Fury fills me. “I don’t know what I’m doing okay? Is that what you want me to say? I suck at being sexy. Sorry, but no one taught me how to seduce a man, let alone someone like you.” I sit back on my heels, ignoring the carpet scratching at my skin. Why am I telling him this?
“Someone like me? What’s that supposed to mean?”
Oh shit. I can’t let him know that I know. Quick. Say something, anything. “Fucking hot!” I clamp my hand over my mouth. Not that. Why did you say that? Because it’s true? SHUT UP!
It works though. I see the suspicion leaving his eyes, and his chest puffs up. Dear God. I've gotten his ego in the mix. That’s the absolute last thing I need right now. My fingers tremble as I reach down and fight with the top button of my blouse. As I see it, there’s not even a point to being mad. Resignation fills me. I’m a whore. Plain and simple. There will be no going back for me after this. After tonight, I’ll be damaged goods.
“Stop.”
I look up, expecting him to start yelling at me again. Instead, his eyes look soft. Tender almost.
“Hands to your side, Rapunzel.”
“But I-”
“No arguing.”
There is that hard look again. My insides flop around as he glares at me. I should be afraid. Terrified. Why am I drawn to him? I blink several times, causing my eyes to water. Maybe my contacts have dried out? That has to be the explanation. After leaving my eyes closed for a moment, I roll them around, trying to lubricate the lenses without looking like a weirdo.
I open again to see him a breath away from me. Oxygen leaves my lungs as his lips descend upon mine. Pleasure sweeps through my body, overriding my brain. This kiss is different from his last. It’s gentle, teasing, coaxing. I’ve never had a kiss like this before. The gentle graze of his tongue against my bottom lip nearly breaks me.
“Open for me, baby,” he whispers against me, his voice like sin dipped in chocolate. For once, I don’t hesitate. If I’m going to hell, I might as well enjoy the ride. My head tips back, my whole body going limp as his tongue pushes past my lips and into my mouth. Heaven. I sigh and reach the tip of my tongue towards his. His moan fills my mouth as his hand fists my hair.
Groaning, I reach out and slide my palms against his chest. So hard. So hot.
“I said hands by your side,” he growls, pulling away from me.
He pulls back so suddenly that I tip forward a little. He steadies me, but his hands are much rougher than they were before. I sneak a peek at his face, dismayed to see his scowl.
“I’m-I’m sorry. It’s just that I...” I trail off.
There’s no way in hell I can tell him that he’s breaking me down molecule by molecule. I can’t give him the satisfaction. Squaring up, I meet his scowl with a hardened gaze of my own.
“You what? Speak up princess. We haven’t got all night.”
“You know what? Nothing. Just nothing. You’re an asshole, and you know it. You’re enjoying watching me squirm. Well, I’m not playing your game buddy. I have more dignity than that.”
His scowl turns into a look I’ve never seen in a man before. It frightens me a little and turns me on a lot. Frozen in my spot, I can only watch him as he starts to unbuckle his belt. Oh God. Is he going to spank me with that? I gulp and look past him. Maybe Tiberius will be back soon and get me out of this mess? Oh, why does my mouth always have to get me into trouble?
“He’s not going to save you little one,” his voice rumbles out softly. I strain to hear it over the beating of my heart.
Shivering, I draw my arms up around me. “You don’t know that.”
“I think you know that I do. Now. Here’s what we’re going to do. Either you strip yourself, or I will strip you. Trust me. You do not want me stripping you. I am tired of playing these games, Evangeline. I know you want me. I feel it in every move,” he walks closer, “every breath,” even closer, “every moan.” His fingers encircle my throat.
A moan spills out over my lips. I can’t contain it anymore. Every inch of me feels like it’s on fire. I look deep into his eyes. “Please.”
“Please what?” His fingers tighten.
“I can’t.”
Finally. The truth breaks free from me. I can’t give myself to him. I just can’t. Now, if he wants to take it, I can’t stop him.
His lips curve up into a smile. “I hear you baby.”
