He bit back the urge to laugh. God, she was perfect. A combination of innocence and stubbornness, new to this world that had begun to seem jaded. Perhaps, he'd been with too many experienced subs, not allowing himself to experience the joy of initiating a newbie.
"Yes, Scarlett. Don't disappoint me."
He turned his back on her and walked to the bureau, taking out a bullet sized vibrator that was basic but emanated some decent power. He moved slow, making sure she saw exactly what he was about to do so she had plenty of time to prepare herself. Kneeling in front of her, he set the toy to the lowest vibration and slipped it inside her still pulsing channel. She jerked a bit as he slid past her clit, then settled as the humming vibrator slid home. Leo knew it would keep her body on alert, poised perfectly at the edge. Her face scrunched up as she seemed to get her mind ready for the battle ahead. Poor little subbie. She had no idea what was about to come.
"Comfortable?"
"Yes, Sir."
"Good. Now, let's see how you'll look with a little dressing, shall we?"
A small frown settled on her brow. He moved back to the drawer and pulled out a set of nipple clamps with red jewels attached. Definitely rubies to match those deep red lips. Leo noticed her eyes had widened when he returned, as she began to understand the game rules had been upped. He pressed a kiss to her swollen, damp lips, then lowered to suck on her nipple.
Already sensitive from his previous play, they stiffened further, allowing him to easily slide on the clamp. He notched it a few cranks for discomfort but not actual pain. He addressed the other nipple, then stood back to admire his handiwork.
Caught in his chains, the rubies dripping from her nipples glittered in the light. Her hips rolled unconsciously in time to the vibrations inside, trying to fight the normal impulse to chase her orgasm.
"You are perfect," he declared. "My gorgeous fuck-toy, ready to please me. It's time for me to play. Remember, Scarlett, you have one job. Do not come."
"Y-y-yes, Sir."
He began round two slow and easy, biting down her neck, tugging gently on the rubies so she jerked with sensation, gripping her full hips and digging his fingernails in with bruising force. She responded to every touch like she was made for his hands, her determined will to fight the pleasure at the same time she embraced it, her mind and body on a beautiful collision course he directed. Covering every inch, he sucked and licked and bit, until she trembled violently in his arms, little cries escaping her lips as she tried to hold on.
By the time he dropped to his knees, she was hanging on the edge. He moved the vibrator inside her faster, ramping up to the next level, and began to tongue her clit, circling the sensitive bud with light licks meant to tease and torture. A helpless plea ripped through the air and with a shudder, she began to fall apart.
He backed off just in time, removing his tongue from her clit and stopping the vibrator. She panted. A tiny frown of concentration creased her brows, along with an expression of frustration and relief.
Damn, she was fun to play with.
He began the whole process again. And again.
When her legs began to shake and her head tossed back and forth in agony, Leo decided it was time for her to fail. He ramped up the vibrator and closed his lips around her hard clit.
"Sir! Oh, please, I can't--"
"You can. I want you to hold on."
"Oh, God!"
He moved the vibrator faster, licked faster, and tugged hard on her right nipple clamp.
A violent scream blasted from her lips, and her body gave up and gave in, convulsing with the strength of her orgasm. He bit her clit, pumping the vibrator with ferocity, and she caught another one, jerking in the chains with the power of her release. When he'd pushed her all the way, he slowly eased the vibrator out of her soaking pussy. He rolled to his feet and studied the woman before him.
Her skin was flushed and damp with sweat. She hung limp as a ragdoll, caught in his chains, the rubies gleaming from her stiff nipples. Still hidden partly behind her mask, inky dark eyes glazed with pleasure, a small, soft smile on her lips.
"Scarlett? What did you do?" he asked, curious to see if she'd panic or was too far gone with her release to care yet.
She blinked. Roused to stare at him for a while, looking as if she searched for words that made sense. "Ooops. I did it again, Sir. I'm so sorry."
He shook his head, but couldn't help his lips from twitching. He enjoyed twisting punishment to serve his purposes, especially when giving her multiple orgasms was the most fun he'd had in months. "I'll have to find another way to punish you."
