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Valencia
Hunt.
I could only imagine him hunting me like the true predator he was. I hissed, snapping my head in the direction of the door, wincing the moment it was closed, and I was all alone. Asshole. Jerk. Prick!
He actually believed that I would become his wife under any circumstances? The man had to be joking. I would rather throw myself off a cliff than marry such a dangerous, ruthless, and unscrupulous man.
A single creaking sound forced a slight whimper and I half expected to see a boogeyman easing from the intense shadows. I shifted my head back and forth, lightheaded from anxiety.
The darkness was suffocating, creating a wave of terror, memories of hiding in a closet while my father’s soldiers swept the house and grounds something I would never forget. I shivered, counting to ten. Then twenty. I’d been able to conquer my fears before. This... monster wasn’t going to drag me back into my weakest state. Besides, Miguel said he’d be back, and I knew he would. But when? How long was he going to leave me here, bound like some criminal?
Or bad little girl.
I groaned from the thought.
As if I could believe anything he said.
Bastard.
I wanted to scream out every ugly name in the book and his words should have ignited my fury, but they didn’t. I was trembling all over, my pussy quivering from thinking about him. Jesus. How could I want the monstrous man in any fashion? I screamed words of hatred in my mind while my body betrayed me, my nipples aching, longing for his fingers to pinch and twist.
Every part of my body was on fire from his touch alone and the light spanking was merely a temptation. A part of me craved more, the dark desires he’d mentioned enthralling. No. Hell, no. I had to be a sick girl.
Images flashed in my mind of the night in Cuba, the beautiful carve of his muscular body, his thick, throbbing cock, the tip glistening with pre-cum. I wiggled again, realizing only seconds later than pussy juice had trickled down my thighs, sliding onto the bed.
He’d been both rough and tender, allowing me to feel freedom for the first time in years, perhaps ever. And I’d longed for him. Admitting that wasn’t going to do me any good. He obviously had a hidden agenda behind his roughhewn mask.
Suddenly, details regarding the attempted assassination shifted into my mind, shutting down every moment of longing. Grimacing, I twisted my wrists, the sound of the leather creaking another reminder that I was nothing more than a prisoner.
Whether or not my father held the key to my cage or a man who promised me protection, the situation was exactly the same.
Zero freedom.
What I did realize is that I recognized one of the faces of the two men who’d chased me. From where, I wasn’t certain. I’d never been allowed to meet anyone other than a few men my father used as mercenaries as well as protection for our family. His business associates were never brought to the house.
Except for Miguel.
Had my father actually planned the entire event, pretending my life meant little to him? There was little way of knowing but I would find out, one way or the other.
The twinge in my ankle forced a moan. I lifted my head, blinking several times in an effort to see anything. At least he’d left the blinds open, the moonlight allowing a streaming glow. I clenched my fists, twisting in the constraints, doing everything I could to calm my nerves. No amount of yanking was going to do any good.
I realized why Miguel was doing this, to bolster his utter command, a mere reminder that he’d bargained for my life out of an act of revenge. His pet. His obsession. I closed my eyes, wishing myself into another life, the perfect beach cottage that I’d always dreamt about. That certainly hadn’t been a lie, something Miguel wouldn’t tolerate. I’d never wanted to live as a wealthy princess, a perk that my mother seemed to enjoy. Or maybe she simply tolerated the arranged marriage she’d been forced into.
I’d never really thought about the sick arrangement in any detrimental manner before. My mother had always smiled, laughing at the appropriate times, hosting various events with ease and grace. I’d only seen her cry once, a moment as a little girl when I’d lost my baby brother only days after his birth. Since then, she’d had little emotion. Maybe now I understood why.
However, I wasn’t like her in any aspect. I was much stronger, my backbone thick and unwavering. Neither my father nor Miguel would ever get the best of me. At some point, I would be able to get away from him. I’d just have to bide my time.
Several minutes, maybe longer seemed to slip by, the lack of sound driving me to the point of paranoia. This house was huge, gorgeous in every way yet cold. Just like the man.
Just like an agitated beast.
I thought about the concert, the realization that both men had been in the audience something I had difficulty fathoming. Music was my solace, my escape and they’d interfered with my private world. Now, the asshole was using my cello as a bargaining chip. My father had never taken an interest in my music, certainly not other than to kiss me on the cheek when I gushed with excitement over good news. I was merely a woman, nothing of importance.
