Damon slips out from under me, and stretching across my body, he undoes each of the restraints.
“On your hands and knees, Alayna.”
I lift my spent body and hear the lubricant leave the tube. The hum of the vibrator sounds before I can feel it lightly swirling around the opening of my ass.
The tip barely penetrates, and it–feels–great. I’m whimpering as I lean back against his hand again. He slowly pushes it in more and it’s uncomfortable.
“Relax your muscles.” I do it and feel the vibrator slip inside the rest of the way. He’s gradually sliding it out and pushing it in. “Let me give you pleasure you’ve never felt before, Alayna. Fuck, this turns me on.”
Groaning, he bites down on my bare butt. I let out a shriek but fight the urge to tense up. The vibrator is in my ass, he’s sinking his teeth repeatedly into my skin, and his other hand is plunging into me.
My wet pussy takes him in, wanting even more. It’s raw and gritty, taboo and unrestrained. Damon’s the tight belt around my arm, my needle and my drug. He’s taking and giving the way he does best as he generates pleasure and pain.
“I need to fuck you so bad, and I’m taking you in the ass soon. Very soon.”
The stinging sensations reach out and pull me into the abyss yet again. I’m shouting, writhing, shoving my ass into him for more. “If you want, do it now, sir.”
He’s the master of my body. His ownership sets me free. The pleasure he gives exceeds anything else I could ever desire, so I’ll allow him to take what he wants. The growl I hear is low, long and primal.
“Fuck. Not now, Alayna. I already want to explode.” Damon removes the vibrator and thrusts into me. His fingers press deep into my hips as he slams me toward him.
Our bodies rock against each other in even time, each stroke pushing me closer to yet another orgasm. I can’t believe I’m already there again. He grunts loudly and clutches my ass with his fingers splayed.
The pain and possessiveness of his hands gripping my flesh push me over the threshold. He spills into me, convulsing against my shaking body. The second he pulls out, my arms give, and I fall to my stomach.
Damon collapses next to me on his side, and fingers are soon tangled in my hair as if it’s his security blanket. I think he’d leave me if I cut it off. I’m utterly exhausted and unwilling to open my eyes.
“Thank you ... I love you.”
Damon
“I love you, too, baby.”
Alayna sighs and is down for the count. This stunning redhead blows my mind, surprising me every second of the day. She’s not a firecracker but a whole strip of them.
***
I hear the knocking and look up. George is standing in the doorway of my office.
“How was your evening?” he asks.
“Great, why?”
“That meeting was brutal, and I couldn’t help but wonder what Kenneth wanted.”
“He wanted to know there wouldn’t be any more surprises.” George shuts my door, so I toss my pen to my desk and lean back in my chair. “What did you really want?” I ask with a smirk.
He scratches his head. “Are things still good with Alayna?”
“Yes. Better than good.”
“Have you watched any television today?”
“No. Stop dancing around whatever it is you’re wanting to say, George.”
“I’m guessing no one linked to your father will talk, so the media is redirecting their attention to you and Alayna. I saw it last night and more today, and it’s not positive.”
My body heats up, and my jaw stiffens.
“What are they saying?”
“They’re making her out to be naïve and weak, saying she was blindsided by your past sexual behavior. They’re portraying you as abusive. I guess a couple of flaky women are claiming to have engaged in some activities with you recently.”
“That’s all bullshit, George.”
“I know that, and I believe this too shall pass, but I wanted you to hear it from me.”
I’m furious, wanting something to destroy. No one is going to hurt Alayna. “I appreciate you letting me know. I should probably call her.”
“Alright. I’ll see you in our next meeting.”
George leaves, and I roll my pen forward and back on my desk. I don’t know what to say to her.
“Alayna, hi.”
“Hi. How is your day going?”
“George informed me that the media turned their attention toward us. Have you watched the news?”
“No, and I don’t care what they say. We know the truth.”
