Another Brush of Love (The Carnal Exhibitions Book 3)

by LW Barefoot

  On Joe’s phone, I find the brother Gisele was so upset over. I deliver the picture of Gisele’s corpse in Joe’s bed to the drug lord of the South.

  I create a war that will never end. A distraction large enough to offer the perfect window for me to execute my final plan. The countdown to number one is getting closer.

  I taste freedom as I lift Casey’s painting off the floor and close the door behind me.

  Evan

  “Are you hungry?” I ask Harper.

  “Yes, but not for food,” she answers without hesitation and lets go of the towel.

  Displaying her gorgeous body, I watch her nipples draw to hard little peaks.

  “Is that so?” I ask.

  I want to know just how far she has come with breaking out of her shell.

  She’s practically glowing and lustful as she pulls the hair tie out of her new golden locks. I reach up and run my fingers through the wavy strands. She shivers, with the small movement I instantly respond to her. My lust tightens and I’m rock hard.

  “Do you like the color?” she asks displaying the slightest insecurity.

  “Yes, do you?”

  I work more hair into my hands, stimulating her scalp and tugging on it.

  “It’s going to take some getting used to. It was kind of a mess to get the red out. You don’t miss it, do you?”

  Her eyes search mine.

  “I’ve missed you, Harper.”

  I keep her tethered with one hand and work my other over her skin, where her tan lines should be. I pinch her tanned breast and she gasps.

  “Tell me, how exactly have you managed to tan every inch of your skin?”

  Her eyes are wide and she doesn’t even think when her legs tremble and she tries to close them. She stumbles over her answer, not knowing what to say.

  “Surely you wouldn’t go topless on the beach.”

  She doesn’t say a word, just shakes her head in denial.

  “And this, Harper. If anyone were to see this.” I tsk and run my fingers over her torso, teasing her sensitive flesh. She trembles and keeps shaking her head. I tighten my grip in her hair and she moans.

  “Tell me, baby, has anyone else seen you like this?”

  “No, Evan. I swear.”

  She licks her lips as I move in closer to her. My palm slides down flat against her, warming her chilled skin and cupping her pussy. It’s slick and tempting as I have her poised for the taking. Her mouth parts as she pants.

  She tries to control herself from rubbing against the heel of my palm. Her muscles clench in anticipation as I keep her still, calculating my next move. I want to savor her, I want to taste and cherish her. She’s so fucking tempting and she’s responding to this better than I imagined.

  Her eyes close as I push my hand higher, gripping her harder. I feel her arousal pool on the palm of my hand. She’s lucky I don’t fuck her standing and pressed against the closest wall, but I don’t want to scare her. Not now, not ever.

  “Gorgeous girl, are you trying to test my restraint?”

  “I’m sorry, I can’t help it.”

  Her tight little body shudders. Her nipples graze my chest and she groans as if it’s painful. The feel of her skin is like satin and I’m so overwhelmed by the simple fact that she came back here. She marched right up to me and wouldn’t take no for an answer. I want to give her everything she desires, but I refuse to punish her, to actually hurt her like I did. Physically or emotionally.

  “What is it you want, Harper? What would you have me do?”

  Her eyes snap open and she silently questions whether to tell me the truth.

  “Tell me, love. Don’t hide anything from me,” I demand because she controls everything, she needs to be exact.

  “Hurt me,” she confesses.

  My heart stops and I squeeze her sensitive folds in my palm, pushing up and anchoring her on my grip. Tightening the other hand I have in her hair.

  I pull her close to my mouth before I speak.

  “Do you know what you’re asking?”

  “I’m sorry but that’s what I need,” she pleads.

  Her eyes focus on anything but me. She’s sorry, fuck, I’m the one that’s sorry because I’ve taken immense pleasure in her need for pain.

  “Look at me, Harper.”

  She moans as I insert a finger in her tight cunt.

  “Look at me.”

