Page 7

CHAPTER 7

CORA

T he wooden planks of the dock creak beneath our feet as we walk, the soft lapping of the river water mingling with the distant hum of the city. Orion’s hand rests on my back, his touch steady and warm even through the fabric of my dress. He’s in his human disguise tonight, but I can’t help stealing glances at him, imagining the red scales and sharp ridges hidden beneath the hologram. The tuxedo fits him perfectly, though. Tailored, crisp, and just the right amount of intimidating.

“When you said you lived on a houseboat, I was expecting something more…rustic,” I admit, glancing toward the massive vessel moored ahead.

Orion’s chuckle rumbles deep in his chest. “Rustic? Ms. Daniels, I’m wounded. Do you think so little of me?”

“I think you’re full of surprises,” I shoot back, tilting my head to meet his gaze. His purple eyes—human for now—narrow with amusement.

“You haven’t even seen the inside yet.”

We step onto the gangplank, and he offers me a hand. I take it, my fingers dwarfed by his as we ascend. The riverboat looms above us, its polished wood gleaming under the soft glow of string lights. It’s massive, more mansion than boat, with a grandeur that feels straight out of a bygone era.

“This is incredible,” I murmur, stepping onto the deck. The air smells faintly of polished wood and the river, but there’s an undercurrent of something else—something clean and metallic, like the scent of a high-tech lab.

“Wait until you see the inside.” He leads me through a set of double doors, and I’m met with a sight that makes me stop in my tracks. The interior is a masterclass in luxury: plush carpets, gleaming chandeliers, and rich mahogany paneling. It’s Gatsby-esque, but with a subtle futuristic edge. The furniture is sleek and modern, and there’s a faint hum of energy in the air that makes me think this place is more than it seems.

“Orion, this is…wow.”

“Impressed?”

“More like speechless.”

He steps closer, his hand sliding from my back to my waist. “Good.” His voice is low, the kind of tone that makes my stomach flip.

I glance up at him, feeling the weight of his gaze. “You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Enjoying what?”

“Showing off.”

“Maybe.” His lips quirk into a grin. “Or maybe I just like watching your reactions.”

“Well, keep talking like that, and I might start blushing.”

“I’m counting on it.”

He leans in, and my breath catches. His hand cups my cheek, his thumb brushing my lower lip. I tilt my face up, my heart pounding, but before our lips can meet, a sharp, insistent tone cuts through the air.

Orion freezes, his brow furrowing as he pulls out his phone. The screen flashes with the Veritas emblem, and he sighs.

“You have to take it,” I say, placing my fingers on his lips before he can argue.

“You dare?” His mock incredulity makes me smile.

“So discipline me for insubordination later,” I tease. “Take the call from Pyke now, it could be important.”

He catches my wrist, pressing a kiss to my fingertips before releasing me. “I’ll hold you to that.”

As he steps away to answer the call, I take the opportunity to explore. The riverboat is a maze of luxury, each room more opulent than the last. I trail my fingers along the polished banister as I ascend a spiral staircase, the carpet soft beneath my heels.

The upper deck opens into a lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows that offer a stunning view of the city skyline. The Arch glimmers in the distance, its silhouette sharp against the night sky. I step closer to the glass, marveling at the view.

Orion’s voice drifts up from below, his tone sharp and businesslike. I can’t make out the words, but I know that tone—something’s happened. My stomach twists, but I push the unease aside, focusing instead on the room around me.

A sleek, modern bar sits in one corner, its shelves stocked with bottles that look expensive but lack labels. I run my hand along the smooth surface of the counter, my mind wandering back to Orion and the way he looked at me moments ago.

The bedroom is as opulent as the rest of the riverboat, but there’s a certain intensity to it that feels uniquely Orion. The massive bed dominates the space, its dark mahogany frame carved with intricate patterns. The satin sheets are a deep crimson, and I can’t resist running my hand over them. They’re cool and smooth, and I feel a flash of heat at the thought of what they might feel like against my skin later.

My eyes land on the sleek black remote on the nightstand. I pick it up, pressing the power button to turn on the large screen TV mounted on the wall. Instead, there’s a soft whirring sound as a panel in the wall slides open, revealing a hidden door. My heart skips a beat.

“Okay, Veritas command center, here we go,” I mutter under my breath, stepping closer. I flip the light switch, and the room illuminates.

But it’s not a high-tech command center.

My jaw drops.

The walls are lined with shelves, and every inch is filled with…well, let’s just say it’s not the kind of gear I was expecting. Leather whips, riding crops, ropes, restraints, and—is that a ball gag? I stare at the array of BDSM toys, my mind racing.

“Holy crap,” I whisper, stepping inside. The air smells faintly of leather and something earthy, like sandalwood. My initial shock begins to fade, replaced by a growing curiosity.

I reach out, my fingers brushing against a sleek black riding crop. It’s lighter than it looks, the leather supple and smooth. I tap it against my palm, the sensation sending a shiver up my spine.

“Does…does Orion want to use all this stuff on me?” I wonder aloud. The thought should probably terrify me, but instead, I feel a weird mix of excitement and intrigue.