I sigh into the phone. “I won’t allow your reputation to be ruined because of me. I mean it, Alayna.”
Alayna
Damon is worrying me. How could he stop my reputation from being ruined?
“It wouldn’t be because of you, and I don’t believe that will happen. Let’s stay positive. I’ll see you this evening.”
Ending the call, I fall onto the bed. It’s been a bad morning, which is disheartening after the lovely evening we had only hours ago.
I was honest when I told him I hadn’t watched the news, but I’d already been made aware of the negative reports by my overprotective, annoying brother. Curtis woke me this morning practically screaming in my ear.
He’s terrified this will affect our family’s reputation, his in particular. When he didn’t get anywhere yelling at me, he tried being the kind, concerned sibling, telling me I needed to leave Damon because I’m too sweet and good for him.
I told him it’s never happening, so he went back to shouting. I finally hung up on him. I’m beginning to believe Curtis has always tried to control my life to be sure there’s no disruption in his.
God forbid I had done anything to embarrass him when we were in school together. Well, nothing has changed on his end but everything has changed on mine. He’s not bullying me any longer.
***
Pulling into the garage at Golding Publishing, I get out my compact and take a quick look in the mirror. I close it and hold my stomach. I’ve been nauseated for hours as I anticipate meeting Damon’s parents. I tug on my green sweater. It itches ... no that’s hives. Shit.
I have on the nicest pair of dark jeans I own and tan heels. Now, I’m wondering if I should’ve dressed nicer. Damon gets into the Mercedes and kisses my cheek.
“Hi,” I say before I’m chewing on the corner of my lip.
“Why are you broken out in hives?” He’s anxiously scanning my body.
“I’m nervous.”
“Don’t be. My mother will love you, and my father ... well, he’s hardly worthy of your time.”
He leans his head back against the headrest and loosens his tie.
“Did you not sleep well last night?” I ask. “I’m sorry I fell asleep so fast.” I smile at him, but he doesn’t look over. “You wore me out but definitely in a good way.”
Still no response. I slide my fingers into the side of his messy, black hair. He’s stressed and tired, and I don’t like it. Grabbing my hand, he kisses the back of it and sets our entwined fingers between us.
“Damon, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.”
I pull my hand away and put it in my lap.
“I don’t believe you.” Now, I’m leaning my head back. My eyes are closed as I battle the anger building. Why does he have to shut me out? I know he’s keeping something from me.
“Alayna, you’re going to lose your publishing contract.”
My head snaps toward him. “What?”
“I didn’t know until today, but my editor, Jane, is friends with your agent. They used to work together. Jane called and told me that Reinbold is likely going to cancel your book contract. They’re going to give it only a few more days, but if the negative publicity doesn’t stop, they’re dropping you.”
“I knew my sales had plummeted, and my agent called today to discuss it, but she didn’t suggest I could be completely dropped.”
“Why hadn’t you told me your sales were down?”
“Because I believe it’s only temporary. I’m trying to stay positive that this ordeal will end soon.”
“And what if it doesn’t? What if your career ends because of me?” Damon’s fists are clenched as he stares ahead. I see his jaw twitching.
Taking hold of his hand, I force it open and slide my fingers back in between his. “Don’t do this. Don’t push me away. You said I can’t threaten to leave again, so you don’t get to shut me out. We’re not giving up.”
“You’re amazing.” His free hand stretches over and runs into my hair. Fingers circle my scalp, and I want to kneel before him.
He doesn’t feel in control of his world, and I want to give that to him. “Whatever you need to feel better, I’ll give it. I’m at your service.”
His forehead wrinkles, and the gaze that appeared weary only seconds ago is now heady. “Thank you for the visual.” The strong hand in my hair slides along the nape of my neck.
Damon’s pulling me to him before his lips are claiming mine. They’re soft, but the kiss is unyielding. It’s possessive and ferocious, sending the unspoken message of the desire he holds for me.
