Page 18
Story: Seducer (Legacy of Kings #2)
CHAPTER 18
Z ach
Prim.
Proper.
Perfect.
They were the three words I’d use to describe the outward appearance of the lovely Sara Capshaw. Catching her hiding in my office had dragged my mind from the dark places it had gone since our sinful tryst days before. She’d gone to great lengths to hide her Wild Kitty persona, the tinted glasses preventing me from capturing the color of her eyes. Her clothes were well put together, yet boring to the naked eye. Likely just the way she wanted them to be.
She didn’t want any attention drawn to her. I was attracted to the thought that the world’s best human weapons were those who hid completely under the radar. She could easily be an explosive device no one saw coming.
Her disguise had certainly worked with me.
However, there’d been no way of preventing the heavy electricity we’d experienced since meeting one another. My entire body was tense, the anticipation of breaking down more of her walls far too enticing. I’d planted the limited information on the Obsidian Society. My gut had told me she was searching for a prize that she was clueless about.
The game would chew her up and spit her out. Although I had to admit her answers and continued rebelliousness heightened her intrigue. Given I normally couldn’t care less about whether a contestant was ready for the savagery of the game or not, the fact I’d given her wellbeing any thought represented both an obstacle and a deeper need.
But my interest in the lovely young woman wasn’t pure by any sense of the word. If she wasn’t careful, my seduction would turn into claiming her.
Sara regarded me coolly after my proclamation, darting several glances to my door.
“If you think anyone is either coming to help or interfering with our time together, you are wrong.”
“The janitorial staff will be here any minute.”
I grinned, thoroughly enjoying her discomfort. “I gave them the night off.”
“You did plan this. Were you following me?” The fact she continued to challenge me pushed my libido to the highest range possible. Losing control in my place of business wasn’t a good idea, but she was purposely pushing me. I should warn her to be careful, but the truth was that there was no fairness in filth and sin. None.
I made the rules. It was up to her to follow them or face additional punishment. Did she have any clue I’d been inside her apartment? Did she know how much I’d learned about her? Probably not and I planned on keeping it that way.
For now.
“Did I need to?” I asked, playing innocent.
She scoffed. “What if I don’t accept your method of punishment?”
“Then I’ll be forced to contact a police detective friend of mine. He’s well versed in the art of cybercrimes.”
“Cybercrimes? That’s not what I was doing.”
“Are you certain of that?” I shoved my hands into my pockets, throwing the ball in her court. While I had the perfect opportunity to shackle and keep her as mine, that would destroy all the excitement of the game.
There was a flair about the way she shook her head. “Here I thought everyone was wrong about you and you were really a nice guy.”
“Not a chance. I was born a demon. Now, which punishment would you prefer?”
I was impressed she kept a rock-hard, angry look on her face for almost a full additional minute even as the truth of her situation was nagging at her. She finally had to drop her resolve. “I want to say I’m sorry for what I did, but now, I’m no longer certain about that.”
“An interesting switch in demeanor, but nevertheless, it doesn’t change what has occurred.” I looked at my watch on purpose, although I couldn’t care less about what time it was. “I’m a busy man, Ms. Capshaw. I’ve offered you an olive branch to keep your career and your freedom. What will it be?”
“Bastard,” she said under her breath.
“Absolutely.”
Her entire body remained stiff as she walked from around my desk. I had to admit to myself that she looked damn good sitting in my chair. Perhaps I’d fuck her in that very chair at some point.
She threw another look at the open door before confronting me with her arms crossed. “Fine. I accept, but get it the hell over with. I have a life to live.”
I found her insolence refreshing.
The offer of spanking her was merely a stopgap to my true, blatant desires. The choice offered had been an off the cuff decision, not something I’d ordinarily suggest. However, it would allow me an opportunity to learn more about the sweet kitten.
Including whether she could really handle being sent an invitation to the games.
“Remove your skirt and panties and lean over my desk.” There was still a hint of excitement about what I had planned for her. The act might be tame in comparison to what else I enjoyed, but that didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy the moment spent with her.
My balls ached just like they did every time I was in her company. Her sweet scent alone was enough to remind me I was in an entirely different and much darker league than she was.
I backed away from the desk, allowing her some space as well as a moment of peace. She totally ignored me, turning her back on me before tossing her arms around her waist, her labored breathing almost preventing her from unfastening her skirt.
Several lurid, depraved thoughts swelled in the back of my mind. Using caution with her at this point was important. If I didn’t, I stood a chance of losing her before the real games began. That would gut me.
