“Are you hurt?” I asked, crouching in front of her. I wrapped her coat around her shoulders, protecting her modesty and I knew she needed to feel… safe right now.
Her chin wobbled, but she didn’t answer. “Little One, I need to know if you’re injured.”
She gave me a small shake of her head. Bullshit, I didn’t believe her. Her cheek was red and swollen and I knew he must have struck her. Talia was clutching her ribs and her face twisted with pain.
I reached for her, but she flinched away again. I pulled my hand back, clenching it into a fist so I wasn’t tempted to try to touch her again. Talia struggled to her feet but let out a soft, pained cry and her knees buckled.
Fuck!
I grabbed her before she face-planted into the ground. My arm curled around her hips and I swung her up in my arms. She gasped, a protest on her lips, but I cut her off with a low growl. “Don’t ever lie to me again, Talia.”
She swallowed and blinked away. “Where are you hurt?” I demanded again.
“My ankle,” she whispered, her voice cracking.
“And?”
“My ribs…”
I carried her out of the alley, leaving the dead man behind.
“You’re covered in blood,” she breathed, her lips so close to my neck.
My arms tightened around her. “I just killed a man to save your life. You’re worried that I’m getting blood on you?”
“Put me down, Killer,” she choked. “I can walk. Please.”
“No.” Fuck that. The only way she was getting home was if I carried her.
She had no other option. But me.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Talia
My heart was a frantic flutter in my chest, terror crippling my limbs. My ribs ached fiercely. I gave up my struggle against Killer and relaxed in his hold, oddly soothed by his presence. He oozed strength and confidence. He had killed a man for me.
My head against his shoulder, I peered up at him. Blood splatters dotted his throat and chin. He’d viciously beaten my attacker to death. Without hesitation or mercy. Brutal efficiency combined with lust for bloodshed. A deadly combination that should have driven me into hysterics.
And yet, I felt almost safe as he carried me. A dark, angry part of me wondered if Pasquale would find the same brutal end if I hired Killer. Would he be beaten to death and drown in his own blood? It was a thrilling thought.
I tensed when Killer stopped in front of my shabby apartment building without me giving him my address. “You know where I live?”
He gave me a brief smirk. “Of course. I scout possible business partners.”
My lips snapped shut. I had refused his offer. His impossibly, rude offer. My virginity for a kill. It was immoral. But wasn’t I being a hypocrite judging Killer when I was the one who wanted to hire him to kill a man?
“Talia, keys. I don’t have all night. Or I’ll kick the door in.”
“No,” I said quickly, fumbling in my coat pocket for my keys before handing them to Killer.
A few minutes later, we entered my tiny studio apartment. It was sparsely furnished. Only a narrow bed on the right, a tiny kitchenette, an old sofa and an ancient TV. Killer barely spared his surroundings a glance, instead he carried me over to the bed.
Tension radiated through my body, realizing we were alone in my apartment and remembering what he wanted from me.
“Don’t get tense,” he said gruffly.
Easy for him to say. “Maybe you just killed the guy so you can finish what he started.” My voice shook. He set me down on the bed and brought his face very close to mine. “I don’t fuck unwilling women, Talia. When I’m balls deep inside your cunt, you’re going to be begging me.”
I flushed at his crude language. His gaze lingered on my flushed cheeks, still so close he could have kissed me.
“Let me check out your injuries.”
He pushed down my coat, revealing my ripped shirt and my flimsy white bra beneath it. I jerked my arms up to cover my modesty. He gripped my wrists and shoved them down. “Let me.” His voice allowed no argument.
I let my arms drop to my sides.
He touched my ribs with his big, blood-covered hand. I winced at how tender the spot felt. A shiver passed my spine when he pushed my tattered shirt aside to get a good look at the blooming bruise. His touch was surprisingly gentle, something I hadn’t expected from a man like him.
“Not broken,” he said. “Your ankle?”
I lifted my hurt foot and he carefully slid off my heels, causing me to flinch. His touch became even softer as he felt my ankle with his fingers then moved it slowly.
