Page 36 of Chaos Carnival (Cirque de Sanguine #2)

Chapter 35: Dominion Shift

Tess

I led Maverick to our bedroom, my fingers intertwined with his, as subtle tremors of anxiety ran through his body. He tried to hide it, but I tracked the way his power flickered beneath his skin, responding to me in ways I’d never noticed before. Fate whispered countless versions of this moment to me. In some he ran, in others he stayed, then there were those we destroyed each other in the most exquisite ways.

But this was the version I liked best. This was the one I'd chosen.

“You're afraid,” I remarked, turning to face him as we reached the foot of our bed. The lamp cast shadows across his face, but I didn't need light to see him. I could feel every facet of him, every desire, every fear.

His jaw tightened. “I'm not—“

“You searched for me,” I interrupted, reaching up to trace the line of his cheek. “In every dark corner, every hidden place. You tore everything in front of you apart trying to find me.” I smiled, his desperation echoing across timelines. “I saw you. Every version of you, hunting for every version of me.”

His breath caught, and his hands came up to grip my waist—possessive, protective, desperate. “You were gone, Tess. Just... gone.”

“I know.” I stepped closer, letting my magic brush his. “I saw what it did to you. What you did to Ivan's people. How you nearly killed yourself trying to reach me.”

His fingers dug into my hips. “You weren't supposed to see that.”

“I've seen everything, love.” I reached for the buttons of his shirt, undoing them one by one. “Every possibility, every choice, every version of us. And do you know what I discovered?”

He swallowed hard, his eyes dark with desire and uncertainty. “Tell me.”

“Across every world, in every time,” I whispered, pushing his shirt from his shoulders, “I find you. I reach for you. Even when I shouldn’t. Even when it unravels me.” My palm settled over his heart, its frantic rhythm beneath my touch. “Even when I know it will.”

“Tess—” His voice broke, and I felt his struggle – the relief at being understood warring with his fear of what I'd become.

“You want to protect me,” I murmured, anticipating his movement before he made it, stepping into his embrace just as his arms lifted to pull me close. “But you don't know how anymore.”

His laugh was rough, almost painful. “Is there anything you don't know now?”

I smiled against his skin. “I know you're about to kiss me. Hard. To prove you still can.”

He tensed, and I felt the spike of unease at how well I could read him. But desire won out, and his mouth claimed mine with desperation. I matched his intensity, proving I was no longer the fragile thing he needed to shelter.

The kiss deepened, and I tasted centuries of loneliness on his tongue, every moment he'd spent searching for someone who could understand him. Now I understood him better than he understood himself, and it terrified him. His hands trembled over my skin as I edged closer, letting my magic dance along his nerve endings in ways that made him gasp.

This was Maverick—my beautiful, damaged seraph who'd spent millennia believing he was meant to be alone. Who'd found me and claimed me and tried so hard to protect me, never realizing that one day I would be strong enough to protect him too.

And in every timeline, he was mine.

His kiss turned fiercer, more demanding, attempting to assert the dominance that had always come so naturally to him. I let him have this moment, even as I saw the next one coming. The instant his control would slip, when he'd realize I was letting him lead rather than following by necessity. His fingers tangled in my hair, and I knew the exact second the understanding hit him.

He broke the kiss, breathing hard, his forehead pressed to mine. “What am I to you now?” he whispered, vulnerability raw in his voice. “Now that you've seen it all?”

I caught his face between my hands, studying the features I'd memorized. “You're still my impossible man,” I murmured. “My perfect contradiction. The demon who chooses to be gentle, the protector who needs protecting, the darkness that brings me light.” I brushed my thumbs across his cheekbones. “You're still Maverick. And I'm still Tess. We're just... more.”

His laugh was shaky, but his arms tightened around me. “More,” he repeated. “That's one way to put it. You're practically a goddess now.”

“For the moment,” I murmured against him, seeing the flickers of future in the strands around us. “But no matter what happens...” I pressed a soft kiss to the corner of his mouth, savoring how he leaned into it instinctively. “I'll always remember choosing you. Always. In every turning of fate. Again and again.”

