Page 8

Chapter eight

Ava

I settle onto one of the stools at Ryder's kitchen counter, mesmerized as I watch him move gracefully around the space.

"You always surprise me, Ryder. I never would have pegged you as the domestic type." I playfully tease Ryder, admiring the way his muscles flex and ripple beneath his snug fitting T-shirt with each purposeful motion.

Ryder turns to look at me, a smug smile playing on his lips. "There's more to me than meets the eye, Jade. There is a brilliant mind and many talents under this body you’ve been ogling for the last 30 minutes."

I laugh, unable to resist his confident charm. Despite our playful banter, there's an unspoken understanding between us after he came to my rescue during the attack. Danie has told me how he has been checking on me at least five times a day. It has been driving her crazy, but I think it's sweet.

"Oh, I'm very aware of your many talents, Ry." I swear I see him puff out his chest. "Don't let it go to your head, big guy."

We continue to trade playful jabs and flirtatious banter. It feels like we're building something special, something that could last beyond just the physical attraction we share.

"You know, I'm quite talented in the kitchen as well," I inform him.

Ryder effortlessly tosses the sizzling pan on the stove. His strong arms flex with each flick of his wrist, the muscles gleaming in the warm light of the kitchen.

" Is that so? I think you'll have to prove that to me some time," he teases, piercing me with his intense blue eyes.

Ever since that night, things have shifted between us. Our casual relationship doesn't feel as casual anymore. I can't help but wonder if it's because of our time at Club X or what happened with Clint.

The rich, tantalizing aroma of Ryder's cooking permeates the air as he plates our meals. As Ryder sets a plate down in front of me, I can't help but feel grateful for this moment, for this man who has opened up a whole new world to me.

"This looks incredible." My mouth is watering, just eyeing the plate before me. I scoop up a forkful and taste it, my eyes fluttering close in delight. "Oh my god, and it tastes even better than it looks."

Ryder watches me with a satisfied grin, leaning back against the counter. "I'd say I told you so, but I'll just bask in the praise instead."

I shoot him a playful glare before digging in again. We eat in comfortable silence for a few minutes because honestly, it's too good to stop eating and speak. The only sound in the kitchen is our forks scraping against the plates.

Finally, I set down my utensil, "Okay, I'm officially intrigued. Where did a former military man like yourself pick up such killer cooking skills?"

He shrugs one broad shoulder casually. "You'd be surprised at the hidden talents a person can develop over years in the field."

Before I can respond, Ryder's phone buzzes in his pocket.

"Sorry, let me just grab this," his voice laced with irritation as he glances at the screen. A look of concern crosses his face as he steps away to take the call.

I try not to eavesdrop as I resume eating, but it's hard not to catch snippets of Ryder's conversation. From the bits I hear, it sounds like he's dealing with some sort of business issue—perhaps something related to his security firm.

When he returns to the kitchen, I can see the tension in his face. The lines around his eyes are drawn tight and his lips are pressed into a thin line. It's clear that the call has left him bothered.

"Is everything alrigh t?"

Ryder nonchalantly waves a hand, trying to dismiss the seriousness of whatever is bothering him. "Just some business stuff. Chase finally returned from his trip, and he needs to talk to me about something. It's nothing urgent, I can deal with it later. Let me get this cleaned up and I'll show you around."

"I'll help clean up," I say as I start to gather up my dishes.

"You will do no such thing," he responds, taking the dishes from my hands. "Just sit your pretty ass right there and let me take care of this. It won't take me long." Then he winks. Damn, that was sexy

After he finishes cleaning up, he walks over and presses his lips to mine. I can feel his breath fan across my face as he asks, "Ready for that tour now?"

I nod, trying to appear nonchalant despite the flutter of nerves in my stomach. "Sure, a tour sounds good."

He then takes my hand in his, "Then follow me, Miss Jade. Shall we begin with the bedroom?"

Cocking my head to the side, I look up at him through my lashes and ask with a coy smile, "Don't you have a playroom here?"

He chuckles lightly and shakes his head. "No, I don't. I don't usually bring anyone here."

"Oh." I am shocked by his admission. Am I the first woman he’s had in his apartment? No, that can’t be.

