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16

MIKA

M y hands slide up from Alfie’s chest to snake around his neck as I give in to the urge to kiss him, relief flooding my chest as I finally let go of the barriers I’ve kept between us. Overwhelming desire drives me forward as Alfie fervently strokes his tongue between my lips, deepening our kiss, and I respond greedily, my tongue twining with his as my back arches, pressing my breasts against his powerful chest. Shocked by the urgency of my response, I gasp, air rushing past my lips. Alfie groans, his arm tightening around my waist as his cock presses adamantly against my hip.

Hearing that Alfie broke off his engagement to be with me, combined with watching how gentle and protective he was with his younger sister, gave me a new, different perspective on who this man is. But hearing exactly what drives Alfie to protect me sealed the deal. I can’t deny it any longer. I want him, too. All my initial battles over finding him attractive are crumbling now that I see he’s so much more than I first thought. When I met Alfie, I saw him as a rich, arrogant, vain playboy who liked to throw his money around to get what he wants. He’s not. He might be rich and handsome—and dangerously charming—but he’s also kind , passionate, and protective. I’ve never been so turned on by a man in my life.

My clit throbs, and arousal soaks my panties, making the fabric cling to my skin. I want to know what it feels like to have Alfie inside me—and not just his fingers. The confined space of the tack room feels entirely too small as the temperature climbs. Sparks of anticipation dance up my spine when Alfie’s hand trails down from my jaw. His fingers brush across my breast on their way down to my stomach, and he tugs deftly at the knot holding my lightweight long-sleeve button-down closed. The gauzy fabric falls open, revealing my black racerback beneath, and I suck in sharp lungfuls of air as Alfie breaks the kiss, leaning back just enough to find the hem of my shirt with his fingertips.

Then, he boldly slides them beneath it.

My skin heats under his hand, my stomach tightening as he touches me unapologetically. His palm finds my breast, cradling the soft mound over my bra, and I gasp. His arm around my waist tightens, pulling my hips firmly against his swollen cock as his fingers curl around the top of my bra. Goosebumps break out across my skin as he jerks the fabric down, freeing my taut nipple. The thin layer of fabric between us brushes across my oversensitive flesh, and I press my thighs together to manage the throbbing ache.

“Fuck, I want to see you naked,” Alfie groans, his voice ragged with desire. “Take this off.” He tugs on my shirt as he removes his hand abruptly.

I want to know what Alfie will do with my naked body. It’s been so long since I’ve let a man touch me, and every time Alfie does, a thrill races up my spine. I need this desperately. I can’t even think past the deep craving that makes my skin feel hot and tight. Shrugging out of my button-down, I let it fall to the floor and grasp the hem of my tank top. Pulling it impatiently up over my head, I toss it aside. Then I reach behind me to unclasp my bra and let the straps slide down my arms. Alfie’s eyes never leave my body, the satisfaction of watching me undress apparent in his subtle smirk, and as the last shreds of fabric fall from my breasts, his gaze rakes down my chest. It lingers on the tan lines that crisscross my flesh before dropping to my exposed nipples.

I haven’t been naked in front of anyone in quite some time, and a trickle of self-doubt hits my stomach. “What?” I ask, crossing my arms over her chest defensively as his extended pause makes me wonder if he’s less than thrilled at what he sees. I bite back the uncertainty that floods me without warning, fighting the knot that tightens in my throat.

“You’re so fucking beautiful,” Alfie rasps, his gaze flicking back to mine. Then his fingers circle my wrists, and he tugs my arms out of their crossed position, exposing my breasts once more. “You don’t get to hide your body, Mika. Not from me,” he warns darkly. His eyes shift to something beside me, and he transfers my wrists to hold them both in one strong hand as he reaches for whatever it is that catches his eye.

“What are you—” My heart leaps into my throat when I spot the nylon lead rope he unravels from a bucket and starts to twine around my wrists. “Alfie, what are you doing?” I hiss, anxiety tightening around my chest. I’m topless in a tack room where anyone could walk in, and as Alfie guides my wrists over my head, I’m terrified that’s exactly what might happen.

“I want to see every last inch of you.”

