by Dakota Black
“He didn’t have much of a chance. Nash came looking for me, making certain I was with the group.” She took a sip of her wine.
“Did he say anything else?”
“Just that on three separate occasions he witnessed a group in the office and surveying the rigs. He had no idea who they were. Just assumed they were from Rush, but right after each visit a man disappeared. Scary, if you ask me.”
He sat back, holding his breath. “I don’t like the sound of this at all. Do you have his contact information in case we need any additional details?”
Dani shrugged. “He gave me his phone number after I asked three times, but honestly, I don’t think he’ll say anymore. He was scared. When Nash came into the room, he shrank back, but I saw the terrified look in his eyes.”
This was beginning to sound very much like a set up. He made a mental note of the name and decided to keep the information to himself. “Don’t worry too much yet. We’ll figure out a plan in the morning. Let’s enjoy the night.”
She gave him a half smile. “I’d like that, but I need to ask you a question.”
“Of course. You can ask me anything.”
“Marisha. Are you still involved?”
He was surprised she’d been able to pick up on the connection. “No. That was over a long time ago.”
“She seems to harbor feelings,” Dani said as she rubbed the tip of her finger around the edge of her wine glass.
“We were close. Very close at one point. The relationship didn’t end well but we were determined not to allow our personal feelings to interfere with our professional life. I find her invaluable. Does this bother you?”
She seemed to contemplate the answer then shook her head. “No. I simply wanted to know.”
Mitchell leaned across the table, gazing into her eyes. Did that mean she was comfortable with further exploration of their heated chemistry? He reminded himself to go slow. Whatever Dani had gone through before had jaded her. “Understandable.”
The restaurant was almost empty given the time and the intimate dinner allowed him a moment to relax. As the candlelight flickered, highlighting their reflections in the floor to ceiling glass window, he noticed a brief moment of self-doubt. He was pleasantly surprised she’d purchased a stunning dress, the color highlighting her porcelain skin and intense eyes. Even though she was overdressed, even in a fine dining establishment, she was comfortable and more at ease. “Dani, you already have a solid understanding of the situation and my guess is, your gut has been working overtime.”
Shrugging, Dani took another sip of her wine, looked over her shoulder and lowered her voice. “I do, but I’m not ready to say anything. Not yet.”
“Fair enough. Camden placed a rush on the tests and he’s using another firm that came highly recommended.”
“Good.” Looking away, she fiddled with the stem of her glass.
Mitchell nodded to the approaching waiter, indicating another round. “Good, then as I said, we can do nothing else but relax and enjoy the rest of the night. Whatever happens tomorrow we’ll deal with.”
“I’ve already had three glasses of wine,” she said then smiled and glanced out the window. “I must admit, the restaurant is beautiful. I’m surprised to see such a lush and beautifully landscaped patio.”
“Texas has many beautiful areas, including pristine beaches, parks, gleaming cites and—”
“Lots of dry dirt,” Dani interrupted then brushed the tips of two fingers across her mouth. “I’m sorry. I had to wash my hair three times to remove the dirt and sand. Texas is so different than Baltimore.”
Reaching over, he took her hand. “Don’t judge what you have yet to see. You can find anything you’re looking for, either amazing or detrimental no matter where you live.”
She looked down at his hand when he squeezed and gave him a half smile. “You’re absolutely correct. I won’t stereotype. I seem to do that a lot lately.”
He released her hand just as the waiter brought the drinks. She was a mystery, a beautiful onion to peel away the layers. After taking a sip, he rose to his feet, holding out his hand. “Come. Let’s go outside to the patio.”
“Okay.” Dani gave him a once over.
A surge of desire rushed through him but he refused to push. Not now anyway.
They walked outside, remaining close but not touching. Mitchell stopped in front of a shimmering water feature, a manmade pond with a small waterfall, LED lighting adding an alluring ambiance. He pointed to the water. “Do you see the flowers in the water?”
