She could barely think, barely speak. "And what is that?"
"To remember the promise you made me."
His fingers parted the sensitive folds of skin between her thighs. If only he would ease the pressure building inside her. She gasped in disappointment when only cold air touched her there. "I didn't give you permission to torture me."
"Ah, but you did."
Craig sat back on his heels. "I'm going to hold you on the brink between pain and pleasure."
She shook her head, her hair twisting wildly on the pillow. "No."
"Yes. Now close your eyes."
The sheets rustled and the mattress sprang back then sagged once more under his weight. An ice cold droplet landed on her breast, and she jerked. He must have taken an ice cube from the bucket. As his warm tongue lapped away the cold, she sighed in pleasure and lost track of her thoughts.
Another drop fell on her bottom lip, and he sucked it away, ignoring her attempt to get him to kiss her mouth once more. The constant waiting and reminders they would do this his way or not at all strung her tight with tension. Cold drops fell on the inside of her thigh, and dripped toward her center, but he lapped them away without satisfying the aching need there.
He found her toes, her eyelids, her earlobe, and he spent several minutes on the hollow of her neck until she wanted to scream. Her
The proposal 203
breath came in shallow pants, and tiny animal whimpers came from the back of her throat.
"Craig, Please, I can't take any more."
"You don't have a choice. You are mine tonight to do with as I please."
An icy droplet trickled across her bottom, and his mouth teased and taunted, never landing where she wished. Her nipples hardened into points. Her blood hammered in her ears.
His fingers opened her wider, and he slipped a sliver of ice inside her. Despite her determination to obey his every command, her thighs attempted to squeeze closed, but his hands on her knees prevented her from squirming away. Then his breath found her, and his tongue stoked a heat hot enough to melt a polar icecap.
As he kept his promise, keeping her on the verge of pleasure, every muscle clenched, relentlessly building, hammering away at the last of her inhibitions. At any moment she would shatter. Every nerve ending would fire.
Her fingers dug into her thighs. Her skin prickled. She was about to explode.
But he pulled back. Damn him! How could he do this to her? She barely controlled a sob of frustration.
"Turn over."
She opened her eyes, thinking the world would spin as crazily as her thrumming thoughts. He'd piled the pillows high on the bed, one atop the other. "On your hands and knees, woman."
He guided her shaking limbs until she lay belly down over the mound of pillows, her bottom raised high. He didn't demand she close her eyes, but she still couldn't see him.
"Grab the posts of the head board and don't let go."
Raising her arms up, she clenched the cool, lacquered headboard, wondering if he intended to take her from behind. They'd never tried this position, and she wasn't sure she—
Whack. Smack. His hand struck her bottom several times in quick succession. The unexpectedness of his spanking after his tender teasing brought a violent clenching in her belly. Desire whirled over her
204 Ivy Landon
like a tornado, the heat from his stinging slaps raising her temperature to a fever pitch.
She lost control of her thoughts—to a place of instinctive feeling. Her hips bucked, and he held the small of her back firm with his hand while his knees kept her thighs from clamping shut to try and ease her savage yearning.
His fingers slipped into the warm, wet, folds of her flesh and teased until only his firm hold on her prevented her from writhing onto the floor. Without warming, her body clutched tight, releasing the pent up tension in a magical flow of pleasure.
For a moment, she relaxed thinking she'd stolen the pleasure he'd denied her. But his fingers never stopped, and her muscles went taut again. The feeling was akin to climbing a mountain, and though she'd slipped back a pace or two, his fingers urged her relentlessly onward, barely giving her time to breathe.
A fine film of perspiration broke out on her flesh, and she tried to turn, grab him. She received a slap on her bottom, and he pressed her relentlessly back down onto the pillows.
"What are you doing?" she. screamed. "I can't—"
"You can and you will."
Her hips moved up and down of their own accord. He knelt between her legs and rubbed his erection along her sensitive flesh. She screamed and bucked. A tiny orgasm gave her a momentary release. Not enough.
