Page 42 of Shadowed Vows: Ghost (Nightfall Syndicate #1)

thirty-four

Alina

K ade releases my hair and takes a step back, his eyes never leaving mine. My breath catches as he peels off his tactical vest, then grips the hem of his shirt and pulls it over his head in one fluid motion.

My eyes widen at the sight of his muscular torso, but then I notice the angry red marks blooming across his ribs. Bruises are already starting to form where the bullet struck his vest.

"Oh my god, Kade," I gasp. "You're hurt."

I instinctively move toward him, wanting to check the injury, but freeze when his dark gaze snaps to mine. The intensity in his eyes roots me to the spot.

"From now on, you need to listen to what I say," Kade says, his voice low and commanding. "No more arguing. No more putting yourself in danger. Understood? "

A shiver runs through me at his tone. The journalist in me bristles at being told what to do.

"I survived just fine," I counter, lifting my chin. "I had a plan until everything went sideways."

Something dangerous flickers in Kade's eyes. He glances pointedly at my wrists, where purpling bruises from the restraints stand out against my skin.

"Is that what you call surviving just fine?" His voice is deadly quiet. "Take off your clothes. All of them."

My eyes widen at his command. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me." His voice is calm but brooks no argument. "If it weren't for these—" he gently traces one bruised wrist, "—you'd already be tied to my bed."

Heat floods my cheeks as I process his words. My heart pounds so loudly I'm sure he must be able to hear it. I should be outraged, should tell him to go to hell. But my body has other ideas.

"Pretty demanding for someone who just took a bullet," I say, but my fingers are already at my top button, betraying my defiance.

His fingers wrap around my wrist—not painfully, but with unmistakable strength.

"Last warning," he murmurs, his voice a controlled rumble that sends heat straight between my legs.

My hands shake slightly as I reach for the hem of my shirt.

Kade's eyes never leave me as I slowly undo them one by one.

I let the fabric slide off my shoulders, the heat of his eyes burning into my exposed skin, like a physical touch scorching everywhere he looks.

Each breath comes a little shorter, a little faster.

"Keep going," he says softly when I hesitate .

I swallow hard and reach behind my back to unhook my bra. As it falls away, I resist the urge to cover myself. Kade's eyes darken as they roam over my exposed breasts.

My fingers tremble as I unzip my pants. I hook my thumbs into the waistband of my underwear, taking a deep breath before sliding them down my legs.

I stand before him completely naked, feeling more exposed than I ever have in my life. But it's not just physical nakedness, it's like Kade can see right through to my soul.

"Beautiful," he murmurs, and the approval in his voice sends a thrill through me.

Moonlight spills through the windows, casting my naked body in a silvery glow. His bedroom has barely any furniture, just the essentials, but it feels cozy rather than empty. The San Francisco night wraps around the high-rise apartment like a velvet blanket, distant city lights twinkling below us.

"Turn around and place your hands on the bed," Kade commands, his voice low and husky.

"Is this how you solve all your problems?" I ask, arching an eyebrow despite the heat pooling between my thighs.

"Only the stubborn ones," he replies, his gaze unwavering. "Now."

I turn and bend over, bracing my palms against the soft duvet. The expensive fabric scratches pleasantly against my skin. The position makes me feel incredibly vulnerable and exposed.

I hear the soft whisper of leather as Kade slides his belt from the loops of his pants.

"Spread your legs wider," he instructs, using his foot to nudge my feet apart .

I comply, but not without glancing back over my shoulder. "You know, normal people just have conversations."

"Wider," he repeats, ignoring my comment completely.

I widen my stance. Cool air caresses my inner thighs and I'm acutely aware of how wet I am. Slick arousal coats my pussy and I can feel it starting to trickle down my legs.

"Do you have any idea what went through my mind when I saw them carrying you to that van?" The leather whistles through the air before striking the sensitive skin of my inner thigh.

I cry out, my back arching at the sharp sting. The pain blossoms into something else entirely, sending a jolt of pleasure that makes my pussy clench with need.

"I thought I'd lost you," he continues, his voice rough with emotion. The belt drops to the floor with a soft thud. His palm connects with my ass instead, the sharp crack filling the room.

"Oh fuck," I gasp, my fingers curling into the bedspread.

"That's for not following instructions," Kade says, his voice measured and controlled.

"I was—" I begin to argue, but another smack cuts me off.

"And that's for putting yourself in danger."

