Chapter Twelve
Chapter Twelve
What do you have in store for me?
Without another word, he left the room.
Playing with him had already taught her that he meant every word he said.
Her hands shaking even worse than before, she took a big gulp from her cup, wincing as the heat scalded her mouth.
Once she recovered her equilibrium, she dashed into the en suite, pausing with surprise when she noticed he’d laid out a brand-new toothbrush for her.
After finding a washcloth in the linen closet, she scrubbed off her remaining make up. Her fake eyelashes would last a few more days, or maybe she’d remove them at home.
Since she’d had a luxurious bath last night, she settled for a quick shower.
Then, unsure what to expect, she wrapped the towel around her tightly then walked to his study.
Since he was studying his computer screen, she gently knocked on the doorjamb. Instantly, he swung to face her, sweeping his gaze over her.
“Oh, Catrina. What you do to me.”
Awareness flooded the space between them, and she fought back an instinct to kneel.
Where did that come from?
“The siren of my dreams.”
“I…”
“Wait for me.” He stood. “Put a condom on the nightstand.”
When she nodded, he continued. “I’ll give you five minutes, and then I expect to find you on your back on the side of the mattress, knees over the edge, legs spread as wide as you can get them.”
She resisted the temptation to wrap her arms protectively around herself.
“Be naked, which is always my preference for you. Any questions?”
“No.” Again, the word Sir hovered around her.
“Five minutes,” he reminded her. With a tight nod, he returned to work.
Dismissed, she exhaled and went in search of the condoms, finding them where they’d been last night, on the hearth.
His demands made it impossible for her to keep her thoughts clear, and she had to concentrate hard on what he’d said.
In just under the allotted time, she lay back, naked.
He kept her waiting, and she was sure he did it on purpose to let her mind race with possibilities.
Such an effective tool—one she’d have to remember with her boys.
But suddenly, as cool air drifted over her body, her old life seemed so very far away.
With her eyes closed, she drew in a few steadying breaths, then attuned her hearing to listen for him.
Despite hearing nothing, she remained exactly where she was.
“What a good girl.”
Catrina blinked.
How had he entered without making a single noise? And how long had he been there? “Do you have a camera in here?”
“No. Our bedroom is a sanctuary. When we’re in our suite, I will share you with no one. It seems I’m a very selfish man.”
Unaccountably, his response pleased her. She wanted to be special. For this to mean something…as much to him as it did her. “So that means you were standing there, watching me.”
“I warned you there’d be no privacy.”
He took a purposeful stride toward her.
“Part your labia, Milady. Use both hands.”
Trembling, she took hold of each pussy lip and pulled it back.
“Keep your legs right where they are while I spank your pussy.”
Oh, God.“But—”
“Do you need a spreader bar?”
“I’ll stay in position.”
“See that you do.”
When he was in front of her, he abraded her clit, making her jerk against him.
“Sensitive.”
Frightened was more like it.
Nothing but the sounds of their combined breathing disturbed the atmosphere. Even though she’d been wet as she waited for him, apprehension had taken hold.
“Don’t move.”
Obeying was difficult, but she kept her hands in place.
He pulled back the hood to expose her clit.
Unable to help herself, she tightened her buttocks. He didn’t reprimand her, and he didn’t do anything else for a long time, just kept her there, exposed in the most terrifying way.
“Concentrate on pleasing me as I discover your secrets.”
Her heart raced, but she remained where she was.
He touched her clit with a fingertip that was warm and damp. His touch was kind, at odds with what he’d said.
Then, never taking his gaze from her pussy, he gave her a couple of swats.
Shockingly, they were gentle enough for her to exhale with relief.
The next few aroused her.
The following half dozen made her cry out.
“More?”
Before she could formulate an answer, he delivered open-handed, hard slaps.
“Fuck! Damn it.” She tried to pull her hands away so she could protect herself, but he brushed them aside.
“How does it feel now?”
As the pain receded, she throbbed with need.
“Tell me what you want.”