It was obvious he tried not to hurt me. “I didn’t think someone like you could be gentle,” I whispered.
His eyes darted up to my face and I bit my lip at the intensity of his expression. “If the situation requires it, I can be careful.”
I had a feeling he wasn’t referring to treating my injuries. Heat shot into my face.
His thumb traced the bare skin of my calf and goosebumps rose all over my body. Swallowing, I averted my eyes from his.
“This should heal on its own. It’s only twisted.” He fell silent, regarding me in a way that made me feel too warm. He straightened without warning. “Sleep now. I’ll check on you tomorrow and tell Igor you can’t work tomorrow.”
Before I could fully register his words, he was gone.
Stunned, I lay back and then everything overwhelmed me. The attack. How Killer had beaten the man to death. The bargain.
I cried myself to sleep.
I spent the next day at home, wondering if Killer would stop by, half wishing he wouldn’t, half eager for his appearance. I was lonely. Not just since I’d come to Florida. Living in a golden cage like I did made it difficult to meet new people, much less men. Killer’s attention, no matter how immoral and terrifying, thrilled me.
A knock startled me out of my reverie. I limped toward the door, but before I could look through the peephole, Killer’s voice boomed. “It’s me.”
I unlocked the door and opened it. He towered over me, holding a bag with takeout. “Food.”
I backed away, making room for him. He slipped past me and put the bag down on the counter. Slowly I closed my door. His eyes took me in. It was exceedingly hot today so I was only in shorts and a tank top. Again his gaze sent a wave of heat through me. Suddenly shy, I cleared my throat and looked away. “Thanks.”
I limped toward him.
“You like Chinese?”
I nodded then jumped when he nudged my chin up. He registered my puffy eyes. “He’s dead. Not worth a single tear.”
Why was he being this considerate? This gentle? It made me crave more of it.
“Will you eat with me?”
Surprise flickered in his eyes. He wasn’t the only one who was surprised. He gave a sharp nod.
We settled on the sofa and I ate a few bites. He kept looking at me. “What’s your real name?” I blurted eventually when I couldn’t stand the silence anymore.
“Killer.”
“That’s not a name.”
“It’s the name given to me when I was groomed for the cages.”
“Like a caged animal,” I mused.
Something flashed in his dark eyes. Anger, maybe even a flicker of hurt.
“I know what it feels like to live in a cage.”
“Many strict rules in your world?”
I searched his face, wondering how much he knew about me. Did he know who I was? Who my cousin was? “Yeah.”
I allowed my eyes to take him in, his muscles and the harsh lines of his face. “I’ve been thinking about your offer…” I trailed off. Was I losing my mind? But did I really have any other option if I wanted revenge? He’d said he could be gentle if necessary. Would he be with me?
He narrowed his eyes. “My offer stands. I don’t barter.”
“I know,” I whispered, digging my nails into the sofa. “I…I accept.”
The second the wor
ds were out of my mouth, a wave of shame washed over me. I’d been brought up traditionally. Bartering my virginity away was the worst crime in my world.
Silence fell over us. Killer regarded me closely, a hint of triumph in his eyes.
He had won, but I would too, once he killed Pasquale for me.
He leaned closer and I held my breath, thinking he wasn’t going to waste any time, but he only let his gaze trail over my body, the hint of a smirk on his face. He touched my ribs, his thumb at the underside of my breast. I shivered. “Not today. Your ribs need to heal before I fuck you.” The smirk got wider. “I can’t wait, Little One.”
It made me furious how he used this pet name to taunt me, but I had accepted and I wouldn’t back out now.
After he left, I still sat motionless on the sofa, shocked that I’d really agreed to his offer. What had I done?
Three days later, my ribs weren’t as tender anymore. They still hurt when I put too much pressure on them, but I wanted to get the bargain over as soon as possible before I freaked out completely. I had considered returning to New York every second of the day, but my wish for revenge was too strong, stronger even than my pride.