He lets go of my hand and places it on the small of my back as he begins guiding me through his apartment, pointing out various rooms and features with that same commanding presence. I can't seem to focus on anything he's saying, however. Not with the way he’s touching me each time we pause so he can share details about each room.

We pass through an open concept living room, decorated in sleek, modern lines with a few plush leather accents. A large fireplace anchors one wall, already laid with fresh logs awaiting a spark. I imagine Ryder lounging by the crackling flames, reading and sipping on a long neck bottle of beer. He is a beer guy, right?

"Through here is the study," he says, ushering me into an adjacent room.

My gaze roams over th e floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lining the walls, crammed with well-loved books on subjects ranging from military history to classic literature. A sturdy oak desk dominates the space, its surface surprisingly clear except for a modest reading lamp and a few precisely arranged pens and notebooks.

My mind drifts to thoughts of Ryder clearing that desk off and bending me over the edge. As if sensing the direction of my thoughts, Ryder leans in close, his lips brushing the shell of my ear.

"I do some of my best work here."

Ryder gently guides me towards the desk chair and then casually takes a seat on the edge of the desk. His eyes slowly rake over my body. "Strip for me, Ava."

My heart begins beating faster as I start to undress. With careful, deliberate movements, I untie the straps of my red wrap dress, feeling the soft fabric slide over my skin as it falls from my shoulders, baring my breasts to his hungry eyes. I hold his stare as I let the dress drop to the floor, pooling at my feet. I step out of it, leaving me standing in nothing but my panties and stilettos. Hooking my thumbs into the waistband, I slowly slide the delicate lace fabric of my panties down my legs, loving the anticipation that flickers across his face. Finally, I begin to toe off my black stilettos.

“Stop, Ava. Leave the heels on.”

I pause, my hand hovering over the slender heel of my stiletto, my eyes flicking up to meet his. Ryder's intense gaze travels over my body, lingering on the curves of my breasts before they move further south.

"Beautiful." A flush spreads across my skin under his appreciative stare.

"Fuck, just a sec," he says, as he turns and walks from the room. I stand there, naked and a little vulnerable, my skin prickling with goosebumps as I wait. The sound of his hurried footsteps returning breaks the brief silence. Ryder re-enters the room, a black duffle bag slung over his shoulder, his eyes immediately finding mine. He must notice the confused, and perhaps slightly nervous, look on my face.

"It's my go bag," he says, answering my unspoken question as he unzips the bag and begins rummaging through its contents. I watch, wanting to know what he's looking for and I’m also more than a little aroused. Ryder pulls out a length of rope, the coils falling from his hand. "I don't keep any toys here in my apartment. I need something to restrain you with.”

"Sit," he commands me while gesturing to the oversized desk chair sitting behind his dark mahogany desk.

“Yes, Sir.” I move obediently, more eager to please him this time than the first time we played together. Lowering myself into the seat, I watch Ryders every move. He efficiently binds my wrists to the arms of the chair, his fingers grazing my arm as he works. Each touch feels like fire dancing across my skin.

Ryder grabs a throw pillow from the couch that sits along the wall, tucking it behind my back to position me near the edge of the seat. Next, he places my heeled feet directly on the edge of the seat, my knees bent up to my chest. I can feel the stretch in my muscles as he secures my ankles to the bottom of the chair's arms where they connect to the seat.

He checks my bindings, ensuring they're secure but not too tight to cause pain or injury. His fingers brush against my skin one last time before he steps back to admire his handiwork. I'm rendered powerless, completely at his mercy, unable to move, knowing he's in full control—I love it just as much as he does. The anticipation of what's to come is almost as thrilling as the act itself.

"I need to grab something from the other room," he says. "I'll be right back." As he turns to leave, I bite my lip, my eyes following his retreating form. The wait feels like an eternity but is actually only a few moments. Ryder returns, carrying a few items in his hands. A silk tie hangs loosely from his fingers, and a small white case that catches my attention. I quickly realize he’s holding his AirPods.

"I'm going to put these AirPods in your ears and place the tie over your eyes like a blindfold. You won’t be able to see or hear anything other than what I’ll be playing through the AirPods. Your wrists are bound so you will not be able to touch me. Even If I move close enough, you will keep your hands on the arms of the chair. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Sir.”

