Coherent

by Livia Jamerlan

  “You’re not to leave my sight tonight.” He lowered his lips to mine and placed a soft kiss against my glossed lips. “You look breathtaking, beautiful. I want you by my side so I can show everyone how fucking sexy my girlfriend is.”

  His words caused goose bumps to rise on my skin. Peyton held my chin, pushing it to the side, exposing my neck. His tantalizing lips continued their trail up and down my neck, stopping at my collarbone. His teeth nipped on my flesh and I whimpered. “Tonight, when we get back, I’m going to take you in this dress.”

  His lips returned to mine, his tongue stroking my lips until I opened for him. He tasted of whiskey and mint. Melting under his kisses, I wrapped my arms around his neck deepening our kiss. My body pressed flushed to his, I pushed my bottom half against his hard cock. I would have to reapply my lipstick, but I didn’t care.

  Peyton pulled away, as breathless as I was. “We need to leave now if we ever plan on going. If I stay here with you any longer, I might have to toss you over my shoulder and spend the rest of the night buried between your thighs.”

  That didn’t seem like a bad idea. I smirked, wiping the excessive lipstick off his lips. “Give me two seconds to reapply my lipstick and we’ll head out. You can bury yourself in me the second we get back.”

  Peyton’s hand on the small of my back guided me out of his building and towards the waiting limo. Instead of going to the garage floor, we strolled through the lobby and exited through the front of the building. His hand wrapped around my hip, pulling me closer. “Just smile,” he whispered in my ear as the flashes started to flicker around us. I reached for his hand and kept my head. The few short steps to the limo felt like miles. My body began to tremble with fear.

  “I’ve got you.”

  Louis held the door, and Peyton grasped my hand as I slid my way in. Once the door closed behind us, he was at my side, his hand brushing over my face.

  “I’m sorry.” His lips met mine. “I didn’t know they would be here. It wasn’t until I saw them camped outside that I realized.” His hands cupped my face. “Braelynn?”

  “I’m okay. Just taken by surprise, that’s all.”

  “Someone must have tipped them off that I was attending. At the event, we’ll have to walk the red carpet. Reporters will shout for you. Just smile and let me do all the talking.”

  I nodded, reaching for a bottle of water in the ice cooler.

  Peyton wasn’t kidding when he said reporters would be at the event. More like paparazzi. As our limo waited for another in front of us to move away, my heart slammed in my chest. I wiped my clammy hands on a napkin, hoping to reduce the moisture. My eyes strayed to the woman who had stepped out of the other limo, my nerves instantly replaced by anger.

  Fucking Devon.

  She wore a blue satin dress that hugged her body to perfection, her hair pulled up high in a bun, making her seem even taller, and her make-up was flawless. As much as I despised the bitch, I had to admit she looked spectacular.

  My fear was replenished with bravery— I was in Peyton Haas’s arms. I couldn’t be scared. I needed to show him that I could be a part of his life.

  The limo rolled up to the red carpet and stopped. When the door flung open, Peyton looked back at me and gave me his best panty-dropping smile. I nodded my head and grinned back at him. I was ready. The second he was out the limo, bright flashes began to light up the sky. He guided me out of the car, his focus only on me as he held me close.

  Peyton!

  Peyton, over here!

  Peyton, who are you with?

  One after another, the flashes blinding me as I ambled beside Peyton down the carpet, my hand glued to his. Three feet from the limo we stopped for pictures.

  Peyton, over here!

  Miss, what’s your name?

  Peyton!

  Who are you wearing?

  Peyton’s hand rested on the lower part of my back as we stopped, smiling for the press. Shoulders back and standing tall, I kept my smile bright as I looked into each camera I saw. Peyton’s lips brushed my ear.

  “You’re a natural.” He kissed my cheek. “They all love you.”

  I looked up at him and smiled, the swarm of flashing blinking around us.

  How long have you two been seeing each other?

  Is this serious?

  Peyton, has she met your family?

