by Zoey Marcel
Tali grinned. “Oh, I like her. She’s great, but I don’t like Malachi or his minions.”
Percy stood there, trying to figure out what poor Sean saw in the preacher, aside from the fact that Malachi was a hot older man with a sexy, masculine voice. To look deeper than that, Percy was drawing a blank. The man’s fire-and-brimstone ways tended to cool the attraction, or at least to keep it in the realm of “He’s nice-looking, but too damned ornery.”
“I saw him bless a puppy once when this little girl asked him to,” Percy said. “It was really sweet.”
“Well, at least they like kids,” Tali retorted.
“Aw, Tali girl, you don’t want to lump them all into one category. That would be the same as what some of them do with us. Tolerance works both ways.”
Tali frowned and narrowed her eyes on him with a sigh. “Sometimes I don’t like you.”
He chuckled.
After the gathering dispersed and Malachi left, Percy cleaned up his table. He knelt under it to pick up a utensil that had fallen onto the floor and noticed that Malachi must have dropped his wallet. He picked it up, deciding to call him when he got a moment.
When he was alone Percy peeked inside the compartments. He was no thief, and he sure as hell wasn’t going to take anything, but even he had to admit he was a tad bit nosy sometimes. Plus he was sort of curious what kind of things the preacher kept in his wallet. He doubted there was anything remotely interesting or scandalous.
Too bad.
He noticed a picture, and his eyes got huge, mouth falling open when he saw who it was. Yep, that there was Sean Friel’s mug looking right back at him. There were no pictures of Malachi’s sons or his deceased wife, just a photo of Sean.
Oh my God!
The first impulse was fucking juicy gossip!
Then Percy realized what a picture in the wallet actually meant. It wasn’t fucking juicy gossip, nor was it lascivious scandal. It was quiet longing for the unattainable, an admirable devotion to beliefs that were at odds with desire. But above all, it was unspoken heartache.
He closed the wallet, not sure what to think. The more he thought about it, the more it depressed him. He’d had a hard time coming out, but he’d had the support of his good friend, Justin Huntington, to help him through it.
Malachi had no support, but that wasn’t nearly as sad as knowing that there was only one reason to have a picture of a non-blood relation in his wallet.
Percy was about to call him when Malachi came back into the building and walked up to him, looking handsome in that long black trench coat. Whether he wore his suits, a button-down shirt with khaki pants, or those flannel shirts with jeans, the man had a way of dressing that said he took care of himself enough to earn him a place on the sexy list, but not fussy enough to raise eyebrows at an overdone attempt at looking good.
“I think I might have left my wallet here,” he said.
“You did actually.” Percy handed it to him. “I was just getting ready to call you.”
“Thanks.” Malachi stuck it in his pocket.
Percy felt like he should say something to let the guy know he wasn’t alone without letting him know that he’d been discovered. He would never breathe a word, unless it was to Sean, but he didn’t know if that was even a good idea right now. It was Malachi’s secret.
“It’s raining out there.”
Ah, brilliant remark of the day.
Malachi looked at him for a second. “Yes, it’s raining.”
He seemed like a bit of a cynic when he wasn’t involved in church work. Only with Sean had Percy ever seen Malachi act happy and like he’d made peace with himself. Normally the man was all about duty.
When Malachi turned to leave, Percy said, “Wait.”
The preacher stopped and looked at him.
He’d never had any desire to hug the jerk, but he felt bad for Malachi. Percy stepped up to him and gave him a big hug. It was a little awkward hugging someone who had been pretty vocal in the past with his anti-gay views, but Percy didn’t see him as a homophobe or even a hypocrite in that moment. Malachi was a human being like the rest of them. Everybody needed a hug sometimes.
Malachi stood there stiffly like he didn’t know what the hell was going on, but he did pat Percy on the back, albeit uncomfortably. “What are you doing?”
Percy stepped back before the guy took it for a come-on. “I just wanted you to know that it’s gonna be okay.”
“Huh. Thanks.” Malachi looked confused as hell as he turned and walked out of the restaurant.
Percy got back to work and watched the man get into his car. Someone that age would have long since gotten past the denial stage. Malachi had probably either chosen to abstain in accordance with his beliefs or to indulge in his needs secretly.
“What the hell was that?” Tali asked him. “Were you trying to make him uncomfortable?”
“I just thought he needed a hug.”
He wasn’t sure if Malachi was bi or gay, but he knew without a doubt that the preacher was in love with Sean.
“Why would he need a hug?” Tali asked.
Percy watched Malachi pull out of the parking space. “I figured he was lonely.”
“How could he possibly be lonely with all those people around him?”
“It can happen.”
She headed into the kitchen. “Well, it’s better than being alone.”
“It’s not.” Percy watched him drive away. “It’s worse.”
Chapter Five
Danielle soaked in a spacious sunk-in bathtub with Cole. The three-paned window looked like the old-fashioned kind that had thin wood strips running over the glass to section it off into quaint squares. She’d always loved those. The window offered a nice view of the snowy landscape outside.
He insisted the drapes be pulled up while they bathed together. It felt so wicked to be naked in front of a window with no blinds or drapes for privacy. Granted, they lived out in the country, which was a good thing. Otherwise it would be “Hello, world.”