"I think so, Sir."
With his dick aching for relief, he pushed his own need aside and gave into his desire to comfort. He put the vibrator on the table for cleaning, grabbed a bottle of water, then released her bonds, rubbing her wrists and ankles until the blood began to flow back. Gathering her against his chest, he lifted her up and carried her over to the bed. She embraced him with a naturalness that made his throat tighten and a strange need churn his gut. She fit perfectly in his hold, her skin warm and damp, her head tucked under his chin, arms wrapped tight around him. Leo tugged the covers over her for warmth.
A small sigh of contentment drifted to his ears. He smiled, stroking her tangled hair back from her face, rocking her gently against him. "How do you feel, little one?"
"So, good, Sir. But sorry I disobeyed you."
He chuckled. "We'll need to work on your self-control."
"I'll do better next time, Sir."
The words hit him like a sucker punch. He wanted a next time. Did she? Could this be more than a one night between strangers? Yes, he was heading to Vegas, but maybe he could find a way to make this work if she was willing. He tucked the knowledge away, figuring later he'd broach the subject and probe a bit more.
Right now, the evening wasn't over.
"Drink some water," he commanded, unfastening the top and handing her the bottle. She drank half the bottle and he set it on the nightstand. She snuggled back into his arms sleepily, and amusement cut through him. Time to go back into Dom mode. "Are you ready, little one?"
Her breathy little sigh made his dick twitch. "Hmmm?"
"I want you to flip onto your stomach and lay yourself over my knee. It's time for your spanking. I'm going to make sure you never forget to properly address your Dom again."
She sprung up from his lap, drowsiness gone. He studied the color in her cheeks and allowed a small smile to rest on his lips.
"Sir. I still have the nipple clamps on."
His smile widened. "Yes, you do. Now, flip over and show me your sweet ass, Scarlett. Don't make me ask again."
One second passed. Another. He spotted the moment she embraced the power of surrender; the intoxication of being told exactly what to do. Within those magnificent eyes lay a fierce excitement and need to please that fed his inner hunger and need for dominance. The beauty of the puzzle pieces sliding together into a perfect fit humbled him--black and white; dark and light; pain and pleasure; Dom and Submissive.
He savored all of it and waited for the final assent.
Her gaze lowered. "Yes, Sir."
Slowly, she wriggled herself around, lay carefully over his lap, and waited.
Chapter Four
SCARLETT TRIED NOT TO SHIFT but her entire body throbbed. Arms and legs dangling awkwardly, she gripped at Leo's calves for balance, toes barely touching the floor. He adjusted her over his lap, his big hands rubbing her ass in soothing strokes. Her skin tingled in sharp anticipation, sensing this spanking would be nothing like the flogger.
Already, it was horribly intimate.
Before, she'd been restrained facing a wall, and the flogger had felt a bit impersonal. She'd enjoyed the wicked flick of pain dancing on her skin, but once again, her mind pushed out any good sensation, until she was tortured about what she looked like.
The memory made her cheeks hot. Did her ass look huge to him right now? Were her hips too wide and f
leshy? Was her stomach--
Whack.
She jerked at the sting on her backside, and the quick lava flow of heat in her blood. The nipple clamps swung and delivered a firm pinch.
"I will not allow you to judge this beautiful body that belongs to me." His hands rubbed hard, squeezing the sensitive spot he'd just hit. "You will keep your attention on your Dom at all times. Do you understand?"
"Yes, Sir."
"You will count each of my slaps. After each one you will say these words. 'I am beautiful.' Do you understand?"
Humiliation leaked through her. She couldn't say that. It was silly and stupid. "Sir, I don't think--"
Whack.
Holy crap, this one was even harder. She squeezed her eyes tight and tried to sort her crazy, wild thoughts.
"Did I order you to think? No. I ordered you to count each slap and say those words. Do you want to use your safe word?"
God, this was awful. So why was she so damn wet? Her pussy throbbed with emptiness and need at the same time her bottom flamed. "No, Sir," she said miserably.
"Then we'll begin."
The next slap landed on her upper thigh. She gobbled up a breath and forced the words from her lips. "One. I am beautiful, Sir."
