Sinful Illusions

by Morgan James

  I moved behind her, pressing my chest against her back, pulling her bottom against my groin. Her breathing hitched as I lifted the blade and held it against the base of her throat. “You didn’t go for the knife.”

  She started to shake her head, then froze as the edge of the blade scraped over her skin. “No.”

  “No, sir,” I corrected.

  “No, sir,” she parroted through gritted teeth.

  Twisting the knife so the blade lay flat, I drew it down her sternum. The metal left a faint pink line in its wake as it trailed over her pale, flawless skin. Her body curved slightly inward as she contracted her torso to put as much distance between her body and the knife as possible. I trailed the blade under one breast, then up to the nipple, brushing the flat edge over the tight, rose-colored tip.

  Her chest jerked on a ragged breath as the cool metal connected with her sensitive skin. I smiled. “Why not? It was right there on the table. All you had to do was pick it up.”

  She swallowed but didn’t answer, and I let out a growl. “Tell me, Eva,” I prompted her. “Why didn’t you grab the knife when you had the chance?”

  “You told me not to move,” she said in a low voice.

  “And do you always do what I tell you, angel?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Hmm…” I hummed a low sound in my throat. “Is that all?”

  She gave her head another little half shake. “I knew I wouldn’t stand a chance against you.”

  There it was—the truth. My smirk grew into a full-fledged grin. “Good girl. You can relax now.”

  I stepped away and watched as she shifted on her feet, letting out a little sigh of relief as she shook out her stiff muscles. I strode forward and set the knife on the table. “Get upstairs to your room. We have something to discuss.”

  “Fox, please—”

  I knew what she was about to say, and I wasn’t about to fucking discuss it where everyone could see. “Do you want me to take my belt to you here?”

  Angry tears glimmered in her eyes before she dropped her gaze to the floor. I was impressed by her ability to listen, but I wasn’t done with her yet. “I asked you a fucking question.”

  She gave a little shake of her head, and I drew in a breath, clamping down on my control. I spun her toward me and grabbed her face in one hand, directing her gaze to mine. “When I ask you a question, you will answer me.” I searched her dark green eyes, rife with bitter resentment. “Do you understand me?”

  “Yes.” It was barely more than a hiss of air escaping her teeth, and it made my vision bleed to red.

  I squeezed her upper arms, tugging her up on her toes and pulling her so close my nose brushed against hers. “And? Should I punish you right here in front of my men? Take my belt to the same marks that have just begun to fade?”

  A dozen emotions flitted across her expression before her eyes turned carefully blank. “No.”

  “No, sir.”

  She gritted her teeth. “No, sir.”

  Not perfect, but I had a feeling that was as close as I was going to get at the moment. “Let’s go.”

  I wrapped one hand around her bicep and tugged her long, dragging her up the stairs and into her room. Once inside, I shut and locked the door behind me, then forced her toward the bed. I shoved her face down onto the comforter, then spun and made my way toward the closet. I felt her eyes on me as I pulled clothes from the racks and tossed them on the bed beside her.

  “Fox…”

  Storming toward the dresser, I ripped out the top drawer and carried it toward the bed. I met Eva’s terrified gaze as I approached. She had rolled to her back and was struggling to sit up.

  “W-what are you doing?”

  I shifted my focus back to the panties as I dumped them on the bed. “What does it look like? I’m packing your things.”

  “Packing?”

  “Yes.” I crossed to the dresser and returned the drawer to its spot before reaching for the next one.

  “You’re sending me with them?”

  There was no mistaking the fear in her voice this time, and I slowly turned to meet her wide green gaze. I cocked my head to one side and lifted a shoulder. “Maybe Nikolai was correct. He can teach you—”

  “No!”

  Before I could blink, she was on her feet and staggering in front of me. “Please don’t! I’ll do anything.” Her lungs rose and fell rapidly, her pupils huge as she pleaded with me. “Just… please don’t make me go.”

  A shudder racked her body, and I studied her, my face impassive. “Why would I keep you? Both men made impressive offers to have you.”