I pick up a pair of leather cuffs, turning them over in my hands. The buckles are solid, the craftsmanship impeccable. “Well, someone’s got expensive taste,” I mutter, a small smile tugging at my lips.

Next, I grab a ball gag from a hook on the wall. It’s made of soft silicone, with small holes for breathing, and the straps are lined with velvet. I hold it up, cocking my head as I examine it.

“Restricted speech and a sense of helplessness, huh?” I say to myself, my voice wry. “Yeah, that tracks with the whole ‘Yes, Sir’ thing.”

I set it back on the hook and move deeper into the room. There’s a chest against the far wall, and I kneel to open it. Inside, I find more ropes, neatly coiled, and a few items I can’t quite identify. My cheeks flush as I pull out a leather harness, its straps intricate and purposeful.

“Okay, Orion’s definitely been holding out on me,” I say, shaking my head. I’m not repulsed—far from it. The more I explore, the more my curiosity grows. The possibilities are endless, and yeah, maybe a little intimidating, but also…exciting.

I creep out of the hidden room, my bare feet silent on the polished wood floor. Orion’s voice drifts up from the lower deck, sharp and commanding, but I can’t make out the words. He’s still on the call with Pyke.

My heart races as I slip back into the hidden room. I tell myself to close the door, to pretend I never saw anything, but my hands betray me. I reach for the ball gag again, the smooth silicone cool against my skin.

I slide it into my mouth, the straps brushing my cheeks as I pull them tight. The sensation sends a shiver down my spine. I imagine it’s Orion’s hands instead of my own, his fingers brushing my neck as he fastens the buckle. I lean back against the wall, my breath quickening as I slide my hand under my dress.

The soft hum of the vibrating egg intensifies as I press it against my clit, my legs trembling. I moan softly into the gag, the sound muffled and desperate. I’m so close, but it’s not enough. I need more. I need him .

I strip out of my dress, the fabric pooling at my feet. The cool air brushes my skin as I pick up the Reaper’s Lingerie. The leather collar is smooth against my fingers as I fasten it around my neck. The strap trails down my back, and I fumble with the cuffs, my breath hitching as I lock them around my wrists.

I didn’t mean to pull them so tight. My heart skips a beat when I realize I can’t get them off. My arms are pinned behind my back, the straps digging into my skin. I’m trapped, and it’s equal parts terrifying and exhilarating.

“Cora!” Orion’s voice echoes through the riverboat, sharp and commanding. “I’ve concluded my report. Where have you gotten off to?”

Oh, fuck.

The vibrating egg hums louder, and I bite down on the gag to stifle a moan.

My breath hitches as I press myself deeper behind the thick velvet curtain, the fabric brushing against my bare skin. The cool air of the riverboat’s living room makes my nipples pebble, and I bite down harder on the ball gag to stifle a moan. The egg is still buzzing relentlessly between my legs, and I twist my wrists in the Reaper’s Lingerie, testing the bonds. No luck. Whoever designed this thing knew what they were doing.

“Cora?” Orion’s voice echoes through the corridors, low and smooth, like he’s savoring this. “I don’t know what game we’re playing, but I like it.”

I freeze, my heart pounding so loud I’m sure he can hear it. The curtain sways slightly, brushing against my body, and I clench my thighs together to suppress the ache building inside me. My dress and underwear are still in that room— his room—and I’m stark naked except for the collar, the cuffs, and the damn gag.

Footsteps. Slow, deliberate. He’s coming this way.

“You left the door open,” he continues, his voice closer now. “I have to admit, I’m curious. What exactly were you doing in there?”

I squeeze my eyes shut, willing myself to disappear. The curtain feels like my last line of defense, and I press my back against the wall, hoping the fabric doesn’t betray me.

“You know,” he muses, his tone conversational, “most people would think twice before snooping around a Vakutan’s private collection. But you? You’re not most people.”

I hear the creak of the floorboards as he steps into the room. My pulse thunders in my ears, and I hold my breath, my fingers twitching behind my back.

“I could smell it as soon as I walked in,” he says, his voice dropping to a growl. “Your scent. All over my things.”

Oh, God. My cheeks burn, and I’m grateful for the gag because I’m pretty sure I’d be stammering an apology right now. Instead, I stay silent, listening to the sound of his footsteps circling the room.

“You know what I think?” he continues, his voice low and dangerous. “I think you’ve been very naughty.”

I wince at the word, a shiver running down my spine. My body betrays me, a warm flush spreading through me despite the guilt gnawing at my stomach. I shouldn’t have been in there. I know I shouldn’t have. But the curiosity—God, the curiosity—it was too much.

“Did you know,” Orion’s voice cuts through the silence, smooth and deliberate, “that one of my remote control vibrators is missing? I wonder where it could be?”

My cheeks blaze with heat, and I press my thighs together tighter, the buzzing between my legs suddenly feeling impossible to ignore. The damn thing is still humming, relentless and unyielding, and I bite down on the gag to stifle a whimper.

