Chapter 47
Lily
Three months later.
Air burned my lungs as I raced through the crowded streets in my heels, dodging couples emerging from the packed Italian restaurant. No more guards. No more protection. In this moment, I was free. Unafraid of being hurt or alone. I’d come so far in the months that followed Saul’s death. I felt unstoppable when it came to my confidence, but that barely registered in my impatience to make inside.
I slowed enough to weave around a man exiting and broke into the entrance, nearly sliding on the tile floors as I came to a stop. Stands of hair fell from my bun and I reached up, trying to pat it back.
“Robert’s party, please.” My breathless request was greeted with a smile from the hostess. I followed while she began to lead me through the tables, toward the back. Work...I’d been so caught up in the details of closing this newest deal, I’d completely forgotten to check the time.
We stepped through a door and a table of women looked up. Zain sat in the corner with Slade, Blake, and Gaige. My brother and boyfriend both smiled as I gave an apologetic expression. They had an all too knowing look on their face and I couldn’t stop the guilt from making me rush forward. Mary stood from the table, her rounding stomach visible as the dress fell loose.
“I’m sorry I’m late. I tried to hurry.”
She laughed while I came around to sit beside her. “You’re only a few minutes late. It’s okay. We were keeping ourselves occupied with stories. Elle was just telling us about her adventures with Connor when he was a toddler.”
My smile grew as our eyes connected. Elle and I had become very close while working together at the foundation. Even Kaitlyn was present for the baby shower, although we were only just getting to know her. Our pain had brought us all together and it hadn’t taken long for Mary or Blake’s wife to want to help in any way they could. A chapter was being opened in Texas and we were determined to bring in more awareness in whatever way we could to what we all knew needed to be stopped.
“So, where do we begin?” I asked, grabbing a strawberry from the platter of fruit on middle of the table. “I’m dying to know if I’m having a niece or a nephew. The anticipation is killing me.”
Mary glanced over to Slade, but turned back to all of us. “I was told we had to play a few games before we cut the cake. Don’t worry, though, it’s been driving me crazy, too. Slade and I have had to wait a week already. I can’t believe we decided not to know until we saw the color inside of the cake. Whose idea was that again?”
“Mine,” Kaitlyn said, laughing. “And it’s a great thing to do. The torture will be well worth it when you learn what you’re having.”
“Agreed,” Elle said, standing. “So, let’s get started. I can’t wait to find out either.” She reached into a small bag and pulled out a clothespin, opening and closing it. “This, will be our first game. She grabbed what looked to be an old milk bottle from the table and walked over, setting it on the ground. “What you’re going to do is hold the clothespin against the middle of your stomach, like so,” she said, demonstrating. “And then, see if you can make it in the bottle. The one with the most wins a prize. Mary,” she said, gesturing, “you’re first.”
Slade laughed as Mary walked around, took a handful of clothespins, and began letting them drop. One bounced off the rim and she closed one eye, trying to aim.
I grabbed another slice of fruit and leaned over the table to see better. One by one, she let them fall and everyone cheered when she dropped the fourth one inside.
“Great job!” Elle took out the clothespins and we all waited as the other nine women went. When it became my turn, I couldn’t stop staring at Zain. The hunger in his eyes was undeniable. The last few weeks consisted of nothing but hello and goodbye as we both stayed extremely busy. But not by Slade’s choice. By mine.
Something happened to me the day I saw Saul’s stomach shredded. Zain’s brutality hadn’t scared me, but my curiosity regarding my brother’s concerns did. I’d been in denial for so long about what Zain really did, I’d shut myself off to the possibility that he’d possibly need that sort of lifestyle. I knew I could accept it if he did. It was just who he was, but not knowing for sure was what held me back. Was he done with the darker side of his life or was killing something he had to do? So far, he’d buried himself in work at Slade Industries, and deep down, I knew it was going to last. The more I saw him learn and grow from the corporate world, the more I believed he’d found his passion. His determination was quickly moving him up the ladder, but no faster than anyone else putting in just as much work. He fought for everything. Stayed the long hours right beside me, volunteered for assignments…he was quickly making a name for himself.
“Three! Good job, Lily.”
I laughed, glancing back up at my Master, who never broke his stare. It sent my heart thudding and my body burning for whatever he wished to do.