If I was being honest, a flicker of curiosity played into my decision. I had always been shielded from male attention and once I returned home, I’d have to wait until my wedding night to be close to a man. Here in Florida I got a taste of freedom. Nobody would have to know what I’d done.
When I opened the door to Killer’s imposing form, trepidation overwhelmed me. In my silly dreams, I’d always imagined a loving, gentle first time. Looking at his hungry expression and scarred hands, I couldn’t hope for consideration. This was his payment and he’d take whatever he desired from me without a care for my emotions.
He closed the door, advancing on me, and I couldn’t stop myself from backing away. Suddenly, he was upon me, wrapping a strong arm around my waist and jerking me against his muscled body. His mouth pressed against my ear. “It’s too late to change your mind.”
“I haven’t,” I choked out, even as my brain wanted to scream yes.
His lips crashed down on mine, his tongue claiming my mouth without mercy. I gasped, completely overwhelmed by the sudden intimacy. He pressed me backward until my calves hit the bed and I fell down. Disoriented I only registered a heavy weight settling on me and for a moment panic settled in.
He cupped my cheek so I met his gaze. “How far have you gone?” His voice was low, drenched with startling desire.
I blinked, trying to get my bearings. My heart pounded wildly in my chest. “Gone?”
He smirked. “You’re a virgin, I got that. What have you done?”
“Nothing.”
He let out a dark laugh. “Right.”
“You gave me my first kiss,” I admitted. Maybe he didn’t know who I was after all. The rules of our society were known by our enemies.
He became still, his eyes searching mine. He pressed his mouth against my collarbone and chuckled darkly. I wasn’t sure what was so funny. I was about to ask him when he trailed his tongue over my skin down to the swell of my breast and I became still, like a doe hiding from a hunter. “Relax, Talia.”
His rough fingertips slid below my shirt, over my belly, pushing up my shirt. Before I could feel embarrassed, he’d removed my shirt and bra, and I was topless. My nipples hardened. Of course, he registered it and terrifying hunger twisted his face. I released a small breath, feeling my face burn fiercely. He took his time taking me in, then he lowered himself.
His rough palm cupped my breast, squeezing gently before he flicked his thumb over my nipple. I gasped, surprised by the flicker of pleasure. He smirked and kissed my mouth harshly. My tongue met his hesitantly, even as I felt him smile in triumph against me. He ripped away and sucked my nipple into his mouth, making me arch against his face.
“Ohh,” I pressed out. His teeth nicked me lightly, and I moaned in the most embarrassing way.
His palm slid down my belly and into my waistband. I tensed. This was going too fast. I wasn’t ready, but I couldn’t stop him, not if I wanted to uphold my part of the bargain. He licked my throat as his fingers slipped inside my panties. Holding my breath, I waited for him to plunge his fingers into me before he moved on to the actual deed. A moan left my lips when the pad of his thumb swiped my clit. He sucked my nipple into his mouth once more and kept up his torturous caress between my legs. His body was tight as a bowstring, his chest heaving as he obviously fought for control.
“I told you I’m going to be careful with you,” he growled.
I didn’t understand him. “Why?” I whispered.
He bit down lightly and I cried out in surprise. Instead of replying, he pushed up on his arms and moved down my body. He hooked his strong hands into my waistband and pulled both my panties and shorts down. Completely exposed, I trembled. He knelt over me, broad, muscular and dangerous, watching me like something he wanted to devour.
My eyes darted to the very prominent bulge in his pants. I swallowed.
“Not yet, Little One.”
He touched my knees and pushed my legs apart. Acute embarrassment cut through me as he regarded me and actually licked his lips. “What…what are you doing?” I asked, half-terrified, half-excited.
He stretched out between my legs, shoving my thighs farther apart with his strong shoulders. “Eat you out until you’re ready to take my cock.”