  Peyton ignored all the shouting and leaned in, kissing my forehead. It only made me smile wider. My hand locked with his and we strolled down the red carpet, stopping a few more times for pictures. Holding me close, he never left my side.

  Once we arrived inside we were escorted to our seats. Everything was white: the walls, chairs, drapes, runway. All white. Peyton scooted down the front row until his arms were wrapped around a female. Her arms wrapped around his neck. When Peyton stepped back, she beamed at me.

  “Mom, this is Braelynn.”

  She leaned forward to kiss my cheek, her hand grasping mine. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “The pleasure is all mine.”

  The lighting dimmed and the beam of the spotlight shone where the models would be entering. It was our queue that the show was about to start. Peyton’s mother pulled away from me as Spencer popped her head up and waved. I beamed a smile back at her for a split second until I realized Devon was sitting next to her.

  Her nose up in the air, Devon took her seat, waiting for the show to start. I wanted her as far away from us as possible. Away from Peyton.

  Peyton is here with you. Stop acting so jealous.

  The show commenced and the frail, lanky models sashayed down the runway. The designer was showing his new fall collection for the following year. The clothes were modern and trendy, in bright earth tones. The backdrop lighting rotated from shades of red, orange and yellow, depending on what each model wore. Each model sashayed to the end of the raised runway, paused for a split second before walking back. There was no talking during the show, but I couldn’t avert the feeling in the pit of my stomach that there were eyes all over me. Once all the models took their final stroll down the catwalk together, the audience stood, clapping as the designer came from backstage to take a bow.

  The show finished and we found ourselves on our way to the after-party. Peyton had told his mother we would meet her there, and led me straight back to where Louis was waiting with the limo.

  The reception venue was breathtaking, like nothing I had seen before. It was right on the water, facing the Manhattan skyline. The stone terrace was open and the night sky was cool, the setting moon shimmering over the water. I had gone to events with Kennedy and Caleb, but I had never attended one this massive. The ceiling was high as trapeze dancers performed above our heads. Cocktail bars surrounded the room and hundreds of people swarmed the area, conversing with one another. There were celebrities, professional athletes, and local socialites. I was out of my comfort zone and I couldn’t stop myself from staring at them. I had never been in a room with so many important people.

  Peyton led me through the crowd, greeting people as he passed. The servers carried trays loaded with champagne flutes and a variety of cocktails. I took one to hold since I didn’t know where to put my free hand.

  My eyes scanned the room, looking for a familiar face, but the only other person I seemed to know was Devon. Her blue eyes surveyed me from top to bottom, and her pink lips pouted as she evaluated me. Though Peyton held me close to his side, I felt small. I had never been so out of my element before.

  From the corner of my eye, I saw Devon marching towards us, her lanky body and long legs making it seem as if she were walking the runway. She had hatred in her eyes and they were glued to mine. Peyton’s family wasn’t with her now, his sister was occupied with the press and his mother had joined her daughter. I stood there, waiting to be ambushed by Peyton’s ex.

  Fucking great.

  “Oh Peyton, you look stunning, as always.” She placed her hand on his shoulder, her heels putting her at eye level as she turned he
r face side to side to kiss both his cheeks. Her hand lingered on his shoulder as she remained too close, smiling brightly, ignoring the person standing beside him. Me.

  He cleared his throat and stepped away from her. “Devon, I assume you remember Braelynn.”

  “Oh, yes.” She placed her hand over her heart. “It’s so nice to see you again, sweetie. I almost didn’t recognize you. You look stunning.” Her lips pouted and her eyebrows rose on her flawless face. “Peyton’s wealth must be treating you really—”

  Peyton released my hold and gripped her elbow. “Come with me. Now,” he ordered, yanking her away.

  Peyton was defending me. I knew Devon well enough to know that an insult cloaked as a backhanded compliment was about to spew from her mouth. Pleased that Peyton had taken care of the problem, I stood alone, watching as he escorted her to the far side of the room. His face was mere inches from hers and she laughed at what he was saying.