This kiss would show the world the unusual strength of the bond between us. Letting my mouth go, he stares into my eyes. His smoldering breath on my skin is like the sun I need for survival.
“I didn’t realize I had been waiting for you, Alayna. Before, I was hurting women for pleasure from a place of anger. I was dominating but not being a dominant.
“And for their own gain, those women gave their trust without knowing me, and I didn’t deserve it. They were behaving submissively but not being true submissives.”
“You’ve earned my trust, Damon.” He cups my face and looks alarmed as he searches my eyes.
“I feel an urgency for you to understand how I revere you. You could never be an object for my use.”
I lift my fingers to his lips. “I know what we have between us is different than what you were doing before. You don’t have to say it. I feel that bond even when we’re apart.”
Taking hold of my hand, he kisses my fingers.
“Damon, you treat me as if I’m the only thought in your mind, and everything else in an annoying intrusion. How could I not want to submit to you? You make me feel like I’m the sole reason you live.”
“You are the reason, Alayna. You wanting and needing me gives me purpose and hope. I worship you and not only when you’re bound or kneeling before me. Our “scenes” are never ending.”
His mouth covers mine and feeds me the emotions behind his words. He’s my master.
Chapter Fifteen
Damon
“She’s the validation that I’m significant and indispensable. She’s my hope and reverence.”
Roger parks at my parents’ home. Marshall started his shift late today, so he could ride with us in case the media followed.
My mother, Maureen, answers the door.
“Mother,” I say before hugging her.
“Hi, darling. It’s nice to see you. It’s been too long,” she says with a displeasing look. My mom is a sweet woman, but she doesn’t approve of how little time I spend with her and my father, Richard.
She wasn’t happy with his decisions in how to handle the Tiffany incident, but she was overruled. It caused friction between them for many years, and it was yet something else I felt guilt over.
“Uncle Reed, Uncle Reed,” Mia says, running up to me. I didn’t know the entire family would be here. I scoop her up into my arms. “You haven’t seen me in a long time,” she adds with a frown before squeezing my neck in a hug.
“I know. Uncle Reed is sorry. If I’d known you were going to be here, I would’ve brought you a present.” Mia grins at me, her brown eyes wide and round.
I hear my mother speaking to Alayna, and I don’t like that I’m missing the conversation. Oh, no. If the kids are here, then Debra must be, too.
“Hi, Uncle Reed,” Rylan says.
“Geez, Rylan, you look like you’ve grown five inches since I saw you last.”
His brown eyes widen, too, as he smiles proudly.
“I know. I’m almost nine.”
Mia leans back some in my arms and spreads her dress out. “Look, Mommy bought me this dress, so I could wear it for you.”
Pressure weighs on my chest, and I feel a fondness for my niece and nephew I haven’t felt before, along with guilt for not seeing them more often. They appear so happy to see me. “That is one pretty dress for a pretty girl.”
I look away from Mia and see Alayna staring at us. Never having seen this look on her face before, I’m curious as to what she’s thinking.
“Uncle Reed, is that your girlfriend? She looks like a princess,” Mia says as she pushes her dark hair off her face.
I chuckle. “Yes, this is Alayna. I think she looks like a princess, too.” Mia squirms to get out of my arms, so I lower her feet to the floor. She goes straight to Alayna, who squats down, so she’s at eye level with her.
Mia begins chattering as if she’s known Alayna forever. My mother ushers us to the living room, and Debra’s there with my father. Her eyes light up, before she hurries to greet Alayna.
“Reed,” my father says with a handshake and a pat on the shoulder.
“Dad.” He’s smiling before turning his attention to Alayna. I watch him soak in her beauty the same way I’ve had to see every other man do. From my friends to the security guys, they’ve all scanned her from head to toe, and it drives me mad.
He’s standing at her feet next. I guess he’s going to put on a show for her as he grins and chuckles, saying something I can’t hear. The kids are hyper and talkative, so it’s chaotic and loud.
