by Piper Stone
“Oh. That hurts.”
“As it should.” I gave her several more in rapid succession, adoring the blossom of red on her perfect skin. The sound as I smacked my palm against her wet skin was just as enticing as her quivering body. I was one sadistic man.
She wiggled and clawed at the stairs, splashing water in all directions. “Oh. Oh!” Her wails filled the night air, causing me to smile even more.
“You will learn to be very good. Won’t you?” I peppered her ass with hard strikes until my hand ached, but not nearly as much as my cock. My balls hung low, my shaft twitching from the continued agony.
“Yes. Yes! Stop. I will be good.”
“Somehow, I don’t believe you.”
I continued the spanking for another two minutes until I couldn’t take the wait or the anticipation any longer. The second I kicked her legs wide open, she looked over her shoulder, panting and dragging her tongue across her lips.
As I gripped her hip with one hand, she threw her head back, closing her eyes and parting those lovely lips of hers. Every move she made was so damn enticing. I could barely contain my actions as I slipped the tip of my cock just inside her tight asshole. Then I took a deep breath, fighting the natural urge to take her like the true savage I was.
She whimpered, taking several exaggerated breaths as I pushed another inch inside.
“Relax and breathe for me.” I no longer recognized my voice, the guttural tone deep and laced with a hint of evil. I did everything I could to control my actions as I slowly slid inside, pushing past the tight ring of muscle. Then it became clear I couldn’t hold back any longer. When I thrust the remaining two inches inside, our combined roars were in perfect orchestration.
“Oh. Oh. Oh…” She undulated her hips, arching her back as she tossed her head back and forth.
I couldn’t breathe, didn’t give a damn about anything else. I simply wanted to strip away her last resolve, making her mine.
All mine.
There would never be another.
Growling, I pulled out, slamming into her again.
And again.
Until my actions turned just as brutal as my nature. The heat and tightness pulled me into a surreal world, my mind no longer able to process my actions. Nor did I care. I took exactly what I wanted, digging my fingers into her neck as I held her in place. I could no longer breathe and as I lost the last of my control, I threw my head back and roared, filling her with my seed.
Another moment of reckoning rushed into my system.
If I wasn’t careful, I would never be able to fulfill the terms of our contract because I was falling hard for the feisty woman.
That couldn’t happen. If I did, my beautiful kryptonite would become nothing more than a pawn in the world of power and greed.
Chapter 10
Bristol
A beautiful sunrise.
There was nothing more I enjoyed than the first light of day as it crept up over the horizon. Today was one of those days, the string of colors floating across the sky more delightful than I’d seen in a long time. I stood on the balcony of the master bedroom, drinking in the cool air and fragrance of the ocean, forced to admit that San Diego was gorgeous. I’d forgotten just how much I missed the beach.
It was also so quiet, the only sound the water lapping at the shore as well as a few seagulls in the distance. I took a deep breath as I leaned over, my skin prickled from the slight chill. Then I sensed his presence behind me. The night hadn’t gone as I’d planned, although with Houston, nothing was as it seemed.
We’d enjoyed a night together. After the early heated discussion, there’d been no other talk of business or contracts. We simply savored the food that Ashley had provided around the firepit, huddling in blankets she’d also arranged for. While he certainly didn’t open up about his life in many regards, I’d realized that unlike what I’d thought, he had a deep commitment to his family. Did that make him less of a brute? Maybe not, but I gathered a small sense of why he’d handled his life the way he had, including the decisions he’d made.
That meant nothing. I knew that. Our business arrangement would end soon enough, and he’d be left with a company he’d never wanted anything to do with and perhaps be forced to face whatever recriminations his father had left behind. That was none of my business and I refused to care.
Although I was extremely curious about the limited information he’d told me. Threats? What in God’s name had his father done to warrant that kind of behavior? And what if that placed Houston’s life in danger? His father had brought him here for more than just torturing him with his trust fund or handing over the company.
William Powers was prepared to die for his merciless actions.
A cold shiver skated down my spine.
While green in terms of full contract negotiations, I was eager to delve into the one his father had given him. Were there any hidden clues as to what was going on? What troubled me the most was that there could be enough evidence not only to destroy Houston’s father, the company bankrupted, but to trickle down to everyone involved.
The game being played was dangerous as hell.
I shuddered at the thought, visions of the night before once again rushing to the forefront of my mind. Houston was far too irresistible.
I’d allowed myself to surrender in a way that I’d never planned on. While I’d enjoyed every second of our wild, savage sex, that’s all it had been. My need to tighten and keep my resolve was even stronger than before. I refused to lose my heart to a man with no understanding of love.
“You’re up early,” he said quietly, his tone entirely different than his usual demanding one.
“I couldn’t sleep.”
“I assume you ordered a bed, maybe a mattress and box springs?” His laugh was genuine and as he flanked my side, leaning over the railing, I was taken aback by his muscular body all over again. He’d remained naked while I’d insisted on donning one of my nightgowns. The thought of sharing a makeshift bed on the floor remaining without clothes had been entirely too intimate.
