by Jane Henry
“Thanks,” I murmur, eyes shut tight. “Just don’t look at my belly.”
He spanks me again, harder this time. “What’d I tell you about making comments about your body? You’re beautiful, Diana, and I don’t wanna hear anything else about that.”
“It’s your job to say that.” I turn my head to the side, not looking at him.
“Diana,” he says, his voice sharp. “I’m serious. You talk shit about your body, I’ll take my belt to your ass.”
That makes my heart thump. Not saying anything out loud about my body will be hard, and I don’t want to be punished, but hell, the idea of him taking off his belt makes me squirm.
He runs his hand over my soft, silky skin. “On your back, baby,” he orders. I flip over eagerly. “Seen every inch of you, sweetheart,” he says, straddling me with one knee on either side, and whispers. “Liked every inch of what I’ve seen. You hear me? Every. Fucking. Inch.”
I mewl as his hard cock presses up against my pussy.
“I’m not the kinda girl who sleeps with a guy one day after meeting him,” I whisper, my voice oddly shaky. “I–I don’t want you to get the wrong idea.”
He chuckles. “Girl like you ought to take pleasure in a body like this. You told me you haven’t been fucked in years. Baby, allow me the honor. I promise, I won’t tell your mama.”
I laugh out loud. “Don’t talk about my mama with your cock pressed up against me,” I plead. “Way to kill a mood.”
He grins, while allowing me a moment to ogle him. His large, muscled frame makes me feel small and feminine, his shoulders dwarfing my own. “Dude, you’re like… this muscle man. And I’m like…”
A low growl warns me. “Don’t go there.” I swallow and don’t complete my thought. He’s already spanked me and I’m not gonna push it.
“Not a muscle man. I like control, I like strength, I push my body to the extreme. Need to.”
“Well if pushing your body to the extreme gives you this, then hell yeah, push away, honey.”
He captures my wrists and pulls them above my head, smiling, his eyes heated. “Stay here,” he says. “Don’t move those arms, babe. I wanna fuck you and I wanna do it on my terms. I like control on a normal day. In bed? I like it completely.”
Yessss.
I swallow hard and nod. As he lowers his body down to mine, my breasts pushed up against him, my heart skips a crazy beat in my chest. He nudges his cock at my entrance, having already put a condom on before he joined me in bed.
“You ready?” he asks in a growl against the shell of my ear. I whimper in return, and the grip on my wrists tightens to almost painful, my heartbeat spikes. “Answer, baby.”
“Yes,” I gasp. “Yes, oh God, please, yes. I’m so ready.”
He responds with a low growl, pushing his cock to my entrance and sliding against the slickness. “Oh, yeah,” he groans. “So fucking wet. Wanna fuck this pussy.” I whimper with need, opening my legs even wider, needing to send him the message that yes, fucking me good and hard is a good thing and he needs to hurry it up already.
“Tell me if you need me to slow down,” he whispers in a low, raspy growl. “Haven’t been fucked in a while, could overwhelm you. I’m in control in the bedroom but you give me the lead. Got it, baby?”
I nod. I like that. He wants to fuck me, on his terms and hard, but he won’t take me beyond what I can handle.
With a gentle yet firm push, he slides inside, filling me. My head falls to the side and my eyelids flutter shut. “Yessss. Oh, God, yes.”
Holding my wrists tight, he pushes firmer lifting my hips and thrusting once more, amping up my arousal. My clit throbs and my pussy milks his cock. I need more, harder, faster.
“Yes,” I breathe, and he responds with another hard thrust, the rhythm of pleasure ripping through every inch of me, my nerves on fire. His mouth slides to my neck, a swipe of his tongue makes me shiver, my hips buck as his teeth sink into the tender skin of my throat. He trails his tongue over the place he bit before pulling my flesh into his mouth with a firm suckle. It’s so fucking hot my pelvis bucks beneath him, the pleasure-pain intense.
He moves his mouth to mine, then releases one wrist, weaving his fingers through my hair. He wraps it around his fingers and tugs, forcing my head back, a spike of fear and pleasure makes my need rise. He pushes hard then soft, releases my mouth, and brings his lips to my jaw, kissing as he makes his way down my neck once more. He’s not just making love to me, he’s worshiping me. I fucking love it.