"Don't stop. More," she gasped.
"No more." He pulled away. "Are you thirsty? Would you like a drink?"
She barely heard his words through her dazed frenzy. He couldn't stop. Not now. Not when she needed him more than her next breath.
But he seemed immune to what he'd done to her. He helped her off the pillows and placed her on the edge of the mattress with her knees folded beneath her. Then he handed her a glass of champagne. Her eyes widened at the ring in the bottom of the glass. She plucked it out, and he placed it on her left hand, her only remaining limb that wasn't marked by a piece of jewelry.
THE PROPOSAL 205
"Your engagement ring."
She barely looked at the diamond. She wanted him badly enough to attempt raping him—not that he'd let her. He'd made it more than clear who was in charge. She would be the one submitting, and she didn't know whether or not she could take any more.
And yet Tracey had never felt so sensual in her life. His refusal to give her a choice had freed her from all responsibility for her actions. She could simply react, without guilt, without worry, without humiliation. How had he known she would respond so passionately? As she sipped the champagne, she trembled at the pent up sensations coursing through her.
She needed to walk, shake it off.
As if reading her mind, Craig smoothed the hair off her forehead, then cupped her chin, forcing her to look up at him. His dark eyes turned smokey. "Part your knees wide."
While she did what she asked, he made her look him straight in the eyes. Her stomach knotted. Her bottom burned. He had her sitting on his bed, her knees spread wide before him, dazed and longing for sexual release.
He took away her glass of champagne. "Place your hands on your thighs. Sit up straighter."
She'd never sat so straight in her life. As his hand wandered over her face, her shoulders, and breasts, every muscle tensed.
His handsome face broke into a pleased grin. "We need to talk about our marriage."
She groaned. "I can't think."
His hand dropped between her thighs, teased and tormented. She sucked in a breath, trying hard to remain still.
"Can you think now?"
His implication was clear. She would discuss whatever he wanted when he asked her to or he would make her suffer sweet torment until she did. She bit on her lower lip. "What is it... you wish to discuss?"
When she acquiesced to his demand, she thought he would remove his hand. He didn't. His fingers continued to dance inside her until she held back a scream.
206 Ivy London
"If you agree to marry me, I want you just as willing as you are right now—one day a week."
"Oh my, God!"
When she failed to get out another word in reply, his fingers worked harder. Her hips gyrated, seeking more.
He pulled his hand back, leaving her hanging. "One day a week," he demanded.
"Yes. Craig." She'd say anything. Do anything. If he would just end the unattainable pleasure-pain.
His palms touched her cheeks. "You understand what I'm saying?"
She nodded. One day of every week could be like these last few hours. He'd have her permission to do with her what he wished. An icy shiver slid down her spine. Giving him such control scared her and yet excited her to the very marrow of her bones.
E
ven now as she longed for him to give her release, in another way she wanted to prolong the exquisite pleasure of waiting. The fact that the choice was not hers lent an added degree of excitement.
And it hadn't escaped her befuddled brain that Craig hadn't yet allowed her to answer his marriage proposal. He'd merely set the terms. Only there was no merely about it. He wanted unquestionable submission—one day a week. Could she do that? Did she want that? She didn't know.
But she'd never felt such intense sexual longing in her life. And without even being satisfied fully, she knew she couldn't bear not to feel this way again. With her bottom stinging, with her sitting naked, her knees open and waiting for him to give her pleasure, she'd never felt so sexy in her life.
He scooped her into his arms and carried her into his glass and marble shower, setting her under a warm spray. The water cleared the fog from her mind, making the moment sharp and clear. He lathered his hands with a jasmine scented soap and then slowly washed her shoulders, breasts, and belly working his way down her front with the slippery soap before giving her back and bottom the same treatment.
