“Just because we are talking, I am still Sir to you. You best remember that, pet, if you know what’s good for you.”
I bit back a huff and looked down. “Sorry.”
He sighed and pinched my chin, placing a soft peck on my mouth. “No. I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to sound so cold. I just…this shit needs to end.”
“How did you know that I flirted with Agent Cross?” I asked, not liking the taste of those words in my mouth.
“I was in the limo when Jones dropped you off at the station.”
“You were in the limo the whole time and you didn’t say anything?” I cried, shoving out of his grip.
“Keely.”
“Where else were you that you could see me? Did you know that I got picked up by Cross this morning? Did you know that I would be there when he called you?”
He shook his head. “No. I had no idea that you were there. When I heard your voice,” he looked up at me, “it took everything in me not tell you how much I missed you. How much I loved you.”
My eyes welled. “I want all of this over. I want to forget. I want…I need…” I inhaled a shaky breath and curled my arms around myself, closing myself off to him and the world. Tears rolled down my cheeks and I was vaguely aware of being lifted into the air.
Parker carried me, cradling me against him like a baby and headed up the stairs.
“I thought we were spending the night down here,” I said softly.
He smiled down at me. “No. I just wanted something comfortable for you for when we had aftercare.”
My heart swelled. So thoughtful. Wrapping my hands around his thick neck, I snuggled into his chest.
Once we reached a room on the second floor, he placed me on my feet and kissed my hair. “When you step over the threshold, all of your thoughts are mine. All decisions are mine. When you want to speak, you will ask permission and I will grant it if I see fit. You will not question me. You will not look at me unless directed. Do you understand, pet?”
“Yes, Sir.” My heart gave a start at the firm tone of the deep voice I had grown to love and crave.
“Remember your safeword.” He pushed open the door. “Enter,” he purred in my ear.
I could almost hear him saying, Enter at your own risk.
Stepping into the room, the plush charcoal of the carpet squished between my toes. No thoughts. No decisions. They were all Parker’s. For how long, I wasn’t sure, but I found myself not even wanting to ask.
“You told me a while ago that you wanted to experiment with the Master/slave relationship. Since we are both new at this, we will take this slow. Understand?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Kneel in the middle of the room and allow your eyes to dance over your surroundings. Take it all in. This will be your home for as long as needed. Couple of days. Maybe more. Jones and Colin will let us stay here even if we just need to get away.”
I walked to the middle of the room and knelt, my knees pushing into the pillow top carpet. It was so soft, it felt like I was kneeling on a cloud. Much better than the concrete in the basement.
“Colin told you that we have a surprise for you. Are you excited?” he asked, brushing his fingers along my nape.
“Yes. Very.” I had no idea what his surprise could be but even though we had shit to deal with, being with each other in the most intimate way possible, helped us cope. With Devin. With our new relationship. With life.
“Once we are done here, I’ll reveal myself to Troy and Patrick. I don’t want you lying to your best friend anymore. I understand that it hurts you.”
Chewing my bottom lip, I nodded.
“Speak, Keely.”
“He’s going to be so mad at me,” I whispered, my stomach clenching.
Parker sighed. “I’ll be there. It’s my fault. I did this to you.” He knelt in front of me and grabbed my hands. “I’m so sorry.”
“I know.” I snapped my mouth shut, not wanting to get punished for speaking out of line.
He pinched my chin and tilted my head. “When we’re in a conversation, you can speak freely.” He kissed my mouth. “I’m impressed that you caught yourself though.”
I smiled softly. “Troy is the only one that has never hurt me. He saved me and look at how I repay him.”
“It’s not your fault,” Parker repeated, his voice firm.
“I could have fought you on it. I could have demanded that you let me tell Troy everything,” I insisted.
“And do you think that would have helped? Keely, if you don’t know by now, I am fucking stubborn.”
I scoffed. “No. Not at all.”
His eyes sparkled with mischief. “Careful.”