Normal.
And we were anything but.
I realized my nipples had already hardened from the sight of him alone and that pissed me off. When a rush of heat and blossoming desire shifted up my legs, another wave of shame came over me. Somewhere deep inside I knew my body’s reaction was perfectly acceptable, but I’d promised myself I’d remain in control of both my emotions as well as any physical attraction.
“Of course I did. That was first thing.” I laughed with him, although mine was stilted.
He took a deep breath, holding it in before stretching out his arms. “It’s going to be a beautiful day.” With his tousled hair and two-day stubble, his appearance was far too tempting. And his eyes. Geesh. I could get lost in them for days.
Every move he made was sexy as hell, creating a flutter deep inside my pussy. “I didn’t think you noticed such things. What happened to your attitude from last night?”
“You really don’t know a thing about me, Bristol.”
After turning toward me, a mischievous glint in his eyes, I hated what I’d just said. “I’m sorry. That was shitty.”
“Yes, it was, but you’re right. I lived here until I was twenty-five and never gave a damn about the beach or the ocean, other than longing to surf when I was a kid. I guess it’s past time I enjoyed my surroundings.” With that, he gave me a longing gaze, allowing his eyes to fall down to my bare feet. “I could get used to this.”
“Well, don’t. I’m certain you’d prefer to have your own room.”
He sighed then shifted toward the door. “Did I see a coffeemaker?”
“Yes.”
“I’ll make us a cup.”
There was no question as to whether I wanted one or would accept. That was his usual way of handling everything. I wanted to keep hating him but with every passing hour, it was becoming more difficult. He simply had a commanding way about him that was natural, even inviting.
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By the time I made it into the kitchen, he’d thrown on a pair of light sweatpants, hiding his gorgeous cock. I chastised my thoughts as the scent of coffee filled my nostrils. He stood over the counter; papers stretched across several inches. The contracts.
“I didn’t know what you liked in your coffee,” he said absently without looking at me.
“That was one of those pieces of information you were supposed to learn about me. Remember? Cream, no sugar.” I reached into the refrigerator, feeling his weighted stare.
“Oh, yeah? And what exactly do you know about me?”
I took my time pouring in some cream, finding a spoon in the box of utensils and stirring before answering. “I know you prefer cheeseburgers on the grill to the perfect rare steak. You prefer sports cars, but only if they’re considered antiques. You don’t read books and rarely have time for movies, but if you’re in the mood, it’s all about a thriller, the bloodier the better. You enjoy your coffee black and very strong. You adore classical music, although you rarely allow anyone to know that. You always wanted to be a rock star and even tried out for a band just after high school, guitar your instrument of choice. How am I doing?”
His face had remained pinched when I rattled on from the information I’d memorized. Then he grinned like a kid, highlighting the two dimples I rarely saw. “You actually took that stuff seriously.”
“Yeah, I did so I do know you to some degree. That was part of my job. Wasn’t it?” When he didn’t answer, I realized he was undressing me with his eyes. The same heat and desire as the night before nearly gutted me. This wasn’t about sex, even though the chemistry we shared was off the chain. I purposely looked away, studying the papers in front of me. Given the heavy volume, I’d say that whoever had prepared them hadn’t missed a beat. “I’ll need to take some time looking at these. I don’t want to give you an off the cuff response.”
Damn if he didn’t walk closer, sliding strands of hair from my face over my shoulder. “You don’t have to be afraid of looking at me, Bristol. I’m not always an evil man.”
“No, you’re not, which is what bothers me.” I realized I was shaking like a leaf. This was getting ridiculous. “Is that all right? To take some time, I mean? There are subtle ways to add conditions that could easily be overlooked. I need to be thorough in order to give you the best advice.”
Sighing, he backed away. “Of course and I appreciate your due diligence. I’m going to take a short tour of the other facilities today that are highlighted in the contract. Then maybe we can go out to lunch and talk.”
“The furniture is arriving sometime today. They wouldn’t tell me when.”
“Ah, yes. The great furniture so we can continue playing house.” I heard the discord in his voice, even a hint of anger.
“That’s what you told me to do.”
“Yes, I know. That’s fine. Maybe I’ll bring something home for dinner.” He laughed, shifting away from me and walking into the living room.
I couldn’t stand leaving the conversation this way. We certainly didn’t need to be at each other’s throats. As I trailed after him, I was fascinated that he scanned every wall. Was he actually debating what it could look like full of furniture?
“You know, I bet our tastes are remarkably similar,” he said.
“Why would you think that?”
“Just a hunch.” He flashed his million-dollar smile in my direction before throwing open the doors, breathing in the air all over again.
What the hell was up with him today? Was he actually considering enjoying life? I found that hard to believe.
“Well, I hope you’ll like what I purchased. You’re going to have to live with my choices or trash them after I’m gone.”
He laughed, the deep baritone floating into every cell in my body. The way the man ignited my senses was disruptive. As he casually leaned against the doorjamb, sipping on his coffee, I couldn’t take my eyes off him.
“What if it was real after all?”