“Tobias,” I pant, my body hot and damp. Suddenly, he pulls out. Is he done? Fuck, no, he hasn’t—
“On your knees. Wanna fuck that pussy from behind. Got a taste of that skin, need more.”
His sharp command washes over me, and I scramble onto all fours, following his lead as a gentle shove of his hand makes my torso hit the bed before he grasps my hips from behind. He shoves his hardened cock between my folds.
“Fuck, yeah,” he growls. “Yeah, that’s what I like.” He pounds into me, drawing my head back with a fist of hair at my nape.
“I’m gonna come,” I breathe, unable to hold myself back, my pelvis jerking from every thrust of his cock, hips bucking as waves of pleasure build me up.
“Baby,” he murmurs into my ear, his firm hold on my hips tightening. “Come for me. Let yourself go. Anytime you’re ready.”
I’m so ready. With a low sound half purr and growl, I fly over the edge of ecstasy. Light explodes behind my eyelids, a low, guttural groan washing over me, the fulfilling sound of his own climax making me grin with pleasure. He slows his thrusts and drops his head to my neck, his stubble scratching the sensitive skin. I needed this.
“Christ.” He lowers his torso onto my back, the two of us sweaty and panting, reveling in the afterglow. “So fucking good.”
“Mmm,” is all I can manage, now that I’m ready to collapse from exhaustion.
“Gonna pull out, Diana. Need to clean you up and tuck you in.”
Tuck me in? I watch him over my shoulder, wordlessly, as he slowly pulls out. I whimper at the loss. He lifts his boxers and tucks his cock back in, then pads to the bathroom. He comes back a moment later with a damp, warm washcloth. I’m still frozen on the bed, half drunk, ass in the air.
He gives my upturned backside a playful smack. “On your back, let me clean you now.”
Without conscious thought, I obey, loving how nice it is to just listen and not think.
“Spread your legs.”
Again, I obey.
The warm washcloth trails between my legs, followed by a soft towel. He tosses both into the hamper next to my closet, then slides into bed beside me.
“I should go,” he murmurs, reluctantly. “If Chad wakes up and sees me here—”
At first, I hate the idea of him leaving after what we just shared, but I can’t help but admire his motives. He doesn’t want to mess my boy up.
“It’s okay,” I whisper. “My gut says he’s out for the night and I’ll shut the door so he has to knock. You’re welcome to stay. Do you get up early?”
“Yeah.”
“You can leave before he’s even up. I’ll get you breakfast or coffee or both, then see you off. Okay?”
He smiles. “Absolutely.” I reluctantly get out of bed and pull on shorts and a tank.
“Gotta have something on case Chad needs me,” I explain.
“Then I’ll allow you to wear those for now.” His lips twitch and he closes his eyes.
“Allow?”
He opens one eye and fixes me with a look. “Did you somehow forget that you just hooked up with a dom, honey? Didn’t make that clear enough?”
I grin, sidling up to him in bed. I feel immediately at ease with him, and it surprises me. Here’s a man who can be gentle and stern, funny and sweet, and though my mind warns me, don’t do it, don’t fall for it, things are never as good as they seem, I somehow can’t help it.
“So under normal circumstances, no clothes to b
ed?”
“Of course not.”
I bite my tongue. I almost make another comment about my body. I’m not sure I’m comfortable enough in my own skin to sleep naked, but saying so might get me spanked, so I need to play it safe.
“I want access to these curves whenever I want,” he says, opening just one eye now. “And believe me, I’ll make it worth your while, honey.”
Though I’ve just come harder than I have in recent memory, maybe even ever, his words trip my heartbeat up once more, my pussy heating with desire. God, the man’s addictive.
“Well maybe someday we can give that a shot. Tonight, I’m beat.”
Beatrice would say I’m out of my mind, sharing my bed with this man. My mama would have stronger words, and I’m not even sure how I feel about it myself, but it feels so nice to be held by someone strong. Someone who knows how to treat me like a woman.