She pressed both hands on her skirt, shimmying out of the material. There was no look over her shoulder when she took her time folding the material. She was buying time, uncertain of exactly how she felt about what was about to happen.
But I knew.
The temptress had finally met her match and was eager to surrender in body and soul. Or maybe I was just pushing the moment more than I should. I chuckled to myself as I removed my jacket, tossing it across the back of the leather chair. She seemed caught by the slight noise I made, sneaking a look as I unfastened my cuffs, methodically rolling both sleeves up to my elbows.
The simple gesture seemed to mesmerize her, enough so she even dragged the tip of her tongue across her bottom lip. I moved my hands to my belt and her eyes opened wider than I’d seen them before. For all her posturing, she was still an innocent lamb unprepared for the slaughter.
Training her would be a great joy.
If she could survive my methods.
She shuddered audibly before sliding her fingers under the tiny strings keeping her G-string in place. My gaze drifted to her rounded bottom, my dark cravings coming forth. I longed to sink my teeth into the soft, round flesh of her buttocks. I kept a smirk on my face as I slowly tugged the leather strap from my belt loops.
There were dozens of questions I longed to ask her, but tonight wasn’t the right time. A buzz kill I didn’t want or need. I had a feeling she wouldn’t like being grilled about a past she’d worked so hard to pretend never existed.
Sara didn’t need to be told to get into position. She was truly a born submissive, rolling her waist over the edge and gently guiding her arms to the other side. With her long torso, she was easily able to grab the edge with her fingers. While my desk was wide enough, the back of her legs even in heels were stretched, the view was simply magnificent.
A belt was so pedestrian, but when push came to shove, the strap worked just fine. Tonight was about enticing her latent desires. More would come.
Although I couldn’t wait to see my marks covering her beautiful skin. She remained tense, more so as I approached, but made not a single sound. She’d worked very hard in her life to keep from whining or allowing anyone to learn of her discomfort or plight. Another reason to admire her.
I abhorred those who whined about their lot in life. I’d never been given that chance. I’d fought my way through every ugly situation, every harsh beating, and nights starved and kept in the worst possible conditions. I’d done so without shedding a single tear or whimpering. I’d learned early on that no one cared.
The moment I was only a few inches away from her, I inhaled, savoring the sweet aroma the moment offered. Luscious was the perfect word. Her body was quivering, but barely enough for me to see. She was a very strong young woman. What she’d endured in her life had strengthened her backbone.
On that thought, I rolled my fingers down her spine. She didn’t move a muscle as I did, keeping her face planted forward the entire time. The only sign of her discomfort was in the way she dug her fingers into the smooth wood.
When I reached the crack of her ass, she bristled. I brushed the tips down the center of her buttocks while using my leg to push hers further apart. I could play this simple game all night, but this was meant as a taste. I wanted her not only craving more, but ready and eager to do whatever it took to be a candidate.
I took a step away, stretching the strap in my hands. The fact she offered no reaction kept the short fuse ignited. If she believed she could win the contest by using a form of denial, she was dead wrong.
No one could resist the darkness I offered.
I cracked the belt across her bottom, careful my aim was exactly where I wanted.
It was.
Yet she didn’t react. There were no whimpers, no jumps from the force used.
I brought the strap down again in four rapid strikes. Her body finally jolted, the impressions made on her skin exactly as I wanted.
Another six were delivered, two I sliced across the tops of her thighs.
The woman was as frustrating as she was beguiling, her refusal to acknowledge any pain driving me crazy. I took a deep breath, moving closer and caressing her red and heated skin. “You’ll be sore in the morning.”
“What makes you think dancing doesn’t make me sore every night?”
“It’s entirely different when you can’t sit comfortably.”
“Pain means nothing to me, Mr. Blackwell. I came to embrace the need in our lives a long time ago. Without agony, there’d be no possibility of enjoying what we have.”
“Very profound coming from someone so young.”
“Age is just a number.” Sara’s voice held a tone I recognized all too well.
One of sadness and resignation.
It further ignited something deep within me and I continued the spanking, longing to hear a single whimper before I stopped.
I brought the belt down on her perfect ass. She merely gripped the desk harder.
I repeated my action. She moaned slightly and thrust her bottom out.
My cock straining painfully, I continued, eliciting a deep breath with each impact.
But not a single whimper.
I took a giant stride backwards, becoming fearful I’d go too far. I was so used to dealing with women who were not only used to but hungering for extreme pain that I barely knew any limits. While I couldn’t care less about someone’s modesty, I turned around so she could dress. Only I was so drawn to her that with my breathing remaining ragged, I tipped my head over my shoulder.