“You'll be safe, I promise. Sensory deprivation is a form of sensation play. By taking away your sight and hearing, it will heighten your other senses, such as touch. You will become more sensitive, and every stroke of my fingers will feel much more intense."

"Okay." I give my consent, and he gently puts the silk tie around my eyes, blindfolding me, plunging me into darkness. The silk is cool against my skin. I hear the soft rustle of fabric as he prepares. I think he's looking through his bag again. I'm nervous, but Ryder knows what he is doing, and I trust him.

" Just relax, Ava," he says, his deep voice echoing in the silence of the room. "You're safe with me, remember? I've got you." His deep voice is like an anchor, steadying me in the darkness. “Do you remember your safe word, just in case you need to stop or pause the scene?”

“Yes, Sir. Pineapple.”

“Good girl, we’re going to begin now.” He places the AirPods into my ears. I don’t hear music like I expected, instead white noise filters through. Without being able to see, I feel as if I'm surrounded by static. I focus on my breathing, trying to steady my nerves that threaten to take over.

I jump when I feel Ryder's fingers begin tracing up the sensitive skin of my inner thighs. My breath hitches as he gently grabs my knees, pushing my legs apart, exposing me completely to him. I feel my face heating up, knowing that he can see how wet I am just from thinking about the things he may do to me. My arousal only increases as I feel his warm breath ghosting over my sensitive skin.

Something skims up my arm, tickling and tantalizing my skin. Goosebumps break out across my flesh as the feeling travels across my shoulder and curving down around my breasts. Are those feathers? Where did he get feathers? I don't have time to wonder about this before I feel the tips of the feathers teasing each of my nipples into stiff peaks. As they toy with one nipple, Ryder takes the other in his mouth, sucking as his tongue swirls around the hard bud.

He lifts his mouth away, and I feel a sharp pinch on my nipple. The pain morphs into a dull throbbing pressure. He repeats this on my other nipple, sucking it first, then applying that same pinching sensation. Where did he get nipple clamps? He said he didn't have any toys here.

The feathers tease my nipples once more, now that the clamps are in place. Then dance across my body, moving downward over my stomach and finally, my most intimate place.

Finally, his fingers touch me, sliding gently through my slick folds. A small moan escapes my lips as he finds my swollen clit and teases it with deft strokes of his fingers. I shift in my seat, unable to move, but wanting more.

Ryder inserts a finger into me, slowly at first, then adding another, stretching and filling me. He pumps his fingers in and out, curling them just right, and I can feel my arousal beginning to build towards something explosive. My breath com es in short gasps as he adds a third finger, scissoring and stretching me to accommodate the girth of his thick fingers. I squirm in the chair, my wrists and ankles pulling at their restraints.

His tongue replaces his fingers, licking and sucking gently on my swollen clit, sending waves of pleasure coursing through me. My body arches instinctively towards his mouth, wanting more, needing to feel him.

Then I feel the feathers again, lightly trailing over one nipple and then to the other. I moan, at the sensations of the feathers dancing over my sensitive skin, his tongue relentlessly circling my clit, it's all too much. I'm spiraling towards the edge, my entire body tensing with anticipation of the orgasm that's building inside of me.

Then the feathers are gone and Ryder's fingers thrust deep inside me, hitting that sweet spot that sends me over the edge. I cry out as my climax crashes over me. My body shakes with the force of it, my juices coating his fingers. I'm vaguely aware of his lips and tongue continuing to work me as my orgasm begins to fade.

Finally, I slump back in the chair, my body thrumming with aftershocks. My breathing is ragged, and my limbs are heavy and boneless. It feels like I'm floating in a haze of pleasure, but he isn't done yet.

He is hell bent on giving me pleasure I didn't even know existed. My mind is spinning, unable to process anything beyond the overwhelming sensations coursing through me as he makes me come over and over again.

Without being able to see or hear, everything I feel is magnified. Every touch is like fire igniting across my skin. I can feel every muscle in my body tightening, the sweat forming on my brow trickles down until it's absorbed by the silk that is tied around my eyes.

I'm lost in a world of ecstasy, my body surrendering to his every touch. I can feel myself getting close to another orgasm.