The frame that cradled the tub was made of stone, as were the steps leading up to it. Several candles burned around the ledge and there was a decorative vase of fake purple flowers that were pretty convincing.
A crackling fire gave off cozy heat from the stone fireplace that was right next to the bathtub. The atmosphere was luxurious and romantic.
He hadn’t penetrated her yet, but they talked with one another while washing each other. It felt natural and sexy. There were no bubbles in the water with them, which made for a most lascivious display of genitalia and bare flesh.
A pause in the conversation led to a break in the intimate touching. She wondered what he was thinking. While she couldn’t read him, he stared at her intently, seriously. Finally he leaned forward and drew her in for a kiss. She melted. It was the first time he kissed her since they’d begun their relationship together recently, although they’d kissed plenty in bed together when they had sex for the first time years ago.
Kissing him now was even better than she remembered. Their hands slowly explored each other’s bodies while they French kissed tenderly. She’d missed this so much and him.
He pulled back and thumbed her cheek. The pad of his finger felt pruny from having been in the hot water for so long.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
She gave him an adoring smile and nodded.
“Stand up.”
She obeyed. Water cascaded down her body in warm streams.
He ogled her in silence before nodding toward the towel. “Dry off.”
She got out and dried off in front of him, trying to fend off any shyness while he watched her. He stayed in the tub and didn’t say a word while she toweled off, but there was a primitive gleam in his eyes.
“Lay the towels on the ledge in several layers. I want you to be comfortable.”
“Yes, Sir.”
After she’d made a nice, cushy bed he ordered her to lie down on it. At that point he got out of t
he tub. There were soft mats on the floor to catch the runoff water dripping from his body, but he didn’t dry off. Instead he picked up his belt from his pile of clothes and then got a tube of lubricant from a drawer. He greased her backdoor up nicely and stretched her out.
“You’re a beautiful woman, Danielle.” His sultry voice had feeling in it that made her heart smile.
“Thank you, Sir.”
“You’ve already seen my papers, but I can wear a condom if you want.”
“I don’t want you to. It feels better without one.”
“I’m sure it does.”
She glanced back at him curiously. “You’ve never barebacked anyone?”
“No. I don’t see that it’s worth the risk if the relationship isn’t a long-term committed one.”
That made her feel special.
When she was opened up enough, he pushed his erection into her slowly. The sight took her breath away. He looked so masculine and stunning, standing there wet and naked with his bare cock pressing deeper into her. Wisps of black hair curled near his forehead from the dampness of their steamy bath together.
Her sex moistened at how erotic it was to watch his dick sinking into her body, feel him opening her body up for his illicit intentions.
“It does feel better,” he admitted in a throaty growl.
“You feel really good, too, Sir.”
He filled her up completely and paused a moment once he was fully in.
“Your pussy looks much better this way.” He petted the soft curls covering her mons. “You look like a woman.”
“Thank you, Sir. It is less work for me this way. I’ll keep it trimmed, though. I wasn’t going to let myself go or anything.”
A lopsided smile touched his lips before concentration turned his face serious. He looked her in the eye while picking up his belt and doubling it over. God, that was hot. Her pussy flooded. She trembled with anxiety and thrilling want. She’d agreed to this and she wasn’t taking it back, but she knew it would hurt. That made her squeamish almost as much as it made her horny.
He arched a questioning brow, but when she nodded her consent he pushed her thigh up gently so her cunt was exposed to him. Her channel quivered. She lay on her side with him standing behind her. He raised his arm and then brought the leather down lightly on her mound. She flinched.
He waited. Then he struck her again slightly harder this time. Her skin warmed beneath the sharp sting. She winced, but she wasn’t stopping this. Smiling a little when she didn’t use her safe word, he slapped her cunt hard with the belt. She cringed, crying out.
It aroused the hell out of her when he parted her folds with his finger to see how wet she was. He must have liked what he saw because he smiled more noticeably this time.
“You know you’re not allowed to come, don’t you?” Cole asked.
“I know, Sir, but I doubt I could with that much pain.”
“I think you’d be surprised. No talking this time.”
“Yes, Sir.”
He held the belt still and began to screw her gently. Being ass-fucked and lying on her side with only a few towels to comfort her over the hardness of the stone ledge was overwhelming. She wondered if seeking his own pleasure in her tight bottom would distract him enough from spanking her and teasing her clit.
Oh boy, was she wrong.
He seemed to have the ability to multitask. Every several thrusts were followed by a fierce slap of the belt on her pussy. She always cried out in pain, dreading and welcoming the searing stings. Her vagina trembled and wept in submission, begging for respite and his cock to sate the greedy ache inside.
In the mirror she watched his big shaft filling her up, a few inches showing before disappearing again back into the snug recesses of her body. His erection brought her immense gratification during his slower strokes, but whenever he amped up the rhythm it became uncomfortable. Something about being uncomfortable while he took his pleasure made her wild and needy.
