He
cupped my jaw, flicking a finger over my pulsing nipple. Quickly, I locked my knees, preventing them from buckling and waiting for the next stroke that never came. He covered my lips with his, nipping them hard. Forgetting the rules of engagement, I leaned in, kissing him back with equal fever. He retreated and waited. I stilled. He nipped my lips again. I remained motionless, submitting to him.
I
almost smiled when I was rewarded with a raw, rough kiss. His hand cupped my mound and I shamelessly pressed into his fingers. The taste of submission was intoxicating. I needed this—craved it. Just like that, I wanted to follow, contradicting everything that I knew about myself. I was a leader. I told men what I wanted in bed and they followed. Now the power had shifted to Knox—almost too easily. Panic rose. My pulse raced as my heart pounded with anxiety. I was lost, a feeling I didn’t like. I closed my eyes, panting, trying to regain my composure, when he eased one, then two fingers inside my nether lips.
Fear
bloomed again. I was close to using the safe word when the calmness of a voice echoed in my head—
Take this, Storm. Grab on to this with both hands. The worse that could happen is that you learn something about yourself
. My eyes snapped open as he withdrew his fingers, pressing down on my arms.
“On
your knees, now,” he demanded.
My
stomach clinched. Afraid to breathe. To move. I knew once I did, I would be his—forever.
He
inspected me coolly like I was his property. “Submit, Storm.” His brow arched. “Down, Storm. I’m about to ruin my pants.”
I
began to sink. By the time I made it to the floor in front of him, I was determined to show him my prowess. I unbuckled his belt, unzipped his pants, and licked my lips. He wasn’t wearing any underwear. I gulped nervously. His long, thick manhood was larger than anticipated. The dark head glistened with moisture. Leaning forward, I wrapped my lips around it, swirling the salty moisture from the tip and sucking hard. Taking his length with both hands, I fed him into my throat, taking all of him greedily.
Knox
groaned. “That's it, Storm.” He moved his manhood in and out of my mouth in perfect rhythm. I stretched my lips around him, pulling him closer, cupping his testicles and rolling my fingers over the tight sac. His fingers tangled in my thick hair, holding my head still for his deep thrusts.
The
sound of his harsh breathing surrounded me. “Swallow it all, Storm,” he growled before filling my throat. I gulped until he softened in my mouth and then pulled away. He tucked himself back into his pants before pulling me to my feet. “Do you need to come, Storm?”
I
wanted to shake my head no, but I shamefully couldn't. I wanted him too bad.
He
looked every bit of a dominant male with his hands on his hips. “Get on the bed.”
My
mind rebelled against the command in his voice. I moved slowly but found myself lying on my back with him standing between my legs. There was a simple diabolical look in his eyes when he said, “Assume the position.”
Rubbing
my thighs together, my sex tingled from the friction. “What?” I looked down at his manhood that was erect again.
“Knees
to your chest and spread them wide.”
My
breath caught in my throat at his demand. “I'm not doing that, Knox.”
“You
will obey, Storm, if you want all of the good things I have in store for you.” He smiled. “Knees to your chest. Wide.”
Sighing
heavily, I lifted my knees to my chest, spreading them wide. Panting, feeling more vulnerable than I ever felt in my life. Slowly, I started to close them.
“Open
those legs. Close them again and I'll keep you aroused all night.”
Shit,
I would never survive the night like this. I opened my legs slowly. “Okay, I'll keep them open.”
He
kneeled on the bed, running a finger from my inner thigh to my vagina. “Darling, it looks like you need something.” He traced a finger over the wet folds. “You look all swollen.”
My
mind was foggy, fighting the urge to lay myself at his feet. “Knox, I don't like this.” Who was I kidding? His slightest touch made me want to come. My mind was begging to submit to him, to give up control. This was dangerous, opening up a part of me that would leave me feeling bare and raw. Leaving me open to a curse that would cause more harm than good. I felt the part of my soul that had been sealed for years cracking open, and it was frightening.
My
mind started rebelling. “Just fuck me, Knox. Let's be done with this.”