"Very nice."
She winced as his next strike hit dead center on her right cheek. She'd always imagined a flogger or crop could administer more pain than a Dom's hand. Now she knew different. "Two. I am beautiful, Sir."
She grit her teeth and said the words over and over, until something began to loosen inside of her. Panic loomed, but she had no time to sort it out, she was too busy counting the slaps that rained down on her sore bottom. A terrible, looming sob lodged inside her chest. Her eyes stung with unshed tears she refused to shed, and as she fought viciously, Leo never stopped, until pain and pleasure melded into a sharp, colorful wave of sensation. Her world narrowed to a pinpoint, where every sting on her ass, every jerk of her nipples, every zing to her pulsing clit swallowed her whole, pushing her toward a release just out of reach. Her body became one giant ache.
The slaps became harder. The edge loomed closer. The tears bubbled up to the surface. She choked out the words, and then his next hit broke right through her barriers, letting loose a heartfelt sob, and suddenly his fingers dove deep inside her wet pussy, twisting and pumping with ferocious force and she arched back hard in desperation and need, dangling on the razor edge of madness and terrifying, violent release.
"Come for me."
The nipple clamps jerked free.
Ferocious, wicked pain shot straight to her nipples. She screamed, writhing madly in his lap, and then he pinched her hard clit and she was coming, over and over, caught in a tidal wave of pure pleasure and ecstasy. The knot deep inside unraveled and tossed her into convulsions of raw release, but Leo held her tight, absorbing every shudder and tear that shook from her body.
With a muttered curse, he tossed her onto the bed, guiding her arms over her head and her fingers around the posts of the headboard. "Don't let go," he ground out. Her sore bottom pulsed against the soft quilt, and she kept writhing as shockwaves of pleasure zapped at her body.
In a haze, she watched him undress, revealing toasty golden skin covered in dark hair, endless carved muscles, and those beautiful tats scrolled over his corded arms. His cock was thick and powerful, jutting out with animal pride. His dark eyes gleamed with fierce intent and a hungry lust that curled her toes. She squeezed the posts hard and parted her legs wide with invitation and a submission that felt completely right.
"You're going to take all of me," he commanded in that dark, silky voice. He rolled on the condom with deliberate motions. The hint of menace thrilled her and she tilted her hips up, showing him she was eager to obey. His gaze fixed on her wet, pulsing pussy with a touch of possession. "You're going to scream my name as long as you can, and maybe then I'll let you come again. And then you're going to thank me for every orgasm I deign to give you."
"Yes, Sir." She wet her bottom lip. "Please."
He yanked her hips down and settled himself between her spread thighs. His gaze ravished every inch of her body, and then he gave a grunt, reared up, and speared her with one quick, hard thrust.
She threw her head back on the pillow. His name broke from her lips. She was split apart, his throbbing cock taking up every inch of her body, and instinctually she fought him off, but he pressed his chest against hers, pinning her down on the mattress and took her mouth in a violent kiss.
His tongue plunged as deep as his cock, leaving nothing for her to keep. He demanded it all, pushing every thought out of her head except the demand for her surrender. Slowly, her muscles relaxed and softened, opening up and accepting the burning heat of his command.
Then he moved.
Tongue and cock taking her completely. Fingers bruising her hips as he held her ruthlessly in place for each thrust. And then it was happening again, her body lit from the inside, her clit demanding more pressure as the orgasm built.
"Please, Sir, please let me come."
He raised his mouth, pupils dilating his eyes until they seemed coal black, pulling her into the consuming darkness until there was no way out. "I think you can do better than that. Beg me."
He angled his body, moving her like a rag doll until he hit the spot that shimmered with shocking pleasure. Her nipples burned in agony, and her pussy clenched around his dick, and his teeth bit her lower lip and she pleased; begged; sobbed; yelling his name over and over, desperate for release.
With a satisfied grunt, he lifted her legs up high over his shoulders and thrust deeper. His fingers rubbed her clit with firm, steady pressure and he hit that magic spot again and again until she came hard.