He took my mouth, pulling me ever closer and when we broke apart, both breathing heavily, I traced patterns on his chest. “I know you're torn between wanting this new version of me and missing who I was.” I met his gaze. “I know you're afraid this power won't last, that I'll shatter when it fades.”

“Will you?” he asked, his voice rough with emotion.

The threads of my future stretched out before us, countless possibilities spiraling into oblivion. “Yes,” I admitted. “But not today. Not tonight.” His energy surged to meet mine as I pulled him closer. “Tonight, I want to show you everything I've become.”

His hands slid up my back, and I felt his surrender even as he tried to maintain control. “Everything?”

“Everything,” I promised, already knowing exactly how this night would unfold, every touch, every gasp, every moment where he'd struggle between dominating and yielding. “Trust me.”

And as I drew him down onto the bed, he finally let go of the need to protect me, if only for this moment, if only for tonight. Because across every possible version of us, this was the constant—this gravity between us, this inevitable collision.

The lamp flickered, though neither of us had touched it.

I stepped back from his embrace, watching with amusement as he struggled to process my sudden change in demeanor. Magic thrummed under my skin. The predator recognized its prey, and a spark of mischief ignited in his eyes. He wanted to play? Oh, we could play.

With a swift movement, I flipped him onto his back, the mattress dipping beneath his weight. He started to sit up, eyes wide with awe and challenge, but I held up a hand, forestalling any further movements.

“Stay right there,” I purred, the words velvety soft with a hint of steel beneath.

His gaze flicked to my hand, then back to my face, a lazy smile playing at his lips. “Whatever you say, goddess.”

I couldn't contain my grin at the note of anticipation in his voice. With a subtle flex of my control, I slipped into a different place for just long enough to snag what I needed. When I stepped back into this timeline, I was wearing it. The black leather dominatrix suit molded to my body, highlighting every curve and dip. My hair tumbled loose around my shoulders, and in my hand, I held a whip.

Maverick's eyes went wide, his breath catching in his throat. His gaze flicked from the whip to me and back again, and then, slowly, he let out a low whistle. “Well, hell,” he managed after a moment. “I think I like this new Tess.”

“Get on your hands and knees, big boy,” I ordered, my voice taking on a husky edge.

Conflicting emotions played across his face—surprise, desire, a hint of uncertainty—but he didn't hesitate. With a smooth, lithe movement, he obeyed, his powerful body coiled and ready, his eyes fixed to mine.

I let out a soft, appreciative whistle of my own as I circled him like a predator stalking its prey. “Tasty,” I murmured, trailing the whip across his shoulders. He shivered at the touch, and I leaned closer, pressing my mouth to the spot just behind his ear. “Perfect,” I whispered.

His muscles tensed beneath my fingertips, and with a soft laugh, I drew back, the whip brushing down his spine. “You have no idea what I'm about to do to you,” I promised, my tone silken and dangerous. “But I bet you can't wait to find out.”

His response was a low, sinful chuckle. “You have no idea how right you are.”

I grin at the challenge in his eyes. “You think this is a game, Maverick?”

He smirked, and for a moment, the confident, mischievous seraph was back, the dominant I knew so well taking control. “Don't you?”

My energy buzzed as I stepped closer, displaying the full force of my power. “Maybe I do,” I whispered, my voice husky with dark promise. “But only one of us gets to choose the rules.”

His eyes darkened, desire warring with the instinct to fight for dominance. I might have lost myself in the ether, but I found the part of me that had been missing. The will to claim my place at Maverick's side, to be his equal in every sense of the word.

With a fluid movement, I turned and began to walk away, the soft rasp of his breath lingering in the quiet air. “You want to play?” I paused, looking over my shoulder with a feline smile. “Then crawl to me, pet.”

I didn’t need to see his face to know the request hit him in all the right ways. I felt the spike of his desire, and then he moved, the soft rustle of his clothes as he shifted position, the scrape of fabric against the hardwood floor as he began to crawl.