I finally settled down, playing the last concerto in my mind, enjoying the dazzling sensations from the brilliant maestro I’d been lucky enough to work with. I’d been shocked after receiving the call, the Miami Symphony one of the most revered orchestras in the United States. And they’d requested me as a guest. It was every musician’s dream.
Now it was all gone, stripped away from me like everything else. I fought another round of bitter tears, knowing in my heart that Miguel would never make good on his promise even if I was as good as gold. He certainly wouldn’t allow me time for myself. I would be at his beck and call any time of day or night. The thought was revolting.
Horrible.
Unimaginable.
Exciting.
I hated myself for the myriad feelings. Miguel wasn’t some perfect hero, a prince arriving in a horse-drawn carriage. He was the toad, merely in expensive, gorgeous clothing and a sultry body.
How long had passed? Minutes? Hours? I had no way of knowing.
When I heard the cracking of the door, I bristled, keeping my face turned away from him, praying he’d merely untie me and leave me alone. I felt the shift in weight on the bed and held my breath.
Until his hot breath cascaded across my skin, igniting every ember I’d tried so desperately to bury inside.
A moan slipped past my lips before I could stop it, the embarrassment and shame of allowing him to know how unfathomably hot and wet I was.
Disgusting.
He remained in the darkness, the rough pads of his fingers moving up and down my naked body. I could feel goosebumps popping, further exposing my hunger. Even the wafting scent of my pussy juice was stronger than before.
Miguel was so quiet, reserved in his mannerisms as he trailed his fingers down my leg, tenderly touching my swollen ankle. “Are you certain it’s not broken?”
“No. Just sprained.”
“Well, we’ll put more ice on it when we’re finished.”
“Finished?”
“With your punishment.”
I bit back a rhetorical remark for only a few seconds. “Then fulfilling your needs? Are you going to fuck me?”
“Yes.”
His answer was frank, without emotion. Was the man even capable of caring about anyone?
“Look at me, Valencia.” I heard the click of a switch, the light merely adding to my concept of doom.
I chose to ignore him, digging my fingers into the comforter.
He tugged brutally, forcing my head in the opposite direction. “I told you to look. At. Me.”
I couldn’t get over the almost bizarre dichotomy of his emotions; sweet and sultry one minute, savage and unforgiving the next. “What do you want me to see? The armor covering every inch of you, suffocating in its heavy weight, crushing the real man inside?”
His eyes flashed just as they had the moment he’d shoved me into the elevator. He simply released his hold, running his fingers through my tangled strands before standing. Another tender moment, yet he forced me to watch as he unfastened his belt, taking his time with the thick buckle. He was lording his position over me.
And I hated him even more.
Yet I couldn’t help but watch every second of the way he slowly pulled the thick leather from his belt loops or the almost serene expression he wore. He was in his element, oh-so powerful and dominating. I wanted to laugh, screaming at him that my father could handle the mannerisms in a much more practiced way, but the thought wasn’t normal in any regard. So I kept my mouth shut, my fingers still wrapped around the thick material.
He folded the belt in half, running his long fingers over the dense grain, taking several deep breaths. “It gives me no pleasure to have to punish you. I do hope you know that.”
No, I don’t know that, you asshole.
How much I wanted to spout off the words, every syllable laced with venom. Perhaps he wanted me to say I was sorry once again, begging for his forgiveness. That wasn’t going to happen. I buried my face in between the pillows, taking several deep breaths.
“Twenty tonight. I think that will be an excellent reminder of the very rules that will keep you alive.”
I had no nasty retort. There was nothing I could say. This wasn’t anything I wanted in my life. Facing the future was gut-wrenching, destroying all my hopes and dreams. My thoughts drifted to the spankings I’d received only weeks before and I was ashamed that the moment I did, my entire body erupted in desire. Every cell hummed with sizzling electricity, the anticipation making my mouth dry.
I heard the crack of his wrist, the whooshing sound as the belt was forced through the air. I simply held my breath, anticipating an explosion of pain rushing into every cell and muscle. And yes, I felt the hard smack against my ass, but the anticipated anguish was little more than a dull ache. Maybe I was dead inside, incapable of feeling anything any longer.
