what just happened but more so about how turned on I was.
Alec refilled my wine glass and handed it to me. “We’re on Siesta Key,” he said. “And I expect you to keep that to yourself this time.”
We’re in Florida. A smile crossed my face. At least I was close to home.
Alec wrapped his arm around my shoulder and tucked me into his side. “Thank you,” I whispered.
“You needed a good spanking did you?”
My cheeks heated. “Well, probably, but that’s not what I meant.” I crossed my arms, feigning insult.
“I’ll be happy to put you back over my knee if you want to pout, Isabella.”
Quickly, I uncrossed my arms, my butt still stinging. “I meant thank you for this.” I waved my hand toward the house, the beach, the ocean. “Thank you for protecting me, for caring about me, for everything you’ve done for me, for my kids, even for Spencer. Alec, I can’t thank you enough.”
“I told you, Isabella, anything for you.”
We sat in silence for a long while, enjoying the sound of the water as it crashed against the shore and the warmth of Alec’s embrace. “I liked spanking you,” Alec said out of nowhere. “And I can’t wait to do it again.”
“So you’re expecting me to defy you?”
“No, I expect you to do as I ask, to trust that I’m only looking out for your safety.” He kissed me hard on the mouth. “That spanking wasn’t because you disobeyed me. It was for rolling your eyes at me, but don’t think I’ve forgotten about you telling Spencer where you were after I specifically told you not to.”
The thought of me lying across Alec’s lap while he spanked me again made me squirm. What did it say about me that it turned me on?
“It seems like you enjoyed that a little too much. I guess I’ll have to do a better job next time.”
“You didn’t want me to enjoy it?”
“Yes. And no.” That wicked grin returned. “I went easy on you this time, but you won’t be so lucky the next time.” Adrenaline coursed through my veins. I rolled my eyes in an exaggerated fashion, liquid courage hard at work. Alec kissed me hard on the mouth then pulled away. “Keep it up and I’ll use a belt to make sure you understand how serious I can be.” My whole body stiffened, thoughts of my nightmares, those images, came rushing in faster than the tide that was about to wash over us.
Alec helped me to my feet and we walked hand in hand toward the house. Preston was standing on the edge of the second floor deck. I kept my head down as we walked past him, silently praying he hadn’t played witness to my earlier punishment. If he had seen, he kept it hidden well with a simple nod before he went back to staring out at the night sky.
We climbed the two flights of stairs to a third floor bedroom, another room with floor-to-ceiling windows that overlooked the Gulf. A king sized bed and a separate sitting area with a full size couch and chair filled the space. “This is your room, Isabella. All your things are here.” When did he have time to do all this?
“I’m at the end of the hall if you need me.”
Down the hall, my inner voice snapped. “You’re not staying in here with me?”
“This is your home, baby. You should have your own space.”
“But—”
Alec kissed me gently on the lips then pulled away. “You’re not pouting are you?” Reflexively I shook my head quickly, and it brought a smile to his face. “You’ll be safe here,” he said before closing the door behind me, leaving me standing in this gigantic room alone, a satisfied smile on my face. I’d said I missed my home and he brought me here, to this amazing house with my own private beach.
I slipped off my shoes and found my way to the bathroom. The two person garden tub surrounded by more floor-to-ceiling windows immediately caught my attention. What was it with Alec and these windows? My mind quickly filled with thoughts of Alec, and the amazing sex we could have in that tub.
Just like Alec had said, all my things were here. My toiletries were arranged neatly on the Italian marble countertop, my clothes hung in the closet, the pictures from my office in fresh new frames. Alec obviously did this, but how? When? Those were the questions I planned to get answers to after I showered. Thanks to him, I was covered in sand.
The shower had three full size shower heads and a couple smaller ones too. It seemed a bit excessive, but it definitely made rinsing the sand off a lot easier. As I was drying off I caught a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror, the bright red handprint on my ass like a beacon in the darkness. Now I had a whole new reason to find Alec.
Pulling on my robe, I hurried down the hall toward what I hoped was
Alec’s room. I peeked inside the opened door only to find the room empty. “Alec,” I called out as I stepped inside, but he was nowhere to be seen.