Elle pulled out a box and I tried to focus as the next game began, but I couldn’t stop taking quick looks over to the table where Zain sat. He was leaned back in the chair, his dark suit accentuating his light eyes. The intensity had me blinking and glancing up at Elle as she had me draw a number from the box she held. I glanced down, repeating it as she moved on to the next person.
I grabbed a glass of water, sitting before me and took a big drink. The coolness traveled all the way down my stomach and I shivered. More from the sensitivity within me than anything. Even when I wasn’t looking, I could feel my Master’s eyes on me. My hand came down, pulling at the black, knee-length dress and I paused, gripping at the hem. Flashbacks of Zain cornering me in the kitchen had me shifting in my chair as I remembered back.
“You’re avoiding me.” The top half of my body was pushed over the top of the counter from the flat of his palm. I had immediately moaned as his fingers traced up the back of my thigh, pushing under my dress until he teased over the lace covering my pussy. “You keep doing that, by the time I get my hands on you, you might come to regret it. Fuck, slave, I want you so bad.”
Talking through the hallway had cut our episode short, and that was four days ago.
“Is it almost time?” Mary glanced over at the cake and Elle handed Kaitlyn a length of string.
“Almost. Last game. Now,” Elle stretched out the length in her hand. “I’m going to walk around and everyone needs to cut the string where you think it’ll wrap around Mary’s stomach. The closest to the actual fit will win.”
I grabbed the scissors as she came to me first and stretched the string out, looking over at Mary and trying to imagine the perfect size. I moved closer in, seeing that she wasn’t that big. Not yet.
“There.” I smiled placing the rope on the table while everyone else had their turn. Squeals and heavy laughter had me feeling lighter. I watched while everyone came to wrap their piece around her. There were a few that came close, but when I moved in to check mine, my jaw dropped and I raised my eyebrows.
“Winner,” Elle said, handing me a baby rattle. “Great job, Lily.” She handed me a lighter. Would you like to do the honors? I think we’re all ready to see the big surprise.”
I took the lighter as Slade came over with Mary to stand beside me. The flame flickered and I watched the wax melt from the wick, sliding down toward the icing. My stare became trapped for the slightest moment as memories of Zain and I with the wax exploded in my mind. Just as I glanced up, he stood, coming forward. Slowly, I lifted, stepping back so my brother and Mary could take their place.
“Again,” Zain whispered, coming in behind me and pulling back against him. “Tonight.”
Swallowing was almost impossible as I nodded and stared ahead. Slade and Mary both lowered, blowing out the candle. Their hands connected over the knife and I smiled while they eased it down. Laughter shot out and Mary giggled as her excitement shone through. They drew the handle back and wedged the slice. Silence filled the room and Mary let go, letting Slade lift the piece.
Cheers erupted and my hand shot to my mouth as I laughed. “Pink!” More than one person yelled it and Mary began clapping as Slade’s eyes widened in shock.
“Congrats,” I said, stepping forward and throwing my arms around Mary and then my brother.
“Oh shit,” he breathed out. “We’re having a girl?”
“A girl,” I assured. My tone rose in pitch and I couldn’t withhold my excitement. “I’m going to have a niece!” I hugged him again and stepped back as Gaige slapped his shoulder, laughing. A million expressions crossed his face while I settled back against Zain. I watched, soaking it all in as my Master wrapped his arms around me from behind. The smell of his cologne brought me to a blissful state of mind and I couldn’t imagine the moment being anymore perfect. Aside from keeping things slow, the last three months had been heaven. I hadn’t had any more flashbacks. The foundation I volunteered at left me with a sense of purpose and each moment with Zain was full of passion and want. And it didn’t even have to do with the sex. The smallest gesture of his hand down my face as he smiled lovingly was enough. I knew my future was set with him. Our love was stronger than ever and it was time for me to let things play out without holding back.
Mary took turns hugging the girls that came up and Slade was beginning to have a smile on his face. I knew my brother. It would take time to sink in. He was afraid of having a girl from what he went through with Mary and me, but that little girl was going to have a wonderful father and she’d have Slade wrapped around her finger from the moment she was born. From the way he stretched out his hand to fit over Mary’s stomach as she conversed, maybe she already did.
“What a beautiful moment,” Zain said against my ear. “I’m so glad I get to be a part of all this.”
I turned in his arms, outstretching mine to fit around his neck. “Slade told you long ago that you were part of this family. Do you feel it?”