The sound occurred again, only this time, my captor issued two in a row, both hitting exactly across the middle of my bottom. My toes tingled, much the same as my pussy. Another flash of wet heat and embarrassment skittered into my system. Just an additional reminder of my wicked ways. Maybe I simply had to face the fact I was a bad little girl, wanton and nasty in every manner. Perhaps I deserved the harsh punishment for simply being alive.
He exhaled, the sound huskier than before and even from my position, I could feel his tension. “You’re doing very well.”
How the hell would he know?
The single crack was louder this time, the strap smashing against my sit spot. This time the pain erupted, blinding, curling my toes as I jerked up from the bedding.
“Oh! God!” I was shaking all over, blinking as tears were brought to my eyes. Why had it taken several strikes for my body to become alive, refusing to accept the punishment? I panted several times, shifting as he rubbed his fingers across my already heated bottom. I could only imagine I wouldn’t be able to sit for a week.
Miguel smacked me again. And again. Then two more times, the rhythm so damn practiced that I knew he’d done this before. I heard his savage low growl, the sound permeating the air around me. He was enjoying this. He wanted me to suffer. How could he? I’d never done anything to him in my life.
When another volley came, I struggled with all my might, the clanging sound of the metal portion of the cuffs hitting the bed floating all around me. The ugly noise reminded me of some insane musical piece, heavy metal in design. I almost laughed, the concept so inappropriate that I groaned instead, doing everything I could to mask my extreme discomfort.
He didn’t deserve to know how much this hurt or the fear that encapsulated every portion of me.
“Only a few more. You will learn that obeying the rules, my rules will improve your life.” His every word drilled into my brain.
Improve? Who was he kidding? The whooshing sound caught me off guard once again, the next two strikes catching me on my upper thighs. “Fuck. Fuck!” Whimpering, I kicked out, turning and twisting my body, ready to beg for him to stop. I was unable to prevent the tears, my entire body shaking.
And so alive.
I realized at that very moment that I was still wet and hot, my nipples tight and hard, another wave of desire sweeping through me. How could this turn me on? How could I even fathom hungering for a man with no regard for life?
But I did.
I wanted him. The touch. The taste. I craved his scent covering my body, his lips pressed against every inch of skin. I wanted his hard cock buried so deep inside my pussy that the tip touched my womb.
I almost felt his exasperation as he gave the final strikes, the sound of him tossing the belt forcing me to jump all over again. Would he leave me this way? Would he have pity on the poor little girl he’d disciplined? When both of his rugged hands kneaded my bruised bottom, I cringed, biting back a cry. The sting was unimaginable but after a few seconds, the warmth from his fingers were comforting in some crazy fashion.
I closed my eyes, allowing my mind to fall into a lull. Everything seemed to be a blur, my heart racing and the sound thudding into my ears. I didn’t hear the fact he’d unfastened me, hadn’t registered that I’d been released until he took my hand into his, rubbing my palm with his thumb in circular patterns.
“I’m very proud of you,” he said ever so softly, turning me over. “It’s all right to look at me, Valencia. There will be no more pain tonight.”
I bit my inner cheek until I was forced to take several quiet breaths, my hand tingling, the sensations drifting all the way down the length of my legs. I opened my eyes slowly, basking in the aura surrounding him, one of danger and decadence. He seemed even more in control, his rugged features illuminated in the soft lighting.
“Do you remember what I promised you before, on that beautiful night on the balcony?” he whispered the words, the tone dripping with innuendos.
“Promised?” I could feel his fingers sliding down the length of my arm ever so slowly.
“Yes... Only you can unlock the key to pain or pleasure.”
I swallowed several times, the tension easing. As his fingers continued their trail, the tips brushing in a delicate manner between my breasts, I shuddered, unable to stop the maddening desire. He was now the one using a key made of gold, unlocking the very chains he’d placed around me when he’d left.
There could be no man.
There would never be another lover.
He knew it as if we’d been destined for each other.
Now he required not only my acceptance but my surrender.
“Only you can break free of the steel you wrapped around your heart,” he continued, the tip of a single finger swirling around one of my already hardened nipples.