"Please, Ryder, I can't—" But before I can finish my plea, he sends me spiraling over the edge once more.

My body shakes uncontrollably as the orgasm rips through me. My mind whites out as I ride the wave of pleasure, sensation detonating along every nerve ending. I'm not even aware of my restraints any longer until I try to close my legs.

"Ryder, I can't take anymore," I beg, my voice hoarse and raw. My heart is pounding, my breath comi ng in short, sharp gasps and he shows no signs of slowing down. My body is so sensitive, every feather-light touch of his fingers against my oversensitive skin makes me twitch and shudder.

But just when I think I can't take any more, he surprises me. I feel the cold, rigid tip of something pressing against my entrance. I tense, suddenly unsure. And then, slowly, he pushes forward, gently stretching me around the unfamiliar object. I have come so much that it easily slides in and out of my wet pussy.

I gasp. feeling the cool metal sliding inside of me against heated flesh. Its surface is smooth, but I can feel subtle ridges as it fills me completely. It's strange, invasive, but also intensely arousing not knowing what he's fucking me with.

My eyes fly open, but all I see is darkness. "What is this?" I whisper, knowing that I can’t hear his answer even if he told me. All I hear is white noise, leaving me with nothing outside of what Ryder is doing to me.

I feel his hand on my thigh, softly squeezing and rubbing. It's his way of reassuring me that he's here and that I am safe.

"Please," I whimper, my body aching for the sensation of him inside me. "I can't come anymore." My cheeks are damp with tears and so is the fabric covering my eyes. My juices are running down, pooling under my ass, soaking Ryder's Office chair. I start to feel embarrassed but fuck it. He is the one doing this to me.

"Please, no more," I beg. I never knew something could feel so good and painful at the same time. I now know where the phrase 'hurts so good' came from.

Ryder's fingers continue their relentless dance on my clit, sending shockwaves of pleasure rippling through me once more. My back arches off the chair as I come yet again. Ryder has made me come so many times I've lost count at this point. Was this the eighth time? Tenth maybe?

My head falls back, my throat constricted with raw emotion. I can't handle much more of this . It's too much, and yet I want it all. The tears that leak from the corners of my eyes are proof of my surrender. My safe word. I could use it, but then what happens? This all stops. That is what Ryder said. But did he mean just this, or everything?

I feel Ryder's fingers slow on my clit, gently caressing the sensitive bundle of nerves that has brought me so much pleasure. His touch is softer now, gentler, as if understanding my need to rest.

He slowly removes the blindfold, my eyes squinting as they adjust to the light. The AirPods are plucked from my ears, and I'm overwhelmed by the rush of noise that follows. Then the metal object is slowly pulled from my pussy, and I hear it hit the surface of the hardwood floor somewhere below me.

"You did so good, baby. I'm so proud of you," Ryder praises me.

Ryder unties my ankles and wrists, then pulls me from the chair into his arms—carrying me to the bedroom. He places me gently on his large bed. Once I'm settled, he walks to the other side of the bed and begins undressing. As he strips away his clothing, my eyes wander over his muscular form, taking in the sight—broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and powerful thighs. He notices my gaze and a small smirk appears on his face.

“You said you were done, Ava. You couldn’t possibly take anymore. That look on your face is saying something entirely different."

I swallow hard. Shit, yeah I did say that, a lot.

He crawls onto the bed, laying down beside me. Raising a hand, he gently brushes some stray hairs from my face, tucking them behind my ear. "You did really well. I want you to know, you're always safe with me. And I appreciate the trust that you have in me. I will never abuse it."

His thumb grazes my cheek softly, his eyes searching mine as if looking for something. My heart swells at the vulnerability I see shining in their blue depths. I reach up to squeeze his hand, marveling at the contrast between the strong, dominant man he was just moments ago and the tender man before me now. "I know."

“Did you like it?” he asks.

“I could feel everything so much more than before. It’s crazy how that works. I’ve never felt anything like that. Why didn’t you stop when I told you too? I was starting to get a little sore.”

“You didn’t use your safe word,” he says nonchalantly. “If you really wanted me to stop, you would have said it. Your body sure as hell wasn’t safe wording.”

I nod my head, he is right. I knew I had the option to use my safe word. I chose not to.

