Controlled: A Dark Mafia Romance

Chapter 20

Creed

“There’s no place in this world for emotion, boy,” my father said as he stood over me, twisting his fingers around the thick strap of leather, laughing softly, evilly. “No such thing as love. Once you realize and accept that, you will succeed in everything you do. Until then, you will remain the piece of useless flesh you are.”

He brought the strap down, but I bit back a single sound. He was never going to get the satisfaction of hearing me cry out in pain again.

I’d also made a promise to myself this would be the last time he whipped me like some dog. I was over eighteen, outweighed the man by fifty pounds and was ready to end our relationship.

Permanently.

He brought the strap down again and I knew the lashes would scar, but I didn’t care. Soon, the bastard would be out of my life one way or the other.

However, the sperm donor was right. There was no place in my world for any aspect of love, whether from a beautiful woman or a family.

The memory was unwanted, but my father would say necessary. I’d enjoyed myself with a woman entirely too much, which put all the strengths I’d mastered, the skills I’d honed into a precarious position. Up until now, the only thing I’d allowed myself to feel with a woman was sexual need, quenching a thirst and nothing more.

Yet while I’d sat beside Bella in the velveted box, allowing her to enjoy watching her favorite ballet company performing Giselle, I could sense a change coming from deep within.

She’d remained on the edge of her seat, her facial expressions changing with every switch in the mood of music, even shedding a couple of tears as the production had continued. I’d barely watched the ballet, preferring to bask in her beauty instead. She’d delighted me the entire evening, shedding her rebellion at first in her attempt to control the moment and my mood.

I had to admit she’d shocked me more than anyone had when she’d openly kissed me in front of the reporters. The loving gesture had brought out every animalistic instinct I’d had, the need to possess her more powerful than it had been. And when I’d seen the very reporter who’d been allowed to interview me on two occasions give her a lust-filled look, the bastard had almost felt my fist against his face, the green-eyed monster rearing more than just his ugly head.

However, after our first drink, when dinner had been ordered, she’d calmed down, even allowing herself to enjoy the music as much as I’d hoped.

After that, I’d found myself losing the typical moments of controlling need, enjoying our conversation and her hint of flirting.

Learning about the picture had come close to confirming what Kane had discovered and I’d mentioned it to him in passing when she’d been escorted to the restroom. He was currently ascertaining whether the information on Armand’s whereabouts was correct or a lure into another path leading nowhere.

With the number of pictures that had been taken, at least one of them would turn up in one or two of the morning papers. That much I’d count on. Was I using her as bait? Perhaps, but there was too much at stake and I wanted to be in absolute control at all times.

Nothing unusual.

I also needed to soothe the primal need to force the responsible party into a hunt.

Maybe that would quiet the demons once and for all.

Or maybe my luscious companion would. Whatever the case, I had every intention of enjoying the remainder of the night.

The ballet had been perfect, a cherry on the whipped cream, although dancing with her in front of everyone in the restaurant had been incredible as well, so much I’d never wanted the night to end.

Even the way she’d clung to me after we’d left, walking out of the building to the waiting limo had been endearing as fuck. Too much so. She’d kept ahold of my arm, even resting her head on my shoulder. Meanwhile, I’d scanned the busy street, convinced that the person responsible for the earlier attack was keeping tabs on my whereabouts.

Or hers.

Either way, I’d gone to great lengths to keep us both protected. Kane and another man stood outside the suite’s penthouse door while the other two had gone on a hunt of their own.

Now we both stood on the lower level of the suite in the living room, the Conrad in the heart of Manhattan. The views were just as spectacular as the posh restaurant, but I couldn’t give a shit about the glistening lights of the Big Apple.

I only had eyes for the woman now standing barefoot, swaying to the jazz music I’d selected. I adored watching her dance, the subtle nuances evoking one too many emotions inside of me.

Continually watching her, I removed my tuxedo jacket, tossing it to the arm of one couch, tugging at the bowtie until I was able to yank it from under the collar. I pitched it aside and began to unfasten the buttons on my shirt. I was finished with feeling like some formal penguin.