His hands calloused from centuries of battle, his shoulders powerful from bearing the weight of his own personal wars. His muscles bunched and flexed with every movement, and he moved with the deadly grace of a predator. But in that moment, I was the hunter, and he was my prey.

When he reached me, I grabbed a handful of his hair, tilting his head back to expose the strong line of his throat. For a moment, I simply looked at him, studying the contours of his face—the stubborn jaw, the mischievous curve of his lips, the dark heat in his eyes that reflected my own desires back at me. Then I leaned down, claiming his mouth with mine.

The kiss was deep, demanding, possessive. I tasted the heady mix of darkness and light that made him who he was, and he groaned into my mouth, his hands lifting as if he wanted to touch me but held back, unsure of the rules of this game. I trapped his lower lip between my teeth, then pulled away, stroking his hair. “Undress,” I ordered, my voice soft but with an edge that made it clear it wasn’t a request. “Slowly.”

He complied, his fingers steady as he began to unbutton his shirt, never taking his eyes from mine.

“Now touch yourself,” I whispered, my gaze dropping to follow the path of his hands as he stripped away his clothing. “Show me what you'd have me do to you.”

His breath caught, and his gaze flickered with surprise before desire took over again and his body won out over his mind. A reckless, breathtaking smile curved his lips the moment he surrendered fully to the game. “Tell me, goddess. What do you desire?”

Laughter bubbled up within me, dark and lush. “Oh, so many things,” I purred, stepping back and letting my power slide up my own body. “But for now, take off this damn outfit, Maverick. I can't be expected to concentrate with you looking so delicious.”

His intense gaze held mine captive as he slowly unzipped the leather suit, the sound of the metal teeth separating made my pulse quicken. With deliberate movements, he took each side of the suit and peeled it down my body, baring my skin inch by agonizing inch. The leather brushed against my sensitive skin, sending a heady rush of desire coursing through me.

Kneeling in front of me, he took each of my feet in turn, his touch gentle as he slipped the suit off. The cool air on my now-bare legs sent a tingling sensation throughout my body. “Good boy,” I breathed, my voice hoarse with anticipation. I turned and walked back to the bed, my heart pounding in my ears.

The predatory glint in his eyes sent a thrill through me, the hunger, and the spark of something more—a need to assert his dominance, to prove that he was still the one in control.

But I understood control now. I understood power.

And I planned to make him work for it.

I took a step back, then another, leading him like a tamed beast. “Crawl,” I reminded him, my tone soft but with an underlying edge.

His gaze met mine, a challenge sparking in the depths, but he dipped his head in silent acquiescence. Lazily, he crawled toward me, his movements lithe and powerful, every inch the predator responding to my command. His eyes burned with a mixture of desire and something else—a hint of uncertainty, perhaps, or the barest trace of fear. But mostly desire—raw, untamed, and breathtakingly intense.

I reclined on the bed, my legs parted in invitation. “Kiss my foot,” I purred, my voice a low, sultry caress.

Without hesitation, he lowered himself and placed a warm, open-mouthed kiss on the delicate skin of my arch. His breath was hot and sent a shiver up my spine, but I remained poised and in control.

“Higher,” I crooned, and he obliged, his lips leaving a trail of fire as they moved upwards, each press of his mouth sending little shocks of pleasure through me. I savored the sensation, the control I held in this moment, and the way he responded to my every word, eager to please.

He obeyed without question, his mouth trailing a path up my calves, his hands resting on my ankles as if seeking permission to touch more. “Higher,” I repeated, my voice throaty with anticipation.

His kisses grew more demanding, his delicious tongue swirling against my skin as he climbed higher, following the path I set. The shivers raced through my body, goosebumps rising, delighting in the way my magic made him shudder in response, amplifying every sensation. His mouth reached my inner thighs, and I tangled my fingers in his hair, pulling him closer, denying him the chance to tease or play.

“Higher,” I breathed, feeling the electricity in the air, sparking with every touch.

His mouth drew to my pulsing core, a magnet drawn to steel, and his warm breath fanned over my sensitive flesh. My body arched instinctively, a silent plea for more. “Now, Maverick. Right there.”