“Hey,” he uses two fingers under my chin to turn my head towards him. “Do you regret not using it?” His voice is full of concern now.

I think about it for a minute, “No, I’m glad I didn’t. That was definitely intense, but it was amazing all at the same time.”

Finally looking around, I take a moment to fully absorb the details of Ryder's bedroom. The space exudes a rich, masculine ambiance with its deep color palette and solid wood furnishings.

Across the room, a dark wood dresser stands along the wall, its surface bare except for a single framed photo, catching the low light of the room. I'm curious about who or what the image depicts and I make a mental note to take a look later.

My eyes move to the tall windows flanking one side of the bed. I imagine waking up in that bed, the skyline twinkling through the glass as the first rays of dawn creep in.

Turning my head, I spot an open doorway that leads to an ensuite bathroom. From where I’m lying on the bed, I can see the sleek, modern lines of a massive walk-in shower and a deep soaking tub.

When I turn back to Ryder, he is staring at me.

"What?" I ask.

"Just wondering what is going on in that pretty little head of yours. Thinking about what just happened?"

I take a moment before answering, wanting to convey the truth without giving the wrong impression. "It was intense." I pause, searching for the right words to express how it felt. "Not being able to see or hear anything made me focus on every touch, every sensation."

He is looking at me like he agrees, but I really can't tell.

"The experience was overwhelming, but in a good way." I clarify, reaching out to lay my hand on his arm. "You took me to places I've never been before." I swallow hard, feeling a bit vulnerable. "I didn't realize just how much I could feel, how much I could take."

Ryder's thumb brushes softly against my knuckles, his eyes never leaving mine. "That’s the point of sensory deprivation. It gets you out of your head. When you take away senses like your sight and hearing, it’s like shining a spotlight on the senses that are left for you to use. Everything around you is gone and the only thing left for you to feel is what I’m doing to your body."

"It's just—" I hesi tate, unsure how to articulate the complicated emotions swirling within me.

"Tell me," he urges gently.

"I've always prided myself on being in control, especially when it comes to my career and beliefs." I pause, remembering the hundreds of times I spoke into a megaphone at rallies. "But there's something freeing about handing that control over to you and allowing myself to be vulnerable."

He remains silent, patiently awaiting the rest of my explanation.

"It's like this other part of me I never knew has been opened up," I continue to try to explain everything I’m feeling to Ryder. I want him to understand. "And while it scares me a little, I also want to continue exploring it, to see where it leads." I bite my lip, feeling slightly embarrassed to reveal these intimate thoughts. "With you."

After a few moments, he leans in, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. "You have no idea how much it means to me to hear you say that. To know you trust me enough to want that with me. I’m in this with you, for whatever you need or want from me—I’ve got you, always. I want to explore a whole lot more than just sex with you."

“There is one thing I’m wondering about.”

“What's that?”

“Well... what did you... um... have inside me back in your study?” I manage to get the words out, despite my stammering.

He chuckles to himself while he rubs his hands over his face. “A flashlight.”

“A flashlight?!”

“Yeah, it was in my go bag. It was the only thing I could find that would work. Don't give me that look," he says amused. "You enjoyed it.”

As I’m thinking about how much I certainly did enjoy it, Ryder begins to laugh.

“What could you possibly find so funny right now?”

“My little Lite-brite.”

“Serio usly Ryder?!”

I must have dozed off, because I wake up to Ryder trailing kisses down my body. A soft, involuntary sound escapes my lips as I feel his mouth kissing down my thighs.

"What’s your safe word, Ava?"

"It's pineapple?" I answer him with a question.

"Earlier in the study, you kept addressing me as Ryder. You are to address me as Sir. We went over this at the club. Because you did, you earned yourself a punishment.”

"What kind of punishment?"

He answers with one word, "Spanking."

I won't lie—the thought of him spanking me makes me instantly horny. Am I some kind of masochist?

Ryder leans in close, his lips brushing against my cheek as he whispers, "If you want to stop for any reason, use your safeword. Especially after everything you've been through, I won't be disappointed." He then kisses my cheek and stands back up.

I just fell for him a little more. I know he genuinely means he won’t be disappointed. But right now, I want my spanking that was just promised. Actually, I need them.