“Oh...” Stars floated in front of my eyes as he made exaggerated moves, encircling my hardened point over and over again. When he pinched my nipple roughly, I gasped, the roar of electricity so unexpected. “I... Oh, God.”
“That is, release the woman from her prison, the one who I shared raw passion with.” His eyes flashed, a smile curling on his upper lip as he moved to my other breast, repeating the move.
I couldn’t take my eyes off him, the chiseled jawline, the aristocratic nose, and his beautiful honey-colored skin. He was perfection, except he was hiding behind his own mask, one forged from anger and retaliation. When he twisted my nipple, the pain became a wash of building excitement, every nerve standing on end.
Leaning over, he blew from one hardened bud to the other before darting his tongue around only once. He slowly dragged his fingers down my stomach, becoming more aggressive, his nails digging into my skin.
My breathing became ragged, my eyes foggy as he encircled my belly button. I heard the growl coming from the base of his throat, the sound primitive and barbaric. I realized I’d opened my legs as if beckoning for him, my hunger refusing to be denied.
“You’re wet for me,” he said in a dark and dangerous tone.
The words stuck in my throat, but I knew my body could tell no lies. I was enraptured with every stroke, the magic of his fingers.
“You’re hungry for me,” he added, his touch now little more than a breathless whisper as he rolled the tips over my swollen folds.
I was almost gasping, so wet and hot that I couldn’t think straight. “Yes.”
“Mmmm... So sweet. So obedient now.” He cocked his head as he ran the trail down my leg. Then his ravaging beast rushed to the surface, his actions more like the predator I knew him to be. As he crawled in between my legs, he pushed them up and out, pinning them against the bed.
“Oh, my...” I shifted my hand over my face as he lowered his head. The same breath of hot air was entirely different, setting my body on fire, every muscle and tendon seared. The moment his tongue darted around my clit, I shot up from the bed, issuing a strangled moan.
He was nothing but a savage as he pressed his face into my wetness, shaking his head back and forth in rapid motions. The sounds he made were sexual, primal, and ripped away every last shred of humanity.
I wanted him, the attraction far too intense. I slid my hands down to my knees, blatantly holding my legs wide open. When he issued a husky guttural sound, I quivered once again, falling into an abyss of pleasure.
He dragged his tongue up and down my pussy, lapping my cream, driving me into a state of madness. I took several deep breaths, trying to maintain my position, tossing my head back and forth. When he pushed a finger past my swollen folds, I jerked up, blinking several times.
His gaze was heated, dominating in every manner. He thrust a second and third finger inside, flexing them open as he nipped my clit.
All I could do was pant, fighting the orgasm that was ready to pull me into ecstasy.
“Not yet, little girl. Not yet. Now, keep your eyes closed,” he muttered before sucking my tender tissue in his mouth, plunging in rapid motions.
I did everything I could, trying to obey him, my body refusing to oblige. The tingling sensations were like a burst of white-hot heat, the caustic vibrations forcing my body to spasm. When he removed his fingers, I gripped the comforter, yanking in my effort to remain a good little girl. There was no advance notice of the pain as he slapped my pussy with the belt, the smacking sound filtering into my ears.
“Oh, fuck. Oh...” He delivered four more then immediately pressed his face once again into my wetness, licking in a way that nearly shattered my last resolve. I was on a different plane, every aspect of what he was doing surreal.
Miguel repeated the action, giving me four quick slaps of the belt then burying his head. When he resumed driving his fingers as deep inside as possible, I knew I couldn’t hold back.
I jerked up once again with a strangled scream, every part of me shaking as the orgasm tore through me like a tidal wave. I could no longer breathe or think, my mind and both rattled from the intensity.
He pulled all the way back, licking and nipping my inner thighs. The second he smacked my pussy with his hand, moving in rapid motions, the single climax turned into a wave, shifting into every muscle and tendon.
“Oh, God. Yes. Yes!” I continued shaking as the climax roared.
Only when I stopped trembling did he ease back, another raspy growl pushing past his lips. “You need training, my sweet. You aren’t allowed to come without my permission.”
I had no coherent words to say, my mind blank and my body exhausted.
He eased back from the bed, dragging his tongue across his lips.