  It gutted me to see them that way. My hand that held the champagne began to itch, and I wanted to take a sip of the liquid poison to feed my nerves. My hands trembled, holding the champagne flute as I turned away and shut my eyes. Don’t succumb to the darkness.

  “Are you debating whether it’s poison?”

  My eyes flew open, locking on designer shoes only a few feet away. My head rose, taking in his presence, and I smiled even as I gasped a stunned breath. The stranger was a few inches taller than I was with dark, silky brown hair and chocolate eyes to match. He licked his lips and smiled back, extending his hand out for me.

  “I’m Landon,” he said.

  My eyes focused on the dimple that formed in his cheek. “I’m Braelynn.” I reached out to meet his hand. Landon surprised me by taking my hand and lifting it to his lips.

  “It’s a pleasure, Braelynn.” His lips touched the back of my hand and I felt my face burn. “You seem like you don’t like your drink. Can I get you another?”

  “No, I’m okay. Thank you, though.” My hand lifted, pointing back to where Peyton stood. “I’m waiting for my …” The word boyfriend failed me as I looked at Landon’s eyes.

  “I figured you weren’t here alone, but I can keep can you company if you like until … whoever it is gets back.”

  “That’s kind of—”

  “Unnecessary.” Peyton’s voice came from behind. I let my eyes slide shut, knowing that he had overheard what Landon said. Landon was dreamy and sexy, but he wasn’t the man who possessed me.

  “Sorry man, I was just keeping the pretty lady company.” Landon winked at me.

  “Thank you.” I gave him a shy smile.

  Peyton’s hands pulled me by the waist towards him and Landon turned away, walking back through the crowd. My eyes were locked on him until he vanished in the crowd.

  “You were flirting,” Peyton growled, his lips brushing my temple.

  I turned to face him, my eyes locking with his. “No, I wasn’t.” My lips pouted.

  “I saw you.” His hand crawled up my arm, wrapping around the flesh.

  “You didn’t see shit. I wasn’t flirting,” I hissed through my teeth.

  “Do you want him, Lynn?” Peyton asked, bringing his lips over mine but refusing to kiss me. “Knowing that another man wants you … does that turn you on?” His tongue slid across my bottom lip.

  “Does it bother you that you’re not the only who sees me?”

  “You were flirting.”

  “You left me. To be with her.”

  “Braelynn—”

  “Bullshit. Don’t bat your eyes at me. Don’t give me your authoritative tone. I’m your date, your girlfriend, and you left me alone to go talk to another woman. Another woman who wants you in her bed. So yes, another man looked at me, and yes, he seemed interested in me. And you want to know the truth? I loved it.”

  His hand tightened. The man who had escorted me tonight was gone. Rage flashed across his face. Peyton was gone. “You are mine, Lynn.” His lips barely parted when he spoke. I could see the white of his teeth as he gritted them. “You understand, whether you like it or not, I own you. Your body, your heart …your cunt.”

  I went to speak, to fight him for leaving me, but instead I found myself aroused by his demand. My tongue moistened my dry lips just before his mouth captured mine, sucking on my tongue. My lips were soaked when he pulled away.

  “No woman of mine will be seen conversing with another man that way. Not now, not ever. You’re not to flirt with other men. Do I make myself clear?”

  Our relationship had changed. He owned me and I never wanted to disobey again. He controlled me, though a part of me still wanted to explain that I was hurt.

  “But you left—”

  “To make sure Devon never spoke to you in that manner again,” he hissed between his teeth. His lips tickled my ear when he spoke. “I want to punish you for what you did. I want to tie you up and spank you for making me jealous, for making me lose control.” His teeth bit the flesh of my neck, and his lips pressed against my sensitive skin as he spoke the last words. “I want to show you that you’re mine, and no other man will ever make you scream the way I will.”

  “I need you … now,” I whispered. Crowds of people passed beside us, but we didn’t move, locked in each other’s presence.

  “You want to play?” he asked, his right eyebrow rising.

  “Yes, Haas, let’s play. Make me pay for making you jealous. Punish me.” I couldn’t believe the words that were coming out of my mouth.