Without giving me a moment to think, his hands reach down from in front of me and rip my shirt open with one move. I shriek as buttons fly everywhere, landing softly on the carpet. Moving on instinct, I cover my bra as best I can.
“No, no. You keep your hands where I tell you, or your punishment will be even more severe.”
I glance down at his belt.
“That will be part of it, yes,” he chuckles.
I know the belt is coming, but maybe if I’m good, he’ll forget and not use it on me. Yeah right. Pretty sure forgetfulness is not one of the known vampire weaknesses. I lick my lips, my breaths coming in pants. I feel like I’m suffocating.
“Good girl,” he murmurs as my hands go back down to their sides.
His words shouldn’t warm me like they do. It feels so uncomfortable to despise someone so much, yet still get tingles through my body at his small moments of praise. That familiar ache starts forming at my heart, and I struggle to keep my hands from rubbing my chest.
Before I can take another breath, his fingers are at my shorts, tugging at the button. I feel my ears heat up. What if Tiberius walks back in.
“Please. If he sees.”
His fingers still at my fly. “Then I guess you better stop distracting me. The quicker you’re undressed, the quicker I get you downstairs. Now. Shall I continue, or do you want to take over?” His eyebrow quirks up as he looks down at me. “I think I hear someone at the door.”
He can’t be serious! I search his face for anything. A clue or a hint that he’s joking. Damn him. I’m out of options. Worrying my bottom lip with my teeth, I look back and forth between him and the front of the coat closet. Knowing Adrian, he’d take his time just to make sure I was naked in front of strangers.
Gritting my teeth, I throw my shirt to the floor. “You owe me for that you know,” I grumble as I pop the button of my shorts.”
He laughed. “I’m pretty sure I’m good for it.”
As I shimmy out of my shorts, his laughter stops short. I bend down to ease them around my ankles and come face to face with his hardened length. I swallow. Even from behind his pants, it looks impressive.
It’s not until he speaks that I realize I’m still half bent, just staring at his erection.
“Hurry it along or someone is going to get more than just a peep show of you.”
Glancing up, I see the intense look in his eyes. My breathing stops for a few moments. “Yes, sir,” I whisper, easing back up. Goosebumps cover my body as chilled air circles me. “I’m ready to go down now.”
“I don’t think you’re quite ready.”
Confused, I look down to see my bra and underwear. Thank heavens I actually have a cute set on today. My nipples jut out scandalously from the lace. It’s so hard not to cover up. My arms and brain war with each other until I clasp my hands together behind my back just to keep them still. The motion thrusts my breasts forward even more, and judging by his sharp inhale, Adrian is not immune.
“But I’m undressed.”
“You’re not naked yet.” He crosses his arms and gives my chest a pointed stare.
“But. No…you can’t be serious.”
“Deadly.”
“I can’t just show you all of me! That’s beyond improper!
His bark of laughter startles me. There’s no more humor in him. I get the feeling that I’ve used up all my good will.
“Improper? Let’s talk about improper, little miss. Who was it that decided to sneak into somewhere she didn’t belong in the first place?”
“But I—”
“And who is it that lied about sne
aking?”
“Well I—”
“And who,” he yanks me towards him, “has broken her promises time and again.”
I struggle in his arms, but they are like iron around me. I can’t escape him. Every breath fills my lungs with his scent and traps me further under his spell. “I—”
“You know you deserve to be punished.” He reaches down and tilts my head up to look at him. “Obey me and yield. The slate will be wiped clean, and we can enjoy the rest of the night. You don’t want this hanging over your head, do you?”
His words lance through my heart from the disappointment dripping from his lips. I always repent and do my penance. Always. Why was this time so hard? Because you don’t think you actually did anything wrong? But I did. He is right. Everything I’ve done tonight has been the wrong thing. Guilt rises up. I have to make this right. Pride be damned. Why is that always my main sin?