  She swallowed hard and returned her gaze to mine, then licked her lips and gave her head a little shake. “They’ll kill me.”

  “Probably.” She flinched, and I shrugged. “How do you know I wouldn’t do the same?”

  Green eyes met mine. “You… you wanted me before. Please… I’ll do anything if you’ll just let me stay.”

  “Anything?” I tipped my head to the side, and she hesitated for a long moment before nodding. Interesting. Time to see how much she meant that. “On your knees.”

  She did as I asked, softly lowering herself to one knee, then the other. I watched as she remained stiff, staring straight ahead, and I pressed one hand to the top of her head. “Show some respect, angel. Bow your head.”

  Her chin dropped to her chest, and I bit back a smile at what it must have cost her to do so. She was so stubborn, so willful, that I couldn’t help but toy with her. Pressing my lips into a firm line, I used the toe of my shoe to gently tap one knee. “Spread your legs. If you’re going to stay here, if you’re going to be mine, we need to discuss some rules. When I tell you to wait for me, I expect you to assume this position. Next time, you’ll be completely bare so I can see that pretty pussy gleaming for me.”

  Her shoulders twitched, but she shifted slightly so her legs were in a wide vee, her butt resting on her heels as she stared at the floor in front of her. Warm satisfaction flowed through my veins, and I strolled behind her, watching her muscles tense as I leaned in close. “From here on out, you’re mine, Eva. However and whenever I want you. Understand?”

  She gave a tiny nod and, though I couldn’t see her face, I could imagine the look in her expressive green eyes. In general, seeing a woman in this position did nothing for me. But the fact that it was Eva—seeing her bend to my will—accelerated my pulse and sent raw desire coursing through my veins.

  The little schemer was too smart for her own good, and I’d be damned if I let her pull one over on me. If she thought she could win my good favor and make another attempt to escape, she was sorely mistaken. I was on to her now—and I wasn’t about to let her slip away.

  Pulling the small key from my pocket, I unlocked the shackles from one wrist, leaving the other in place. I rose to my feet, circling her until I stood in front of her again. “Are you ready to show me just how much you want to stay?”

  Her gaze slowly rose, over my shoes and up my legs before snagging on my groin only inches from her face. One trembling hand lifted, and another shiver racked her slight frame as she brushed her fingers against the fly of my slacks. I could see the rigid tension of her body as she fought with herself, forcing herself to keep moving when everything inside her screamed to fight it.

  Her clumsy fingers finally managed to grip my zipper and pull it down with a soft hiss. My cock swelled at the gentle touch, leaping toward her eagerly. A storm brewed in her eyes, loathing mixed with fear and resignation. It was a heady combination, but I grasped her wrist, stilling her movements.

  Her eyes darted to mine. “But… I thought…”

  I snorted a mirthless laugh. “You think I’d let that vicious little mouth of yours anywhere near my cock?”

  She looked so adorably confused for a moment before embarrassment stained her cheeks bright red. Anticipation roared through me, and I held out my hand to guide her to her feet. “Come.”

  I led her to the bed
, the cuffs around her left wrist clinking softly as she moved. Her thighs bumped the mattress, bringing her to a halt, and she tipped her face up to me. Her eyes were cloudy, conflicted with revulsion and acceptance.

  I gestured with my chin. “Up.”

  She reluctantly climbed onto the bed, moving more slowly than someone three times her age. I slapped her ass, earning a soft yelp as she scrambled into the middle of the Queen-sized mattress. Once there, she threw a look my way. “Well?”

  I bit my tongue, the look in her eyes curbing my urge to snap at her. I don’t know why I hadn’t seen it before; each time she defied me, a hint of fear flashed in her eyes. It was as if she knew she was supposed to stand up to me, but deep down, hated to do so.

  “That mouth, angel. It’s going to get you in trouble one of these days,” I warned.

  She lifted one shoulder. “We’ll see.”