A breeze blew in from the balcony door that had been left open. As I moved closer I spotted him standing outside, the breeze blowing through his damp hair. His navy blue pajama pants hung low on his hips, his form fitting t-shirt showing off his muscular build which made me want him even more. “Alec,” I called again.
He turned quickly toward my voice, a worried look resting on his face. “Isabella, is everything okay?”
“Everything’s fine,” I said as I stepped out onto the balcony, feeling somewhat silly for interrupting him and making him worry. “I was just gonna ask about my clothes.”
“What about them?”
“Well, how’d they get here for starters?”
“I had them picked up.”
“When? How?” I asked, thankful and freaked out all at the same time.
“This is your home now, baby. Your things should be here.” He pulled me into his arms. “Now, is there something else you wanted to talk about or did you come all the way down here dressed like that just to ask me about your clothes?” His stern tone left me wondering if he was being playful or serious.
“You mean like the handprint that’s on my ass?” There, that should shut him up.
“Maybe I need to leave a better impression.” He pulled me close, his eyes are fixed on mine. “From the tone in your voice, I’d say my earlier attempt at punishment didn’t get the job done.” I still couldn’t tell if he was serious, but it didn’t matter. My insides were already tingling. Damn my body.
“Are you threatening me, Mr. Payne?”
“I don’t make threats, Ms. James.” He leaned down and kissed me hard on the mouth, leaving me wanting more. He took me by the wrist and led me inside. “Get on the bed,” he ordered, “on your hands and knees.” I quickly did as he asked. I was still swollen from all the sex we had last night, but I couldn’t resist. He’d made me feel things I’d never known were possible, and I couldn’t wait to feel more.
He lifted my nightgown and slid my panties down. I felt his lips on my skin, kissing the handprint he’d left earlier. The sensation was so hot. I wanted this man more than I’d ever wanted anything. My sex tingled, making me squirm. “Be still,” he warned. A swat landed on my butt much harder than the ones before, and I squirmed again. “Be still,” he said again, another swat following. I tried hard not to move, but it really hurt. I wanted to cry out, but I didn’t dare. I’d practically begged him to spank me again. I’d felt how turned on it made him, and I wanted him to be that turned on again. “I said be still, Isabella.” He delivered another swat, each one harder than the last. I wasn’t sure how much more of this I could take.
“Alec, please,” I cried out, begging him to take me. Another swat. The pain was too much. I collapsed on the bed, unable to handle anymore.
Alec climbed on top of the bed, lying down beside me. “That should leave a better handprint,” he whispered in my ear, his breathing ragged too. “Now, let’s hope this spanking does the job because my hand is really sore.” His admission surprised me and I turned my face toward him. An ear to ear smile rested on his face. He’d enjoyed that, maybe a little too much.
“We better get you in bed,” Alec said.
No way was he getting rid of me that easy, not after what I just let him do. My body was on fire, and I wanted him. I needed him. Using my foot I shoved my panties the rest of the way off then pushed Alec onto his back and straddled him, my hands working their way under his t-shirt, my hips grinding against his growing erection. My actions were a silent plea.
Snaking one arm around my waist Alec rolled me off of him and onto the bed, the weight of his body holding me in place. “You aren’t making this very easy for me, Isabella.” Well, I had a news flash for him because he was definitely not making it easy for me. “I kept you up all night. You need to rest.”
Sleep was the last thing I needed at that moment. I was wide awake, reenergized after that adrenaline spike, my libido screaming. “But I’m not tired,” I whined.
Ignoring my impassioned plea, Alec leaned over and picked up a small remote off the bedside table. After pressing a few buttons, Roberta Flack’s Feel Like Makin’ Love surrounded us. What was he doing to me? I was already on fire, my libido still on high alert, our chemistry palpable.
He climbed off the bed, taking me with him. Placing both hands on my hips he moved me close to him, his erection pressing against my stomach, his firm body pressing up against me, leaving me breathless. I wanted him now more than ever. And he wanted me too.
With my hand in his he started moving to the music, dancing all around his massive room. He could really move, and in his arms I floated with a grace I’d never known before. When the song ended, Alec scooped me into his arms, that wicked grin on his face. My breathing quickened as anticipation built. “We’re spending the day out tomorrow. Tonight you need to sleep.”