  She shakes her head and bites her bottom lip. When she defies me, I step away from her, pulling my hand away from her tempting sex and keep her tethered by my grip in her hair. She moans out at the loss of stimulation, but it works and she’s looking at me like the most skilled submissive I’ve ever been with. Eyes wild and lost, her lips tremble as if I’m going to deny her. The moisture on the edge of her lashes has my cock straining.

  “I need you to hurt me, Evan, and make his voice disappear.”

  That one unguarded statement changes everything.

  “Because I hear him, and I get lost in this,” she cries.

  She motions between us. I speculated that after Jamie told me not to go easy on her, but she should have told me a long time ago. Better yet, I should have been less of a selfish asshole and asked her myself.

  “Don’t assume I can flip a switch and become normal. We can work on it, but swear to me that we can be us. The way we used to be.”

  I knew why she needed this. The real reason she’s so perfect for me, but I crossed a line and I won’t do it again. I knew it was happening and I knew why I did it, but that’s no excuse. I’ve had weeks to replay that night over in my mind and I hate myself more every time I think about it.

  “I’m not the one that stopped you, you did. All you had to do was touch me and all this would have been avoided. You pushed me, Evan, and I’m going to push you. Give me what I need and I promise to stop you if you go too far.”

  Her gorgeous eyes shine with unwavering trust and her confession breaks through my resolve.

  “What’s your safe word?” I ask.

  “Stop,” she whispers. Her forehead creases like the word tastes bad on her tongue.

  “Maybe you need a stronger, more poignant word. You’ve had a problem saying stop in the past. What is something you can’t stand or a word you never want to hear again?” I push.

  “M…mas…” She never stumbles over her words or mispronounces anything. A single tear falls down her perfect cheek when she says, “Master.”

  “I pray I never hear that word out of your mouth.”

  My rage battles my lust because that fucking word holds truths and terrors all their own. I silently swear to myself I will never push her beyond her limits. Our pasts, our sexual histories elicited twisted needs. With the wrong person it could be detrimental. Because of my carelessness, I took her for granted in the past and I will never to that again.

  “I love you, Harper.”

  Her eyes are distant as she stares off trapped in the place he still holds her. I jerk her by the grip I have in her hair, just enough to edge pressure with pain.

  “Harper.” Her lost eyes connect with mine. “Don’t leave me, gorgeous girl.”

  I press my lips to hers softly, but she’s still in that place with him. I sink my teeth in her bottom lip, bruising it, bringing her back to me. I grip the apex of her tight thighs, running my hand roughly over her. I need to pull her back and remind her of who she’s here with, who’s going to keep her, who’s never going to hurt her again. Her legs spread and I slap my hand against her, she cries out and spreads her legs wider. Her arousal is slick and tempting as I tap her again.

  I could make her come hitting her between her legs, but that would be too soon. I haven’t had enough of her yet.

  I’m not anywhere close to finished with her tonight or ever for that matter.

  Harper

  Every time his hard hand slaps between my legs I tremble. It feels so fucking good.

  “What did you have in mind, Harper?”

  “I want to choose from one
of your drawers,” I say snapping out of my dark thoughts.

  They are full of instruments for times like these. I want to pick and he’s going to have to follow through with however he uses it.

  “Are you sure you want that?” he asks.

  “Yes,” I say instantly, not giving him time to change his mind.

  “You know where to find what you’re looking for.”

  He releases the grip in my hair and backs away from me, walking to one of the over-sized chairs by the fireplace. I feel his eyes on every move I make to the chest of drawers. I don’t look back at him as I open one, trying to locate the obstacle we need to get past as long as he kept it.

  I find the thin wooden cane pushed under sashes and ropes. I hide it behind my back when I turn around to look at him. He’s in the shadows as flames dance close to where he’s seated. The tall winged-back chair shrouds his face in obscurity. His hand runs through his hair as if he’s bracing himself. I want to encourage him and prove I meant those words. I need him to hurt me, but more importantly, I need him to be in control.