"Count them out."

Whack!

"One," The sudden impact of his palm against my skin makes me gasp. Fuck, that stings! I hadn’t expected it to be so intense. Ryder's definitely not holding back.

Whack!

"Two," Ryder’s hand comes down again and it takes my breath away. Ryder fingers tenderly knead the flesh of my cheek, his touch a contrasting mix of pleasure and pain .

Whack!

"Three," I moan out and my body tensing as the sting radiates out from beneath his large palm.

"What do you think about your punishment?"

"It hurts a lot more than I thought it would, Sir." I admit.

"Ava, it's a punishment, you're not supposed to enjoy it."

“I know, but in the books I've read, the women always seem to enjoy the spankings.”

"You read books about BDSM?"

He actually fucking laughs at me! Asshole.

"I mean, what else was I supposed to do with all that free time on my hands when I was recovering?" I reply, a bit defensively. It's not like I could've filled those weeks with anything more productive.

"Sweetheart, I think it's great that you took an interest in those books, it means you were thinking about our time together. But it's important to remember that not everyone enjoys spankings, despite what you might read. Some women do, sure, but it's not a one-size-fits-all situation. I don't want you to feel pressured to like something you don't, just because of what you've read. So, feel free to keep reading, but know that your experience might be different. Don't compare our experiences to those books."

That makes sense. Those women who enjoy that must have harder asses than I do. It still stings.

"Lay down, flat on your back. In light of this new information, I feel the need to prove the real life boyfriend can give it to you better than any of your book boyfriends.”

“Real life boyfriend? I think that's something we should discuss together.” This time, I get to raise an eyebrow at him.

“We just did. Is that not okay with you?”

Hell yes, it’s more than okay with me. “I guess I can live with it.”

“Good. Now, get in the position that I told you to before I spank that pretty ass again.”

"Yes, Sir." I give him a playful smile and do as he asks, settling myself into the middle of the bed. My eyes follow him as he positions himself between my legs.

"I'm going to enjoy my dessert now. You will not make any noise. Not a gasp, a moan, not a single word will come out of your mouth. If I hear even the tiniest sound from you, I will stop. I'll finish myself while you watch and deny you any kind of release."

Wow, that would be a dick move. Which is an odd thought considering I’m laying here debating if I should make a sound or not. The thought of watching Ryder get himself off and then coming all over my body is hot.

Before I can think about it any further, his mouth is on my clit. And of course I gasp. Ryder stops and looks up at me.

"That was not a gasp. I was breathing. I have to be able to breathe. And none of these words count either. I have the right to defend myself, that’s the law.” Ryder raises a brow at me with a stern look on his face. “Sir.” I add quickly.

He chuckles, "I'll let that one go since you were just breathing." Then he goes back to licking my clit.

Oh my God, what Ryder is doing to me feels too damn good. It's too much, and I want to cry out. I'm still so sensitive from earlier it's not going to take much to make me come again. But I can't. So, I bite down on my bottom lip, determined to keep any sounds from escaping my lips.

Ryder's fingers work inside me, threatening to wash away my control. And then he does the most deliciously wicked thing. Curling his fingers just so on my g-spot, he begins applying more and more pressure. I'm sure he can feel my body tightening around him. It's as if he knows exactly what will make me lose control.

I dig my nails into my palms and grit my teeth. How can he be so fucking good at this? It's like he knows my body better than I do.

Ryder doesn't stop, continuing to work me over. I feel his lips enclose around my clit, sucking gently, and then I'm clenching tightly around his fingers, my arousal dripping down, soaking the sheets below me.

"Come for me, Ava. Stop holding back on me. Give it to me." And I do, my legs shake uncontrollabl y as my orgasm takes over my body. What the hell is he doing to me? How does he have such control over my body?

Ryder sits up, his eyes intense with need, as he wraps his hand around his thick cock. He pumps his shaft up and down, never breaking eye contact. I love watching him touch himself. The muscles in his arms and chest flexing with each up and down motion.

He moves forward, teasing me with the tip of his cock, brushing it against my clit as he continues to stroke himself. I reach out, running my fingers up his body, feeling his stomach rippling with each ragged breath. His hips jerk involuntarily as my fingers play with the light dusting of hair on his pecs.