Looking back, every time I have been punished, it is always because of pride. I thought Father would have beaten that out of me by now. I guess I’m just a hopeless cause. Remorse fills me. This is exactly what I deserve. I keep following my pride deeper and deeper into the depths of hell. Now, I’m being courted by Satan. Fitting.
Reaching back, I unclasp my bra while using my other hand to keep the front of it in place. Shame floods through me as I burrow into Adrian. I’m as close to him as I can be while still being able to remove my bra. I struggle to pull it out from between us, but I’ll be damned if I expose myself more than I have to. Besides, once I’m naked, I can get my clothes back on and head downstairs.
Keeping that in mind, I press my chest against his while hooking my thumbs into the band of my thong. The quicker I do this, the quicker I can put it all back on.
“What exactly are you trying to do?”
He’s laughing at me. The jerk is actually laughing at me. “You know what I’m trying to do!” I’m struggling. That’s what I’m doing. No matter how I twist my hips, I can’t seem to pull my underwear down and still keep my chest planted against his.
He laughs again, his chest bouncing. His shirt scrapes against my nipples, sending zings of pleasure straight through me.
“Maybe if you backed up a little bit?”
I glare at him.
He raises his hands in defense, his chuckling dying down. “Or I could just help you and get this done with faster.” His eyes gleam as he lowers his face to mine. “What do you say? Do you want this torment over with?”
My brain screams no, but my head nods. I guess my head wins. In less than a blink, Adrian scoops me up and tosses me over his shoulder. I open my mouth to scream, but his strong hand smacks my butt hard, stunning me into silence.
“I can feel your large intake of breath, little one. I would rather you not scream at this moment. When we’re downstairs, you can scream all you want.”
His voice rumbles through me. Dear God. This is even worse than just standing next to him. His deep, rich voice flows into my body, turning me to mush. Biting my lower lip, I let myself relax onto his arm. I try to ignore the slight discomfort of having his broad shoulder slicing through my midsection. Breathe. In and out. In and—
“Hey!”
I push up on his back and arch up, trying to get close to his face.
“What are you doing?”
His fingers pause at my waistband. “I’m finishing removing your clothing. Now, be a good girl and just relax.”
Relax. He thinks I can just relax when he’s talking all sexy? I screw my eyes closed, dreading this moment. I will be completely exposed. This isn’t right. This isn’t… Another smack lands on my butt, startling a small shriek. “What? What—”
“Your breathing changed. I can tell you are getting into your head. Stop. Just give up and let me take care of you. You are safe with me. I promise.”
When he says, “I promise,” my entire body collapses onto him. This may be a lie. He may be taking me downstairs to kill me. But at this moment, something in me clicks. I believe him. I don’t know why. This is so crazy. I have no reason to trust this man...no...this monster. Get it together, Evie. You can’t just—this smack is so much harder. Tears prick the back of my eyelids.
“Enough. I do not know what has you in such a tizzy. I promise you, it is not as bad you think. Now will you just. Let. Go?”
Each word is punctuated by a stinging zap to my ass. Warmth spreads through my body, settling low into my core.
“I’m trying!” I hate that slight tremor in my voice. It tells him everything. Tells him he’s won. Why in hell can’t I just stay in control damnit? Without warning, his hands rest once again at the band of my underwear, but they only stay for a split second. Before I can plead again, he hooks his fingers under the band and pulls them down and off of me.
I squeeze my thighs together as much as I can, but even that’s not enough. I can feel the draft against my nether regions. Dear God. I’m now fully exposed. I bury my head into Adrian’s low back, trying desperately to keep my shame from alerting him.
I don’t know much about vampires, but I do know that they pick up on the most subtle things.
“There, there now. My good girl. Now, this punishment is almost complete.”
I arch back up. “Wait. It’s not done yet? You said be naked! I’m naked! I’m as naked as you can get me!” His chuckle brings more flip-flops to my stomach and more moisture gathering at my thighs. Great, something else to be ashamed of.
“I believe there was made mention of repenting in public for what you have done in private?”