  I lower myself to the floor, trying to recreate the scene from weeks ago just before it took a turn for the worse. I feel music thump vibrating up from the first floor as I get on my hands and knees.

  I put the cane in my teeth as I crawl to Evan. My eyes are on the floor as I move to him.

  When I cover the distance, I keep my eyes on the ground and position myself kneeling in front of him. His hand works through my hair as he softly removes the cane from my lips.

  “Why, Harper? Why are you doing this?”

  His voice shakes when he asks this. He looks nervous and unsure. My hand unknowingly moves to the Roman numeral I would do anything to get rid of. His eyes catch the movement. It’s like tucking a stray hair behind my ear; I do it unconsciously. That bastard was in my home looking for me. I would gladly have Evan flay me open if only to prove the choice is mine. That’s why, this display and offering on our first night back together. I’m sick of dancing around the treacherous things that hurt us and pretend to live with the ones that are really doing the job.

  “Use it, use me, but when it’s over, promise you’ll keep me,” I say this with my gaze locked on his.

  The heat of the flames dance across my skin as he takes a minute to weigh my words.

  He slowly leans down and kisses me. Innocent lips to lips, asking for forgiveness in the process.

  “Remember your safe word, Harper.”

  I groan at the thought of having to voice it. But there is no line he could cross. It’s that easy. When I give, I give my all. The only thing he has to do is stop toying with me.

  It’s so very simple, this man that has scaled the battlements of my heart deserves everything within it.

  “Evan.”

  It’s simple and complicated. I bow down, not in worship, but in submission. Prayers are still uttered as I’m left waiting for him to make the next move.

  I hear the whistle through the air. The strike doesn’t bite but kisses the skin at the top of my thigh. He taps the wooden rod so differently than I’ve experienced, lightly touching my exposed skin.

  I only have blazing snippets of memories and nightmares. I feel things so terrifyingly deep and this, fuck, this is everything I’ve needed and more. Each tap of the cane reminds me who I’m here with. Evan’s grip in my hair tells me if I fall into those dark depths he will bring me back.

  My forehead rests on my crossed arms. Evan lifts the cane a little higher, teasing, playing. Each light lash tickles then spreads to a sting. The tip of the instrument starts tapping in succession. I feel my skin warm and my thighs are wet with my desire. I have to bite down on my hand to stop myself from voicing my depravity and my exaltation.

  “Sweet Harper, what is it you want from me?” he asks and I spread myself lower on my knees, widening my stance.

  Arching my back and raising my ass in the air. The soft tap of the cane on my skin moves to my core as he pushes my head down.

  “Everything.” Yet, once I speak that word it doesn’t seem adequate enough. “Everything and then some.”

  Good, bad, and everything between, that’s exactly what I mean. There’s a buzz about my nerves and it causes me not to think clearly.

  A solid swat strikes my ass with blissful stimulation. I moan as the fever spreads and my muscles spasm. Evan’s fist is in my hair as he pushes my head down as he hits me again.

  I stop holding back the noises he elicits because he needs to hear them. He’s masterful with each and every lash. I wrap up the differing sensations from the last time we were like this. The time he tried to make me hate him, but you’re only capable of hate if you’ve loved. Those passionate divides are not all that different and I could never hate him.

  I picture myself when we first met, weak and worrisome. But as he strikes me and I begged him for it, I cherish every individual infliction he doles out. No one has ever cared enough to put this much effort in putting my shattered puzzle pieces back together.

  I chance a look up at him as his arm comes down and another brush of fire blazes. He’s so into this it has my mouth watering.

  The bulge is present in his slacks and his muscles are tight with strained control. I reach for him, undoing the button and zipper on his trousers, finding him naked underneath. I free his magnificent cock and wrap my hand around its width.

  My eyes meet his as I lift up and lick him. Running my tongue on the underside of his dick up to the tip.

  He propels me to continue, granting me permission. He uses his grip in my hair to take him into my mouth. I suck and lick and swallow deeply. Fueling the turbulent lust that has us acting out.