His
eyes glittered with fury. “You don't give orders. I do. One more word and I'll leave you so aroused you won't be able to sleep.” He shed his pants and shoes and just stared. The thought of his tongue on me made me tingle with anticipation. He leaned his head in, driving his tongue into me. His warm breath blew over my sensitive bud. Then he took me between his firm lips, caressing my clit with long, sensuous swipes. He threw me over the cliff with such a vicious push that I panted as my clit clenched tightly. A slamming release shook me to my very core.
“Are
you protected?” he asked.
I
nodded—in more ways than one. He was human. There was no way in hell I could conceive with anyone but an Other who had mate-claimed me. His weight pressed down on me. And with no mercy, he drove into me. His thick erection stretched me. My body clamped down on him deliciously. His thrusts went from tortuously slow to fast, thrusting into me with an intensity that drove me over the edge and, with one big spasm, shattered me into oblivion.
My
eyes snapped open when, in one swift motion, Knox pressed me into the mattress with his lean, muscular frame. I didn't have time to speak before he brushed his lips tenderly across mine.
“No
time for regrets, Storm.”
Tears
sprang to my eyes as he took my mouth so gently and thoroughly that I was rendered speechless. Lifting his head, he just stared before brushing my hair from my forehead. “You are too beautiful for words. Damn, I love that well-fucked look on you.”
My
heart pounded. This was not good. He cracked open a part of me I was uncomfortable feeling. A part of me that wished I could spend a lifetime in his arms, protected, happy, and loved. This sappy shit had to stop. There was no way in hell I was going to do this.
“Look
, Knox. I'm an escort who just violated all types of Credence O. rules.” I paused, licking my lips and tasting him all over them. Swallowing hard, I pressed on. “Last night was good…”
He
arched a brow mockingly.
I
scowled. “Okay… it was fucking great. You uber Dom. You rocked my fucking world. But this can't go further than fling status. We are just too… different.” There, I said it. Now he would get angry, put on his clothes, and walk away. Problem would be solved. But his reaction was quite the opposite. He quickly rolled me, pulling me over to straddle him. My pulse raced as I stared down into his sea-green eyes with my damn betraying body molding against him, craving more.
“Let's
get one thing straight. You belong to me,” he stated flatly.
My
mouth opened with shock. “Fuck you, Knox. I don't belong to anyone. This. Is. A. Fling!”
His
eyes narrowed as if this were the first time he was really seeing me. “I scare the shit out of you,” he stated flatly. “Why?”
I
closed my eyes, swallowing over the emotions bubbling to the surface. “You don't know me, Knox, so don't pretend you do. My life is… complicated. Too complicated. Besides, where do you think this thing between us will go?” I paused, shoving my emotions down brutally. I was doing this for him. Cutting him off now was for the best. “I live in New York. You live…” I gestured wildly. “I don't know… everywhere but here. You're on the road all the time and I need stability. Someone who will be here for me. You're not that man.” I held my breath, waiting for him to roll me over, leaving me cold and safe from drowning deeper into an emotional abyss.
“That's
bullshit and you know it. You belong to me. That is a fact.”
He
was just too thickheaded to get what I was doing—saving him from me. I pounded on his chest. “Fuck you, Knox! I'm not property. I don't belong to you or anyone.”
“I
see right through you, Storm.” He slapped my ass hard before running his hands over the globes, softly soothing the sting. “This time, trying to push me away is not going to work,” he stated calmly before rolling me over onto my side and moving off the bed. “I'm going to run a bath. Stay here.” His voice was cold as steel with eyes warning me not to move.
I
just lay there, paralyzed, focused on his muscular butt and wide shoulders. My eyes trailing to the large, silvery grey wolf tattoo with eerie green eyes that looked like it was daring me to move. As soon as he disappeared into the bathroom, I scrambled off the bed, making a beeline for my gown and frantically snatching it up. I was so out of here. If he didn't believe in self-preservation, then I did. He was just too fucking stupid to realize I was doing this for him… A voice mocked me immediately.