His low voice sends a shiver up my spine, and the soft fabric of the lead snakes across my skin, hardening my nipples more. He gives a tug on something over my head, and when I glance up, I find my makeshift restraints have been cinched to a bridle rack above me.

“Alfie,” I hiss more urgently, flicking my eyes toward the door. “What if someone comes in?”

“My men won’t let that happen without my permission,” he says, a wicked smile curling his lips as he shrugs out of his suit jacket. He tosses it casually over a vacant saddle rack, removes his tie, lays it across the jacket, then undoes several buttons on his dress shirt before rolling the sleeves up to his elbows.

Heart hammering against my ribs, I bite my lip in an effort to stay quiet. But when Alfie drops to one knee before me, his hands trailing a searing bath down the exposed flesh of my arms to palm my breasts, my breathing kicks up a notch. His long fingers roll the taut peaks of my nipples before he flicks them lightly, forcing a moan past my throat. I quiver as my arousal wars with my anxiety over getting caught, creating an unexpected thrill that tightens my core.

Then his warm lips wrap around one hardened point, his tongue soothing the momentary pain from his fingers. I’ve never had anyone tie me up before, and it’s shockingly arousing—the lack of control, the knowledge that he can do whatever he wants with me.

His lips shift to my other breast, and the sudden lack of heat makes the first nipple feel tight and oversensitive. By the time he traps it between his finger and thumb once more, every slight, teasing twist sends electric jolts zinging up my spine.

“Alfie!” I whimper. This time it sounds more like a plea because I don’t know how I’m supposed to stay quiet while all I want to do is scream.

He releases my second nipple with a pop that makes my stomach clench, and I gasp as my back arches involuntarily off the tack room wall to follow his lips. His smirk is molten as he looks up the length of my body to meet my eyes. He rises slowly, and towering over me, he captures my jaw between his fingers, tilting my head up to kiss me once more.

His tongue teases the seam of my lips, urging them open, and I moan as I give in. It feels so good to be desired, and the way Alfie takes what he wants is exhilarating. Now that I’ve seen a softer side to him, witnessed his protective instincts, it’s harder to see him as just another rich asshole who’s just going to take advantage of me. That makes my attraction to him so much harder to resist—especially when he has me tied up and half-naked.

Crowding me against the tack room wall as his lips stay sealed against mine, Alfie reaches between us, his fingers curling around the front of my jeans. My heart stutters as he flicks the button open and slowly lowers the zipper. Heat squirms in my core, and I can’t seem to catch my breath as I realize he intends to take this further.

Just how far will he go ?

His men are standing right outside the door. The jockeys and hands aren’t far down the aisle. I have no clue how soundproof this room might be, and the thought of someone hearing us sets my skin on fire. I would be mortified if anyone knew what we’re doing, and at the same time, it sends a thrill through my body—to be doing something so intimate in a place where anyone could find out.

Alfie’s thumbs hook inside the waist of my jeans, and inch by inch, he drags them over the curve of my hips as he strips me naked. He takes my panties with them as he drags the tight, durable fabric of my pants down to the floor. Removing my barn boot at the same time, Alfie relieves me of every scrap of clothing, and I shiver as I stand naked and exposed before him.

He’s still wearing his designer Italian dress clothes, while I’m on full display.

“God, you’re fucking perfect, aren’t you?” he says softly, his eyes devouring every inch of my nakedness as he stands.

“What do you intend to do to me?” I breathe, my heart skipping a beat as he closes the distance between us.

His hands find my waist and roam over the flat plains of my stomach, skating across my ribs before tracing down the line of my spine. Goosebumps rise in his wake, and my body clenches with desire at the soft touch. Then he palms my bare ass, his fingers splaying as he lifts it to pull me roughly against his hips.

I can feel his cock, thick and hard, as it digs into my abdomen, the seam of his pants the only thing standing between us. He leans in, his eyes dropping to my lips as his mouth hovers close to mine.

“I’m going to fuck you right here and now,” he murmurs.

Alfie’s dark promise vibrates through me, making me shudder violently. My breath catches, and while the threat of being overheard terrifies me, I want Alfie more. I’m not entirely prepared for how desperately I need him. The throbbing ache between my thighs is almost unmanageable, and I tremble as fresh nerves mingle with my excitement, coiling in my stomach.