And then, at last, his mouth claimed me. His tongue swirled and danced, sending pleasure spiraling through me like liquid fire. His muffled groan vibrated against me as he reveled in my breath and the way my body pressed toward him.

I tightened my grip in his hair, needing him closer, wanting to feel his desire match mine. “That's it,” I encouraged, my other hand bracing the bed as my legs wrapped around his head, resting on his shoulders. “Good boy.”

His mouth worked hungrily, his moans sending vibrations through me, and my climax built, coiling tight in my core. “Don't stop,” I ordered, my free hand fisting in the sheets as I struggled to stay upright. “Don't you dare stop.”

His hands squeezed my hips, his mouth relentless, and I cried out, my body shaking as pleasure crashed over me. For a moment, I couldn't see, couldn't think, couldn't breathe. And then, gradually, the world came back into focus, and I met Maverick's gaze, basking in his triumph.

I conjured a black ball gag, the familiar leather strap and cold metal buckle heavy in my hands. My magic responded to my desire, the implement taking form as I willed it. Gently, I fit the gag between Maverick's teeth. Excitement sparked in their depths, the challenge, and the willingness to surrender control.

“That was perfect, baby. You did so well.” His eyes widened as I spoke, the heat in them undeniable. Slowly, I pulled the strap taut, tightening it around his head. I made sure it was secure, fastening the buckle at the back.

“There,” I said, my voice a husky whisper as I drank in the sight of him, his alluring features now framed by the gag. My heart raced, my body still humming with the echoes of release, but this was just the prelude. With Maverick, there was always another level to descend to, another layer of pleasure and trust to uncover. I couldn't wait to explore.

The look in his eyes was almost my undoing. The unspoken question hung between us—how far would I take this?

His eyes flicked to the gag and then back to me with the unspoken request, in the slight, restrained buck of his hips. He wanted more, and my body sang in response.

“Oh yes, you like this,” I murmured, my voice low and seductive as my energy surged, making my skin tingle and my senses heighten. I traced a finger along his jaw, the scratch of his stubble a delightful contrast to the smoothness of his skin. I let my finger trail downward, over the strong pulse in his neck, the chiseled muscles of his chest, and lower still, following the contours of his abdomen. His breath hitched, and his body shuddered, and I relished the fact that I could affect him so deeply.

“Such a responsive, gorgeous pet,” I whispered, my breath ghosting across his ear. “Are you ready for more, Maverick?”

His eyes blazed with desire, and he gave a sharp nod, the movement constrained by the position of the gag.

“I think,” I murmured, my voice low and sultry, “it's time to find out just how responsive you can be. Get on the bed, take your cock in your hand and stroke it.”

Once he was in place, I straddled him, resting my hands on his chest and leaned in for a kiss. His lips were soft and pliant beneath mine, and when I pulled away, I traced the line of his collarbone with a fingertip, letting a tendril of heat blaze from my touch. His skin reacted at once, the flesh reddening and rising into a little burn mark in the wake of my finger. Maverick tensed, his eyes widening at the sensation, but then he relaxed all at once, his head falling back as a shudder ran through him.

A wicked smile curved my lips as I murmured, “You like this, baby? Such an eager masochist.”

His body went stiff beneath me as he continued to stroke his cock. Every muscle taut over the mattress as I branded him with my touch. His breath hitched, his chest rising and falling as I stole what little fight he had left. He was completely at my mercy, a pliant, willing captive, and I couldn't resist the urge to test just how far he'd let me go.

I dragged my fingertip down his torso, relishing the way his muscles quivered and jumped. The red angry T on his skin stood out beautifully, and I knew he'd love it as much as I did. He bucked his hips, seeking more, but then he stopped stroking himself, his hand pausing as if waiting for my next move, breath hissing through his teeth.

My eyes held his captive as I whispered, “Are you going to come for me now, Maverick?”

A shudder ran through him, and he moaned around the ball gag, breath stuttering as he fought for control. His eyes, dark and dilated, pleaded with me, but still he shook his head, denying the release I knew he craved.