He lifts the covers and tucks them in around my shoulders and sides, making sudden tears spring to my eyes. I haven’t been tucked in since I was a child, and even then, it was rare.
“Night, Tobias,” I whisper into the dark.
“Night, Diana,” he murmurs. Soon I feel his breathing slow, his body rising and falling as he sleeps. I stare into the darkness, wanting to hold onto this, to make the moment last forever, so that when it’s gone I can conjure it up again and somehow recreate this feeling of comfort and peace. Sleeping alone will suck after this.
I try to stay awake but my eyelids flutter closed, the warm blankets and body beside me like a lullaby, easing me to sleep. And as slumber descends, one thought plagues me. I can’t hold onto this moment. It isn’t mine to keep.
I wake the next morning to the smell of coffee and a note resting up against my travel mug. It sits next to my bed. I pick up the note.
Had to go. I didn’t want to wake you, you were sleeping so peacefully. Call me later?
My eyes still heavy with sleep, I rub the heels of my hands in them to wake up, yawn, and push myself to sitting, stretching my arms over my head. I don’t like knowing he’s gone and I missed saying good-bye. I pick up the mug, take a sip, and sigh. The coffee’s still piping hot and exactly what I need. Clearly, he found my French Vanilla creamer, too. Okay, yeah, so that’s sorta like a kiss.
I will not fall for him. I can’t fall for him.
So desperate for companionship and validation, I married Billy after one amazing night at the Hard Rock Casino in Reno, and I came to regret it. I dated my last boyfriend only twice before I practically decided to marry him, even though the guy didn’t sleep with me because, as I now know, he was getting some on the side. I made stupid, rash decisions and lived to regret them. I would not do that again.
As I shift on the bed, my ass aches with a soothing sort of burn that I can’t begin to decipher. I bite my lip, tentatively touching the skin that’s still hot. I’d been spanked by the Big Bad Dom, and that had only been the beginning. I can’t wait to get Beatrice on the phone and tell her everything. I don’t have to wait long. My phone buzzes.
How was it?!?!!? Was he amazing? Did he kiss you? Did you do a “scene” at the “CLUB?”
I snicker at her liberal use of punctuation.
Yes, yes, and yes, until Chad called me in hysterics because Billy took him to that zombie movie.
Her response is immediate. OH MY GOD. I’LL KILL HIM WITH MY OWN BARE HANDS.
Her protective attitude toward my son makes me smile. Thanks, but it’s okay now. Tobias came with me to deal with Billy.
He didn’t!
He did! I think he scared the shit out of Billy, too, which was worth the whole date right there.
Damn right. You sure you really got it for this guy? Cuz I might propose. Leave it to Beatrice to hit the nail on the head.
I smile and bite my lip, but before I can reply, another text comes in, this one from Tobias.
Good morning, sunshine.
Warmth floods through me at the greeting. Morning, handsome.
Something I want to ask you to do today, please.
Beatrice is still texting me like a madwoman. Are you going to see him again today?
I shake my head even though she can’t see me. I don’t know.
Excuse me?
I blink in confusion before I realize my “I don’t know” meant for Beatrice actually went to Tobias. Shit!
Oh, sorry! Wrong text!
Beatrice is just gonna have to wait. I can’t risk pissing off the dom with multi text conversations.
Diana, I’d like your undivided attention, please. I’ll wait until you’re ready.
I can hear the deep command through the text. And there it was again. He wants my attention, but he’ll wait, instead of selfishly demanding it this instant.
Swallowing, already chastened, I respond. Yes, sir.
I have just one thing I’m going to ask you to do today, and then I’ll let you get on with whatever else you need to do.
Yes. Got it.
Throughout the day, at least three times, I want you to text me something you like about yourself. I’d much prefer more than three, but three is a good start. Understood?
Is he serious? I stare at the phone, mouth agape for a moment, before I respond.
Yes, sir. I understand. Will do.
Any less than that, and our next meeting will begin with you over my knee.
Well, shit. Now he’s getting me worked up again.
Yes, sir.
Good girl. Start now, please, before I have to go and you do, too.
Blinking, I stroke my chin. I hear Chad stirring in the other room. Once he comes in, depending on his mood, my focus will be way off.