Trying to regain a semblance of control, I focus on my senses and curl my fingers around the bridle rack’s cold metal to steady myself as I suck in lungfuls of air. The rich scent of leather and pine shavings grounds me. The rough wood of the tack room wall scraping against my back contrasts with the silky softness of Alfie’s white dress shirt against my chest, and the different textures awaken my nerve endings. The warmth of his body seeping into my skin fills me with anticipation, and my heart pounds against my ribcage. Every brush of his fingers over my bare skin is like fire, but I keep seeking the intense warmth.

My stomach clenches as Alfie reaches between us, and his belt buckle jangles loose from the leather’s holes. My mouth goes dry as he lowers his zipper with an audible sound, louder than it ought to be in the silence of the tack room, and I can’t help but look down as his thick cock springs free. Heat throbs inside my core as wet, sticky excitement coats my thighs, and I press them together. I haven’t felt this way about a man in so long—I honestly don’t know that I ever have, actually. I’ve never had a man be so adamant about chasing me, or so possessive now that he’s caught me. It’s oddly thrilling knowing that I don’t need Alfie. He can’t buy me, but he still wants me, flaws and all, and now we’re past the point of return.

Reaching into his pocket, Alfie pulls out a condom. He rips the foil and quickly rolls the rubber down over his weeping tip. Then he grasps my hips, lifting me off the ground like I weigh nothing. Firmly gripping the bridle rack, I instinctively wrap my legs around his hips, my core tightening with anticipation. This isn’t going to be a slow, seductive first time. The tension is so thick, I can taste it, and I’m quivering with the need for release. One arm tight around my waist, Alfie runs his free hand over the curve of my ass, and he groans when his fingers find my slick folds. I’m dripping with arousal, eager to have him inside me—despite the fact that there’s no telling who might hear me fucking my boss as they walk past. It’s wrong, but I’m past caring, every thought overridden by the pleasure already tingling over my skin.

His fingers brush lightly across my swollen flesh, coaxing a lusty moan from my throat, and I press my lips closed to muffle the sound. I have no clue how soundproof the room might be, and I don’t want to make it obvious what we’re doing behind the closed door.

“You’re so wet,” he growls. “So fucking wet and ready for me.”

Fire blossoms in my stomach, searing through my veins, and all I can think about is Alfie’s swollen tip as it twitches against the inside of my thigh. He kisses me deeply, his soft lips commanding as they part mine. His muscular chest pushes me back against the wall, the silky fabric of his shirt whispering across my taut nipples. His thick tip presses between my wet folds, finding my entrance, and with one powerful thrust, Alfie buries himself inside me.

Electric euphoria explodes through my body as he fills me mercilessly to the hilt. He’s so big, it borders on painful—not to mention it’s been a long time since I’ve been with a man, so I’m not fully prepared. But the intense pleasure that follows the momentary pain makes my walls tighten around his hard length. I can hardly believe what’s happening. I’m closed inside our temporary tack room with Alfie Bonetti—my new boss—getting fucked in the best sense of the word.

“You feel fucking amazing ,” he groans against my lips as he pauses deep inside me.

My body throbs around his hard length at the desperation in his tone. He almost sounds like he’s in pain—that same agony-laced pleasure I felt as he thrust inside me the first time. White-hot excitement floods my veins as he slowly starts to rock inside me. His strong arms hold me effortlessly as he steadily increases his pace.

Each tantalizing penetration drives my hips against the tack room wall, allowing him to thrust deeper—and thumping audibly until I’m sure the whole barn can hear. But I can’t say anything as his tongue lays claim to my mouth, tangling with mine in a greedy, possessive dance.

I’m mortified that the hands will know what we’re doing—especially after my recent confrontation with Francisco, when I got so pissed at him for accusing me of doing this exact thing—but the forbidden act is shockingly intoxicating. I feel ten times more excited by the almost exhibitionary nature of it—and if my reputation weren’t hanging in the balance, I might just give in to the molten desire throbbing in my core.

My lungs burn with the need for oxygen, and I should tell Alfie we need to be quieter, but with my hands tied above my head, my legs wrapped around his hips, I have no way of taking control of the situation. He’s laying claim to my body, driving me out of my mind with pleasure as he fucks me so brazenly, it curls my toes and sends tingles racing up my spine. My clit throbs, my walls fluttering as I quickly climb toward release, and I know I’m not going to last much longer. I need him to slow down before I scream.