“Beautiful,” she whispered as she inched closer.
“Nymphaea Red Flair, a water lily that blooms at night. Take a whiff.” He eased behind her, resisting touching her smooth skin.
“Mmm,” she smiled after inhaling. “Night blooming jasmine?”
“Indeed. The restaurant is well known for cultivating various species of flowers. This is my favorite restaurant and while the food is excellent, I’ve spent many nights here, drinking and savoring the intense scents, the natural beauty.”
“A perfect spot to bring a date.”
He noticed a slight tenseness, a firmer grip on her wine. Tingling, he allowed a breath of hot air to cascade across her naked back. “I’ve never brought anyone here, up until today that is. This is somewhere I can reflect alone.”
Dani shifted and turned her head. “Then why did you bring me to this restaurant? I don’t see you as a man who does anything without a purpose.”
The question was easy to answer. “You’re right. Because I wanted to share my special place with you.” While he hadn’t thought about his decision to bring her here before, the realization she was indeed the first woman he’d cared enough about to enjoy sharing the experience was captivating.
She lowered her head but held the smile. “Thank you.”
He watched as she moved away from the pond, exploring the various alcoves and tropical plants. He followed, but kept his distance, yet every part of him wanted to get to know this woman, discover the girl inside.
“This is incredible. I could spend hours here.” Reaching out, she brushed her fingers across a petal and closed her eyes.
His heart racing, Mitchell contemplated his thoughts, his desires, but was tired of shoving passion into the background. “Dani, I’m not the man you think I am.”
“I don’t know you and I’m not judging.”
“I think you are,” he said as he closed the distance, turning toward her. He eased his drink down on a bench.
She gave him a look and sighed, moving her wine from one hand to the other. “My nature. I have my reasons.”
“Do you want to talk?”
“No. Not really.”
He moved so he was in front of her. “Neither do I.” Cupping her chin, he brushed his thumb across her cheek then her mouth.
Parting her lips, she issued a slight moan as she lifted her head, gazing into his eyes. “I’m not certain this is a good idea.”
“Maybe not.” Leaning down, he captured her mouth, sliding his tongue inside. As their tongues entwined, he wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her into the heat of his body.
Stiff at first, she relaxed as the moment of passion continued and pressed her hand against his chest, her fingers digging into his shirt.
Every part of him turned on, he continued the kiss, exploring the dark recesses of her mouth. Intoxicated by her exotic scent, his cock was throbbing, aching to be inside of her. He wrapped his hand around her hair, tugging as he broke the kiss and licked around her mouth. “I want you. I want to taste you, all of you.”
Dani gripped his arm, swaying as he peppered licks and kisses on the underside of her chin, nipping her neck as he ground his groin against hers. “Mitchell.”
Grunting, he used the flat of his hand, rubbing down her back and cupping her buttocks, bringing her up onto her toes. He could feel her ragged heartbeat, heard the soft mews as he licked down from her neck then in between her breasts.
Lolling her head, she allowed the touch, closing her eyes as her grip tightened.
Mitchell used his teeth to pull back the bodice of her dress, exposing her bra. He wanted nothing more than to take her right here, make love to the woman he was infatuated with. When she didn’t object, he lowered her bra.
She shuddered, her breath skipping, and issued a series of whimpers.
Taking her nipple into his mouth, he sucked as he swirled his tongue around in lazy circles. The taste of her was sweet, fueling his intense hunger. He closed his eyes and bit down, savoring her guttural sounds.
Exhaling, Dani clung to him and reached down, fingering his crotch.
The effect was instantaneous. Hard and in need, he eased her to a standing position and gazed into her eyes. “Come with me.”
“Yes.” There was no hesitation, no denying her need.
Mitchell took a step back and held out his hand. When she grasped his fingers, he smiled.