My cheeks heated. “So Greyson clearly knows that you’re alive?”
Parker nodded slowly. “Yeah. They all do.”
“I’m surprised that you were able to keep this a secret all this time. If Devin doesn’t know by now that you’re alive, he’s fucking dumb.” Of course I would never say that to his face. I may have had my feisty moments with him but he honestly scared the shit out of me. Memories of that day, that horrible afternoon in the back of Devin’s limo, forced their way into my mind. Evil incarnate was not a term I would use lightly but it described my ex-husband to a tee.
“Keely.”
My eyes popped to Parker’s. “Sorry.”
His brows furrowed. Releasing me, he rose to his full height. “Stand up and go draw a bath. I want to feel your skin against mine as I wash you.”
Doing as I was told, I headed into the on-suite bathroom and turned on the light. The black walls and dark grey marble flooring and appliances were enough to take your breath away. It was rich yet homey, this clearly the guest suite.
I turned on the water in the large claw bathtub and waited.
“Come here, pet.”
Turning to the deep sound, I kept my eyes cast on my feet.
“Eyes on me, beautiful one.”
My heart jumped when I met his gaze.
“Undress me and then get in the tub.”
Closing the distance between us, I gripped the hem of his hoodie and lifted it halfway. “Um…permission to speak, Sir.”
He smirked. “We’ll need to get you a stool.”
I poked him in the ribs and laughed.
A growl left him and with his sweatshirt hanging off of his arm, he cupped the back of my neck in a quick move. “Careful, Keely. I don’t care what kind of shit is going on, I will smack that beautiful ass, letting everyone know that you were a bad girl.”
“No one else is here, Sir,” I challenged.
His grin grew. “This place won’t be quiet for long. Maybe I should keep you up all night, reminding you exactly of what I can do.”
Reaching between us, I started unbuckling his belt. “If it pleases you.”
His mouth crushed to mine, licking his tongue between my lips. Sucking and pulling, he tightened his hold around my neck. “Remember.”
“I do,” I breathed. “I’m yours, Sir. Always.”
He released me and brushed his thumb along my kiss-swollen mouth. He pulled his sweatshirt off the rest of the way, bringing the white t-shirt along with it.
“Holy balls on a cracker,” I whispered.
His tattooed, hard, chiseled torso flexed under his movements. The barbells that pierced his nipples twinkled in the lighting of the bathroom as he made his way towards me. Letting his pants fall to his feet, he kicked them to the side, leaving him standing naked and powerful before me.
My core quivered from the sight of his arousal jutting forth between his legs. He was beautiful in the way he held me captive.
He was the predator and I was the ever so willing prey, just waiting for him to pounce. “Get in the tub,” he said, his voice deep and husky.
Keeping my eyes locked with his, I slipped my body into the hot water, letting it soothe my aching bones.
He slid into the bath behind me, wrapping his arms and legs around me tight. His erection twit
ched against my ass, his big hard body shaking and then finally relaxing.
“Permission to speak, Sir?”
His lips brushed along the shell of my ear. “What is it?”
“I…how long are we…am I…”
“How long are you going to do as I say?” he purred.
“Yeah,” I said, licking my lips.
“I had a plan of only doing it for a half an hour but seeing as that time has come and gone already,” he pinched my chin and captured my mouth in a hard, bruising kiss. “Now it’s a free for all.”
I grinned and turned in his arms, straddling his lap.
He chuckled, pushing his way deep inside of my body. Unbeknownst to him, he had forced himself months before into my heart. My soul.
Never would I have thought that I’d see him again, let alone be back in his arms. Even though his death had been fake, I was just waiting for Jones to show up and tell me that Parker had actually died. But that never happened. And I thanked God every day for that.
Now, here we were several weeks later in each other’s arms, surrounded by the only thing that couldn’t hurt us. Our love.
VERYTHING IS good to go. No, she has no idea. Yeah…I know we have shit to do but I need this. She needs this. Thank you. I know, my man. Your dungeon is fucking amazing. Not everything. She loved your version of the Sawhorse.”