She heard his low shout of release and he jerked his hips wildly, spilling his seed. Eyes half-closed, she watched him fall apart. Carved lips open in pleasure, chiseled jaw clenched, he was masculine power and beauty above her. And when he collapsed on the mattress, rolling her to the side to tuck her tight against his chest, Scarlett buried her face against his damp skin and treasured the sudden, glorious silence inside her.
As if he sensed the reverence of the moment, he didn't speak. Just stroked her hair, letting her absorb his body heat and strength. For the first time, she not only felt treasured, but protected. Cared for. Those silly tears stung her eyes again, but she guessed Leo had finally shown her what she'd been desperately looking for. Not only excruciating pleasure, but the freedom in her own sexuality. As the quiet stretched between them, she wondered if she should thank him, or say something witty or--
"Close your eyes for a bit, little one. Just rest."
Scarlett smiled, and with a little sigh of contentment, obeyed.
Chapter Five
LEO GLANCED DOWN at the woman in his arms.
Her eyes were closed. Those red lips were parted and held a dreamy half smile. Her brow was smooth and relaxed, and the red and black mask emphasized the pale smoothness to her skin. His fingers itched to remove the final barrier between them and demand she give up her last piece of defense.
But he didn't have the right.
He wasn't her Dom. He was moving to Vegas. This was a brief interlude between strangers.
Then why didn't she feel like a stranger?
Why did she feel familiar? Like a whisper of a memory from the moment his mouth claimed hers? It was as if she'd imprinted herself on his very flesh in the last few hours and he wasn't sure how to handle it.
He got up from the bed quietly and walked into the bathroom to get some clean washcloths. He needed to get a grip. Yes, she'd touched something inside him he'd never experienced before. Her shattering surrender and truthfulness. Her vulnerability and strength. Her sweetness and touch of spice.
But she wasn't his.
Smothering a vicious curse, he returned to the bed and began cleaning her up. She gave a small moan as he smoothed the cloth over her inner thighs and pussy. He took the second one and wiped away the dried tears on he
r cheek, smoothing away the sweat drying on her skin. She practically purred beneath his touch and Leo was taken aback at the violent surge of possession that swamped him.
He wanted to be the one to guide her deeper into BDSM. To learn her. Take care of her.
He needed more damn time.
"Sir? May I ask a question?"
He smiled, returning the cloths to the bathroom and sitting on the edge of the bed. "You can call me Leo while we're out of scene."
She drowsily propped herself up on her elbow. Dark waves fell over her naked breasts, allowing just the hard tip of her cherry red nipple to peak through. Her eyes gleamed with curiosity. "How long have you been a Dom?"
"About ten years now. I always felt like something was missing for me during sex, but I had no idea what it was. My cousin, Roman, educated me in the world of BDSM. He was a dominant and when I told him about my lack of sex drive, he sensed I needed to try BDSM. The first time a woman sank to her knees in front of me, I'd never felt so complete. It was as if I finally belonged and knew who I was."
"How old are you now?"
He grinned. "Thirty-five." She looked eager to ask more, but seemed hesitant, as if it was against the rules. "Scarlett, you can ask me anything you want and I'll answer truthfully. You have just as much right to demand from me as I do from you."
Pleasure bloomed on her face. God, she was so expressive. "Are you still in the Navy?"
"No, I got out same time as Jonathan and Cruz. I work in security now."
Her gaze touched on his arms with admiration. "Did you get your tats in the Navy?"
He absently stroked the intricate designs that marked his skin. "Yeah. Serving for those years showed me some things in the world I'd been immune to." He trailed off, but her eyes urged him to continue. His ink was extremely personal and many people didn't give a shit about the why. "My father wasn't the nicest guy in the world. We had a crappy relationship, so I did my share of teen rebellion. I became wrapped up in myself and what people could do for me. Always focused on how bad or good I felt. I was selfish."
"Most teens are," she said.
"Maybe. I decided to join the navy as a big fuck you to my dad, who wasn't a fan of the military. Service changed me. For the first time, I saw beyond my own world and grew up. I never wanted to forget so I got ink for each of the things I learned were important."