When she noticed I was staring at her, a warm flush crept up both her cheeks. The hint of her vulnerability made my cock swell, my balls tighten.

“You looked very handsome in your tux,” she said as she eyed me in the floor-to-ceiling window.

“Why, thank you. Keep dancing for me, beautiful creature. I do so love to watch you.”

She laughed and took a sip of her drink. “It’s a little difficult in this tight dress. All I can do is sway to the music.”

“Hmm…” I growled and placed my drink on the piano, taking calculated steps toward her.

The closer I came, the more her face flushed, her cheeks now matching the stunning gown.

“I think I can take care of that,” I told her as I took the glass from her hand, placing it next to mine on the baby grand’s surface. I’d purposely booked the suite at the Conrad because of the piano, not the view.

It was also extremely secure, which was required.

“And just what do you think you’re going to do?” she asked, the tone sounding remarkably like a purr.

I eased around her, running the tips of two fingers down the back of her neck. When I tugged on the diamond comb secured in her hair, I studied her reflection in the glass. She was trying not to feel anxious or excited, but I could sense she was as aroused as I was.

As her hair cascaded past her shoulders, I took a deep whiff of her perfume, savoring the way the fragrance tickled my nostrils. When I started tugging on the long zipper of her dress, her breathing hitched.

“I’ll make it easier for you, unburdening you of the tight confines.” I took my time unzipping, allowing the heat of the moment to swell within both of us.

As soon as the dress was unfastened, I helped gravity take it to the floor, shaking my head at the sight of her matching lacy bra and thong. She didn’t move, didn’t act but so embarrassed at her state of undress as she stepped out of the material.

I was the one who snagged it from the floor, tossing it over the back of one of the couches. As I rolled my finger all the way down her spine, she turned her head slightly, her lovely mouth pursing.

Just to touch her in this way, slowly and without feeling the need to do nothing more than shoving my cock into her wetness was a powerful aphrodisiac, a special moment. It was strange to think I’d never allowed myself to take my time with a woman under any circumstances.

I couldn’t care less about walks in the park or in the froth of the ocean water as the sun was setting. I certainly had never taken a picnic or spent time watching a movie in a theater or anywhere else. That wasn’t my style.

Which was why having thoughts of doing all those things caught me as much off guard as everything else had during the evening.

She was quivering to my touch, her skin shimmering from the lighting in the room. I continued my trail, moving from one side of her waist to the other. When I backed away, she bit her lower lip in the way I adored. I grabbed my unfinished drink, sitting down on one of the chairs where I could command and see everything she did.

“Dance for me,” I told her. “Dance like you’re ready to wrap your fingers around the entire world, claiming it as your own.”

She took another deep breath, listening as the song shifted into something a touch darker than what had been playing.

As she started to sway her hips back and forth, tossing her head over her shoulder, a smile crossed my face. For all her innocence, she could be a perfect tease.

“Take a look out the windows, my perfect dancer. Imagine everyone inside the building across the street is watching you.”

She turned her head fully toward the wall of glass, lifting one leg in front of her. As she pointed her toes, she eased her arms to the sides, fluttering them as if a beautiful butterfly freed from its ugly cocoon.

I was instantly mesmerized by the way she took a purposeful step forward, rising on her toes, extending her other leg behind her and leaning forward. She was even more beautiful in form as she slowly began to feel the rhythm of the music, tossing her long hair and moving as if she owned the room.

While I’d wanted to relax and enjoy my drink, I found myself sitting on the edge of my seat, my heart thudding as she dropped to the floor, tossing her arms out over her head. As she began to rise slowly, as if still the butterfly learning to fly, I could barely contain myself. My cock was pressing hard against my trousers, the arousal almost painful.

I placed my glass on the coffee table, wringing my hands together as she unfurled her body. As she almost marched toward the window, keeping her toes pointed with every step, I envisioned her required discipline was as strict as mine had been, even brutal at times.

But still entirely different.