I stirred as a deep laugh washed over me and turned onto my side. Wrapping my arm around Parker’s middle, I kissed his neck. “Good morning, Colin,” I said, my voice hoarse.
“He says good morning,” Parker told me. “Listen man, I have to go. I have a sub that needs to be fucked into exhaustion.”
Before I could protest, Parker had me pinned beneath him.
He snarled against my neck, the scratchiness of his jaw tickling my skin.
I giggled and sighed, cupping his cheek.
He kissed my palm, leaning into it. “I love you. More than life itself.”
My heart gave a start and I placed a soft peck on his mouth.
“Colin will be here in an hour. And, Keely?”
“Hmm?” I asked, my eyes heavy from lack of sleep.
“Today you are mine to control in ways you’ve never imagined.”
“PUT THIS on.” Parker handed me a deep red robe.
I smiled up at him and took the shiny material, slipping it onto my shoulders. The cool satin washed over my skin like velvet.
“Nervous?” he asked, brushing his fingers along my collarbone.
“Yes.” I didn’t know what the surprise would be and why it involved Colin in any way but I was excited to find out. Anticipation coursed through me and although I hated the word, the wait drove an unfurling desire deep in my belly.
Parker winked and kissed my forehead, letting his lips linger. “I love you, Keely Price.” He pinched my chin, tilting my head back. “I hope you know that.”
“I do,” I said, swallowing hard.
He grabbed my hand, slipping his fingers between mine. “Let’s go. Colin gets moody if you make him wait.”
“I heard that,” Colin barked, rounding the corner.
I laughed, wrapping my hand around Parker’s thick forearm. He had put on black satin drawstring pants and a white t-shirt. The shirt clung to his torso like a second layer. His muscles bulged and protruded from underneath the cotton. My mouth watered at the sight. Whenever he walked, the pants moved over the heft between his thighs, hinting at the powerful force that would wake whenever he wanted me.
“I can feel you staring at me,” he whispered in my ear.
“It’s not my fault that you’re so damn delicious,” I breathed.
He cupped my throat, tilting my head back and placed a hard kiss on my mouth. “Stop distracting me. Do you want your surprise or not?”
Colin chuckled and shook his head. “Let’s go. Little dove, you need to be patient. Trust me.” His gaze met mine. “You will want this.”
I nodded and followed them down to the basement. We stopped at a door before reaching the dungeon. I had assumed that it would be something in Jones’ and Colin’s play room but apparently I was wrong. The instruments that had lain beyond those doors were enough to set my blood on overdrive. The tools that brought about pleasure and pain, mixing into one delicious amount of ecstasy, were overwhelming yet exciting.
“I don’t know what exactly Parker has told you, but this will be a lesson for you both.” Colin pushed open the door.
We stepped into a wall of incense and musk. The spicy aroma filling my nostrils, making my aching and stressed out body relaxed.
“Have you heard of rope play, Keely?” Colin asked once he reached a stereo system on the far side of the room. The sound of slow, melodic music filled the room. It was deep, sensual, and it promised a high so great, it would be hard to come down from it.
“A little bit,” I said softly.
Colin nodded once. “Bring her to the center of the mat, Parker.”
Parker held my hand, squeezing it once in reassurance and did as he was instructed.
My heart gave a start, listening to him being told what to do was new for me. He always called the shots. I knew that Colin Vain was some sort of mentor for him but I had no idea how far that went.
We stepped onto black gym mats that covered the center of the room. The walls were a deep burgundy, with gold sconces hanging from them. Black candles melted slowly as orange and yellow flames danced in the air.
Colin turned off the lights to the room, the amber of the wax candles left as the only thing glowing around us. “How do you feel, Keely?”
“Nervous,” I answered honestly. My palms were sweaty and if I didn’t know any better, I could have sworn that the two large men could hear the racing of my heart.
“You should be.”
