by E. M. Gayle
His hand gripped the back of my head, pulling me hard against him as every move turned aggressive. He’s not holding back either as I gasped when his teeth nipped at my bottom lip. I swear I thought I knew kissing until I met him. He’d taught me in a night just how wrong I’d been.
Our tongues met and everything else disappeared. He dominated me as effectively as he seduced. One hand held my head as the other dug into my hip with fingers desperate for contact. That’s how he made me feel. Desperate. Needy. And more than a little greedy.
When I whimpered, he groaned and his lips softened to a gentler touch. I relaxed against him, soaking in all the comfort and kindness he now showed.
I didn’t know if he realized it or not, but he’d shown me there were two sides to Alex Woodman. The dominant, always in control man who obviously got whatever he wanted. And the other, softer side that proved there might be a little more to the man than he wanted anyone to know.
After our kiss he practically pushed me out of the car. I had a feeling it was either that or he was going to live up to his threat and have his way there on the leather seat in full view of his driver.
I couldn’t lie and say that didn’t excite me, although I wasn’t sure how I felt about someone watching. Not a disinterested third party anyway. I stifled a giggle that bubbled up. I was turning into a regular pervert these days. Threesomes, voyeurism… What was next? Probably a question I shouldn’t have asked.
When I looked up I realized we were at the docks. A dock to be specific and it looked like it led to a—holy shit—is that a ship?
“Uhm, Alex, what’s going on? Where are we going?” He was leading me along the walkway in the direction of the largest yacht known to man. And I meant that literally because I’d seen on the news that this boat, owned by a Russian billionaire, had arrived in New York City just a few days ago. Everyone was talking about it because of its size. Because fuck yeah size mattered no matter what anyone says.
“We’re going to a party.”
My steps faltered as I tried to process the idea of stepping onto the luxurious ship that loomed at the end of the long dock.
“Relax, Harper. It’s not that big of a deal.”
I stopped and turned back to him. “Are you crazy? It is a very big deal. Do you know who owns that boat?”
He chuckled, a low sound that resembled a growl more than an actual laugh. “Yes, I do know. That’s why we’re here. When a man like Viktor comes to town I want to know why.
“So we’re crashing his party?”
“Nooo. We are attending a party I was invited to. Viktor and I share a few common interests so I have a standing invitation to all of his parties.”
I blew out a hard breath. I had a feeling I was missing some information about Alex that I should already know. “Who are you?”
He tugged on her hand and pulled her toward the boat. “You’re date for the evening, remember?”
Now that was something I wasn’t about to forget. Although admittedly I was a little confused over why me? And why here?
When we stepped on board we were greeted by a gorgeous hostess who greeted Alex by name. She ushered someone over who whisked our coats away and then she handed us each a mask.
“Required for tonight’s festivities, Sir.”
Alex took the masks and the hostess moved discreetly away.
I leaned close and whispered. “Masks? What kind of party is this?”
“The extra fun kind.” He brushed a few strands of hair away from my face and then placed the small lace mask over my eyes. He then brushed my mouth with his thumb with a light caress that nearly made me whimper. “Don’t think too hard about this, Harper. Tonight you’re mine and I’m here to keep you safe and satisfied. Your only job is to enjoy. Okay?"
I nodded because words were too hard. I swear every time he touched me my brain misfired. Besides, sometimes talking was overrated.
I turned toward the sounds of the party and took a fortifying breath as I smoothed down my dress. Whatever insanity Alex had brought me into, I would face head on. I was quickly learning that rich people had completely different ideas when it came to entertainment. On the world’s most expensive yacht I would expect no less than absolute indulgence.
When he grabbed my fingers and squeezed, I squeezed back and smiled. When in Rome…right?
Chapter Ten
Harper
We entered a large ballroom and at first I only saw a large crowd of men in dark suits and women in various elegant wear that ranged from skimpy to elegant. The room itself was beautifully appointed in soothing creams and panels of silk adorning the walls. While I was half tempted to reach up and touch them to be sure, I knew that I would discover nothing but the real deal.
There was no way any expense would be spared in a space like this. There were bars sporadically placed around the room, each with no less than three attendants to serve guests. It was a sweet setup and I could imagine the size of the contract the catering company received.
I was so wrapped up in my own thoughts of business and what kind of money would be involved in a party like this that it took me longer to notice the entertainment. At first my brain only registered the many onlookers and their conversations, but eventually a feminine moan caught my attention. As I turned in that direction, Alex wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me to his side.
With a firm hand gripping my hip and the welcoming heat of his hard body against mine, I got my first glimpse of the stage tables with the male and female performers. Tall, naked men with horned animal masks covering their faces and fully nude females with masks similar to mine were—well, they were fucking.
There were a lot of other words going through my mind as well. Crazy. Outrageous. Erotic. Freaky. In fact, the overload of imagery in my thoughts made it difficult to breathe. There were at least three men in masks surrounded by twice as many women and all of them were engaged.