“I—” His tongue licked a hot trail from my back entrance to my clit. I arched, my fingers gripping onto his head, my eyes rolling back. What? He hummed and licked me as if I was an ice cream cone and he was a starving man. I wasn’t supposed to enjoy this. It was payment for Killer…but this…this…
My God. I let out an undignified moan when he sucked my clit into his mouth. I couldn’t keep the sounds in and he wasn’t trying to be quiet about what he was doing either. I’d never felt this out of control, as if Killer knew exactly what buttons to push. “Your pussy is so fucking sweet,” he growled. His voice and the firm flicks of his tongue sent a flood of pleasure through me. My back bowed as I gasped. My fingers scraped over his scalp, overwhelmed by the sensations.
Killer groaned against me but he didn’t stop. I dug my heels into the mattress, sure I’d lose my mind any moment if he kept up the torture. He pulled away, pressing a kiss against my inner thigh. His fingers brushed over my opening and I knew what was coming. He caught me by surprise when he bit the sensitive skin on my thigh the moment he breached me. I stiffened, my muscles clenching tightly around his fingers, my breathing coming in quick bursts. His own breath was harsh. “Fuck.”
He began to fuck me with his fingers, slowly, gently, until the twinge turned into a low hum of pleasure. When his mouth cupped my clit, my body exploded again.
I was still coming down from my high when Killer straightened and got out of his clothes, and then everything seemed to stand still as reality set in. This was it. I was going to lose my virginity to the enemy in exchange for his services. If someone found out, I’d be ruined. This dirty bargain could be the end of me.
Fear tightened my chest when Killer climbed on the bed. I’d never seen a naked man, much less one like Killer with scars, bulging muscles and an erection that was going to rip me in two. He braced himself on his arms over me and lined himself up. I flinched, from the expected pain, from the inevitable consequences, from my possible ruin.
Killer lowered his head until our lips brushed. “There’s no going back now, Talia.” He held my gaze as he pushed into me. I dug my nails into his shoulders, choking on a gasp. To my surprise, he lowered himself until our bodies were flush together and slowed even further. It felt like he was tearing me apart despite his slow pace. His muscles quivered with the effort to be gentle. The struggle shone on his face. He wanted to slam into me like a savage. I could see it plain as day in his eyes, so why wasn’t he?
When he was finally sheathed all the way inside of me, my eyes squeezed shut. My body struggled to accommodate
him. The pain was intense, and yet in a strange, disturbing way having Killer’s body on top of me, having him inside of me felt good. Exhilaratingly forbidden.
“Open your eyes. I want you to see who’s fucking you.”
I looked at Killer. His expression gleamed with triumph. He gripped my thigh and draped it over his muscular ass. I couldn’t look away from his fierce eyes as he began to move. He was slow and gentle, his chest heaving, his breathing low and harsh.
His movements grew faster and occasionally a flicker of pleasure lit up beneath the dark pain of his claiming, but it was gone before I could chase it. Soon Killer’s control was at its limits. I clung to him, trying to meet his thrusts, and finally his body tightened, his face flashing with unguarded pleasure.
It was an astonishing sight, as if for a brief moment Killer allowed me to glimpse behind the walls that he’d built around himself. I marveled at his brutally handsome face.
His eyes met mine, and the brief connection was gone.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Killer
Her pussy clamped around my cock and I let out a groan. Her plump lips were parted, her eyes hazy and her thighs tightened around my hips. Goddamn it, my dick was ready to go for a second round. She was so fucking tight, felt so fucking good.
A shudder rolled down my spine as her tight heat pulsed, practically begging me for more. I throbbed; my thick length still semi-hard but I knew it was best to give her some time to recover. After all, Talia had been a virgin. She was probably really sore and aching right now.
I rolled off her and sat down on the edge of the bed. Talia remained in the same position, looking completely spent, her body limp and she blinked up at me, almost sleepily. I could see her mind turning, trying to come to terms with this situation but she simply looked… a little lost and thoroughly fucked.
“If you keep looking at me like this, don’t blame me for turning you over and fucking you like I want.” The roughness in my voice surprised me.
Tales of Darkness & Sin: An Anthology Page 25