“Maître, please…I’m not saying no…just not now.”
“What scares you so much, esclave?” I pressed against her hole, loving the tight muscle, the blatant refusal to allow entry—so different to her pussy which beckoned with its wet, dark heat.
I’d never stop loving her taste or tightness, but I wanted this, too. A lot.
Gathering more of her damp desire, I swirled it around the puckered muscle digging fingernails into her hip when she tried to squirm away. “Tell me. In detail. And maybe I’ll accept your dare.”
Her head hung down, a curtain of blonde hiding her eyes. “I don’t know. It’s just foreign. Something I never thought I wanted. It’s not…sexy.”
Not fucking sexy? She obviously didn’t see what I did. Didn’t she know her shyness was a heady aphrodisiac? Knowing it was the one place no one else had gone. It drove me to breaking point.
I laughed, never stopping my stroking, dying to use force to break the seal of her body and take her anyway. “It’s not sexy? Fuck, esclave. Seeing you like this, wanting you that way…it’s the sexiest fucking thing I’ve ever seen.”
Lowering my head, I bit the feminine curve of her hip, sinking my teeth hard. Keeping her locked in my hold, I spread her cheeks and ran my tongue down her seam.
She jolted as I pressed harder with my finger, breaching her body with digit and tongue.
She reared upright, a moan echoing around the room. I slapped a hand between her shoulder blades pressing her back on the bed, keeping her ass high and open.
It was a good thing my cock was still in my pants because the ache between my eyes was excruciating. The need to fuck building. Foreplay was almost over. Hard and fast was quickly approaching, and I wanted it. I wanted to slam inside her and come like a volcano.
Tess’s face thrashed on the bed as I wiggled my finger a little deeper. A trail of wetness shone on her cheeks.
My mouth watered to lick her tears; her delicious salty sadness.
“Tell me how that feels.” I didn’t want to admit the chase turned me the fuck on. Knowing she was genuinely scared only made it more of a prize.
She shook her head, breathing hard. A hitch of tears broke her pant. “I don’t know. I don’t know.”
Thrusting my finger, I toyed with her ass, drawing yet more wetness from both her pussy and her eyes. As much as she denied it—it turned her on.
“I’ll help make up your mind.” Curving my back, I licked her again, dropping my mouth to latch onto her pussy. My cock felt as if I broke it in two, crushing it between my fucking legs.
Her cunt clenched as I pushed my tongue inside her.
Her face pressed against the mattress, hiding her tiny scream. “Dammit, Q. Damn you.” Her hips rocked back, surprising me as she forced my finger a fraction deeper.
I almost came.
Removing my finger, I slapped her ass.
She flinched. My eyes tightened at the red handprint painting her white cheek. I struck again, obsessed with turning her flawless skin into a riot of violence. I wanted to grant her pain. Endless pain. A dynasty of pain.
“How does that make you feel?” I growled, smacking her again. The whiskey took hold, speeding me toward a conclusion. I couldn’t drag it out any longer.
“Like I’m on fire. I’m burning for you, Q.”
I dropped my hand to slap her pussy.
Her legs tried to close, but I kept her on display. Her folds were swollen, wet, so fucking ready for me to fill. “And this. How does it make you feel?” I slapped her again, twisting her clit in punishment.
She arched, fighting my hold on her. “It makes me feel like a whore. Your whore. I want you so bad.”
My eyes snapped closed. If this woman didn’t own my soul already now she did. She was perfect. A miracle. Mine. Her body didn’t recoil from my merciless love. She allowed me the freedom I craved.
She’d given me so much. I couldn’t take from her what she still feared—no matter the turn on. “Four,” I growled, breathing rough and ragged. “Four cuts in return for giving you another night of freedom.”
She moaned loud as I hit her again—the hardest one yet. A five finger shape decorated her ass, stamping firm ownership on the woman I would marry in forty-eight hours. She may be my wife soon but she would always be my whore.
“Tell me where I can cut you, esclave.” I yanked her back, rubbing her pussy against my trouser-clad cock. “Tell me!” The scissors lay beside my knee, digging into me as I thrust against her.