His question was so out of the blue and completely foreign that I was shocked. “It? You mean the game we’re playing?”
He shot me another heated look, narrowing his eyes. “Is that so hard to imagine?”
“Hell… Never.” I shut my mouth and thought about what he was asking. “No, it’s not. I just don’t think we’re compatible. What’s important to you isn’t to me.” Why the hell was I bothering to explain that to him? I wasn’t going to fall in love with him any more than he was with me. That was certain.
My answer seemed to please him, the fabulous grin returning. “Someone very wise told me a long time ago never to say never. I’d remember that if I were you. Besides, I adore a challenge. Wasn’t that in whatever notes Mr. Darke prepared for you?”
I could think of no curt answer. “Well, I wouldn’t worry about it. Let’s just figure out what your father really has planned. Maybe I can find something useful. I’ll also need to know everything you’ve learned about the company and the threats. Anything you can glean will be helpful.”
“I can do that.”
Was he actually going to share details with me? Now I was confused.
“Okay, good. I’ll make notes and if necessary, I can add a codicil to the contract with agreed upon revisions.”
Sighing, he seemed to respect I no longer wanted to carry on with the conversation. “That’s fine. I’ll take a shower and leave. You can have the house all to yourself.”
I nodded and backed away until he tensed, hissing under his breath. Every muscle in his body tensed. “What’s wrong?”
“Take this.” Houston shoved the coffee mug into my hand, immediately racing down the stairs and onto the beach.
I rushed onto the deck, fumbling to put the mugs on the surface then shielding my eyes from the sun. What in the hell was the man doing? As I scanned the beach, I finally realized he’d seen someone else. A cold shiver trickled through me. I’d been right. Someone had been watching me.
As he flew toward the mysterious person, I strained to see what was going on. Within seconds, Houston had snagged the stranger by the collar, ripping something from the person’s hand. I was finally able to decipher the unwanted guest had to be a male by his size and stature. I didn’t need to hear them to realize they were arguing.
When Houston threw a punch, knocking the man to the sand, I reacted, rushing down the stairs and flying toward them. By that point, Houston was already tromping in my direction, still carrying whatever he’d taken from the man. When he was only twenty feet away, he threw out his arm, pointing toward the house.
I remained where I was, shaking my head, darting my gaze from the man I was supposed to marry to the person struggling to get to his feet.
“I thought I told you to get into the house,” Houston snarled, pointing a second time. I could easily see how furious he was.
While I backed away, I didn’t turn and run like he expected. The hesitation allowed me to see that in his hand was a camera, the long lens indicating whoever the photographer was, he’d had no intention of being caught.
Houston grabbed my arm, yanking me toward the house. “You need to learn to obey me.”
“What the hell is going on?”
He said nothing as we both trudged up the stairs, but before yanking me inside, he turned toward the ocean again. “The asshole better leave or I’ll continue what I started.”
When we were inside, he glared at me before ripping out the data card. I was shocked when he crushed it in his bare hands then tossed the camera to the side, the smashing sound jarring. He remained enraged, pacing the floor like a panther ready to pounce.
“Who was that?” I asked, trying to remain calm.
“How the hell do I know? Likely some goddamn reporter. When I tell you to do something, you will do it.”
My God, the man was not just angry, he was so furious that his face was red. I also detected a hint of fear. Jesus Christ. What was really going on? Had his father placed him in peril?
“I’m not afraid of anything, but I do expect respect in my house,” he snapped as he paced the floor. I gazed down at the camera then back toward Houston.
“Look, I—”
“Don’t,” he interrupted then closed his eyes. “I’m sorry. Okay? But the last thing we need is some freaking reporter snapping pictures of us. I can’t have us as frontpage freaking news right now.”
“Isn’t that what you want, for everyone to think we’re madly in love?”
“Don’t be naïve, Bristol. It just doesn’t suit you. This isn’t about an actress marrying a rock star. This is a billion-dollar company that has sharks who likely smell blood in the water. You’ve seen the tabloids that still exist. It doesn’t matter if the majority are gone from supermarket shelves. That asshole could do anything with them, including selling them to the highest bidder. Or, he could be working for the same entity who’s trying to get dirt on the family. I lived with that shit for the majority of my life. You haven’t. That’s why you follow my orders.”
His fervor was shocking, but it allowed me further insight into the kind of life he’d been forced to live.
“Hell,” he continued. “He could be working for the asshole determined to hunt and kill my father. Why not take out the entire family?”
“I don’t know what you want me to say.”
“Say you’re listening to me. Tell me that you will do what I tell you to do.” After a few seconds, he exhaled, his voice no longer holding the level of anger as it had before. “I’m not trying to scare you. Just stay inside until I return. Okay? I need to figure out what that asshole really wants. The bastard photographer refused to tell me who he was or the person he was working for, although he was quick to threaten me. And you were right. We can’t pretend our relationship is anything but what it is. Business.”
Wow. And there it was. Business. The man was all about the money. I’d been such a fool to think even for a second it could be about anything else.
“You could have just looked at the pictures. Then you would have had a good idea what he was doing here.”