Dani remained in a near trance as he drove them back to the hotel. He continued to hold her hand as he took long strides into the lobby toward the elevator. When they were inside, he pushed her against the cool, steel wall.
Mitchell palmed the elevator wall with both hands and leaned down until their lips were almost touching. “I’m going to ravish you.”
A single bead of perspiration trickled down the side of her face as her adrenaline kicked into high gear. Panting, she used a single finger, sliding the tip down the side of his face to his neck, continuing the path to his chest and finally his groin. “Do you think you can handle me?”
Chuckling, he pressed a single kiss across her lips before speaking. “You think you’re in charge. Don’t you?”
She wasn’t certain what to think but tonight she was going to enjoy being with a man in every way. While she might regret the decision later, right now she simply didn’t care. “I know I am.”
“That’s where you’re wrong,” he whispered and traced her mouth with his tongue. “I’m going to show you who’s boss now and forever. You will do as I say.”
“And what if I don’t?” she asked then nipped his chin.
He allowed a smile to curl on his lips before lifting her off her feet. “Then I’m going to spank you hard and fast on your naked ass. I’m going to make certain you know once and for all that I’m the only man you’ll ever need and that you belong to me. Am I clear?”
The words were chilling, cathartic. She’d longed to hear them her entire life. “Maybe.”
His eyes twinkled as he captured her mouth and eased his hand under her dress.
Whap! Crack!
Moaning into the kiss, the two strikes were just hard enough her pussy clenched, her nipples hardened. She was wet and hungry, every cell in her body on fire. Wiggling, she pushed against him, a feigned attempt to break their connection.
He tongued her mouth as he held her and caressed her naked ass. Sliding his fingers just under the narrow bit of material nestled in the crack of her ass, he maneuvered until he found her dark hole.
Tensing, she slapped at his chest and arm as she clenched her butt muscles. He was serious and she wanted nothing more than to give him everything he required.
He inserted the tip of his finger just inside her asshole and broke the kiss. “Tonight, I’m going to fuck you in every hole.”
Bing!
A rush of heat washed up from her neck to her face as the elevator doors opened. She peered over his shoulder, embarrassment riding every portion of her body.
“Oh my,” the woman whispered.
“Interesting,” another said.
“Seems like they’ll have a great night,” the man said under his breath and winked.
His smile wide, Mitchell eased Dani to the floor and grabbed her hand. “Trust me. It will be.”
When they arrived at her hotel room door, he opened his hand and gave her a heated look without saying any words.
There were none needed. She jerked the cardkey out of her purse, handing him the thin plastic. She was tingling, her heart racing. When the tiny light went from red to green, she gulped.
He gave her one last look before shoving open the door with enough force the bounce echoed against the rubber jamb. Ushering her inside, he immediately walked to the window, pushing open the drapes and allowing the full moon to cascade inside.
Dani dropped her purse and waited, realizing he wanted to control, to command every move she made.
Hesitating, he exhaled before turning around. “Remove your clothes.”
“What?”
“You heard me. If I need to ask you twice, the consequences will be much worse.”
Biting her lower lip, she kicked off her shoes and kept her eyes pinned on him, studying his prone form. He was gorgeous, sexy and dominating. He wanted to take her in his way and she knew he required her total submission.
He folded his arms, his body silhouetted by the shimmering moon, and waited.
She heard his ragged breathing as she eased her dress up and over her head, tossing the unwanted material onto the floor. She was shaking, excitement surging through her. Even though she was unable to see his expression, she could tell exactly what he was thinking and what he desired. No man had ever looked at her with such extreme lust. Swallowing hard, she undulated her hips as she reached behind her, releasing the clasp on her bra.
“Slowly. I want you to enjoy showing me the gift you’re going to give me.” He took a step forward. Now he was in the shadows.