No, Storm. You're doing this for you. You're a damn coward
.
Ignoring
the voice, I grabbed my stilettos and cell. I didn't know how the hell I was going to get back home, but I was prepared to walk if necessary.
Knox
suddenly appeared in the doorway, still naked and looking like some well-chiseled, tattooed Greek god. “Going somewhere?”
Shit!
Looking at him with more bravado than I actually felt, I said, “I'm going home.” I licked my dry lips. “I have work to do.” My voice cracked.
“Not
yet. I'm not done with you. I cleared my schedule to spend the entire morning with you. I have plans—wicked plans.”
I
jumped nervously, trying to figure out if I could make it past him without being caught. His eyes narrowed before he crossed the room. Snatching the stuff from my hands, he threw it onto the floor.
Like
some freak, my sex pulsed as I barely held myself back from kneeling at his feet, begging him to take me. “Stop being such an ass.” My breath caught when he grabbed my arms, pulling them behind my back, forcing my body against him. He caught my head, tangling his fingers in my hair and angling my mouth, leaning down to kiss me. My mouth dropped open and his tongue thrusted in. “Stay with me, Storm,” he whispered against my lips.
My
lids drooped. God help me, but I was willing to give him anything. To hell with this. I was in control here. I wasn't some fickle college girl. I was a grown woman who enjoyed sex. And frankly, sex with Knox was as good as it ever got. I broke the kiss.
“I'll
stay as long as we can experiment. I think I got the hang of this D/s thing.” I ran my hand across his tight butt. “How about letting me top you?” My lids lowered as I imagined all of the naughty things I'd make him do.
He
snorted. “No!”
I
ran my tongue across his lips seductively. He nipped it so hard I pulled back. “Shit! Ouch!” I cupped his tight sac. On to sensual persuasion tactic number two. “Why? I know how it works. Spanking, exposure, degradation, licking my clit… come on, baby—let me give you a well-deserved submissive experience.” I batted my eyes prettily.
“Not
going to happen. I don't bottom.”
I
ran my fingers over his manhood.
He
growled low. “You give good head, but not even that can persuade me.”
“Mmmm,
well then.” I sat on the bed, crossing my legs. “If you don't want to compromise, I'll just take a nap.” I leaned back on my elbows and waited. In a flash, I found myself swinging through the air and being slung across his shoulder caveman style. “What are you doing?” I wasn't one of those thin women, but he carried me like I was light as a feather. “Put me down.”
He
slapped my ass hard, shutting me up. “Quiet, woman. The water’s getting cold.” He rubbed the globes of my ass softly as he walked across the room and into the gorgeous Italian marble bathroom with a double vanity, a deep soaking tub, and a separate shower without breaking a sweat.
“How
did I not remember how pushy you are?” I asked with a smile on my face.
He
laughed in that husky way that sent chills down my spine. “Because you were too busy trying to run away from the inevitable.” He eased me into the lavender-scented hot water and then settled behind me.
I
sighed with pleasure. The combination of the heavenly scent and the way my body molded against him filled me with way too much satisfaction. Closing my eyes, I just relaxed, stopping the barrage of reasons why this wasn't a good idea. He cupped my full breasts, squeezing them gently.
His
manhood rose, pressing deliciously against my back. He grabbed a handful of my hair, twisting my head to meet his lips. Roughly, he thrust his tongue into my mouth, taking what he wanted. Our tongues tangled. Dueled. Retreated. I moaned, not caring that at this moment in time, I would refuse him nothing. He reached forward, hooking my legs over his knees, stretching them wide.
“Horny?”
“Yes,” I admitted. There was no sense in lying. I wanted him and there was no damn shame in that. Settling into his embrace, his arms wrapped around me as he buried his face into my neck, nipping it softly. Shivering, I knew that despite my best intentions, one night with him would never be enough. Double damn.
* * *
What is that annoying ringing?
Forcing a droopy eye open, I raised my head from the pillow and then put it back down. I was deliciously tired. My body was recovering from being thoroughly taken in the bath, then several more times when we got out. Knox was insatiable, with extraordinary stamina for a human. And I loved every bit of it.
