Page 11 of Ruthless Desires, Vol. Two (Ruthless Desires Series Extended Editions #2)

Elliot

I’d much prefer to leave with Oliver and Rhett, but there’s no way in hell I’m letting Wren stay here by herself. So I pour myself a drink from the bar and then lower myself into the chair next to Ludo. It’s too goddamn hot out here, but the view is nice.

“You four are quite loyal to each other,”

Ludo says.

“We are.”

“Maybe to a fault sometimes.”

“I suppose that’s how it could look to an outsider.”

Ludo hums thoughtfully.

“Care to explain?”

“No, not particularly. But in that same vein, I do have something else I’d like to explain to you.”

Ludo tilts his head toward me, one eyebrow raised in curiosity. “Go on.”

Before I continue, I take a sip of my drink, hoping the alcohol will get rid of some of my annoyance. It doesn’t.

“I was expecting tests of loyalty from you. It’s the only thing that makes sense. But what I wasn’t expecting was for you to go about it in a way that could’ve gotten your fiancée hurt. Or worse.”

“Oh?”

“Samuel. You now know what we did, how much we prioritized Aubrey’s safety, that we can’t be bought, etc. But while you were testing us, you were also distracting us from possible real threats. Nothing happened, and even if something had, we probably would’ve been able to handle it. But life doesn’t have many guarantees.

“I understand how important it is to know who you can trust. Test us all you want, Holloway. I don’t care. But the next time you do it, it’d better be in a way that doesn’t endanger Aubrey—or Wren.”

Ludo is silent as he stares at me. Whatever he’s feeling, he’s hiding it well. For a minute, I’m afraid I’ve gone too far. But then, slowly, he asks, “What are you really saying, Hayes?”

“I’m saying that there’s little I wouldn’t do to keep the woman I love safe. So the next time you send one of your men after us like that, we won’t be bringing him back alive.”

Ludo’s mouth curves upward. “Noted.”

The tension—at least for me—is unbearable. I stand.

“I’m going to check on Wren and Aubrey.”

With a sigh, Ludo follows me.

“I suppose I should come with you.”

Inside, the girls are sitting on the couch. Aubrey looks just as pissed, and when Wren glances up and sees Ludo, it takes her a second too long to school the hatred on her face.

My pulse picks up as I wait for Ludo to notice, but his attention is elsewhere.

“Shopping,”

Ludo says, surveying the bags that Samuel must’ve brought in from his backseat. They’re all in the entryway, placed rather haphazardly.

“An interesting past time when you’re in paradise. Pools, hot tubs, the ocean…”

Wren stiffens as Ludo’s gaze finally rests on her.

“There’s plenty to do.”

“Yes, plenty. It’d be a shame if you left it all unexplored because of a little—”

“Oh, shut up, Ludo,”

Aubrey snaps.

“No one cares about your opinion.”

Standing, she smiles softly at Wren.

“Thank you for coming after me. I appreciate it.”

“Will you be okay?”

Wren asks, grabbing Aubrey’s hand.

“Oh, I’ll be fine, no worries. I’d like to take you to the shop we didn’t get to go to this week, if you want? It’s this Black-owned bookstore that I’d love to support, and they have an amazing fantasy section.”

“I’d like that.”

Once we’ve said our goodbyes, we hurry to the penthouse. We have audio to sort through, and I want to spend some time relaxing before going to bed early. Wren silently chews her bottom lip the whole way back.

In the elevator, I cup her chin.

“What’s wrong?”

“I’m worried for Aubrey. She doesn’t want to marry him, Ell.”

“Who would?”

I mutter.

“He’s a piece of shit.”

Still, the whole situation isn’t sitting right. Aubrey told Wren she’s only marrying Ludo so her parents will be under his protection. It seems like Aubrey is getting the short end of the stick here.

“The worst thing is that I don’t know if I can trust her,”

Wren says with a sigh.

“I like her a lot. But I’m so worried this is another test from Ludo, that she’s secretly on his side but pretending not to be. But…”

“But what?”

I prod when she doesn’t continue.

“I think she has something up her sleeve. Not with Ludo, but against him. There have been a couple things she’s said that make me think she already has a way out of this planned. Maybe that’s just wishful thinking on my part, though.”

“Or you could be onto something. I know some people are phenomenal liars, but in my opinion, I don’t think Aubrey is faking how much she likes you.”

Wren’s expression brightens.

“You think so?”

“I do,”

I say as I pull out my phone. This conversation has reminded me that there’s someone who could help us figure out whose side Aubrey is on.