The carnal look on his face was sexy as hell, his once perfect hair now disheveled. I couldn’t take my eyes off him as he studied me, as if contemplating exactly what he wanted to do. When he held out his hand, I crawled onto my knees, uncertain of what to expect.
Miguel wasn’t a patient man and he certainly wasn’t used to asking twice for what he wanted. He grabbed my hand, tugging me off the bed. While he wasn’t as forceful as I would have expected, perhaps worrying about my ankle, he was certainly commanding in every manner.
He pushed me against the thick all-glass door, pulling one hand over my head then the other. As he moved my hair over one shoulder, he leaned in, the whisper deliciously sexy. “What do you see?”
“Loneliness.” I heard the glitch in his breathing and knew my answer had surprised me.
“Interesting, I see life, the waves an indication of how wind and rain, sun and moon can affect the tide in several ways. You never know what to expect, but it’s always breathtaking.”
I was stunned by his words, scintillated by the way he ground his hips back and forth, the feel of his throbbing cock sending another shower of electricity into my system. How could one man have this kind of effect on me? How could one beautiful bastard free me from my sins? I could see his reflection in the bright moon, his dazzling eyes taking on a haunted look. As he kicked my legs apart, blowing a swath of hot air across my neck, I slapped my palms against the glass.
He wasted no additional time, unfastening his trousers. I watched as they slid past his carved hips until the glorious feel of his naked cock pushing up against my bruised ass was nothing short of nirvana.
“Now, I fuck you.”
This time, the sex wasn’t about romance or even the darkness of forbidden passion. This was all about establishing another line of control. I was his for the taking. I pushed out my hips as he slid the tip of his cock up and down the crack of my ass, his breathing becoming ragged.
I realized I was holding my breath as he slid his cockhead just past my swollen and aching folds, pushing his way inside. I wanted his naked body against mine almost desperately, longing to share long hours of making love.
But that had nothing to do with us or with the man holding my hips. I simply widened my stance even more, arching my back as he thrust the entire length of his cock inside.
“Fuck!” His roar seemed to echo, the deep baritone like smooth velvet riding over every inch of my skin. His grip became tighter as he rolled onto the balls of his feet, plunging in and out slowly at first, allowing me a shower of sensations to ripple down my spine to my legs.
Then he became his beast, fucking me with wild abandon, the force pushing me against the glass. There was nothing like the sound of his skin smacking against mine or the wildness of his actions.
I let go, no longer thinking, just rocking with him as he fucked me.
His actions became more savage, his fingers digging into me. There was no way he was ever letting me go.
The glass was fogged, a match for my rattled mind as the fucking continued, every plunge harder than the one before, his actions like a wild animal in heat. I could sense his muscles tensing, could tell he was close to coming.
My heart racing, the only control I had was my ability to squeeze. The moment I did, his entire body began to shake, a deep rumble erupting from his mouth.
“Yes!” He threw his head back, gasping for air, his cock throbbing inside me. After a few seconds, he folded his body over mine, intertwining our fingers together.
I took deep breaths of my own as I leaned my head against the cool glass, the adrenaline rush incredible.
“You have no idea what you do to me, woman,” he muttered, his lips vibrating against my neck.
For a few precious seconds, I could feel his armor falling away, allowing me to see a tiny glimpse of the man inside. I knew that everyone had two sides, light and darkness, but he was so very complicated.
As if a timer was going off, he broke the sweet connection, taking a long stride away from me. He simply yanked up his pants, sliding his cock inside.
I couldn’t react, had no idea what I should or shouldn’t say to him.
He raked his fingers through his hair before speaking. “If you feel up to it, please join me in the kitchen. You’ll find some things in the bathroom that I purchased. As I said, you will be going shopping with one of my trusted soldiers tomorrow.”
I don’t know what I’d expected but the cold, calculating demeanor only minutes after... Hell, I wasn’t certain what to call the experience. I could only nod, waiting until he’d walked out of the room before slumping against the door. Asshole.
Another cold shiver trickled down my legs as I walked toward the bathroom. Merely turning on the light presented another pleasant surprise. A bathroom fit for a queen. I ran my fingers over the beautiful marble fixtures, taken aback by how open yet how secluded the entire room seemed to be. When I noticed the closet, I hesitated before opening the two doors. There was very little inside with the exception of beautiful lingerie in several dazzling colors.