“Maybe I’ll just use the remote to turn up the power?” he muses, his tone casual, like he’s discussing the weather.

Before I can even process the threat, the intensity spikes. My back arches involuntarily, and a deep, guttural moan escapes around the gag. My legs quiver, and I sink lower against the wall, the sensation so overwhelming I can barely think. I’m right on the edge, teetering, when the velvet curtain is yanked aside.

I blink up at him, dazed and breathless, the sudden brightness making me squint. And then I see him. Really see him.

The hologram is gone.

Orion stands there in all his Vakutan glory, completely bare. His golden scales catch the light, smooth and flawless, tracing the contours of his chiseled frame. His broad shoulders taper down to a narrow waist, his muscles defined but not bulky. My eyes travel lower, and my breath catches.

His cock is…alien, but there’s no other word for it. The heart-shaped head, the ridge of scales, the raised line along the shaft—it’s unlike anything I’ve ever seen. And yet, it’s perfect. It’s him. My heart skips a beat, a strange mix of shock and admiration flooding me. It’s so right, so natural on him, and I can’t look away.

“Ms. Daniels,” he rumbles, his voice low and filled with authority. “You’re playing with toys that don’t belong to you. You’ll have to be disciplined.”

My eyes widen, and I make a small, confused noise behind the gag. Disciplined? The word sends a thrill through me, a heat that settles deep in my core. I’m not sure if I should be scared or turned on—maybe both.

He points to the floor, his gaze unwavering. “On your knees.”

The vibrator buzzes louder, the intensity cranked up so high my legs give out. I slide to the floor, my knees hitting the wood with a soft thud. I would’ve obeyed anyway because the command, the way he says it, is so fucking hot I can’t resist.

I kneel before him, my arms still bound behind my back, the collar snug around my neck. My breath comes in shallow pants, and I look up at him, my green eyes meeting his purple ones. The air between us crackles with tension, and I can feel the weight of his dominance pressing down on me.

Orion steps closer, his scales glinting in the light. He tilts my chin up with one finger, his touch firm but not harsh. “Do you understand why you’re being punished?” he asks in a growl.

I nod quickly, the ball gag making it impossible to speak. My heart races, and I can feel the heat of his body so close to mine.

“Good,” he says, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Because this is just the beginning.”

His hand tightens in my hair, yanking me to my knees. The pull is firm, deliberate, but not cruel. My scalp tingles as he drags me forward, the ball gag muffling any sound I might make. I shuffle awkwardly, my knees scraping against the polished wood floor, but I don’t resist. There’s something almost exhilarating about this—about being entirely at his mercy.

“Move,” he growls, his voice low and commanding. I can hear the edge of amusement in it, like he’s enjoying watching me struggle. My cheeks burn, but I don’t stop. I keep going, even when my knees start to ache, even when the cuffs dig into my wrists. I want to please him. I want to show him I can take it.

We reach the hidden room, and he releases my hair, shoving me forward. I stumble but catch myself, my breath hitching as I take in the space. The padded leather bench sits in the center, waiting for me. My stomach twists, a mix of nerves and anticipation.

“Bend over,” Orion commands, his tone leaving no room for argument. I hesitate for just a moment before obeying, lowering myself over the bench. The leather is cool against my skin, and I shiver as he steps behind me.

The first spank lands hard, the sound echoing through the room. I jerk forward, a muffled yelp escaping around the gag.

“One!” I manage to choke out, the word garbled and barely intelligible.

He doesn’t miss a beat. “Good girl,” he purrs, and the praise sends a thrill through me. Another spank, harder this time.

“Two.” My voice shakes, but I force the number out, focusing on the rhythm. Three. Four. Five. Each strike sends a jolt of pain mixed with something dangerously close to pleasure. My skin burns, but I don’t want him to stop.

“Eighteen.” My voice is ragged now, my body trembling. The cuffs keep my arms pinned, and I’m powerless to do anything but take it.

Nineteen. Twenty.

That’s when it happens. The vibrator slips out, the buzzing suddenly silenced as it hits the floor with a soft thud. My body convulses, the orgasm crashing over me like a wave. I cry out, the sound muffled by the gag, my thighs trembling as I come undone.

Orion doesn’t give me a moment to recover. His hands grip my hips, spreading me open, and then his tongue is on me, licking and probing with a precision that leaves me gasping. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever felt—hot, wet, and ridged, tracing every inch of me. My back arches involuntarily, my hands clenching behind me as I’m pushed over the edge again.

I lose count of how many times he makes me come. My body jerks and shakes, my breath coming in short, desperate gasps. Every touch, every lick, every stroke pushes me higher, until I’m floating in a haze of pleasure.

When he finally releases me, I collapse against the bench, my body spent. His hands are gentle as he unfastens the cuffs and removes the gag, the sudden freedom making me shiver.

He pulls me up, his mouth crashing into mine in a kiss that’s equal parts claiming and tender. His tongue flicks against mine, and I melt into him, my hands finding his scales as I kiss him back with everything I have.

This is where I belong. With him. His.