  There was that look again. The brave façade underscored by a wary watchfulness, just waiting for me to put her in her place. Dragging a deep breath into my lungs, I climbed onto the bed, watching those gorgeous green eyes widen further as I crawled between her legs, looming over her and pressing her back until she lay flat.

  “We’ll see,” I repeated her words back to her. “We’ll see you scream for me. We’ll see you beg for my touch. We’ll see just how much you need me to give you what you really want.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Eva

  His words sent a shiver of anticipation down my spine, but I forced it away. This was only a means to an end. I shouldn’t be turned on, but completely bare as I was, I couldn’t keep my body from responding. My nipples hardened painfully, and I could feel the slick wetness between my legs. It pissed me off that my body responded so readily to him when I knew what a terrible person he was.

  I scoffed. “I’ll never give you the satisfaction.”

  His eyes gleamed with challenge as he pushed himself further over me. I swallowed hard as his huge hand curled around my wrist and lifted it over my head. Pinned to the mattress as I was, I couldn’t move—could barely even breathe. The cuff snapped into place with a soft snick as he secured it around the bed post, then turned his gaze back to me. “Let the games begin, angel.”

  Oh, shit. Now I’d done it.

  I watched with no small amount of apprehension as he lifted himself off me, then retreated from the room. The moment he was off the bed, I snapped my legs together and tucked them in close to my body. Though I still wore the tiny excuse for underwear, they were little protection against a man like Fox. My pulse thudded almost painfully, blood rushing in my ears as I lay tethered to the bed, nearly naked. Was he coming back? Part of me hoped he would leave me alone for good. At the memory of his departing words, a chill settled over my body.

  In the next room, I could hear him rummaging around, drawers opening and closing. What seemed like an interminable amount of time later, he returned. Fox paused for a moment, lounging against the doorjamb as he studied me, a tiny smirk decorating his face.

  I stared back, unwilling to give him the satisfaction of seeing my fear and unease. I’d never been able to hide my true emotions well, and I fought now to keep my gaze clear and calm as I tempered my breathing.

  Fox pushed off the door, and my heart leaped into my throat as my eyes dropped to the object he held partially concealed behind him. The pink vibrator was narrow, but its purpose was clear.

  He stepped close to the bed, watching me watch him, then he set the vibrator on the edge of the mattress. He divested himself of his jacket and white dress shirt, and my pulse galloped as his toned skin was revealed with each garment shed. At the sight of his bulging biceps and tight abs, heat pooled low in my belly. I didn’t want to be attracted to this man, but my body couldn’t help it.

  Still clad in his expensive dress slacks, he climbed onto the bed. “Open for me, angel.”

  His words stroked over me like a lover’s caress, though I knew better. I clenched my muscles even tighter, drawing it out, but he only shook his head. “You told me you would do anything to stay. Were you lying to me?”

  If I refused, it would mean my death sentence. And I would die before I gave myself over to someone like Nikolai. Even if I didn’t know or trust Fox, I’d rather be here with him. After all, it was my own fault that I’d ended up in this predicament. I would just have to endure whatever he demanded until I could formulate a plan to get out of here. Slowly, painfully, I dropped my knees open, turning my head away from him as I did so.

  Above me, Fox chuckled. “Oh, Eva. I’m going to enjoy every minute of this.”

  Bitter bile swept up, burning the back of my throat. I forced it down again and closed my eyes at the feel of his fingers brushing over my stomach. Back and forth they caressed the waistband of my panties, his touch gentle but sure. It made me want to cry even more. I wanted him to get it over with. I wanted him to take what he wanted, then leave me the hell alone. If I had any prayer of getting through this, I had to close off my emotions. Drawing on every reserve I had, I let my body go completely slack and turned my mind to happier thoughts.

  “Oh, no you don’t, angel.” Fox’s voice penetrated my reverie. A soft slap landed on my left hip. “I want you here with me. Eyes on mine.”

  Against my will, I blinked my eyes open and met his cold gaze. He smiled, lethal and feral. “That’s better.”