He seemed to be pacing himself for the most part. He occasionally stopped belting her sensitive pussy and took the belt in his other hand, letting it lay tauntingly on her thigh while he used his other hand to rub her fuzzy mons. He inserted a finger or two inside her a couple of times, fucking her with them in tune to the same controlled speed of his cock in her ass.
She sucked his reaching digits with her pussy. It made her especially crazy when he pulled them out and then caressed her sex, forcing her to wear her own juices like a messy girl. He used his hand and her pubic hair to graze her clit into awakening. She felt electric tingles gathering on the plump nub. They quickly spread. A light sheen of perspiration coated her thighs and beneath the curve of her buttocks.
“I haven’t decided whether or not I’m going to let you come,” Cole informed her.
Danielle whined. “But, sir, I took the pain for you.”
“You did, like a good girl.” He rubbed her swollen clitoris with his palm and her pubes faster. “Does that feel good?”
She nodded, biting her lip to fend off her climax.
“Don’t come, Danielle.”
“It’s so strong.” She mewled through the build-up. “Oh God, it’s coming. I feel it.”
“You’re going to come?” he asked darkly.
“Yes,” she breathed.
He massaged her pussy faster. “You’re going to disobey me and have an orgasm from me rubbing you like this?”
“Yes.”
“I’m forcing you to disobey me?”
“Yes. I’m coming.”
“You’re not.” He immediately pulled his hand away.
“Aahh! No!”
She practically wept in protest when the sizzling electricity of her commencing orgasm was cut off. Sharp ripples fluttered in frustration in her pussy. If he’d rubbed her just a second or two longer, she would have had a full-blown climax whether he liked it or not.
“You were going to come of your own volition. I’m not responsible for your disobedience, am I, Danielle?” He followed the question up with a ferocious slap of the belt on her mons.
She yelped and flailed, but he kept her from flopping into the bathwater. “No, Sir. It was all me.”
“You were going to disobey me because you’re a salacious woman, aren’t you?”
“Yes, so much.”
He smiled at her writhing. “I decide when you orgasm, not you.”
“Yes, Sir. I’m sorry. I can’t help it.”
“You can. Make your body listen to me.”
She winced at the harsh lash of leather on her privates. Her mound was inflamed. Her cunt pounded in readiness and shock, completely sopping with lust.
“Who controls your orgasms, Danielle?”
He pelted her sex once more with the belt. She yelled out in pain and then went limp and moaned submissively. The thought that he was taking what he wanted from her and that she must endure the pain for him and satisfy his depraved sexual appetite catapulted her to an exhilarating high.
“You do, Sir,” she choked out.
He gave a few deep stabs into her bottom that had his eyes closing briefly and sent a long groan of passion from him.
He laid the belt on her hip and then used his hand to massage her cunt again.
“This is my pussy and I’m going to touch it whenever I want.”
She couldn’t stop whimpering. It felt so good—the pain, the pleasure. Everything he did to her blew her mind and had her saying “Yes, Sir.”
“I can rub it in precisely the right way to make you come and you must obey me no matter what your body wants.”
“I’ll try, Sir.”
“You’ll do it.”
She choked on a desperate moan when he rubbed her faster. “It’s so good. I can’t.”
“You can. Make yourself listen to me.”
Her slit leaked hot cream.
She was so close. Too close.
“It’s coming.”
“No, it isn’t.”
“I’m sorr
y, Sir.”
“You’re not coming.”
The light spasms beginning in her vagina said otherwise.
“Oh yes,” she breathed in ecstasy.
Like clockwork he pulled his hand away and kept her climax from reaching its crescendo.
“Oh no!”
“You’re a bad girl, Danielle.”
“I’m sorry, Sir. I want to be good.”
He picked up the belt again, but he didn’t swing it. Instead he started fucking her ass again. A deep growl sent a flash of heat through her body. He had his head back and his eyes closed while he plundered her bowels.
“I could fuck all the strength from you and take my pleasure. I could leave you aching and unsatisfied, your pussy soaked with need and swollen from my power over you. What say you to that?”
She bit her lip in a giddy smile. “That’s hot, Sir.”
He chortled. “It is.”
After a few more deliberate thrusts he stopped and lifted his arm again, drawing the belt back.
“Do you want me to make you a good girl?”
She cringed at the pain she knew was coming, but her excited pussy kept spilling cream out of her. “Yes, Sir.”
“Touch yourself,” he commanded.
She gladly played with her pulsing clit.
“Move your hand.”
She did and he struck her mons again.
“I want you to get off on the pain. Come for the belt and then I’ll put my mouth on your pussy and taste you, lick your soft little clit to orgasm.”
She moaned softly. “I want that, Sir, but I don’t think I can get off on pain.”
“You can. I’ll help you. Touch yourself just until you’re about to come. Then move your hand and I’ll spank your pussy.”
“Yes, Sir.”
She followed his instructions, finding a unique gathering of pleasure and pain this time when he lashed at her.
“Again.”
Danielle stimulated her clitoris again. This time the tingles were sharper and more concentrated than before. When she moved her hand away he brought the belt down on her bulging clit, setting off fireworks. She screamed. Sheets of rapture billowed through her. She would have come more powerfully had she been permitted to keep touching herself, but climaxing from a spanking was still intense.