“More than you know.” Zain’s forehead came to rest against mine and I closed my eyes, savoring our moment.
“I miss you. Stay with me tonight, and not just for dinner. I want to show you something.”
My eyes fluttered open and I pulled back to meet his gaze. “Show me something?”
A smile pulled at the edge of his lips. “If you think you can handle it.”
Immediately, my fingers clutched his suit jacket. Arousal swept through me and I felt myself get wet.
“Anything for you. I mean that.” I studied the way his eyes narrowed. “Anything. I can handle it.”
“I know.” He turned me around before we could say any more. His arm went back around my chest and his face lowered next to mine as we watched everyone celebrate. With all the cheers and conversation happening, I barely heard a thing. All I could see and hear was what my imagination was supplying me with. Hot, passionate,
dark
fantasies. Ones I hoped came to life tonight.
Chapter 48
Zain
Shadows followed Lily and me along the brick building as we turned from the restaurant and faced the alleyway that led to the parking lot. She paused and slowed in her steps, glancing back at me as I came to a stop. My hands went into my pockets and I motioned my head, not saying a word. She looked back at the darkness and slowly advanced forward, alone. A smile pulled at my lips and I watched her disappear from view.
Leather was smooth against my fingertips as I pulled out the gloves and slid them on. I cut to the side, closest along the wall. It took a few seconds for her to come into focus, but she stayed in the middle, holding her arms as she walked faster toward the dim light that rested further ahead.
I kept my footsteps quiet and my breathing light as I advanced. Something rattled to her left and she jumped, moving even faster. The thin rope sitting in my inside pocket called to me and I came up closer on her side, knowing she wouldn’t be expecting what I had planned. My gloved hand clamped over her mouth while my arm hooked around her waist, pulling her ass back to press against my hard cock. A muffled cry was followed by a moan as her surprise turned into lust. I grinded hard against her, lowering to breathe against her ear.
“Tonight, you’re going to be tested more than you ever have. Keep that safeword ready because you just might need it.”
My hand lowered and I fingered the material of her dress that rested just where her thighs connected. Heavy breaths left her nose and I pushed between her legs, bringing the length of my fingers to rub the distance of her slit. Harder, I pushed, applying more pressure to her clit as I turned to cup her pussy.
“You don’t know badly I’ve missed touching you.” I moved up, dipping past the lining of her panties. Moans vibrated my hand and I lowered the top part of my body more into her back, having her bend over. My finger plunged inside of her entrance and the slickness from her juices was so abundant, I heard myself moan along with her. Tightness hugged my gloved finger and I added another, letting her stretch around me as I teased her channel. “You like this, baby girl?”
A swift nod of her head had me thrusting faster. Her hand flew up to my arm that covered her mouth and she clung to me as I pounded into her.
“This is just the beginning.”
Continuous sounds grew louder until she was spasming beneath me. My teeth sank into her shoulder with enough pressure to cause her to jerk. “I don’t think I gave you permission to come, slave. You’re going to have to pay for that.” I withdrew my fingers, twisted her panties in my fist, and jerked to the side. The lining broke free and I did the other side, pulling them off and stuffing them in my pocket.
Silk slid between my concealed fingers and I pulled out the two pieces I had brought with me. I dropped my hand from her mouth and stood long enough to bring it around her face.
“Open.”
The pause was followed by her lips separating. I pushed the silk through and tied the length behind her head.
“Close your eyes. We’re going for a little ride.”
Lily tried to say something, but failed with the gag. I didn’t wait. I placed the other piece over her eyes and fastened it.
“I’m going to pick you up. Stay quiet and don’t move.” I swept her into my arms and walked swiftly toward the car. Lily’s weight curled into me and my pulse spiked at how trusting she was. Nervousness surfaced and I tried to push it away. I knew she was okay now, but I had never gone as far as I was about to. And that wasn’t even my biggest concern of the night. She might be able to take my dark side, but would she want everything I had to give when she learned what we’d all conspired while she was busy working?
I reached into my pocket, pulling out the keys. As I approached, I scanned the area, making sure no one was watching. I placed Lily down next to the passenger side door. The moment I opened it, I pulled out the rope and crouched down. The black stockings drew me in and I pressed my lips just above her knee. Once I started, I couldn’t dare break myself away without getting to taste her first. My gloved hands pushed under the sides of her dress, lifting the fabric up as I advanced toward her bare pussy. The shaking of her body didn’t stop her from spreading her legs for me.