“Anywhere!” Her face flushed, her lips baring her teeth. “Anywhere you want.”
Anywhere?
A slow smile spread my lips. “Où je veux…” Anywhere I want…
Tess nodded. “My legs, my breasts, my throat—it’s all yours to mark. Do it!”
She’d given me a smorgasbord of places to mark her. But I had a better idea.
Snatching the scissors from the bedspread, I scrambled off the mattress. Grabbing her ankle, I pulled her to the edge, loving how the material gathered upward, bunching around her waist.
Her eyes popped wide as I collected her in a bouquet of torn dress and netting. Arms around her waist, I carted her to the window.
Tess froze as I placed her on her feet in front of the curtain. “Q…” Understanding flashed across her face. “You wouldn’t—”
I gave her a harsh smile. “I warned you.” Tearing back the curtain, I welcomed in the night sky. Stars flickered then dulled as wisps of clouds drifted across the dark like graffiti spray. The clear night was a perfect backdrop to the twinkling lights of the street below. Passer-by’s linked arms, strolling in the chilly but romantic evening.
Only three stories. High enough to possibly avoid people watching or the perfect height for an exclusive glimpse.
“I would and I am,” I muttered. “I’m adding to my dare. You said I could cut you anywhere. I want to cut you right here, against the window, while I make you come and give the world a show.”
Swivelling her in place, I pushed her forward until her chest met the glass. Her hands came up, splaying on the cold surface. With unforgiving fingers, I tore the remaining bodice from her, fully exposing her heavy breasts.
She jumped as I cut off her bra and slammed her torso against the glass, forcing her nipples to meet the icy reflection.
Tess hissed as I forced her harder against the barrier—the only thing stopping us from falling three stories. A shiver ran down her spine.
Fitting my body behind her, I nuzzled her ear. “I think you want people to see. I think you want people to watch as I finger you, fuck you, make you scream.”
I dragged my hands over her sides to her hips, forcing her to accept a thrust as I looked directly into my own eyes.
The reflection of the lights behind us showed Tess flushed and glowing like a fucking goddess while I lurked in the shadows. Only my pale gaze was visible.
Stroking her quivering back, I cupped the back of her neck. Unable to help myself, I unsheathed my teeth, sinking into her shoulder.
Tess cried out, wiggling against the imprisonment of my body and the window. “Q—”
Grabbing one of her hands, I guided it to my stiff cock. “Free me, Tess. Then I’m going to take you so fucking hard.”
I groaned as her fingers immediately obeyed, ripping the zipper down, fumbling into the tight elastic of my boxer-briefs.
She had no fear. No terror. I’d cured her. I’d brought her back to life. I was making her live in that very moment.
The second her eager touch found my raging hardness, she shuddered, pressing her ass against me. “Take me. Give it to me,” she moaned. She sounded drunk, loose, horny. I’d never seen her look so pliant or erotic.
I groaned as she fisted me, pumping my cock hard and harsh. “Goddammit. You’re going to make me come before I’ve even climbed inside you.”
Dropping my hand, I gathered the bushels of material, exposing her just to me. I’d show the world her tits, but her pussy was mi
ne. Kicking her ankle to spread her legs, I shoved down my boxers and trousers to my quads, leaving me fully dressed in a torn gaping shirt, blazer, and trousers. My cock was free—that was all I needed.
I plunged my hand between Tess’s legs, clamping hard on my bottom lip when I discovered how drenched she was. My little whore was an exhibitionist. I couldn’t wait to fill her, to make her lose complete control in full view of the public.
Angling the tip of my cock, I found her entrance.
Tess stiffened. “No. Wait—”
I growled under my breath, rubbing the throbbing head of my cock through her folds. “If you’re having second thoughts too fucking bad, esclave. J'ai besoin de jouir en toi.” I need to come in you.
“I’m not saying no. Just—just hide my face.” She looked over her shoulder, locking eyes. “Please. That’s all I ask.”
I wanted to argue but rationality made its way into my sex-addled brain. She was soon to be the face of Feathers of Hope. What the fuck was I doing putting her in such a compromising position? I had to protect her identity.