His palm lands on my ass again and again. My skin feels hot and tender, but the pain only heightens my arousal. I'm panting now, my body trembling as waves of sensation wash over me.

"Such a good girl," Kade praises, his hand caressing my heated flesh. "Taking your punishment so well."

His fingers trail lower, sliding over my slick folds. I gasp at the contact, my hips jerking involuntarily.

"So fucking wet," he growls. "Is this turning you on, little journalist? Getting spanked like the naughty girl you are?"

"No," I lie defiantly, even as my body betrays me.

His touch disappears immediately. "No? Then perhaps we should stop."

"Wait," I gasp, desperation overwhelming pride. "Don't stop."

"Then be honest," he demands. "Does this turn you on?"

"Yes," I admit, my voice breathy and desperate. "God, yes."

Kade's fingers dance over my sensitive flesh, teasing and tormenting. He toys with my clit, circling it lightly, but never applying enough pressure to satisfy. It's exquisite torture.

I rock my hips back, seeking more friction, more contact. Anything to relieve this burning need.

"Did I say you could move?" Kade's voice is sharp.

I freeze instantly. "N-no."

"You're not allowed to come until I say so. Understand?"

I nod frantically, biting my lip to hold back a moan and forcing myself to hold still. My thighs are trembling with the effort of staying in position.

Kade's fingers continue their maddening exploration, dipping inside me, then retreating to circle my clit again. I'm so wet, I can hear the obscene sounds of his fingers sliding through my folds.

"Such a needy little thing," Kade murmurs. "So desperate to come. But you'll wait, won't you? You'll be a good girl for me."

His words send another rush of heat through me. The investigative journalist who questions everything has been silenced by the woman who wants—needs—to submit to him right now.

"Yes," I gasp. "I'll be good. I promise. Just please don't stop."

My body feels like it's on fire, every nerve ending screaming for release. I've never been this aroused in my life. Part of me wonders if I've lost my mind, submitting to Kade like this.

"Please," I whisper, not even sure what I'm begging for.

"Since you beg so prettily..." He leans closer, voice dropping to that dangerous rumble that makes my pussy clench. "But remember, hellcat—you asked for this." I hear him undoing his pants, the metallic rasp of his zipper cutting through the tension.

"Shouldn't you use protection?" I question, my practical nature surfacing despite the moment.

My mind races with concern—we took a chance the first time without anything between us, but I was more focused on comforting him then, on his pain rather than consequences. Now I can't ignore the implications.

"Fuck that," Kade growls, positioning himself behind me. "I want to feel all of you."

The head of his cock nudges against my entrance, hot and hard. My pulse races as I realize what's about to happen. No barrier between us. Again. Nothing to prevent...

"Wait," I begin .

In one swift motion, Kade grips my hips and thrusts into me, his cock driving deep.

"Fuck," I moan, my inner walls clenching around his thick cock.

But thought of him filling me, making me his from the inside sends a shocking wave of desire through me.

My body jerks, my pussy throbbing at the sudden heat and pressure. My breath catches, my eyes flying open as Kade's ragged breathing fills the air around us.

The stretch is exquisite, bordering on painful in the most delicious way. The realization that he could get me pregnant only makes me wetter, a base need I never knew I had surging through my veins.

"Mine," Kade growls, gripping my hips tighter. "Mine to take. Mine to fuck."

He begins to move, pulling almost all the way out before slamming back into me. Each thrust sends shockwaves of pleasure through my body. The possessive edge in his voice makes my pussy clench around him.

"They took what's mine," Kade growls, punctuating each word with a deep thrust. "Never. Again."

His hand comes down on my ass again, the sting amplifying the pleasure. The place where he struck me with his belt throbs in time with my heartbeat.

"Who do you belong to?" he demands, his voice rough as he drives into me.

"Me," I gasp, unable to surrender that last bit of control.

His hand comes down on my ass again, the sting amplifying the pleasure. "Try again."

"You," I finally concede, pushing back against him. "You, Kade. Please don't stop. "

My body jerks as Kade reaches around and strokes my clit. Shocks pulse through me. I gasp for air, drowning in waves of bliss that flood every nerve. Right now, I belong to him utterly. And holy shit, it feels amazing.

The sound of skin slapping against skin echoes through the room, accompanied by my desperate moans and Kade's deep grunts.

The intensity of his grasp on my hips keeps me steady as he thrusts powerfully, his hard length sliding deep inside me, igniting sparks of ecstasy that radiate through my entire body.