Sparrow hasn’t answered my text—which is fair, honestly. If I was the keeper of everyone’s deepest, darkest secrets, I wouldn’t reveal my sources either. So I try a different question.

Elliot: Did you mean don’t underestimate Aubrey as an enemy or as an ally?

Her response is almost immediate.

Sparrow Belgrave: Don’t you think I’d tell you if she was an enemy?

That’s a good point, I suppose.

I angle my phone so Wren can see.

“I’d say she’s trustworthy.”

“Oh, thank goodness. But… uh, who’s Sparrow?”

Right. I forgot we didn’t tell her a lot of details about Wyoming. It was for her safety, but we forgot to fill her in afterward.

“Someone we can trust when it comes to Ludo,”

I say.

“It’s in her best interests to take him down as well. She’s the one who hired us for the Wyoming job.”

“And she knows Aubrey?”

“Or she knows something about Aubrey. It’s kind of her job to know things.”

“But either way, we can keep hanging out? As actual friends?”

“Looks that way.”

“And it’ll be a way to get closer to Ludo?”

“That too. As long as you’re okay with it, love.”

“I want to help bring him down.”

Fuck, I love her.

In the penthouse, Rhett is sitting at the kitchen table. He has one earbud in, and he’s typing furiously on his laptop. When he sees us, he pauses.

“Anything good?” I ask.

“Nothing of use, but there’s still plenty to go through.”

“Keep us updated.”

I leave Wren in the living room to take a shower. I know it’s stupid, but I feel like I need to wash Ludo off me.

As I step into the bedroom, Oliver comes out of the bathroom. When he sees me, he makes a relieved noise.

“I’m glad you didn’t stick around for long.”

“Couldn’t’ve. I was already about to lose it.”

Humming in agreement, Oliver plops onto my lap like it’s the most natural thing to do—probably because it is.

“I think Rhett was about to punch him. He was pissed when he picked up the girls.”

“At least Ludo is more confident in our abilities now. And I’m glad we all made it through safely.”

Even though we knew Samuel most likely wasn’t a true threat, I didn’t like leaving Oliver alone like that. I never like it when we have to split up.

“Agreed,”

Oliver sighs. He kisses my cheek before standing.

“I’m gonna check on Wren. Take your time in the shower. You’re tense as hell.”

He pokes my shoulder.

“It won’t help,”

I mumble after he’s gone. I’ve got too much to worry about, too much to plan. At this rate, I probably won’t even sleep tonight.

For the hundredth time, I find myself wishing this was all over. I want to know what life is like without all this external pressure and stress.

“Six months,”

I whisper as I turn on the shower. But even as I say it, I can’t help but feel that even that time frame is going to be agonizingly long.

***

When I get out of the shower, Rhett is sitting on the bed waiting for me. I pause in the doorway, momentarily confused, but then I remember our conversation from the other day.

I’d fuck the stress out of you if we had time.

Rhett stands, prowling toward me.

“You don’t look relaxed.”

“You here to change that?”

He captures my chin between two fingers, gazing down at me, and kisses me gently.

“If that’s what you need.”

Thank fuck.

I nod.

“Do you need to struggle?”

“Please.”

I like being in charge. Being the strong one, the leader, the one everyone can rely on. Even when it does nothing but drain me, I can’t shut it off. I can’t be that person all the time, no matter how much I want to be.

At some point, Rhett figured out he could take it from me. I may put up one hell of a fight, but he always wins. It’s what we both usually want, and it’s easier for me to let go when he forces me to submit to him. It’s rare that things go the other way. Rhett doesn’t tend to enjoy giving up control.

Rhett kisses me again, still keeping it gentle and loving.

“Your wish is my command, pretty boy.”

Already, I feel myself relaxing. I love this man so much.

Without warning, Rhett yanks my towel off and shoves me onto the bed. I’m caught off guard, so my attempt to roll away fails. Rhett pounces on top of me, grabbing my wrists and pinning them to the mattress. I try to buck him off, but he barely budges.

Clicking his tongue, he leans down and murmurs in my ear, “Disappointing. I was hoping for an actual challenge.”

With a grunt, I manage to free one of my hands. I grab the back of Rhett’s neck and yank him down. Pure heat courses through my veins as I kiss him fiercely. He nips at my bottom lip as I work myself into a better position to dismount him.

He grabs my wrist and pins it back down.

“You think I don’t know what you’re doing?”

“You said you wanted a challenge.”