Encouraged by his response, I rake my nails down his chest and stomach.

"Fuck, Ava," he grunts out from deep within his chest, his eyes rolling back slightly at in the sensation. "You like watching me touch myself, baby?" His voice dips lower, taking on that rough edge that drives me wild. "I know you do. I could tell by the look on your face when we started, you wanted the punishment just as much as the reward."

I suck in a breath. my lungs burning as he picks up his pace. My hips arching off the bed, the sheets twisting in my fists as I crave more, needing more—I need all of him.

He laughs darkly, "You want my cock, Ava? Want me to fill you up, deep inside that tight little pussy of yours?"

God, yes. I don't think I've ever wanted anything more in my life.

"Greedy little thing, aren't you? Just can't get enough, can you?" My cheeks flame with heat at his words. "Let me hear you, Ava. Tell me how much you want it—how you crave it."

"I need you, Sir," I pant, my voice hoarse with need. "Please, I need you inside me. Now."

Then, without warning, he thrusts himself deep inside me. The sensation of him filling me completely sends me soaring.

"Thank you, Sir," I moan.

He remains still for a moment, as if savoring the connection between us, before slowly withdrawing and then thrusting back in achingly slow. His movements deliberate, teasing me mercilessly and playing on my desperate need to feel him deep within me.

I pant, breathless an d wanting more. "Please, Sir," I beg, my voice hoarse. "I need... I need more. Please, Sir."

"Greedy indeed," he growls playfully, clearly enjoying my desperation. "Tell me, what is it that my greedy girl needs?"

"I need you," I whimper, my eyes welling up with tears as I plead with him. "Fuck me harder, please, Sir." My words are a desperate plea, reflecting the depth of my desire for this man.

Ryder's hands, rough with callouses, skim over my bare skin. His touch conveys an unmistakable sense of ownership and possession sending sparks of pleasure throughout my body with every caress. When his lips find that sweet spot on my neck, I arch my body against his, offering myself fully to him with a soft moan.

"I can feel how much you need me, baby. And I'm going to give it to you. I'll always give you everything you need." His deep voice rumbles against my neck, in that authoritative, commanding tone that makes me melt. "I'll take such good care of you. You're mine, and I always take care of what's mine."

His palms press into the mattress on either side of my head, trapping me beneath the weight of his powerful body. His eyes hold mine captive as each of his powerful thrusts drive him deeper inside me. I feel that familiar tension coiling low in my belly, a delicious tightening that has me clenching around him. I wrap my legs tightly around his waist, giving me the leverage to match his rhythm with my own, my hips lifting to meet every powerful thrust.

"Come for me, one more time, Ava." His command pushes me over the edge. My release tears through me, my legs shaking as they tighten around Ryder's waist. I scream his name, my breath catching as he continues to thrust, letting me ride out my climax.

"Do you want me to come, Ava?" His voice is rough with need, and I can tell he is holding on by a thread.

Fuck, that's hot.

"Yes, Sir."

"Where do you want my cum? In your pussy or in your mouth?" His hips slow, waiting for me to answer.

"All over my tits," I blurt out. I can’t believe the words that have just left my mouth, and I admitted that to him.

Ryder's eyes widen, and he stills completely, his hands resting on my hips. "All over your tits?" he repeats.

Shit. I said too much. Panic begins to rise within me as I realize I'd revealed too much to Ryder. "Or not. I mean, if you want, you can come in my pussy," I stammer, backtracking.

But Ryder simply places his hand on my cheek, his thumb brushing softly against my skin.

"No, I'm all for coming on your tits. That's hot as fuck. I just wanted to give you a chance to correct yourself. You forgot to say, Sir.'"

My cheeks burn even hotter as I realize my mistake. "Oh, sorry, Sir,"

"Never hesitate to share your desires with me. I won't judge or shame you for anything you want to explore. Trust me, we've barely touched on all the kinky shit I enjoy."

A wave of comfort flows through me when he speaks. Once I told Clint I wanted him to come on my chest, and he responded by calling me a filthy slut. But Ryder's different from Clint. He's on a completely different level. Clint could never measure up to him.

Pulling out of me, he moves up my body.