By all rights, I should keep the lie going about the Obsidian Society. It really didn’t matter about her past and whatever she was hiding. If I spent much additional time around her, I’d easily and quickly destroy her.
As heinous of a man as I’d become, there was obviously a small sense of decency left in my system. I didn’t want to be the one responsible for ruining her.
It took me a few seconds to realize she was right behind me. Now she had no issue creating soft sounds as she confronted me.
“What now, Mr. Blackwell? Am I required to do your bidding for an undisclosed timeframe? Do you want me to come to your house, cooking and cleaning? Or would you prefer I’m chained to your bed?”
I knew her boldness had everything to do with our passionate interlude as well as her nerves, but she was doing it again. Purposely goading, pushing me to see the lengths I’d go to. I closed my eyes briefly, ignoring the intense call luring me into taking another taste of her.
Business and pleasure were supposed to be kept separate. I laughed inwardly at myself. It seemed with her, breaking every rule, whether one of tradition or decency, had been easy to do.
“Now, you go home, get a good night’s sleep, and come into the office refreshed and eager to work. There will be no mention of the situation again. That is as long as you forget your endeavor from earlier, so will I.” I needed to keep from fixating on her, concentrating on unfolding my cuffs instead.
“What are you hiding, Mr. Blackwell? And don’t tell me you aren’t. I know better.”
Her goading worked enough that I turned to face her. “Aren’t we all hiding something, Ms. Capshaw? Something perhaps in our past we’d prefer no one learning about? In my case, I don’t wish to deal with recrimination or sympathy…” Seeing her in her blouse and lacy thong kept my cock at full attention.
“Because of all the people you’ve killed?”
Her question brought a genuine smile to my face. “Now you think you know me.”
“I can easily recognize when someone is living with demons. You are. What terrible things have you done? Did you torment your parents or brothers? Were you a bad kid in school, always getting into trouble? Did your girlfriend discover you were sleeping with her best friend? Or are the portions of the game I’ve heard about based on actual occurrences in your life? Murders. Acts performed by a sexual predator?”
She had a way of getting under my skin with sheer determination. In my mind, she was doing so to push me into spouting off what truths she wanted to hear about the Obsidian Society. I was almost at the point of doing so.
But I didn’t answer, continuing to button my second cuff.
Exhaling, she tried to turn away and for some reason, my mind shut down to all sense of humanity and every other emotion that would prevent me from overreacting. I snapped my hand around her wrist, dragging her onto her toes as I pulled her against me.
“What do you think you’re doing?” she demanded, her nose turning up and her lips pursing. Neither reaction was out of anger, but a stronger sense of desire. I captured the whiff of her needs and that would only grow stronger as long as we continued sparring.
She was making this a game of her own, only she’d need to learn that playing with a monster like me wasn’t in her best interest.
I didn’t take a single game I played lightly. I arched her as I pulled her into my chest, shifting my hips back and forth so she could feel just how hard she made me.
And crazy.
I was panting like some fucking lunatic, the hunger entirely different every time we were in the same room.
“Doing exactly what you want. Isn’t that right, Wild Kitty? You crave my rough touch and have since that night. You long to have me take control over every inch of your luscious body, refusing to allow you any leeway. You want nothing more than for me to defile you right here. Right now. Tell me the truth. Isn’t that exactly what you’ve been thinking about?”
“Get off me. We shared something that can never be repeated.” She struggled in my hold.
“And why is that? We’re two consenting adults.”
“Because it’s wrong.”
“Wrong,” I repeated with a growl to my tone. “You mean because I’m allowing you a choice. Well, we can change that very easily.”
“What do you mean?”
“Don’t play na?ve with me, Sara. The bullshit doesn’t look good on you. Vulnerability, yes. It’s endearing, but don’t ever lie to yourself or to me. You want exactly what you thought the game was going to offer you, a reason to embrace the darkness and fear you’ve longed to experience and conquer your entire life. Money, houses. That bullshit was secondary. That’s why we were so drawn to each other. We share the same carnal needs.”
“You are out of your mind.” She continued fighting, albeit lamely, as if she really believed I might let her go. As she dug her fingers into my arm, she attempted to get her leg in a position where she could issue a painful kick. That wasn’t going to happen.
I jerked her leg up, bending it at the knee and pulling it against my side. Now it was my turn to have my fingers digging into her soft skin.
“I’m very much out of my mind at least according to all those happy little shrinks I visited years ago. However, I’m the kind of crazy that you’ve fantasized about for years. Tell me the truth. Are you eager to have me hunt you down like the sweet prey I’ve come to know you as? Imagine a man like me. I could find you by your sweet scent alone.” I inhaled in an exaggerated way, snorting when I did.