When she didn't think she could stand his sensuous fondling for another second, he handed her the soap. Finally she got her chance
the Proposal 207
to touch him. She caressed the muscles of his shoulders and his broad chest, and flat, tight stomach, barely teasing his jutting erection. Two could play this game.
She ran her hands down his thick thighs and hard calves, asking him to turn around. The feel of his warm flesh under her hands made her quiver with longing, and she washed his back and lean flanks quickly, her resolve to taunt him as he had done to her weakening. Her palms itched to caress the hard length of him until he lost control, threw her down and gave her what she wanted.
His mocking smile told her he knew what she'd tried to do. With just a small shake of his head, he turned away and she lost her chance.
Craig exited the shower first and wrapped a towel around his waist. He gestured for her to stand on the bath mat. Yesterday she would have cringed to stand naked before him under the bright lights. Today she wanted him to look at her. He took out a fluffy white towel, and she waited for him to wrap her in it. Instead, he insisted on drying her everywhere. Slowly.
As he patted the droplets from her flesh, the raging energies he'd created over the last several hours returned with hurricane force. Her knees threatened to buckle and sensing her weakness, Craig once again carried her across the room and settled her in bed.
He kissed her tenderly. She clutched him fiercely, pressing her breasts against his bare chest. While his tongue explored the recesses of her mouth, she clung to him, wriggling, trying to get him to fill the overpowering void inside her.
Once more he denied her. His lips traced a path over the hollow of her collar bone to the valley of her hips and lower until his mouth centered on her core.
Her fingers wound her way into his thick hair, and she arched up to him. Inside the tension that had strung her taut for hours was building, higher, harder, hotter. When he pulled away she screamed in frustration.
"I want... I must. .. Craig!"
Finally he thrust into her welcoming flesh, and she met him half way. Her burning bottom slammed against the mattress. Her fingers
208 Ivy London
clawed at him. She couldn't draw in enough air. Her legs tightened
around his waist.
He moved inside her fast, claiming what he wanted in a movement as old as time. She bucked wildly, and her desire peaked. Her entire body shuddered, spurted, climaxing in several electric jolts of passion.
She lost track of time. The pleasure went on and on and on. And when she could not stand one more second, his fingers slipped between the slick folds of sensitive flesh and sent her higher. The spasms wracked her again and again, acute, powerful, endlessly wondrous.
She screamed, and he swallowed it with a kiss. Hanging suspended between time and thought, she bucked her hips in wild abandon. Finally he pumped his seed into her, and she relished a tranquil moment in his arms. It took many minutes before her heart beat returned to normal, minutes before she regained her breath and her wits.
"I love you, Tracey."
"But would you have loved me if your experiment didn't work?"
"I knew it would work. I just wanted to prove that you could enjoy the physical side of love as much as I do."
Nestling against his chest, she snuggled closer. "I love you, too."
He smoothed the back of her head and drew her cheek against his shoulder. "Enough to marry me?"
"Yes." A tiny thrill shot through her. For the first time she looked forward to spending hour upon hour in his bed.
"And you agree to my conditions?"
"I have one of my own," she said lightly.
The muscles of his chest tensed. His eyes smoldered. "What?"
She tired to smother a chuckle and failed. "One day a week won't be enough. Let's make it two."
About the Author:
Ivy Landon is a pseudonym for a multi-published author who hopes her story will in turn shock you, and titillate you. Writing for Secrets was an opportunity to let her freedom of expression soar beyond all boundaries. She hopes you enjoy the reading as much as she enjoyed the writing. May all your dreams be spicy.
In Secrets, Volume 2 you'll find:
Surrogate Lover by Doreen DeSalvo
Adrian Ross is a surrogate sex therapist who has all the answers and control. He thought he'd seen and done it all, but he'd never met Sarah.
Snowbound by Bonnie Hamre
A delicious, sensuous regency tale. The marriage-shy Earl of Howden is teased and tortured by his own desires and finds there is a woman who can equal his overpowering sensuality.