With all the force I can manage, I knock him off me. I’m not able to gain the upper hand enough to get on top of him, but when he tries to grab me, I’m able to dodge.

I fling myself toward the edge of the bed, and Rhett follows. When he lands on top of me, it pushes us too far, and we fall to the floor. Somehow, we manage not to hurt ourselves, but it makes a lot of noise. Worth it—I end up on top.

I pin Rhett to the floor and lean down. My lips are a mere inch from his as I whisper, “Don’t tell me I’m being too much of a challenge for you.”

“You little—”

There’s a knock on the door, and then it opens.

“Hey, are you guys okay—ah. Yeah, they’re fine, princess. More than fine.”

With a laugh, Oliver steps back out and closes the door.

“You’re going to pay for that comment,”

Rhett growls. He rips his hands free from my grasp, grabs my head, and pulls me down.

The moment his mouth meets mine, everything shifts. I can feel myself starting to relax. My body softens against his as he bites my bottom lip hard enough to draw blood. I grunt at the pain, simultaneously wishing for more and wanting to pull back.

Rhett flips us so I’m on my back and he’s straddling my hips.

“Is that all it took? One rough kiss, and you’re ready to comply?”

Just like that, I’m struggling again. He always taunts me like this. If I give in too easily, I can’t get out of my head enough. What I need is for Rhett to completely overpower me—to take away my ability to make any independent decisions. Only then can I truly let go.

“Let me up,”

I grunt as I push at his shoulders.

“If you wanna get up, you’re going to have to fight for it.”

Again, I push at him, but it doesn’t do much. Rhett is bigger and stronger than I am, and he’s also gotten very skilled at putting—and keeping—me in my place.

“Aww,”

Rhett says with mock sympathy.

“You’re trying so hard, but it’s futile, isn’t it? I’ll give you an A for effort, at least.”

“Fuck you,”

I grit out.

Never in getting to know Wren did I think she’d teach me something about fighting—playfully or not. But here I am, about ready to take a page from her book.

“Why are you smiling like that?”

Rhett demands.

“Can’t help it.”

Quickly, I go for his armpits, tickling him and praying I’m not about to get myself killed.

Rhett reacts immediately, shouting and scrambling off me. As soon as we’re both on his feet, he smiles sadistically.

“Oh, you’re gonna pay for that.”

There’s nowhere for me to run. I try to jump and roll across the bed, but Rhett follows me. Just as I’m about to put distance between us, he pulls me back with a strong grip on the back of my neck.

Rhett throws me onto the mattress before covering my body with his. Our heaving chests are pressed up against each other as he leaves another hot, fierce kiss on my mouth.

“Do I need to restrain you?”

he growls.

“Force you into cuffs and make you take whatever I decide to give you?”

I groan. Desperately, I move my head toward his for another kiss, but he pulls back.

“Maybe,”

he says with a sadistic grin, “I should mark you up so everyone knows just who you belong to.”

“Fucking hell, Rhett,”

I gasp.

“Just do something.”

On the last syllable, Rhett grips my jaw and forces it open wider. He spits into my mouth, and his eyes darken with satisfaction as I swallow.

“Such a good boy,”

he murmurs.

“You want my dick?”

“God, yes.”

He kisses me, and his tongue delves into my mouth and tangles with my own. And just because I can—just because he thinks I’m finally done fighting—I buck him off of me. He lands on his side, so I quickly force him onto his back and straddle him.

“But first,”

I say, grinning, “maybe I’ll make you work for it.”

“Oh, really?”

Since I’m not holding down his hands, he’s easily able to grab my cock and stroke it. He only does it enough to pull a groan out of me before he stops.

“Rhett,” I pant.

“You want more of that?”

I let out a frustrated grunt and move to replace his hand with my own, but he catches my wrist before I’m able to get to my dick.

“You know I do.”

“Then get on the floor on your knees, pretty boy.”

He shoves me to the side before I can even move.

As I get into position, Rhett gets up and grabs something from his bag. Leather cuffs linked together.

“Since you’re being a pain in my ass today,”

he says as he secures them to my wrists behind my back.

“Maybe these will remind you who’s in charge here.”

“In charge? You? Are you sure?”

“Goddammit, Ell. You’ve got no idea what you’re getting yourself into.”

Oh yes I do.

Rhett yanks his clothes off, and my mouth waters at the sight of him. Not just his cock, but his body. Beautiful, rounded, sharpened, and for the moment, all mine to enjoy. There’s a safety that comes with losing ourselves in each other’s bodies, and it’s been far too long since Rhett and I did so alone.