Okay, alright. Hmmmm…
I make really kickass pancakes.
Beatrice’s text comes in as I hit send.
Helloooo? Yoohooo? Did you get kidnapped by aliens with twitchy palms?
Tobias’ response comes in next. Very good. I love pancakes, especially with butter and real maple syrup. Make me some sometime?
My stomach churns with hunger.
Yes, absolutely, sir.
That’s good for now. I look forward to your texts later. xx
I blink at the little x’s on the bottom of the screen. He blew me a kiss! Or… something. Do text x’s count? Still, it’s promising.
“Mom!” Chad bangs on the door seconds before he pushes it in and enters. My phone buzzes with another text.
Hi. My name is Beatrice. Not sure you remember me from way back when, but we used to be best friends sharing juicy deets of a first date, and now I’m dying from lack of attention and needing to supply my own juicy details which I assure you, are not as good as the real deal and maybe would even get me checked into a psych unit or maybe jail.
I snicker. Brat.
Hey. Tobias was texting me, and doms don’t wait. So apparently you must be a domme or something.
This comes as a surprise to you?
I shake my head and pat the bed for Chad to join me. He sits on the edge primly, already dressed for the day.
“I’m texting your Aunt Bea, who’s being a bit impatient.”
“Oh okay. Did the man go? I hoped he’d be here when I woke up.”
He did?
“Really?”
“Yes. I like him, a lot, and thought maybe if he was here he’d buy us donuts again.” I laugh and ruffle his hair, which makes him pull away but smile.
“Maybe he will,” I say. “But not today. I’ll see if we can see him again.”
And somehow, right then, knowing my boy likes him, my affection for Tobias grows.
Damn.
But I have to be careful. What if he isn’t the kind of guy I want around my son? What if he isn’t dependable? What if…?
I close my eyes briefly and take in a deep breath. I’m falling for him, hard, and need to make sure I don’t hurt myself, or, worse, Chad along the way.
Chapter 12
I file the bills I paid, and update the spreadsheet I share with Se
th. It’s been two days since I’ve seen Diana, and miss her, the need to see her again a distraction. Seth sits across from me, sipping his coffee, looking over the monthly bookkeeping. He wads up the paper from our late afternoon lunch, and tosses it into the barrel by my desk.
“Looks good,” Seth says. “Turning quite a profit already, much more so than the average start-up business.”
“Yeah,” I agree. “Things are lookin’ good, man.”
Seth puts the sheets onto the table and sits back in his chair, fixing me with a stare. “How are things looking with you and Diana?”
“Fine,” I answer noncommittally, not quite ready to get into it with Seth yet.
Seth takes another sip of coffee. “She familiar with the scene?”
“Not at all.”
“Even better.”
I think for a moment, eyeing Seth. “Yeah?”
He nods. “Could be helpful. Girls who are familiar with the scene don’t give you shit for basic expectations and don’t freak out as easily. Typically, won’t run if you go caveman on them, and is ready to stand some pain. But, that always comes with baggage from a previous dom’s training.”
I nod.
“Girl new to the scene, you get to break her in.”
I snort. “You talk about it like she’s a horse or something.”
He grins. “You know I treat Rochelle like a princess. Love the ground she fuckin’ walks on. So you can call my talk whatever the hell you want, doesn’t change who I am or how I behave. You know what I mean.”
Seth and I don’t have personal talks like this much, mostly minding our own business. I’m experienced enough to know Seth has a point. Still, I’m ready to change the subject.
“You hear anything from Zack?”
Seth frowns. “No. Seems our perp’s gone dark. Son of a bitch. Wish I could catch him myself.”
“Same.”
“Seems to me the quiet isn’t a good thing. Like the calm before the storm, you know?”
“Exactly.” I look to the right, where one lone window stands in the otherwise dark office. Outside my window, pedestrians walk by, bundled in scarves and winter coats. The biting winter wind hasn’t lessened with impending snow in the forecast. Is one of the people who walks by my window the man who hurt those women? Is one of those women a future target? Zack’s team made it clear. The perpetrator has a motive, and he has a pattern.