While I was a little shocked by the animalistic display, the masked crowd seemed unfazed by all of it. Obviously some of the couples were affected as evidenced by roaming hands and mouths, while most simply drank and chatted with the others around them.
Before my first visit to the Glass Kat Club I would’ve never described myself as a voyeur. However, circumstances may have changed. I was enthralled with the three people then and almost as mesmerized by the group events unfolding in front of me now.
Through those first few minutes I tried to take it all in, Alex held me tight. Making sure I was close, he made me comfortable. Kept me safe. He made it okay to observe without worry.
That was easily the coolest part of this decadent night. Alex afforded me a strange sense of freedom when we were together. I got the sense that no sexual desire would be ridiculed, or too much to ask. It was almost breathtaking. Not to mention a complete turn on.
I turned and whispered in his ear. “Is this some sort of orgy?”
“No. Not exactly. Our host simply enjoys shocking people. Every party he hosts has a different theme, but is no less visually stimulating.”
“That’s one word I guess.”
He leaned forward, his breath caressing my ear causing a shiver. “Trust me. If we were on Russian soil and Viktor was hosting a party, I would not take you. There are some things you can never un-see.”
I bit my lips to hold back my laugh, although I could hardly believe under the circumstances I was laughing.
“Why would we come here if you don’t like his parties?”
“Ahh, but I never said I didn’t like them. I only meant not everyone can handle Viktor’s level of deviance. The man is about as twisted as they come. But he also has more disposable income than any other man in the world and he happens to enjoy investing in diverse projects.”
“So we’re here to network?”
“No, kitten, we’re here because I think you like to watch. And I like to watch you.” The hand gripping my hip slid up my side before cupping my breast gently. “And I’m especially enj
oying your aversion to undergarments.”
My heart beat faster, my breath came out as a pant. “It’s not that I don’t like them per se. It just so happens that I can’t wear this dress with a bra.” It was true, of course that was the whole reason I chose this dress in particular. I liked the way the halter style cupped and lifted.
“And the panties? Do those not work with this dress either?” he asked. “Not that I’m complaining.” He pinched my nipple with a light squeeze.
“No, that was all me. I didn’t want to risk going home alone again.”
I felt his tension in the way his body suddenly froze. With my back to his front I couldn’t see what was going on with them, but it was something. I should’ve said something, but what? I put myself out there enough already. How many more ways did I have to say I wanted him?
A low sound began to form in his chest. Barely audible, but the vibration of it clear against my back. He flipped me around so that I faced him and his hands wrapped around my neck. His thumbs angled my head until our gazes collided and what I saw there definitely took my breath away.
Alex’s eyes were darker than before. More intense. And that sound continued, making all of my nerve endings stand at attention. My nipples too. They were hardest pebbles and aching for his touch.
“You’re never going home alone again if I have anything to say about it.”
My heart stuttered, but before I could form any kind of response, he took my mouth. There were simply no other words to describe it. This was no kiss. With his hands still tangled around my neck and the pressure of his lips forcing me to open, he claimed me.
Desire burned through my body and straight to my soul. White hot and needy. I have no idea how this is happening so fast, but I can feel it one hundred percent. I am falling fast and I’m willing to do anything to get more.
Lucky for me, Alex had his own plans. When he breaks the kiss, he doesn’t stop there. His lips slide down to my chin, my neck, and in between my breasts. I can barely breathe but that’s okay because I don’t want him to stop. Ever.
His fingers pinched my nipples, easy at first and then gradually harder. The pain increased as did my heart rate and I swear heat literally flared between my legs.
“This is why my acquaintances come to parties like these. They want to break the chains society has on them, drive their women insane and then watch them come over and over and over. And sometimes while others watch. Then when they’re both at the breaking point, they’ll fuck. It won’t be easy, and it won’t be pretty. That’s not what these people want. They need it primal.”
His hands were on the front of my thighs now, his fingers edging beneath the short edge of my dress. The heat radiating from his big body made it even harder for me to focus. My brain is on severe overload.
“Don’t move, Harper.”
His dark toned order alone was enough to keep me pinned in place, but those roaming fingers of his are what ultimately had me holding my breath.
“You like this I know.”
I opened my mouth, but my protest died the moment his fingers collided with my clit.
He laughed, the sound filling my ear. “That’s what I thought. But what happens next is completely up to you. I’m going to make you come. That’s not up for debate. However, whether it becomes a show or remains between you and I is your choice. Can you come without screaming, kitten?”
I couldn’t even figure out how to get enough oxygen let alone determine whether I could stay quiet. But I did know that I didn’t want him to stop. So instead of answering him, I angled my hips just a bit to give him better access.”
That rumble of laughter sounded in my ear again. It was enough to make me nearly growl my own frustration. His arrogance astounded me, but it also drew me closer. Every dark promise that fell from his lips dragged me further under his spell.
“Dirty kitten,” he snarled as he pushed two fingers inside me.
“Yes,” I groaned before grabbing onto his shoulders to hold myself up.