“Good girl,” I whispered, swirling my tongue over the skin just above the lace lining. Juices met my tongue the higher I went and I nearly growled at how my control was slipping. In that moment, I knew nothing but my slave. Her taste was an addiction of its own and it fed my need for her with each stroke of my tongue. I used the tip to separate her folds and my fingers gripped the outside of her thighs tightly. I couldn’t help but suck her into my mouth. I was desperate for as much of her as I could get. If I missed any of her essence, I’d become a lost man. It had been too fucking long, but here wasn’t the place. I wanted her home. To our home. Lilian had no idea and I couldn’t wait to surprise her.
“You’re in so much trouble, baby. God dammit.” I pulled down her dress and unknotted the rope, looping it around her legs. When I finished, I rose, grasping her wrists and doing the same. When she was secured, I placed her in the seat and buckled her in.
Lilian’s scent was all I could smell as I climbed in. It was taunting me to take her right there and now. With her defenseless in my ropes, I couldn’t remember wanting anything so much. My eyes closed and I couldn’t help myself. I reached under my seat and grabbed my knife. The flick of my wrist had Lily’s head turning toward me, but knowing she couldn’t see what was coming drove me on even more.
“Don’t. Move.”
I licked my lips, lowering the tip of the blade to snag at her stockings. The material gave way and a sound left her. It had my eyes lifting for the briefest moment, but I couldn’t resist lowering back to what I was doing. The higher I got, the faster she breathed. My cock ached at the restraint of my pants and I groaned, lifting the hem of her dress. The sharpness caused the thick cotton to split and I kept moving higher until a good three inches exposed what I wanted to see.
“Jesus…fuck.” I made circles over her skin with the tip and she moaned loudly as I went to the other leg. The stocking there snagged and I pulled upward, bringing the material further from her limb. The small hole tore and I brought the edge up. I shut the knife and returned it, reaching for the stocking and shredding it with my hands. As I kneaded the skin just above her knee, my eyes went back to her pussy. Dammit, I couldn’t wait to return to taste what was about to truly belong to me. My hand came out and I angled her more toward me. She didn’t move as I started the car and pulled out of the parking lot. Focusing on traffic was almost impossible. Red lights had me forgetting to check when it turned to green. The way the city lights played across her face was hypnotizing. I was a gone man. A man in love so deep, he was drowning in the sensation.
I exited the freeway, turning into an upscale suburban neighborhood. My heart hammered in my chest while I took in the two story homes. It had taken me weeks to find the perfect place. Not just one I could bring my future wife to, but a home where I could raise a family. When I found this one, I just knew. Just like I had known Lily was the one for me from the beginning. The voice inside said Lily would adore it and for a large house, it spoke of a place we could grow into. One with new beginnings. One built on love and memories.
I hit the garage door open and pulled inside, closing it behind me. My BMW I’d kept hidden away was parked next to us and I turned off the car, walking around and lifting her out. When I opened the door and walked us inside, the smell of lavender had me smiling. It smelled like Lily, one of the first memories I had of her. Even then, the small trace left an unforgettable impression. My hand reached up and I flipped on the light, lowering her to the ground.
“I’m going to take this off now.” I removed the gag and edged my fingers under the silk covering her eyes, pushing up. Lily squinted and blinked a few times before she began to scan the open kitchen and living room area.
“It’s beautiful. Where are we?” she asked, lowly.
I smiled. “Home. Our home. It’s time.”
Her eyes widened and her lips separated as her head spun back to take in the surroundings. “Ours?”
“If you want it.” I lowered, untying the rope at her feet. As I removed her heels, she stepped down, only to kneel, becoming level with me. Her head bowed and she leaned forward, resting her head against my chest. Her fingers pulled at my jacket, brining me in closer.
“I want it. I would…love to live here with you.”
I took off the gloves and cupped her face, making her look at me. “Good, because I’ve already had your stuff moved in. Slade helped, of course.”
A broken sob had her turning more into me and I drew her face toward mine, letting our lips connect and massage into each other’s until I couldn’t stop the hunger from breaking through the tenderness. “From here on out, it’s me and you, baby girl. Our life begins now. Whatever we want. First, I think there’s something we need to get out of the way.”
Gray eyes rose to mine. “Yes,” she whispered. “I’m ready. Show me
everything
.”