  I wanted to squirm under his scrutiny, but I forced myself to meet his eyes even when I felt his hands curled into the fabric of my panties and pulled them down my legs. He dropped them to the floor somewhere and shifted slightly so he was settled between my thighs. For a brief moment, his gaze released mine and dropped to my exposed center.

  “Beautiful.”

  I flinched as he reached between us and gently ran a thumb through my folds. I drew in a sharp breath at the burst of exquisite pleasure that bloomed in my core. On the heels of that came revulsion. I could not want this—I would not.

  Biting down on my tongue, I fought to keep my expression neutral as he teased my clit for a moment, swirling his thumb around the sensitive bud. My heart raced, and a mixture of relief and disappointment shot through me when his hand swept upward, his pressure firm as he swept his hands over my hip bones and along the curve of my waist until he reached my breasts.

  My nipples peaked and hardened as his fingers traced the undercurve of each breast. Plumping them in his palms, he brushed the pads of his thumbs over my nipples, and I couldn’t help but arch into him. I wanted to close my eyes against the sensation, but he held my gaze captive, those dark eyes filled with desire drawing me in. His touch sent a flurry of fire burning beneath my skin, and I hated him for it—because I wanted more. His talented fingers pulled and tweaked my nipples until I writhed beneath him, moisture building between my legs.

  One palm slid lower, to the base of my breastbone and he paused for a second before lifting his gaze to mine. “Your heart’s racing,” he observed in a low tone. “From fear? Or… lust?”

  Oh, God, he was right. What was wrong with me? I bit my tongue, refusing to admit that his mere presence, the feel of his skin against mine, sent liquid fire pulsing through my veins, making every nerve ending tingle with need. As it had earlier when he’d pressed the blade of the knife to my flesh, my body ached for him. It was wrong—so, so wrong. But it felt so damn right.

  Fox lifted a brow at my silence but didn’t say another word. Bending at the waist, he finally broke my gaze and took one stiff peak in his mouth. I stifled a cry as he flicked his tongue over it before lightly biting down. Liquid heat pooled low in my core at the intense surge of pleasure-pain, and my hips jerked as my free hand moved to the back of his head. The short, spiky strands of his hair pricked my fingers, intensifying the myriad sensations streaming through my body. I’d planned to push him away. And I would—in just a second. But oh, God, it felt so good. His lips were soft as he licked and sucked and teased, and instead of pushing him away, my fingers curled into him, holding him close. The s
oft rasp of his tongue over my sensitive flesh had me nearly mindless with desire, and I let out a little whimper of need when he pulled away.

  One hand coasted downward, and he let out a little sound as his fingers rubbed over my damp folds. He lifted his head. “You like that, angel?”

  I couldn’t answer him. I refused to admit out loud just how much his touch affected me. Pressing my lips into a firm line, I focused my gaze on the ceiling. Above me, Fox let out a little chuckle. “Have it your way.”

  The vibrator flared to life, and I gritted my teeth as he touched it to my clit. He slipped it deep inside me, plunging in and out, slowly fucking me with the wand. Heat swept over my body as tingles danced along my nerve endings. Pulling the vibrator free, he touched it to my clit again, and my hips bucked at the sensation.

  Dipping forward, he took my other nipple between his lips and sucked hard. His teeth scraped over my flesh and I arched into him, dredging up every ounce of willpower to keep the mewl of pleasure from escaping. I resisted as long as I could until my body was on the edge. I resisted as long as I could until my body was on the edge. “Oh, God!”

  Immediately, Fox pulled away with a low chuckle. My pussy felt empty, and I let out a little cry. Still slick from my arousal, he touched the tip of the vibrator to my nipple, drawing a small circle around the tight peak.

  “Fox…”

  “Yes, angel?”

  I glared up at him. “I’m not your angel.”

  “Oh, but you are.” His free hand moved to my other breast, and he tweaked and teased my nipple until I swore. “My beautiful, fallen angel.”

  I shifted, trying to ease the throbbing between my legs, but the motion only exacerbated the emptiness inside me. “Fox, please…”