NO! “Alec,” I protested, flashing the best pouty face I could manage, but it had no effect. He carried me down the hall, not stopping until we reached my room. I was screaming on the inside and he was all calm and cool Alec once again. I wondered how he managed that, switching from hot to cold in a matter of seconds.
He laid me down on the bed. “Sleep now, Isabella,” he said in a stern voice that did nothing to calm my libido. Alec leaned down and kissed me on the forehead, that wicked grin still on his face.
My cheeks heated. “Soon, baby,” he said softly, and I knew then it really was a promise and a threat all rolled into one. “Sleep,” he said again before sauntering toward the door.
“Goodnight,” I called after him.
“Goodnight, Isabella.”
My heart was stilling racing long after he left. It took several deep breaths to calm my screaming libido, that and the most luxurious bed I’d ever laid in. As I waited for sleep to find me, my mind started to wonder. It was hard to believe how much my life had changed in such a short time. I’d accepted that Spencer and I were through, but I was still struggling to accept all the other changes in my life, Alec being the hardest of them all. We’d known each other for such a short time, but I had become so attached. It was too soon. I hadn’t even taken time for myself after my divorce was finalized.
The closer to sleep I drifted the more I thought of Alec. “Soon, Isabella,” he’d said. Those two little words, filled with so much promise.
Chapter Twenty Three
The sun was just beginning to rise when I opened my eyes again. It was a restful night thanks to the amazingly comfortable bed I’d slept in. I was in awe of the view, courtesy of the floor-to-ceiling windows, the light glistening off the water as the sky slowly turned from dark to light. I slipped my robe on and stepped out on the balcony into the early morning air.
As I stared out at the horizon, a sudden urge to be on the beach washed over me, to watch the sun rise with the water washing over my feet, the soft sand beneath. I brushed my teeth then practically ran down the stairs, not even bothering to dress.
The house was quiet and dark, a little spooky even, as I moved quickly toward the glass door, stopping only long enough to slide it open. My feet hit the sand and I felt free, the freest I’d felt in months. I darted toward the water’s edge. I wanted to touch it, to feel it’s warmth wash over me, to let it wash away all the drama that had been overwhelming my life.
A wave washed over my feet, drawing me further in to the water. Another wave crashed against my legs, the water splashing on my robe. Closing my eyes, I let the waves crash into me over and over again. The water ebbed and flowed, the sand burying my feet deeper and deeper with each new wave until I felt firmly rooted where I stood.
When I opened my eyes again the sky was a brilliant red-orange, the hues of blue becoming brighter now. I’d missed that, my home on the beach, watching the sun chase away the dark of night.
“Good morning, Isabella,” Alec
whispered in my ear, wrapping his arms around me. I had been so lost in the moment I hadn’t heard him approach. Dangerous, considering the psycho was still after me, but Alec had made me feel safe.
“Good morning.”
Alec kissed me on the cheek, and we stood in silence, watching as the sky changed to day.
When all evidence of night had gone, Alec turned me so I was facing him. “Go get ready. We’ll be leaving soon.” I was excited by the prospect of going out. When Preston’s team uncovered that stash of drugs at the hotel, I was certain I’d never see people again.
Forty-five minutes later I came downstairs, feeling refreshed and ready to go, until the smell of food wafted out of the kitchen, making my stomach rumble.
Alec was sitting on a stool at the breakfast bar when I made it to the kitchen. He smiled when he saw me and patted the seat next to him, motioning for me to sit. “I hope you’re hungry because Mrs. Peters has made quite the feast this morning.”
“It smells delicious.”
Mrs. Peters placed two plates on the counter in front of us: bacon, scrambled eggs and French toast. Just seeing the food made me realize how hungry I really was. And I couldn’t wait to dig in.
• • • • •
Alec and I spent the day in Naples, strolling up and down Third Street South, checking out the local shops, sipping wine in the gardens, and eventually stopping at Campiello’s for dinner. I’d been pleasantly surprised when he requested a table on the patio so I could watch the people as they passed. “You said you needed people,” he said. It wasn’t quite what I’d meant, but the fact that he was trying to make me happy was enough. The day out was just what I needed to take my mind off all the stress I’d been under lately. The wine didn’t hurt either.