“Shit, I’m an idiot.”
The netting of her dress dug into my naked hips; an idea sprang to mind. With the scissors, I cut the detailing off the dress.
Holding it up, I murmured, “This will stop them from seeing your face, but you’ll be able to see out.”
She nodded, sucking in a breath as I gently placed the black netting over her face, gathering the excess in my fist behind her head.
“Can you see?”
She nodded again.
“Anonymity,” I whispered. “Feel free to let go. Give them a show, Tess.” With one hand, I spread her dress, making sure both breasts were squashed firmly against the glass. Positioning myself at the delicious epicentre of heat, I bit her ear. “Scream for me.”
A cry tore from her lips as I drove up hard, fast, savage. She bumped hard against the window as her slick wetness welcomed me. I thrust upward, sheathing myself fully. Balls deep. Exactly where I belonged.
“Oh, God. Q. Yes.” Her fingers slipped on the glass, her hands growing sweaty with need.
My eyes fuzzed as her heat fisted around me, sending a ripple of pleasure down my legs.
The reflection bounced back to us—my eyes were dark and wild, my jaw tight and angry. No one could see me behind Tess but there would be no mistaking what was happening to her if they happened to look up.
Look up. See me ravishing this stunning creature. Be jealous.
I pulled the netting tighter across her face, using it as leverage to drive up again. She moaned, thrusting backward, meeting my cock.
The knowledge anyone could look up and watch filled my blood with fire. My belt jangled as I fucked her—I grew hot still fully dressed but I’d never been so sexually angry—so needful for a release.
She panted, loose and receiving against the window, her mouth parting with every pound. Her gathered dress protected her hipbones from slamming into the glass as I ruthlessly took her.
There was no finesse. No rhythm. It was a straight claiming. Fast and hard.
Fast and fucking hard.
The first spiral of pleasure erupted from my balls. I threw my head back, driving deeper. Tess would have bruises on top of bruises tomorrow. Her face contorted with pleasure-pain as I used her. But every single thrust, she met me. Every grunt she echoed.
Then someone looked up.
A stranger’s eyes locked onto Tess’s naked breasts, flat against the glass. I growled, pounding so hard her heels left the floor. She cried out, her fingers scrabbling for purchase.
“Oh, God. There’s someone. They’re—”
Another spiral of bliss shot up my spine. The man frowned, trying to work out what he saw, then took a shocked step when realization hit.
That’s right. I’m balls deep in this woman you can only fantasise about.
Something clicked in Tess and her need turned wild. Her pussy clenched around me, locking my teeth from the vicious orgasm building in my blood.
Fisting the scissors, I struggled to keep my eyes open from the overwhelming pleasure.
I made my first cut.
Right on her shoulder blade. A shallow, single line welled with black blood, infecting me with power and lust and need.
“Fuck, oh…” Tess cried. Her back arched but she didn’t twist the wound away.
“That’s it. Remember pain, mon coeur. Remember how fucking delicious it is.”
Another man stopped, gawking at Tess pressed hard against the window. He leaned to speak to the other voyeur who hadn’t taken his eyes off my wondrous woman.
I rode Tess like my orgasm rode me. Hard, brittle, existing in the taboo of intensity.
I didn’t have much time.
Four.
I have to finish before I blow.
The second cut was directly beside the first. A long slightly irregular line where a bead of blood rose but didn’t trickle. I didn’t taste, just let the blood glow with sin, intoxicating me more than any whiskey.
A couple stopped below.
Tess moaned loudly as they pointed upward, mouths hanging open. Her pussy rippled as I planted my feet further apart, pounding upward, chasing my final goal.
Holding the netting harder around her face, I gulped in air, driving harder and harder. Sweat ran down my temples; my heart jackhammered against my ribs, smashing them into dust.
“Q…yes. God, yes. Fuck.” The first band of Tess’s orgasm wrenched a groan from my lips.
“Don’t come. Wait,” I hissed between my teeth. The moment she started coming, I wouldn’t be able to hold back.