“Never.”
“Why lie to me? You’re very aware I can see right through your pristine and conservative facade. Admit to yourself if not to me your hunger has become unbridled.”
Her mouth twisted in frustration, her breath skipping several beats. But I could see all the masochistic fantasies she’d never admitted to anyone.
This time, she shifted her hips, allowing a waft of the desire I was talking about to float between us.
Goddamn, what this woman did to me. I was past the point of any self-control, spinning into madness. And I didn’t give a shit about the ramifications from doing so.
“You’re a sick man,” she hissed, although her resistance was almost over. She was clutching my shirt, her breathing unusually rapid.
“Yes, yes, I am. Another reason you were so drawn to me, sweet kitty.” I crushed my mouth over hers, capturing the moans that instantly rushed up from her throat. She wiggled violently in my hold, acting as if she hated my touch.
I knew better.
She craved everything I could provide, wanting no one else.
The kiss was rough and powerful. When I slipped my hand behind her head, holding her in place, she wiggled to the point that tremendous friction was created. I thrust my tongue inside, marveling at her taste and all the wicked thoughts running through my mind.
Her earlier tension was starting to fade, her body betraying her as much as her fantasies had done for so much of her life. She met every swish of my tongue, slamming hers against mine in some foolish attempt at domination. When would she learn that wouldn’t happen and that’s not what she wanted?
She finally slammed her palms against my arms, and I broke the kiss, lifting my head slowly. Eagerness to see what she’d do breached the surface.
“Are you still eager to learn more about me?” I growled as I kept her close, running my teeth from one side of her jaw to the other.
“Why should I?”
My laugh was as breathless as her voice. “Because discovering what makes me tick will answer dozens of questions you’ve had about yourself.”
“Fine. Tell me all your dark and ugly secrets.”
Goddamn, her challenges were almost as fulfilling as the woman herself.
“Where would you like to start? With the fact my brothers and I were ripped from our dead mother’s arms, taken into foster care only to be separated by families and states? Never allowed to see each other again, our files mysteriously disappearing or completely locked down even decades later? Or would you prefer the stories of lingering abuse and degradation, starvation and lack of love or friendship? Do you want to know what that turned us into? Well, the answer is an easy one. Monsters. I’m a fucking beast who has no qualms about eliminating anyone who stands in my way. How does that make you feel, sweet and innocent Sara?”
I wasn’t certain why I’d tossed out my heritage to a woman who could quite easily do me harm if she found it necessary, but it felt good. Damn good in fact. I wanted her to know the desires coursing through every blood vessel in her body were laced with a hunger for a true creature of darkness.
Her breathing was heavy and she blinked several times, her long lashes framing her face in a provocative way. I craved all of her, every single inch. “You’re no monster, Zach.”
“Pretty bold for a woman standing in a beautiful blouse and a skimpy thong with heels, kitten. Don’t you think?”
“I know what you did, the kind of acts something I’ll never forget.”
I laughed softly. “What in God’s name makes you think I could care about anyone but myself?”
“Please. Don’t pretend you can fool me. You paid off the hospital bill for my brother. Didn’t you? Eighty thousand dollars means nothing to you. To me, it’s everything. No one evil would do an act of kindness like that. You made certain I received a larger raise than I was given only two weeks ago. That was all you. Wasn’t it? Admit it!”
“You have no clue what you’re talking about.”
“Oh, yes, I do. How about this. You were in my apartment. You stood over me while I was sleeping. You’ve been watching out for me. You sorted through my mail, noticing all the bills I haven’t managed to pay. That man has a heart. And a soul. Don’t try and lie to me, Mr. Blackwell.”
I backed away slightly, unprepared for the kindness and adoration in her eyes. “You don’t want to know me, my kitten. What you’ll learn will haunt your nightmares.”
“I don’t believe it.”
She was far too innocent for her own good. Damn the woman and how she made me feel. I wanted to push her into the wild, hunting her down like an animal. Maybe that would remind me of who and what I was.
“You asked me what now, Wild Kitty. Do you really want to know, or do you have a suggestion?”
I’d seen the look on her face before, an expression that defied her normal conservative stance and logic.
She was ready to offer another full taste of surrender. Instead of asking for what she wanted, she decided to initiate fulfilling her needs.
Her long fingers wrapped around both edges of my shirt and with a single rough yank, she ripped my shirt open, laughing softly from buttons hitting the floor. “That’s all the suggestion you need.”