There was no doubt that they were expensive, the silk like spun gold. The moment I eased into a robe, tying the sash, I became the bought woman owned by one ruthless man. I took tentative steps toward the mirror, half expecting my reflection would terrify me.
Instead, my glowing skin brought a smile to my face and I had no idea why. The lightheaded feeling remained as I left the room, doing everything I could to compose myself. While I realized he would attempt to grill me, I was the one who needed answers.
I found him staring at his cabinets, as if he’d never noticed them before. The beautiful music coming from unseen speakers was classical, another surprise or perhaps he was trying to appease me. Either way, his swings in emotions and actions left an ugly pit in my stomach.
A bottle of wine had been opened, two goblets half filled. Red, my favorite, although right now all I could think of was the color of blood.
He turned and for a split second, there was no monster festering inside the man, no mafia kingpin ready to eradicate the latest enemy. There was only the absolute joy of seeing someone he cared about wearing a present he’d purchased himself.
I was drawn to him in a way I hadn’t been before as his eyes raked down the length of me.
“You’re stunning,” he said with absolute purpose.
“This is beautiful.” I brushed my palm down the front of the gown.
He rounded the corner of the island, closing the distance and cupping my face with such a gentle hold. “No, lovely lady. You’re what’s beautiful.” As he lowered his head, brushing his lips across mine, I found myself rising onto my tiptoes, ignoring the pain in my ankle.
I clutched his shirt, wrapping my fingers around the material, my heart skipping. Everything about this was entirely unexpected, a man I could see caring about. Perhaps.
The sound of his phone jerked the special moment away, the snarl coming from his lips infused with rage.
“Goddamn it.” Miguel shifted around me, yanking the phone from his pocket. “This had better be fucking good. I do not tolerate interruptions.”
I folded my arms, loathing this side, unable to wrap my mind around anything about him.
“Yeah. Then you keep him there. I want the bastard on his knees. I want him to feel the weight of the anticipation of my visit. And I want him fucking terrified.” Miguel ended the call, holding the phone to his head, exhaling. “Unfortunately, I have to go out. You will stay here, and Enrique will remain as a guard. While there is almost no food, Enrique will order anything you want. There is no other way out of this penthouse other than the front door, so don’t bother trying. If you do, you will be punished severely.” He walked closer until I was forced to look him in the eyes. “And you will not fuck with me on this.”
“That’s all you understand, Miguel. Threats.”
He softened his expression. “That’s not a threat, my sweet girl. That’s a promise. You will learn one way or the other.”
Whoever had issued the contract on my life had disturbed him to the point he was shaking with anger. I wasn’t certain whether his emotional state was about my wellbeing or the fact someone had almost interfered with his ugly mission of keeping me his prisoner. Still, the way his chest rose and fell sent a flurry of butterflies into my tummy. Maybe he did care about me. Maybe there was a way to have a life.
“Where are you going?” I finally asked.
“There are some questions you won’t want to know the answer to.”
“What if I do? You act as if I’m not strong enough to handle the truth, yet you require my honesty. That’s not fair on several levels. I am fully aware that there are likely men from several countries who would enjoy bringing down my father, but even after two brutal assassination attempts, he never mentioned names. Perhaps he wanted to protect me or perhaps he didn’t think I was worthy of the information. If you want me to obey you then bring me into your world even just a little bit.”
Miguel glanced toward the bank of doors, his eyes darting back and forth. After slowly turning his head, he exhaled. “Fair enough, Valencia. One of the men I believe who attacked you has been located.”
“And what are you going to do?”
“I will do what’s necessary, Valencia. Trust me, little girl. You may call me a monster but there are others who are much nastier than I’ll ever be. No one will ever be able to hurt you again. They will face the consequences.”
Consequences.
He’d used the word several times, as if his honor was never to be challenged.
When he walked away, I knew in my gut that he was going to kill the man who’d accosted me.
The funny thing was that I was almost giddy inside at the thought, envisioning the various brutal acts that Miguel would impose, my mouth watering. Jesus. My hand was shaking, my heart racing. I wanted an act of retaliation. I needed to know the man would be punished.
What did that make me other than a monster?