She’d chosen to dance as an outlet for the horror her mother had put her through. When Bella had confided in me the way Carmine had behaved, I’d almost made a phone call and had her life stripped away. However, my dancer’s words had prevented me from providing another moment of sadness.

As she planted one palm on the cool glass then the other, slowly tipping her head over her shoulder, her dance moves shifted to something more evocative.

I was even more enthralled than before, the switch in her personality unexpected. She spread her long legs wide open, lowering her body as she continued undulating. I rubbed my jaw, the rush of adrenaline and need increasing rapidly.

The woman could turn anything into a provocative moment, which I hadn’t anticipated in the least. When she dared to lower one of her crimson bra straps, I was instantly forced to suck in my breath.

Who said I was the one who needed to unwrap the beautiful package? I grabbed my drink again, pounding down the majority of it just to cool off. She laughed softly and slid the other strap down as well, twisting her body as if offering me a slight peek before facing the window once again.

But seconds later, she turned the opposite direction, reaching behind her to unfasten the two hooks and eyes, giving me a sultry look as she did so. As soon as she’d gotten it free, she spun around once again, refusing to allow me to see her voluptuous breasts just yet.

I was ready to stop the strip tease act but found myself far too enthralled to do so. During the next few minutes, she tormented me relentlessly by spinning and dancing, kicking out her long legs but kept her arms folded over her breasts. The woman obviously had no idea what she was doing to me.

Or maybe she did and was pushing my buttons. The thought of punishing her for it made my mouth water.

Since the music suddenly changed for a third time, I almost rose from my seat, far too much in need. However, my perfect dancer shimmied her hips for a few seconds before sliding her fingers under the elastic of her thong. Her body was twisted enough I could tell she was contemplating what she was doing, struggling with the connection we shared. And the flame that burned so brightly between us.

I’d wanted nothing more than to perform sadistic acts with her, to mark her as mine. Not tonight. Tonight, I wanted the closeness, the passion, which I’d shoved aside all my life. Hell, the first few times I’d had sexual relations, I hadn’t bothered to kiss the woman. I hadn’t wanted a single one of them to get the wrong idea.

Fuck me. I wanted to kiss Bella. Every fucking inch of her.

Even the way she shimmied the lace to the floor was sexy as hell. When she was completely naked, except for the necklace, I issued a single command that she would be required to follow.

“Come here.” The darkness in my voice was a powerful draw for her. I could see it in her reflection as she opened her eyes wide. I expected her to balk, to do what she could to keep me at a distance for as long as possible.

She spun around at least three times, continuing to tease me. Of course the little brat knew she was igniting the fire.

“Come here, little vixen. Do not make me tell you again.”

Now she turned around ever so slowly, lifting her head and undressing me with her eyes. And in the least expected move of the evening, as she gracefully dropped to her knees, I couldn’t keep from issuing a series of low-slung growls.

She crawled toward me in catlike formation, taking her sweet time doing so.

By the point she was close to my chair, I widened my legs, taking several deep breaths. She stopped just out of my reach, twisting her long hair around in circle after circle, and I realized I was panting like some fucking animal. Every sound was that of a kitten and it was far more enticing than I would have thought possible.

That was all I could take. Leaning forward, I fisted her hair, tugging her closer. “You’re a very bad girl to tease me this way.”

“Why shouldn’t I?” She crawled her fingers up the insides of my calves, and I knew if I didn’t free my cock soon, I would go blind from need.

“Because you know what happens.”

Her smile widened, the girl daring to bat her eyelashes at me as she took the drink from my hand, placing it on the coffee table.

I found myself sitting back, allowing her continued exploration. I even closed my eyes, which wasn’t like me in the least. But I refused to let go of her long strands of hair, purposely wrapping my fingers around a thick mass, ensuring she remained in position. I felt another jolt of electricity as she crowded closer, her long fingers now kneading the insides of my thighs.

“Fuck,” I whispered, my pulse skipping several beats. She yanked at my shirt, pulling it free from the tight confines of my belt, taking a few seconds to run one hand underneath.