Finally, he breaks the kiss, and we pant together, air rushing past my lips and into Alfie’s mouth as we share oxygen. My head spins as I suck in a ragged breath, and his hot mouth shifts to the tender skin behind my ear. He gently nips me, and I nearly come undone, clenching around his swollen girth as my body urges him deeper into my depths.

“God, Mika, you feel so fucking good ,” he growls with animalistic desire.

I whimper, pulsing with pleasure as I barrel toward release, and I bury my face in his neck to try and stay quiet. The sharp click of barn boots against the cement aisle brings me back to my senses, and fresh embarrassment pools in my belly.

“Alfie, we’re being too loud—someone might hear,” I whisper, heat flashing across my skin in a heady, mortifying combination of shame and exhilaration.

“Good,” he says darkly, drawing back so I can see the possessive desire burning in his hazel eyes. “Let them listen. I want everyone to know you’re mine .”

That should not turn me on like it does. But the territorial command sends a shiver down my spine, and my walls ripple along his hard length. Alfie snarls, his arm tightening around my waist as he drives inside me harder, chasing his own pleasure as he demands mine.

Electricity races across my skin, and the wet slap of our bodies joining is so dirty and erotic, it makes my clit twitch and throb. I can feel bruises forming across my hips as he drives me back against the wall again and again, the audible thump growing easier to identify. All I can do is cling to the bridle rack as he takes possession of my pussy, unleashing an illicit desire I never knew I had.

“Oh god, I’m gonna come,” I moan.

“Scream for me, Mika,” Alfie commands. “I want them all to hear you. I want everyone to know I own your pleasure.”

I whimper, pressing my lips closed as I shake my head no. I could never look them in the eye if I did. It’s bad enough that they’ve probably already figured out what we’re up to. I don’t want to erase any last doubts.

Alfie’s eyes flash at my refusal, and without letting up his relentless pace, he reaches between us, his thumb brushing across my sensitive clit. I gasp, the strength seeping from my limbs at the overwhelming pleasure that makes black dots dance in my vision.

“You’re mine , Mika. Say it,” he commands.

“Alfie,” I plead quietly, my desperation growing as I realize I have no control over my orgasm—and I’m not sure how quiet I can be when I’m teetering on the edge of a massive release.

A wicked grin spreads across his lips, and somehow, that dangerous glint in his eye makes him irresistible. I can’t hold out any longer. He pinches my clit between his thumb and finger, rolling it lightly as he thrusts deep inside of me, and I scream his name before I can stop myself. Pain-laced pleasure explodes through my body, hot, wet arousal gushing over his cock as I come harder than I’ve ever come in my life.

Tingling relief washes out to my fingers and toes, turning my feverish skin cool as I throb and twitch, jerking against my restraints. I couldn’t be quiet if I tried, and as my cry dies on my lips, I bury my face in Alfie’s neck to muffle the sound.

He releases a deep, reverberating groan, and his thrusts grow desperate, slamming my hips back against the wall. “ Fuck, fuuck! ” he grunts as my walls clamp down around his thick length .

I feel him swell and burst inside me as heady waves of euphoria seep through my veins. My body clenches, rippling along Alfie’s cock. I sag against Alfie, leaning into the lead rope around my wrists as my strength leaves me. “Next time,” he gasps against my ear, “I’m going to make you say it.”

We breathe heavily as he throbs inside me, matching my pulsing release. “Goddamn,” he murmurs with a breathy laugh.

I join him, the intense relief from my orgasm making me giddy. “What?” I ask, leaning back against the wall so I can meet his eyes.

“That was not what I had planned when I dragged you in here.” His charming smile makes his eyes dance.

“What were you planning?” I ask, another soft laugh tightening my core.

He groans deliciously, his eyes closing as his cock twitches inside me. Carefully, he eases out of me and sets me back on my feet before getting to work, untying my hands. “I intended to talk some sense into you,” he growls playfully.