“Not yet?” I teased, stroking his chest with my free hand. “You're not ready?”

Again, he shook his head, his eyes never leaving mine, the desire burning in their depths.

I smiled, my fingers tracing idle patterns on his skin. “You want some more?”

His sharp nod sent a thrill through me, the eagerness in his eyes sparking my own desire. His skin was hot against my palm, random soft moans around the gag.

With a subtle shift of my will, I dissolved the ball gag and transported us to another place. This one a dark, lush bedroom with velvet-covered walls and a massive four-post bed draped with heavy black curtains. Candles flickered, casting dancing shadows that teased our consciousness.

Maverick's gaze flicked around the room, taking in the new surroundings, and then he met my eyes, a silent question in his. I gave him a slow, feline smile in response. “Just a little change of scenery. Don't worry, I'll bring you back in one piece.”

His responding grin sent a thrill of anticipation through me. “Wouldn't dream of doubting you, Tess. Not anymore.”

I stepped closer, my power crackling around us like a physical caress. “Good boy,” I breathed, my hand lifting to trace the line of the gag, my knuckles brushing his cheek. “Now, let's see how good you really are at following orders.”

His eyes darkened at the word 'orders', but he nodded his acquiescence.

“That depends,” he managed, his voice rough, “on what those orders are.”

I smiled then, slow and dangerous. “I've been thinking,” I began, my voice a velvet purr, “about all the naughty things we could do together. But first, I want you to earn it.”

His eyebrows rose, curiosity warring with desire, but he remained silent, waiting for my instructions.

“I want you to count,” I said, my voice low and commanding. “Out loud. Every time you feel pleasure. Every touch, every kiss, every little thing I do that makes you feel good.” I leaned closer, my lips brushing his ear as I added, “Understand?”

He drew in a sharp breath, the idea clearly appealing, and he gave a slight, restrained nod. “Yes, Tess.”

“You can start now,” I purred, tracing the line of his jaw with my finger.

“One.” His breath hitched, and he swallowed hard, already battling his control.

“Good boy.”

I smiled and ran my hand down his chest, enjoying the play of muscles beneath my palm. “Two.” His head fell back as I scraped my nails lightly down his abdomen. “Oh, God, Tess. Three.”

I laughed, delighted by his reaction, and let my hand continue its journey downward. “Mmmm you like that?”

“Four.” His hips jerked as my hand closed around him and stroked his throbbing cock. “Five. Oh, fuck, six.”

“Keep counting,” I whispered, my mouth lowering to his neck, my teeth nipping at the sensitive skin.

“Seven, eight, nine...” His breath came in sharp gasps now, each number ripped from him as he struggled to maintain control. His pleasure was a tangible thing between us, his desire spiking with each touch, each kiss, each stroke of my hand.

“I think,” I murmured, my own breath coming in short bursts, “we'd better see just how high you can count, pet.”

He laughed then, a raw, harsh sound that held a note of triumph. “Tess, you have no idea. I could—” His words turned into a groan as I tightened my grip, and he bucked against my hand. “Eleven, twelve, thirteen!”

I grinned, delighted by his response. “Keep going,” I encouraged, my voice soft and sultry, my mouth moving to his, stealing his breath in a kiss. “Don't stop.”

“Never,” he vowed, his hands lifting to tangle in my hair, holding me captive as he devoured my mouth with his. “Fourteen, fifteen, sixteen—“

His words turned into a hoarse cry as I broke the kiss, my mouth trailing down his throat, my teeth nipping and tugging at his skin. “Seventeen, eighteen, nineteen—“

“Keep going,” I urged, my mouth moving lower, my tongue swirling over his nipple.

“Twenty, twenty-one—Keep—oh God, Tess, keep going, please—twenty-two, twenty-three—“

His words dissolved into a groan as I shifted my attention, my mouth trailing lower, my hair tickling his sensitive skin. “Don't worry, pet,” I murmured. “I have every intention of making this last.”