Roarke's Prisoner by Angela Knight
Elise, a starship captain, remembers the eager animal submission she'd known before at her captor's hands and refuses to become his toy again. However, she has no idea of the delights he's planned for her this time.
Savage Garden by Susan Paul
Raine's been captured by a mysterious and dangerous revolutionary leader in Mexico. At first her only concern is survival, but she quickly finds lush erotic nights in her captor's arms.
Winner of the Fallot Literary Award for Fiction!
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In Secrets, Volume 2 you'll find:
The Spy Who Loved Me by Jeanie Cesarini
Undercover FBI agent Paige Ellison's sexual appetites rise to new levels when she works with leading man Christopher Sharp, the cunning agent who uses all his training to capture her body and heart.
The Barbarian by Ann Jacobs
Lady Brianna vows not to surrender to the barbaric Giles, Earl of Harrow. He must use sexual arts learned in the infidels' harem to conquer his bride. A word of caution—this is not for the faint of heart.
Blood and Kisses by Angela Knight
A vampire assassin is after Beryl St. Cloud. Her only hope lies with Decker, another vampire and ex-mercenary. Broke, she offers herself as payment for his services. Will his seductive powers take her very soul?
Love Undercover by B.J. McCall
Amanda Forbes is the bait in a strip joint sting operation. While she performs, fellow detective "Cowboy" Cooper gets to watch. Though he excites her, she must fight the temptation to surrender to the passion.
Winner of the 1997 Under the Covers Readers Favorite Award
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In Secrets, Volume 4 you'll find:
An Act of Love by Jeanie Cesarini
Shelby Moran's past left her terrified of sex. International film star Jason Gage must gently coach the young starlet in the ways of love. He wants more than an act—he wants Shelby to feel true passion in his arms.
Enslaved by Desiree Lindsey
Lord Nicholas Summer's air of danger, dark passions, and irresistible charm have brought Lady Crystal's long-hidden desires to the surface. Will he be able to give her the o
ne thing she desires before it's too late?
The Bodyguard by Betsy Morgan and Susan Paul Kaki York is a bodyguard, but watching the wild, erotic romps of her client's sexual conquests on the security cameras is getting to her—and her partner, the ruggedly handsome James Kulick. Can she resist his insistent desire to have her?
The Love Slave by Emma Holly
A woman's ultimate fantasy. For one year, Princess Lily will be attended to by three delicious men of her choice. While she delights in playing with the first two, it's the reluctant Grae, with his powerful chest, black eyes and hair, that stirs her desires.
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In Secrets, Volume 5 you'll find:
Beneath Two Moons by Sandy Fraser
Ready for a very wild romp? Step into the future and find Conor, rough and masculine like frontiermen of old, on the prowl for a new conquest. In his sights, Dr. Eva Kelsey. She got away once before, but this time Conor makes sure she begs for more.
Insatiable by Chevon Gael
Marcus Remington photographs beautiful models for a living, but it's Ashlyn Fraser, a young corporate exec having some glamour shots done, who has stolen his heart. It's up to Marcus to help her discover her inner sexual self.
Strictly Business by Shannon Hollis
Elizabeth Forrester knows it's tough enough for a woman to make it to the top in the corporate world. Garrett Hill, the most beautiful man in Silicon Valley, has to come along to stir up her wildest fantasies. Dare she give in to both their desires?
Alias Smith and Jones by B.J. McCall
Meredith Collins finds herself stranded overnight at the airport. A handsome stranger by the name of Smith offers her sanctuaty for the evening and she finds those mesmerizing, green-flecked eyes hard to resist. Are they to be just two ships passing in the night?
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In Secrets, Volume 6 you'll find:
Flint's Fuse by Sandy Fraser
Dana Madison's father has her "kidnapped" for her own safety. Flint, the tall, dark and dangerous mercenary, is hired for the job. But just which one is the prisoner—Dana will try anything to get away.
Secrets Vol 1 Page 21