Debra approaches me. “She’s beautiful, Reed.”
“I know. She’s the same on the inside.”
“We’re going to leave, but I had to meet her first, and the kids wanted to see you. I have to get them home and ready for bed.”
“Um, I’d like to get together soon. I want to do something for the kids,” I say.
“They had a grand vacation paid for by you.”
“But I wasn’t there,” I say before looking away. Debra grabs me and hugs me. Good grief. I put my arms around her in an attempt to reciprocate.
“Don’t let Alayna go. She’s good for you.”
“I’m fully aware.” I admire her from across the room. She’s been completely ambushed by my family.
“OK, kids. Give everyone hugs bye. You have school tomorrow, so we have to go,” Debra says.
Mia runs to me and wraps her arms around my leg. Looking down, I watch her scowl at my sister.
“No. I want to visit with Uncle Reed and princess Alayna.”
“We have to go, Mia, but Uncle Reed wants to do something special for you soon.”
Mia’s head jerks up at me. “Can we go see your big building? It reaches to the sky. One time mommy showed me.” She pushes her sweaty hair from her face and hops around in front of me.
“Yes, and you can ride the elevator and sit at my desk.”
“I want to come, too,” Rylan says. I walk over and mess up his hair. “Of course, you’re coming, too. I might even put you to work.” This news appeases Mia, so they say their goodbyes and leave. The house is now too quiet.
“Alayna, do you mind if I take Reed away for a bit?”
Her smile fades, and she looks to me. I see the protective expression forming. As I walk toward her, I barely nod.
“No, that’s fine,” she replies, putting on her smile again. She’s not Richard’s biggest fan. I kiss her cheek and follow my father to his study, praying that my mother doesn’t get out my baby pictures.
Dad has a couple of comfortable chairs in his study that set across from each other. I take one of them while he fixes us both a drink.
“Alayna’s quite lovely,” he says as he hands me a glass. “I take it she was accepting after hearing about your past.”
>
“She’s perfect, and yes, she knows all of it and views it as just that–a past.”
“I wanted to tell you that you don’t have to worry about anyone talking. Tiffany is the only one being difficult, but I’m calling her bluff.”
“You’ve spoken to her?” I ask slowly. Knowing he has heard her voice recently opens my wounds. It puts her too close to home. I’m beginning to hate this man.
“Yes, and she wanted more money than I’d ever give her. What is she going to do? Hell, there are probably more young males out there who she has taken advantage of, and they might come forward then.”
I stare at my father, stunned that he’s speaking of this so casually. He takes a drink, and I notice he doesn’t appear well. There are bags under his eyes, and his skin is ashen. It’s obvious he’s still drinking heavily.
“How much did you have to pay this time?” I ask bitterly.
“I’m not only protecting myself, Reed. I’m trying to put this to rest for everyone in this family and Alayna. Do you want her reputation tarnished further?”
The veins in my temple are pulsing as the anger I’ve carried toward my father grows. I realize I’m grinding my teeth. “I can protect Alayna, and I don’t need you doing me any favors.”
“I don’t understand why you carry this hatred toward me. Everything I did was so you wouldn’t suffer humiliation at the hands of that woman and her psychotic husband.”
“Because of your decisions, I felt not only humiliation but shame and guilt.” My phone rings as soon as I get the last word out, and I see that it’s George. This conversation needs to end, anyway.
“I have to take this call. It’s work related.”
“I’ll leave you alone.” My father exits the room as I answer.
“George, what do you need?”
“Are you near a television?”
“I’m at my father’s, so I’d rather not turn one on. What is it?”
“Stan Vasser was arrested. CNN actually did a report on it. They said he’ll likely be charged with extortion. I’m guessing they’re all over it because of the merger and the fact that you’re already in the news. Surely, this will take the heat off of Alayna.”
One Urge, One Plea, Keep Me Trilogy Page 29