I snort and stoop to collect my clothes from the floor as he removes his condom and tucks away his impressive cock. “Well, I guess you fucked it into me instead. But I really wish we didn’t have to leave. These races are important, no matter what you think. We only have a small window of opportunity to expose the younger horses at the optimal age. After that, they’ll be more inclined to fear the racetrack than to enjoy the challenge of winning.”

“You really have a one-track mind, don’t you?” he asks.

My head snaps up as I glare at him, only to find a playful smirk curving his lips, and my heart flutters as I realize he’s teasing me. “Yes, well, that is what you pay me for.”

“I know, and I hear you, Mika,” he says, growing serious. “I didn’t mean your strategy—or these races—aren’t important. Only that they aren’t nearly as important as keeping you alive. It won’t matter if the horses race today if you end up dead because of it.”

Cold dread trickles into my veins, chasing away the heat of our passionate moment. “Nikolai is really that dangerous?” I pull my jeans up over my hips and button them .

I pause, tensing as Alfie’s fingers capture my chin, and he tips it up so I have to look at him.

“He’s the only man in New York who might be more dangerous than I am.” His eyes are filled with a darkness that sends another child racing down my spine.

“Okay,” I murmur. “Let’s go home.”

His shoulders sag with relief, and warmth floods his gaze. “Thank you, Mika.”

The sound of my name on his lips sends tingling warmth through my body, and I find myself smiling, despite our precarious situation. “See? I can be reasonable sometimes,” I tease.

“Thank god, because I was ready to throw you over my shoulder and carry you home.”

Laughing, I quickly finish pulling on my clothes and fix my hair. I try not to think about what Piper and the barn hands will think of me as I open the tack room door and step back out into the alley. To my intense relief, everyone is still busy putting Alfie’s orders into action. His Men in Black guard either end of the alley, looking out across the grounds to ensure no one’s headed our way. Two more stand expressionlessly on either side of the door, and though I know they must have heard me, they show no indication that they did. The grooms move quickly as they break down our setup and pack our temporary accommodations.

Taking a steadying breath, I head toward the door to bring the gooseneck around from the trailer parking lot. It’s at the far end of the property, so I’ll need to pull it closer to load it.

“Where do you think you’re going?” Alfie demands, catching my arm gently.

“I have to get the trailer.” I jab my thumb toward the door, and he frowns.

“Alfie, come on. If you don’t want us to stay, then the trailer is how we get the horses home,” I reason.

He nods but still doesn’t look happy. “I’m coming with you,” he states. Snapping his fingers, he gestures for one of his men to join us.

It doesn’t take long, and we all squeeze into the cab for the short ride from the parking lot into the loading area. After the hay, tack, and grooming supplies are loaded, it’s time for the horses. One at a time, I lead them out of their stalls and walk them up the trailer’s ramp. Hector and the hands encourage the horses from behind when one of them hesitates, which seems to be happening a lot—more than usual. They must know something is off today, because not one of them seems eager to cooperate.

Am I really so predictable that the babies are disturbed by the change in their routine?

We start with Missy— the calmest of the lot. And once she’s on board, Flash, Mickey, and Blaze are a little more willing to comply.

Then it’s Fate’s turn.

She follows me willingly down the alley, her hooves striking the cement with sharp, decisive clicks. But as we step outside and the trailer comes into view, her head lifts.

“Come on, girl. Let’s go home,” I say encouragingly, keeping my eyes forward and my strides even as I guide her toward the ramp.

From the corner of my eye, I catch Hector and Javier coming up behind her. They cluck softly, trying to encourage her forward. But Fate doesn’t just come to a dramatic halt—she starts backing up, and rather than change her direction, she strikes out at them with her back feet.

“Fate!” I gasp, stunned by the aggressive display. I’ve never seen her kick at someone before.

She’s acting like she’s cornered, with no way to protect herself except to lash out.

“It’s fine, Javi,” I say, putting up a hand in warning to indicate they should step away. “Give her some space. Let her take a moment to get her head back on straight.”

He and Hector back up, leaving me alone with Fate.

She snorts, her neck arching and her nostrils flaring as her eyes roll with fear.

“You’re alright,” I murmur, running my hand along her neck.

She seems willing enough to stand where she is, but her head remains high, her ears trained on the trailer before her. I follow her laser focus back to the transport, baffled by her odd behavior. Icy dread settles in the pit of my stomach.

Something isn’t right.