“You—ah, yes, yes, you definitely—twenty-four, twenty-five, please, Tess, twenty-six—oh God, yes, like that, please don't stop—twenty-seven, twenty-eight—“

Hearing him beg sent a thrill of energy coursing through me. I loved the way his voice went hoarse and desperate, the way his hips bucked involuntarily as I took him into my mouth, my lips wrapping around him, my tongue swirling and teasing. I savored the taste of him, the feel of his length sliding over my tongue, and the little gasps and groans he couldn't contain.

“Twenty-nine...thirty...” His words were strangled now, his body taut as a bowstring, and I knew he was close. The thought of bringing him to the edge and then pulling him back again made my core clench with need. I wanted to draw this out, to make him lose himself completely in me.

I released him, unhurried, a little pop signaling my withdrawal, and straightened, my fingers trailing up his calves, over the sensitive skin of his inner thighs, and then past his groin, up his ribs and chest.

His breath hitched as I took his face in my hands and pulled him toward me, our mouths meeting in a deep, passionate kiss. I could taste myself on him, the mingling of our flavors driving me wild. His groan of desperation vibrated through me as I kissed him harder, my fingers threading through his hair.

“You said you weren't ready to come, pet. Are you ready to let go now?” I teased, knowing full well that he wasn't ready to give in just yet.

“Please,” he moaned, his voice hoarse and desperate. But he shook his head no at the same time, a silent denial that fueled my desire. I chuckled and tightened my grip on his hair, pulling his head back to kiss and nip at the sensitive skin of his neck, relishing the way his muscles tightened beneath my lips.

Slowly, I worked my way back down his chest and those rippled abs to his cock, and took him in deep this time. He groaned, grabbing my shoulders to brace himself. I swirled my tongue around the tip, reveling in the warmth of his arousal as he bucked into my mouth.

My eyes watered as I took him deeper, my throat constricting around his thickness. It was a delicious stretch, a familiar burn as his hand came to rest on the back of my head. His touch sent a warm current rushing through me as he guided my movements, his grip tightening as he grew more demanding.

With a playful smirk, I pulled off, rising to whisper in his ear. “Keep your hands behind you, pet. I'm the one in control here.”

His chin lifted in that defiant way he had, that silent challenge that made my heart race and my body ache. But then, he gave a short, sharp nod, his voice a husky growl as he surrendered. “Yes, love.”

I couldn't resist a smile as I patted his cheek fondly. “Good boy.”

Lowering back down, I savored the way his breath caught as I pleasured him. The way he surrendered to me, his groans of desire filling the room, sparked an invincible feeling within me. It was a wicked sense of pride and power, that I could reduce this man to a quivering mess with just my touch.

Then I pulled off again and looked up. “Why'd you stop counting?”

His eyes were a hazy lust-filled confusion. “Uhhhh… thirty—thirty-one…“

I took him in my mouth again, swirled and teased, tasting his arousal as I went down on him, deep and hungry. His pre-cum coated my tongue, and I moaned at the taste, the sound vibrating around him. I wanted to devour him, to feel his release, and the need to possess and control him in this moment was overwhelming. Reducing this strong man to a pleasured wreck, made my own desire coil tightly within me. As his breath hitched and his groans filled the air, I knew he was close—so close—and my own clit pulsed in time with my hungry mouth.

His words turned into a strangled groan as his release surged through him, his body shaking with the force of it. I held him tight as he came, tasting his essence and reveling in the power I had over him. His body bowed, his breath a harsh rasp, and I gentled my strokes as he gradually relaxed. He was fully at my mercy, and the knowledge sent a thrill through me. I owned him, I branded him as mine, and the thought made my core clench with need. As his shudders subsided, his breath panting, for now, he was sated, but I wanted more. My touch grew bolder, my desire a burning flame that threatened to consume us both.

When he finally stilled, I leaned back, watching him through heavy-lidded eyes. He met my gaze, his eyes dark and unreadable, but his mouth curved into a languid, satisfied smile. “You,” he managed, his voice rough, “are far more dangerous than I ever imagined.”

I returned his smile, my energy thrumming through my soul like a heady drug. “Oh, Maverick,” I purred, running my fingers through his hair, “you have no idea.”