“Open your mouth,”

he commands.

I smirk.

“You’re really gonna make this harder on yourself? Fuck, of course you are.”

He brushes the tip of his dick against my lips, teasing me, and I almost open my mouth for him just so I can get a taste.

But I don’t. I just need a little more.

When I turn my head away, Rhett chuckles darkly.

“If you don’t start listening, I’m going to spank that ass of yours until you can’t sit right for the rest of the week.”

“I’d like to see you try.”

“Oh, I’ll do more than try.”

I can’t struggle as much with my wrists restrained, so he hauls me up with ease and throws me face down onto the bed. I roll onto my back quickly.

Sadistic delight flashes in Rhett’s eyes.

“You’re asking for trouble.”

“Give me hell.”

He shoves me back onto my stomach. Before I can brace myself, he smacks my ass so hard I jump. My skin stings, and the pain is met with another hit—and then another.

“Fuck,” I grunt.

“You’ll take it,”

Rhett growls as he spanks my other ass cheek.

“Won’t you, pretty boy?”

“Yes,”

I groan, flinching at the next smack.

And just like that, I’m his. Pliant, mindless, and lost in the painful bliss Rhett is so good at dishing out. He spanks me until there are tears falling from my eyes and my ass is on fire.

“You finally ready to be a good boy, Ell?”

“Yes,”

I say into the blankets.

“I’m yours. Do whatever you want to me.”

He massages my ass, easing the sting.

“Oh, I will.”

I expect him to bring me back to the floor, but he doesn’t. Effortlessly, he pulls me so my head is still pressed into the mattress and my ass is in the air. I brace for another smack, but instead he spreads my cheeks and circles my asshole with his tongue. I grunt.

Rhett doesn’t spend a lot of time rimming me, probably because he’s too impatient, but I don’t mind because I am too. Once he’s prepped me and washed his hands, he smacks my ass one last time.

“Owwww,” I groan.

“Your ass is too fucking sexy. Couldn’t stop myself,”

he says as he disconnects the cuffs. He flips me onto my back before redoing them so my hands are in front of me.

“I’d keep you like that so I could bounce off it while I fuck you, but I want to look at you.”

After pulling me right to the edge of the bed, Rhett coats his dick with lube. I open my legs for him, and he lines himself up. As he pushes inside, he groans and closes his eyes.

“Thought you were gonna watch me,” I taunt.

“I’ll get to it.”

His hand wraps around my cock, moving up and down.

When we finally lock gazes, Rhett smirks. He’s working his way farther into me so slowly it’s torturous. I’ve been waiting for this moment ever since he gave me that massage Sunday night, so I’m having trouble staying patient. I don’t beg, though. Don’t want to. I trust Rhett to give me exactly what he knows I need.

Once Rhett is seated all the way in me, he finally leans over. One hand is still stroking my cock, and he places the other by my head to hold himself up.

“Look at you, so ready to let me have my way with you. Completely at my mercy.”

“Like I said, Rhett. Give me hell.”

“Oh, I plan on it.”

He pulls out and slides back in, and a groan tumbles from his lips.

“So tight.”

We stay just like that, him thrusting into me and stroking my cock while I take it. He doesn’t let me look away, not for a single second, and I’ve never loved being trapped in his gaze so much.

I don’t know how much time passes. Don’t particularly care, either. All that exists is us, free from expectations and drunk off each other.

“You feel how well I fit inside you?”

Rhett pants as I feel myself reaching that tipping point.

“It’s like you’re made for me, pretty boy.”

“Rhett,”

I groan.

“I’m gonna come.”

“Fuck yes. Give it to me. Come everywhere.”

With a shudder, I finish, and hot cum coats my stomach and Rhett’s hand. Fuck, it feels so good.

“Don’t you dare,”

he says when my eyes start to slide shut.

“You look at me through the whole thing.”

Even though it feels like I’m drowning in all the sensations, I manage to hold eye contact until Rhett stops stroking my dick. My head feels light, and my thoughts are fuzzy. “Rhett,”

I pant as I lift my head.

He isn’t far behind me. His hand moves from the mattress to my throat as he says, “Stay like that. Just like that, Ell. Oh, fuck.”

He pounds into me for another minute before pulling out. Within seconds, he’s coming all over my stomach with a deep groan. I gaze up at him, watching as all his walls come crashing down, just for a few brief seconds.

“I love you,”

I whisper.

He smiles, and it reaches his eyes. When he kisses me, my stomach flips, like I’m a teenager falling in love again.

“Love you too, Ell.”