I cut her again, clenching my jaw against the unrelenting orgasm gripping my spine. Sparks and tingles and a pain so bright I could barely see held my body hostage.
Tess’s hand suddenly disappeared between her front and the glass. A rustle of silk as she dove into the fabric of her tattered dress, finding her clit. Her spine bowed as she stroked.
“Fuck me, Tess.” I wanted to be down there. I wanted to project my soul to the audience below and watch Tess finger herself to heaven.
I pressed the scissors against her shoulder but Tess let out a scream. Her entire body seized as an orgasm ripped her in two.
I never made the final cut as I fell forward, burying my head in her throat as I let go—allowing the magic to explode out of me and into her, spurt after spurt, mixing our bodies as well as our fucking souls.
Then a soft snick sounded in my ear, cutting my release into pieces. The heat in my blood turned to ice and snow and sleet. A blizzard whistled in my chest, stabbing me with icicles and sub-zero temperatures.
I had to stop. Danger. Stop!
But Tess continued coming, dragging me along with her.
“Fuuuck!” I collapsed forward, slamming a hand against the glass to stop from suffocating her. I. Couldn’t. Stop. My hips were demonic, delivering every drop of come I had to give. My fingers dug at the smooth reflection as the final wave drained my balls, stopping my heart with a horrible mixture of panic and relief.
A masculine chuckle entered the sex-hazed world Tess and I existed in, smashing it to smithereens, bringing death and destruction.
A slow clap sounded. “Well, that made me fucking hard, congratulations.”
Double motherfucking shit.
I should’ve stayed on high alert. I should’ve known something was wrong. I should never have let my guard down.
Tess froze. Not breathing. Not living. Shutting down completely.
Terror filled my limbs at the thought of losing her again. But I didn’t have time to worry. I had a murder to commit. Unclamping my fist from holding the netting around her face, I threw it away. Not once looking behind me.
Who the fuck were they? The man from the restaurant? Some other cocksucker who I’d suspected following us back to the hotel?
I knew what they wanted. I wasn’t naïve to know this wouldn’t happen. Hell, I’d been tense for weeks, just waiting for their move.
But planning for a future and facing it head on were two entirely different things.
Gritting my teeth, I pulled out from Tess. My body moved stiff, full of ferocious anger as I forced my still hard cock back into my trousers and buckled up. With infinite gentleness, I pulled Tess’s dress down and reached in front of her, bringing the ruined bodice together as much as possible to keep her hidden.
“Q? What’s going on?” Tess’s voice wobbled.
I kissed her temple. Spinning her around, I looked deep into her eyes. Is this the last time I’ll see her? I’d planned so much—just in case the worst happened. I’d signed my fortune to her—so I’d always know she had money. I’d wanted to marry her to give her the power of my name.
That might not be possible now.
Frederick was right—ever since I’d seen the first article on TV, I’d been fighting against time. Time needed to fix Tess. Time needed to fight her demons before I wasn’t able to anymore. Everything that’d happened to Tess was my fault and I’d wanted to undo my wrongs before it was too late.
The news saved my business but marked me for death.
Fuck, stop those pessimistic thoughts. I would bathe in blood before I let them kill me.
Brushing damp curls from Tess’s cheeks, I murmured, “Trust me. Everything will be okay.” It has to be. I wanted to die as an old married man after living a lifetime with my perfect other. Not here. Not today.
I refused. I fucking refused.
“Mercer!” Franco’s voice cut through my worry just before a fist collided with my cheekbone.
Pain. Hot spreading, throbbing pain.
Tess screamed as I fell to my knee. I shook my head, scattering the stars from taking over my vision.
Blind rage released an injection of adrenaline and I tore upward. My time may be up but it didn’t mean I would give in to the heinous bitch. I had a personal vendetta and fully intended to win.
Another punch landed on my jaw, sending me stumbling into Tess.
She yelled, “Don’t you fucking touch him!”
The ringing in my ears amplified as another man grabbed Tess by the hair, dragging her away. Hurling her to the floor, he kicked her.
I saw red.
I saw blood.