Heat drains from my face. Oh. Oh no. He doesn’t mean to expose me to whoever’s down there, does he? I can’t. Oh God, I can’t. My brain races, sending me into a panic. In the midst, his hand comes up to rest at the back of my thighs. Ironically, it’s his touch that calms me down and clears my mind. What type of magic is this? Why was I never informed of it?
All I can focus on is his hands and the delicious spiral of tension swirling in my stomach. His thumb moves in lazy circles across my skin. But I know better. Everything he does has a purpose.
“There now. Just breathe for me like a good girl. This will all be over soon.”
His voice is low and hypnotic. But not pushy. This is something else. Something different. He’s not actually trying to control me. Could it be that he’s actually a good guy? No. He’s a monster. He will always be a monster. But monster or not, he can keep rubbing me all day, and I won’t complain.
Sighing, I rest on him, giving him my weight. Based on his purr of contentment, I must be finally doing the right thing.
“That is it, little one. Just like that. I am so proud of you for finally trusting me.”
I want to argue. I want to tell him to go back to hell. But I can’t. God help me, I can’t. His fingers are just as hypnotic as his pull. I can feel myself relaxing, hoping, praying. I’ve been so damn lonely, and his touch awakens all the needs that I deny myself. It feels nice to let someone else take the burden for once.
My thoughts feel thick and hazy as I find myself letting myself go further and further. However, his thumb slides up my lower lips and a jolt of need so strong that I almost buck into his hand flows through me.
“Dear God, you are so wet for me.”
“I… um.”
“Shhh. Just enjoy this for a moment. Not everything has to be a battle. Relax, dear one. You have earned it.”
Is that what I’ve been waiting to hear? Permission? Permission to let go and just feel? Easy for him to say—it’s not his permission I need. Then who? Me? God? Father? He pinches my lips with his thumb and forefinger hard. Yelping, I push back up on him.
“Stop thinking. I swear, some way, I am going to get you to relax. I would offer you alcohol, but I do not like my dates inebriated. I want you fully aware when you submit to me.”
After rubbing the area he pinched, he let his fingers roam every inch of me, learning my body, coming close, oh so very close to where I need him the most. But, each time,
he skims past. After the third or fourth time, I move my hips, trying to angle myself into his fingers.
He simply laughs and tightens his grip with his other arm, keeping my wiggling to a minimum. “Oh? Need something?”
My teeth grind as I fist his shirt in my hands. No. No way. I won’t give him the satisfaction.
He laughs again and goes back to tormenting me. After a few moments, he slides his finger inside. Just the tip. Just enough that, God help me, I moan. The wanton sound fills the air. At this point, I don’t even care. I just want that aching void inside me to be filled.
4
Adrian
My stars. She is practically dripping into my hand. I had no idea she would be so responsive to me. It takes every ounce of willpower to not just throw her down on the floor and rut her like the beast I am. But she deserves more. So, so much more than that.
She is so broken. I have no clue what broke her; however, monster that I am, I will break her further before the night is over. Difference is, I will actually put her back together even stronger than she was before by the time I am done. There is such a strength to her. Even more than she realizes. Once I can finally get past her walls, all of them, I will teach her how to harness all her glorious strength.
I shake my head. Am I seriously thinking in the long term? Not going to happen. It doesn't matter that my heart and beast want to claim her. I do have some say over my impulses.
But why do I feel like I’m lying to myself right now? Pulling my attention back to the needy human over my shoulder, I go back to teasing her with my fingers. Her mewls of need pour through me. I need to separate myself before I become an embarrassment. Already, I feel like I can come with just one thrust inside her. How will I survive the night if I do not shore myself up now?
Adjusting the bundle, I straighten myself up before going downstairs. Luckily for us, it is not that crowded. True, I want her to learn humility; however, the fewer the people who can gaze upon her naked flesh is better for me. Normally, I am not a possessive guy. Even for a vampire, I am fairly mellow. Apparently, this woman is throwing all of my hard work and meditation out of the window.
The Vampire's Prey Page 7