“What if I wasn’t?” I asked, snapping my mouth shut when Parker gave me a hard look. I cast my eyes down, silently apologizing at speaking out of turn.
Colin chuckled. “Eyes on me, pet.”
I looked up and was met with a warm gaze.
“You’re learning slowly and I’m impressed that Parker has had the time to teach you. I know there is shit going down. I get that. But what you both need right now is each other before things really get messy.” He sighed and fingered a length of rope that was attached to the wall on either side of the stereo system by a gold hook. “Hell’s Harlem is going to be here tomorrow. You won’t have time for each other after that.” He glanced back at us, looking between us both before his gaze landed on me. “Parker told me that you’ve been having nightmares.”
My eyes widened. “Really? Well, I have had some but not any recently. Have I?”
Parker nodded and cupped the back of my nape, kissing my hair. “I’m not surprised at all that you don’t remember but you had one last night.”
“Parker also tells me that you have a safe place,” Colin added.
I looked down at my feet. “I do.”
Warm fingers pinched my chin, tilting my head back. “Let’s get you back there.” Colin smiled.
I clutched my hands, my heart giving a start. I had no idea what he meant but I was very curious to find out.
“Parker, grab the other rope,” he instructed, indicating the long rope attached to the wall on the other side of the speaker.
Parker kissed my hair one last time before doing as he was told.
Both men looked at me, holding the rope in their hands, and slowly made their way back to me.
“Do you trust me?” Colin asked, his deep voice gentle.
“Yes, Sir. I do.”
“Good. Strip,” he demanded.
My eyes widened and I looked at Parker.
“Keely,” Colin barked.
Chewing my bottom lip, I glanced back at Colin. “Yes, Sir.”
“I will not hurt you. I will not do anything that you do not give consent to. And I will not touch you except to make sure that your bonds are not too tight. Once you are in the air, Parker will take over
allowing you both to join and connect as one. Now, strip.”
My heart beat hard against my rib cage but I did as I was told. Throwing the robe to the side, I stood there naked before the two men.
Parker’s eyes heated but they remained glued on mine. Lust and passion swam through them, promising me hours of countless pleasure.
Colin didn’t take his gaze away from my face, giving me the respect and courtesy of a man who was only helping his friend. “Step forward.”
My feet moved of their own accord, my body trembling with anticipation of what was yet to come. A heated desire curled inside of me, spreading over my skin like a second layer.
“As we bind you, we will not speak unless we are guiding you. The only word you may say is your safeword if you feel the need to use it. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Sir.”
“Good girl.” Colin moved in front of me. “Make sure you breathe.”
I took a breath and waited. My eyes fluttered closed when I felt Parker move behind me. I didn’t have to see him to know that he would touch me first.
The thump of the rope falling to the floor, unbinding from itself, made my heart skip a beat with a nervous flutter. He grabbed my wrists, holding them in one hand behind my back and wrapped the rope around them in a sensual manner.
I felt the rope slide between my legs twice before securing underneath my rear. It fit tight against my skin and all I could picture was Parker’s smug smile at seeing something other than him wrapped around my lower body. Knowing he was the cause of the restriction and lack of movement, I imagined his grunt of approval. The rope slid along my skin, binding my abdomen before wrapping around my heavy breasts. It moved down the length of my back, heating my skin as it delved between my legs once again.
A breath left me on a sigh and I moaned when the rope rubbed at the center of my very being.
“Beautiful,” Parker whispered in my ear, sliding his fingers along my collarbone, bringing the length of the rope with it.
First my torso, then my lower half and my legs; I was completely bound for his pleasure and enjoyment.
In a slow move, my body lifted off the floor as I was suspended into the air. My eyes remaining closed, I breathed in the scent of his breath on my neck. My skin tingled. I could feel him looking at his work. His art. I was exposed, open for him. The rope bit into my skin, offering a slight discomfort but I found myself wanting to keep hold of that feeling. Of being completely bound. Restrained. Immobile.