  The consistent tapping on my ass makes me wild and delirious. I scream around his length when the cane taps my clit. He fucks my mouth with need. I swallow and open deeper. I help him with working my throat open, allowing him to push my head down on his massive erection. I massage his tight balls and suck relentlessly.

  As soon as he comes, one single solitary strike lands harshly across my sex, perfectly positioned. I scream from the rush of blood and shattering release, but it’s only momentary.

  My pussy demands to be felt and acknowledged and filled with Evan’s beautiful cock. I suck and taste and savor as he shoots down my throat and I moan. He wrenches my head back and pulls me off of him.

  “Stand up.”

  He curses when I lick my lips and do what I’m told. He positions me bent over, gripping the arms of the chair he vacated. He uses the cane to tap my ankles apart with a touch so soft I barely notice it.

  I’m poised for more and my inner muscles are relentless in their greedy grasp. My climax rides a heady wave of release and regret because it wasn’t enough.

  Evan’s perfect tongue smooths over the stings on my ass and upper thighs. I arch my back to give him better access to my center. He takes his time running his sinful mouth up my inner thighs, lightly biting the muscles on both legs.

  By the time his mouth reaches my sensitive heat, I’m drenched in arousal. I groan as his hands spread me further apart as he tastes my exposed core. The stubble on his rough cheeks brush against his earlier attentions. The sound of him devouring me has my muscles contracting. I shake as his tongue makes delicious swirls over my clit, incorporating every single nerve of my sex.

  When he’s had his fill, he stands up quickly and runs his hardening cock against me. Teasing it through my wet lips and crevice. He finally shoves into me in one punishing thrust. I grip the arms of the chair and brace myself, pushing back to meet his movements. His hips collide with my ass and I cry out.

  I walk my legs back together, crossing them at the ankles. Evan’s approving sounds propel me further, I bend down with my ass higher in the air before Evan’s fist works in my hair. He uses it to pull me back onto his massive cock. His other hand grips my hip.

  He suddenly pulls me back against his chest. The movement roots him deep. His tongue slicks over his previous bite mark on the
top of my shoulder and he teases the muscles. It’s sensitive when he lightly closes his mouth, reminding me I’m his.

  We stay still, I try to adjust on his cock as he kisses the back of my neck.

  I have to uncross my legs to remain balanced, but I don’t need to because Evan holds me securely to him. My back presses firmly against his chest.

  “If I could keep you like this, Harper, I would.”

  He pushes up into me.

  “This tight, perfect little cunt is mine,” he declares.

  Another forceful thrust.

  “Your gorgeous tits are mine.”

  He yanks my head back with the fist still wrapped up in my hair, grabbing my breasts, and twisting each nipple. Every move he makes and sensation he evokes moves straight to my core. I feel my orgasm about to take over and he pushes me down on his cock and I scream.

  “I want everything, Harper. I’m greedy and selfish and you asked for this.”

  He releases his grip in my hair and moves his arm across my chest, pulling me even tighter to him. His right hand moves slowly down my quivering stomach. He traces the lines of my muscles and scars. His fingers touch the number on my pelvis. He skims over the ragged lines and railroad tracks that the staples left from keeping it closed.

  “This thing that I hate, precious, I only hate it because it hurt you. It’s still hurting you.”

  He holds me up as I sway. His left arm wrapped tight across my chest but his trailing fingers move lower to where we’re joined. His fingers move to my clit, touching and caressing the same way he did my scars.

  “They’re so close to each other, Harper.”

  That’s why the Sculptor did it. My flaw was me, the one he marked me with. That’s why he signed me. I think Evan finally realizes what it stands for. But maybe he knew. Maybe it’s why he’s resented it so much.

  His fingers swirl so devastatingly slow around where our bodies are intimately joined. He takes a harsh breath and then thrusts his cock harder into me. His fingers move away from my pussy and back to the scar. He moves quickly in and out of me as he fucks me from behind and every inch of his skin pressed to mine sets me on fire.