  “We’re leaving.” Peyton took my wrist in his as he dragged me through the tight room. Without a single goodbye, he had me outside and heading towards the limo where Louis waited with the door already open.

  Peyton guided me inside, his hands outstretched as I climbed him. Scooting to the other side I waited for him to follow me. He spoke with Louis briefly before shutting the door behind him.

  I was breathless, panting for air when his eyes locked back on mine. My core ached to be touched. But not by anyone; it needed to be him. The way his fingers crawled up my body, igniting my internal flames. The way his eyes undressed me, stripping me until he could see my soul. When his lips met my skin, they healed my wounds. His kisses made all the darkness disappear. His lips were my everything.

  Loosening his tie, his golden eyes ran up my body. “Come here now,” he ordered. I tucked my dress high around my thighs so I could crawl on the floor of the moving car. Peyton sat back on the leather seat, spreading his legs apart.

  “Suck me off.”

  My hands flew to the button and zipper of his dress pants, my mouth watering. “We’ll be home shortly, Lynn. Make me come and I’ll reward you.”

  His cock sprang free and my fingers locked around his thick girth as I began to stroke it, hungry for his taste. My tongue licked my lips, wetting them before I took him in my mouth. Kneeling in front of him, I leaned forward, kissing the tip of his head. My lips parted. Taking in a deep breath, I opened my mouth, wrapping my tongue around him. My hands rested on his thighs, my fingernails digging into the fine cloth of his pants. Peyton’s grunts and moans encouraged me to go faster, suck him hard. My fingers crawled up his body, pressing the firm muscles of his abdomen and working their way to his chest. His pecs were hard under my skin. I couldn’t stop. I pushed him deeper in my mouth, taking all he was willing to give me.

  “Fuck,” he growled, his hands gripped the nape of my neck. “I’m … coming.”

  I relaxed my throat muscles and his cock jerked in my mouth, pouring its milky semen down my throat. I sucked the last bit he gave me before I swallowed. Sitting back on my heels, I rubbed my tongue along my lips, coating them with his taste. The limo stopped inside the underground garage. Peyton tucked himself back in his pants and kicked the door opened.

  “Let’s go.”

  Braelynn

  Peyton folded me into his side and led me to the playroom, the click of my heels against the hardwood floor the only sound in his otherwise silent home. He hadn’t spoken a word to me s
ince we got out of the limo. His eyes were dark, his breath steady as he took long strides to our destination. My heart hummed in my chest, anticipating what he was going to do to me. We hadn’t been in the playroom for a couple of days so my body was filled with excitement and fear. I trusted Peyton with my life, but I never knew how far he was going to take things, especially now when he’d stated he wanted to punish me.

  Peyton kicked the playroom door open. A new chest lay in the center of the room. Unlike a regular chest that people would use for a coffee table, this one was higher, three feet off the ground. Once my eyes left the chest and landed back on him, my body was being shoved, pinned to the wall. Peyton’s tongue explored my mouth, parting my lips and claiming my kiss. His hands tore my dress from my body. The material fell away, the once designer dress now tatters of torn cloth. My breath was unsteady as I stood trapped in his gaze wearing only a strapless bra and panties. Peyton reached around me and unclasped my bra. My nipples pebbled, craving his touch. He closed the last bit of space between us. His hands lifted me by my thighs, wrapping my body around his, moving us from the entrance of the playroom to the center where the chest stood.

  “Safe word?” he questioned.

  I looked deep in his eyes. “Coherent.” The word came out as a breath.

  He nodded and kissed my lips, leaning me back on the chest. It was always my safe word.

  Compartments were attached to the black leather chest. Peyton strode over to one side of the chest, locking my wrist to the chain and cuff before he repeated the process on the other side. His hand rubbed the length my leg, massaging my thigh before he bent my knee and bound my thigh and calf with a leather belt. When he did the same to the other side, his fingers toyed with my core.

  “Wet already and I’ve barely touched you.”