My eyes fluttered closed as the devil of a man tortured me, but I forced them back open so I can watch him as his fingers fucked me. I didn’t want to miss a thing, but most of all I needed to know he’s as affected as I am.
Peripherally I think I hear the others in the room as the show goes on behind me. I don’t need to see to know that many of the women on the tables are as close to the brink as I am. But they don’t have Alex because he’s mine.
I know this because his talented fingers are definitely making me mad as every thrust hits me at the perfect angle for maximum friction. The tension coiled in my core warned me that I can’t take much more and any resolve I had to stay quiet seems lost as I whimper against his shoulder.
“Kiss me.”
I lifted my head, a moan at the tip of my tongue and pressed my lips to his. At the same time his thumb scraped across my clit and ignited the climax I could no longer hold back. With the blood rushing in my ears, Alex pulled me tight and swallowed my scream.
By the time my head cleared and I began to come down from the intensity that is an orgasm from Alex, my entire body was shaking and I could barely stand on my legs.
His withdrawal only made it worse as I whimpered in protest. He must have sensed my condition because instead of steadying me on my feet, he picked me up and carried me from the room.
“I don’t know about you, but I need a fucking drink.”
I still couldn’t speak so I smiled against his shoulder instead. But not before I caught a glimpse of the lust, determination and frustration in his eyes. I’d once again lost myself to the forbidden pleasure of my mystery man. But I was pretty sure that was going to be a very good thing.
Chapter Eleven
Alex
This woman was going to kill him. As he sat next to her watching her sip on a cocktail all he could think about was how much he wanted her on her knees, his hands buried in her rich, dark hair as she took his dick between her sweet, lush lips.
This hold she had over him made him equally wary and excited. For the first time in forever, he was going to make sure she came back for more again and again and again. There would be consequences to deal with, but he’d worry about those later. After he spent the night fucking her into oblivion.
He bit back a smile. The idea of making her come on his tongue and his dick, like she had his fingers, was enough to make him squirm like she’d done back in the car. If he wasn’t careful with this one, he’d be the one begging and that’s not how this went.
Which meant now was an excellent time to shift his train of thought.
“Harper.” He spoke her name softly, but with enough steel to capture her attention.
Her green eyes cut to his.
“Where are you from? I’ve been trying to place your accent since we met. Obviously the south, but that’s all I’ve got.”
She shrugged. “Does it really matter?”
It did because he had an insatiable curiosity about the woman in front of him and her incomplete dossier only enhanced his need to know more.
“Is it a secret?”
She didn’t answer right away, but the tell-tale sign of a blush flushing her skin pink told him more than words ever did. His question had flustered her and he didn’t know why. Now he had to hear more.
Of course that stain of color on her skin reminded him of other important things as well. Such as the way her ass turned red when it was spanked. A look he hoped to see again soon. Hell, not soon, tonight. Her on her hands and knees with her ass in the air. His heart stuttered. That’s what he wanted and he planned to get it.
“North Carolina.” She said the two words so quietly he barely heard her. She sounded wary about saying them.
“You’re a long way from home then. Why New York?” The pause between his question and her response grew well past the long and awkward stage. Her reluctance to share was throwing up red flags left and right.
“Got tired of living in a teeny tiny town no one’s ever
heard of alone. So I came here thinking it would be nice to get lost in a crowd instead.”
“Didn’t like small town living?” He couldn’t imagine it himself either. He loved the energy of a city that ran twenty-four hours a day.
“What about your family?”
A look of sadness crossed her face and he almost regretted bringing this up. But he couldn’t stop himself. He needed to know everything about her.
“My mom was my only family and she’s gone now.” She looked away for a moment before she continued. “Never had a real father. The man who got my mom pregnant hit the road before I was born. So she raised me alone. She worked real hard at it too. Sometimes that meant two jobs and very little time at home. I understood though. Being a single parent isn't easy or for the faint of heart. She never gave up or gave in though. Problem is, you work that hard all those years something’s bound to give. For my Momma that was her body. She didn’t worry much about eating right or exercise. Just worked and took care of me. It’s all she cared about. Until she had a heart attack one night on her way home from work.”
His heart ached for the pain he heard in her voice. “I’m sorry, Harper, I didn’t mean to bring that up.”
She shook her head and to her credit the tears shining in her eyes never fell. “It’s okay. It’s a natural question to ask.”
“I know,” he said. “I lost my dad a while back too. Cancer.”
“It’s rough,” she whispered, tightening her grip on her glass.
He nodded, trying to force the memories back where they belonged. He didn’t want to get into any of that now.
“I moved in with my mom’s second cousin since she was the only relative we knew of. She didn’t have any kids of her own and didn’t exactly know what to do with a teenager. But since she traveled a lot for her work there wasn’t a whole lot she could do anyway. Long story short, I ended up getting a part-time job after school in a small café and the owner there taught me how to cook. I didn’t end up working there long, but I guess the job stuck anyways. People liked my cooking and since it was something I enjoyed I decided to see where it could take me.”