The tickling sensations matched the building heat between us, my chest rising and falling as the desire was starting to get out of hand. Yet as she tugged on my belt, the kick of additional desire tormented me into maintaining what little I had of my patience.

As soon as she managed to tug the thick strap free, she took her time to unfasten the remaining buttons on my shirt. Just the way she was caressing my abdomen was enough of a treat for some men, but I needed her luscious lips wrapped around my cock.

“No more teasing. You must be thirsty.” My voice remained deep, the vibrations humming through me more incredible than any before. I didn’t care about her answer at this point, my selfishness taking over. “Suck me.”

She peeled away the material of my trousers, yanking on them and my underwear until my cock was finally freed. However, the hindrance of the material didn’t stop her from slipping one hand under my balls, rolling them between her fingers.

I finally opened my eyes, realizing my focus was nothing but a haze, but there was no doubt she was studying my reaction, maybe gauging her actions by the way I moved. Right now, my entire body was tense, and I pushed her head down. “Open wide, perfect dancer.”

Instead, she blew across my cockhead, barely darting out her tongue seconds later to further torment me. As soon as she slipped the tip across my sensitive slit, I threw my head back with a strangled bellow. I almost laughed since the sound was unusual enough that I was surprised Kane wasn’t pounding on the door.

While he’d heard the throes of passion or pain coming from my bedroom a long time before, the sound almost always came from the woman involved.

This was… spectacular, even if she was giving me blue balls.

“Open that sweet mouth of yours or I’ll pry it open,” I said authoritatively.

She finally obeyed me, something I would need to remind her of later, wrapping her succulent lips around my cockhead. The moment she used the pressure of her jaws, sucking as her tongue swirled, I was certain I’d died and gone to heaven.

Only evil men like me weren’t allowed into heaven for fear I’d burn it to the ground. The thought brought a sick smile to my face.

Bella squeezed my testicles, bringing me back to reality long enough for me to catch my breath. Yet the second she opened her mouth a little wider, taking more of my shaft into her hot, wet mouth, I reacted instantly. The moment I lifted my hips, thrusting the reminder of my cock deep inside, the tip hitting the back of her throat, she issued a robust moan around the thick invasion.

Her gagging sounds didn’t bother me, my need to control her erupting into the open. I wanted her to feel the burn and need like I did. Even though I was fucking her mouth brutally, she was still squeezing my balls, adding enough pressure she was providing me with the pain I needed to garner satisfaction.

I lolled my head from side to side as her strong jaw muscles continued to allow her to suck with the ferocity of a lioness.

She was mewing and moaning, her sounds matching my animalistic growls. The two of us were carnal beasts and nothing more. I bucked hard, jamming my cock what felt like halfway down her throat. I wasn’t being gentle, nor did I believe I could be at this point.

Bella struggled to please me or so I believed but only seconds later, I noticed tears in her eyes. For all the times I’d shoved my cock down a woman’s throat, had heard their pleading cries that I’d ignored, her silence was far too debilitating to ignore.

I pushed her away, the force enough she fell onto her bottom. After that, I grabbed the basically empty glass, pulling an ice cube into my mouth and sucking it. My mind reeling from my raging desires, I wrapped my fingers around her throat, yanking her back to her knees. Only this time, I captured her lips, immediately slipping the ice cube into her mouth.

For a few seconds we passed it back and forth before I allowed her to break the connection, once again crawling just far enough I couldn’t snatch her back. But as with all things, my patience had been tossed aside and I stood, taking a single long step forward as she crunched down on the ice cube.

When I swept her into my arms, cradling her against my chest, she uttered a surprised cry. There was no need for additional words, no supplementary time for foreplay.

I headed for the steps leading to the top floor of the hotel, the second story to the penthouse and into the main bedroom.

And with the only gentle gesture I believed I had left in me, I slowly eased her to the bed.

However, I was going to be anything but tender, the need for her completely out of control.

Somehow, I knew Bella sensed my condition, but it didn’t matter. I’d been right about her.

We were exactly the same.

Broken beyond repair.