I
rolled over onto the other side of the bed. It was still warm from Knox's body. Flipping over onto my stomach and pressing my nose into the pillow, I inhaled his lingering scent.
Damn, I got it bad.
The last thing I remembered was him kissing me before saying he had to go to concert dress rehearsal and would be back to take me out to dinner before we went to Ryker's charity fantasy ball.
I
closed my eyes, ready to go back to sleep, when someone pounded on the door.
“Go
away,” I mumbled before the door swung open with Light standing in the doorway looking frazzled.
“Damn,
I'm so jealous. You look well-fucked,” she said before swaying forward on wobbly legs.
Damn.
She had been drinking. “You're drunk already?”
She
snorted. “I'm entitled to get a little drunk. I have a wolf-shifter sniffing around me like a lost puppy and an Alpha who's one step away from choking me to death. It's confusing at best.”
My
eyes narrowed. “And?”
“And
you better put on your clothes because shit just hit the fan.”
With
a start, I sat up. “What happened?”
“Well
, if you answered your damn cell, you’d know.” She plopped down into the chair. “That call that you didn't answer was the security company saying the alarm was tripped at the office.”
“Holy
shit!” I scrambled off the bed, looking around the room frantically. “I can't find my dress.”
Light
pointed over to the dressing table. “Knox left clothes for you over there.”
Running
over to the table, I snatched up the dark jeans, putting them on quickly. Then I pulled on the black tank top that was body-hugging tight. If I wasn't so anxious, I’d kill him. He dressed me like some rocker chick. Annoyed, I picked up my stilettos, putting them on.
“Do
we have a ride back?” I asked.
“Yep,
pain-in-the-ass Ryker has a car downstairs ready to take us back.”
“Pain
-in-the-ass?” I asked, hustling out of the suite.
“Ugh,
just don't ask. Hate doesn't begin to express what I feel for him.”
We
ran out of the mansion and into the waiting SUV. Speeding through the traffic, all I could think of was how shit just went from bad to worse. A sense of dark foreboding weighed on me. Things got even worse when we spotted the crowd gathered on the sidewalk. I didn't even let the SUV fully stop before jumping out in sheer panic.
A
short, heavy man walked up to me, extending his hand. “Ms. Credence?”
I
looked at the sloppily dressed man impatiently. “Yes? What happened? Was anything stolen?” I asked sharply.
The
man looked at me curiously. “I have some questions to ask. First—”
I
looked at him dismissively. There was no time to stand around. I took the stairs, two at a time, rushing through the front door, passing through the foyer of the house. I skirted to a stop when I saw the office crawling with uniformed and plain-clothes police officers. I jumped when the annoying man from outside walked up beside me, wheezing like he was about to pass out.
My
heart pounded at the sight of the wide-open double doors to our custom-designed luxury estate safe. My pulse raced as I took visual inventory of the gold, cash, jewelry, and coins left by the thief. I stuck my hands in my pockets to keep them from trembling when I realized the real valuables were all gone—every single document that we had on our clients and escorts.
Light
looked at me with shock before letting her face blank out. My mind raced as I looked around the office. All of our very expensive laptops were still where we left them. The information on them was encrypted, but it wouldn't take a sophisticated thief long to decrypt it. And without a doubt, this thief was very sophisticated. To have the skills needed to break into the complicated house security system, along with bypassing the biometric lock on the safe door, spoke volumes of the thief's ingenuity.
I
was startled by the bizarre man's voice when he said, “Strangely, the thief left all of the valuables.” He looked at me with icy brown eyes. “So it begs the question, why would someone break into a safe and leave valuables?”
I
tapped my foot impatiently. “I'm sorry. Who are you again?”
“Detective
Burrows. I called you yesterday about your murdered employee.”
“She
had a name… Celina,” Light responded crossly.
“Yeah
… right… Celina,” Detective Burrows said before looking at me sarcastically. “So tell me, Ms. Credence, what exactly did they take?”