"First, I'm going to fuck that pretty mouth of yours. Then I'm going to paint your perfect tits with my cum."

He teases the tip of his hardness against my lips, and I eagerly open wide, craving the taste of him. My mouth watering just at the thought. I moan around his cock when he slides into my waiting mouth.

I suck hard, loving the way his breath quickens and the low, guttural sounds I seem to pull from deep within him. I love the power I have to bring him pleasure. I want to devour him, to swallow him whole and feel him throbbing down my throat.

I can feel his excitement building, his cock twitching on my tongue, and I know he's close. Just a little more, I think, wanting to push him over the edge. But then he groans, "I'm going to come."

The delicious, salty taste of his cum hits my tongue first, and I moan in satisfaction. I feel his cock twitch one last time as he pulls out, and then he's grabbing hold of his cock. His hand stroking up and down his shaft as he paints my chest wi th his release.

"Absolutely fucking beautiful," he whispers hoarsely, his eyes dark as he takes in the sight of me, covered in him.

I start to rub his cum all over my chest and he watches me intently. Without breaking eye contact, I rake two fingers across my chest and take them into my mouth, sucking them clean.

"Fucking hell that’s hot," he says, bending down to devour my mouth in a passionate kiss.

"Did you like that Sir?" I purr seductively.

"You know damn well I did."

He steps away, entering the bathroom, coming back moments later with a damp cloth. He begins tenderly wiping away the traces of his cum from my breasts.

The emotions that this man is making me feel are almost too much. Feelings that I never thought I would feel again towards another man. I never thought I would be able to let my guard down enough to trust another man like this again, not after what Clint has put me through. Ryder not only can make my body feel things that I didn't know is possible, but he has opened up my heart. He has become more to me than just someone I used to know. He has become my home.

"Why didn't we go to Club X?" I ask Ryder as we lay in bed, a mess of tangled limbs and sheets.

"I thought after the hectic few weeks you've had, you might appreciate a more relaxed evening. Besides, we don't need to visit Club X every time. This evening was about you and me, one-on-one, no distractions."

His words make perfect sense, and I smile in agreement. Not that I was complaining, what we just shared tonight was beyond amazing.

"Speaking of the last few weeks, how are you feeling about everything? Are you okay?" Ryder asks.

Looking up at him, "Y eah, I'm doing okay. I'm mostly healed. Your uncle seems to think Clint will get prison time, so he shouldn't be a problem anymore."

I still can't believe it has come down to this. Even after everything that Clint had put me through, I never would have imagined that he would resort to the level of physical violence that he inflicted on me in the alley behind Blaze that night.

Ryder’s warm breath grazes the top of my head as he speaks, his lips pressing gentle kisses against my hair. "That's good, you deserve some peace." Ryder says, his arms wrapping securely around me. "Why don't you spend the night here with me? We can have a lazy day together tomorrow."

A small smile tugs at the corners of my lips, hidden from his view. "Yeah, I'd like that, a lot. I just need to send a quick text to Danie and let her know I won't be home tonight. I don’t want her to worry, especially after everything that has happened."

After sending a text to Danie, and making a quick trip to the bathroom, I crawl back into bed with Ryder. He reaches out and gently tilts my head up, placing a sweet and innocent kiss on my lips. My body instinctively begins to move against his, but he stops me with a firm yet playful tone.

"God damn woman, behave. Enough of that," he scolds while giving me a quick playful smack on the ass. "You need your rest, and we're not going to get any if you keep doing that."

Pouting, I look up at him through my lashes, silently begging for just a little more. But he is already pulling me back down to lay my head on his chest with a soft chuckle.

Who am I kidding? I have had my fair share of sexual experiences, but what I have shared with Ryder is on an entirely different level. Initially, I attributed it to the allure of the club—the forbidden nature of it all. I have since realized, what we share goes far beyond the taboo. It is something deeper and more profound.

"Goodnight, baby."

“Goodnight,” I whisper back, snuggling a little deeper into his chest.

The exhaustion from the day finally catching up to me and I drift off to sleep, lulled by the steady rhythm of Ryder’s heartbeat and the gentle rise and fall of his chest beneath me. Relaxing into the warmth of his body against mine. He gives m e a sense of comfort and security by simply lying next to me.