This was more like a fantasy than any reality she’d ever known. She swung her hips back and forth, turning in a full circle then again until her back was toward him. Tossing her hair over her shoulders, she tilted her head, enabling her to catch just a glimpse. She slowly removed her bra, dangling the lace and silk out by a single finger. As gravity took the lingerie to the floor, she heard a slight moan coming from his lips.
“You’re beautiful,” he stated, his tone husky.
Dani felt beautiful as well as desired. Offering him a dance, she twisted, her body swaying back and forth. She covered her breasts with her hands, fanning her fingers as she eased around to face him. She could swear the scent of his testosterone wafted across her nose.
“Now your panties. I want you completely naked,” he said, his tone remaining even.
She swayed back and forth until he grunted then slid her finger under the thin elastic of her thong, slowing lowering her panties to the ground. After stepping out of them she rose to her full height. She heard the sound of her heart beating against her chest as her breath caught in her throat.
“Open your legs for me. Spread them wide.”
Her mouth suddenly dry, she resisted whimpering as she did as she was told.
“Raise your arms above your head,” he commanded and took a step forward.
A slice of trepidation creeping into her system, she obeyed, lifting her arms.
“Such beauty in a wonderful package of fire and ice. Are you ready for your punishment?”
The question hung in the air. She gasped and opened her eyes wide. “My punishment?”
“Absolutely. As I mentioned, you need to learn who’s in control. You long for a man to offer his firm hand. Don’t you?” The question was laced with a dangerous connotation.
One she loved, had been dreaming about her entire life. “Yes.”
“Yes?”
Dani grinned and lowered her head. “Yes, sir.”
“Better. Answer the question, sweet and lovely one.” Mitchell walked toward the bed, easing down on the edge.
Was she ready to be spanked for her mischievous and bitchy behavior? Was she hungry to have a man in charge of her at all times? She knew the answer. “Yes, sir.”
He patted his lap. “Then come to me.”
A series of quivers skated down the back of her legs but she took several steps in his direction, desire building to the point she was breathless, unable to focus. When she was standing in front of him, she exhaled.
&nb
sp; Mitchell slid the tip of his finger up her forearm then back down, repeating the move on her other arm. “Can you tell how much I long to be inside of you, thrusting my cock into your wet pussy?”
“Yes. Yes, sir.”
“Open your legs for me.”
Again, she did as she was told. He was tempting the vixen inside, the one who’d longed to burst from her seams.
“Tell me how wet you are. Show me,” Mitchell commanded.
“How?”
“Slide your fingers inside your cunt. Then offer them to me.”
Sucking in her breath, she eased her hand down and across her thighs, dipping one then two and three inside her pussy. Tilting back her head, she moaned as she slid them past her folds. Flexing them open, she thrust in and out.
“That’s it. I love the sound of your juice against your fingers.” Mitchell absently brushed the back of his hand across her thigh, dragging his nails across her skin.
Her legs trembling, she closed her eyes and continued his command, swirling her fingers around her clit. Just when she realized she was going to orgasm, he grabbed her hand, bringing her fingers in front of his face.
“Not until I say, my sweet. Look at me.”
Her eyes lazy, she looked up, smiling as he slid her fingers into his mouth. The sound of his sucking was a powerful level of intoxication, driving her into a heated frenzy. “Oh. Yes.”
“Mmm… Tasty. Imagine my mouth on your snatch, licking and sucking your sweet juice.” His chuckle dark and ominous, he held out her hand, licking down the length of one finger and back up another. All the while, he kept his eyes on her.
She swayed forward and backward as she pursed her mouth. This was intense. Breathtaking.
When he was finished, he exhaled and guided her over his lap. “I’m going to issue you thirty with my hand. We’ll see if I need to bring out my belt. Do you understand?”
“Yes, sir.” Blinking several times, she palmed the floor, anticipation killing her.
Crack! Pop!
“Oh!” she squealed as she jerked up from the floor, not anticipating the harshness of his smacks.
“Remain in position. Hands on the floor.”
She did as she was told and waited, wondering, wanting.