Shamelessly she tried to lift herself toward him. “I need you, Damien. Put your cock in me.” She writhed, silently urging him to hurry.
“So pretty, all swollen and red.”
“And I’m wet.”
“You like having your pussy spanked.”
He licked her, soothing the burn, exciting her even more.
“Don’t you?”
“Yes!”
“Are you forgetting something?”
What?Desire held her in its relentless grip.
He gave her another few swats, more painful than the others.
Screaming, she tried to escape.
“What are you forgetting?”
She’d trained so many subs. This shouldn’t be this difficult for her. “Thank you. Thank you for the pussy spanking, Sir.” The comparison of the two made her appreciate the first one. Remembering her manners would save her a lot of pain in the future.
“Much better. Now put your hands above your head.”
Did this mean he wasn’t going to do that any longer?
“Do you need to be tied?”
She studied his face, trying to read him. “How should I respond? Are you going to punish me if I touch you?”
“This morning? No.”
“In that case, I’ll try to keep them in place.”
Momentarily, he left her to put on a condom.
Then his large, throbbing cock was at her entrance.
“Yes, please.”
“I love it when you use your manners.”
But instead of taking her, he moved his shaft across her pussy, teasing her with it.
“After that spanking, this is too much.”
“You’re thinking about yourself,” he pointed out.
He was right. She was at such a fevered pitch, she was no longer considering him. “Yes, Damien,” she said. Her resolve to concentrate on his pleasure lasted for a whole three seconds before she lifted her hips to envelop him as he thrust forward. “Yes,” she said around a gasp.
“Look at me.”
She opened her eyes.
His face was only inches from hers. His blue eyes had never seemed so compelling, and she couldn’t look away. He placed her wrists one on top of the other and encircled them with one of his hands.
“You can come after I do.”
“Not sure I can wait that long.”
“It’ll be two days before I let you climax again if you don’t follow my instructions.”
With the way he’d edged her, she knew he meant it. “You’re dastardly.”
He grinned, and it made him even more intimidating. “I could screw you for the rest of the morning, Milady. And I might.”
“Please don’t.” She was already fighting back an orgasm with every breathing technique she’d ever learned. The way he held her and fucked her blazing cunt had her teetering on the precipice.
Damien used his free hand to play with her nipples, driving her mad.
She was desperate to close her eyes, certain it could help break the bond.
“Look at me,” he reminded her.
Instead of arguing, she kept her gaze fastened on him, drinking in strength from the set of his jaw.
“That’s it.”
She met his surges and whimpered with each one.
“Beautiful,” he said. “So beautiful in your surrender.” He released her wrists and pushed a thumb against her clit.
“Damien! Damien,” she pleaded.
“Legs around my waist.”
The change in positions gave her a moment of respite, but ultimately it put him deeper inside her.
“Now.”He impaled her then jerked inside her a few times, his ejaculate pulsing from his body.
Using her calves as leverage, she ground out her own orgasm, sobbing as she splintered from the inside out.
Her Dominant was there for her, holding her, murmuring words she couldn’t make out, a hand feathered in her hair.
“You’re absolutely perfect,” he said approvingly when she turned her face to look at him.
Every time they were together, she fell deeper under his spell.
Will I be able to save myself?
“Quite an apt student.”
Striving for lightness, anything to deal with what was happening to her emotionally, she responded in kind. “My teacher provides plenty of motivation, though it might be fun to stay after class.”
“If you need extra instruction, you’re more than welcome to stay after class.” After easing out of her swollen pussy, he repositioned her on the bed, with her head on a pillow. Then he pulled a sheet up around her. “Rest for a minute.” He joined her, pulling her into his arms. “I’ll drive you to Denver today.”
With a frown, she stiffened, then she pushed away so she could look at him properly. “I’m capable of making the trip by myself. I do it all the time. Or you said Jeff could pick up a few things for me?”
“I gave him the day off.”
Did you?
He’d given plenty of hints that he was possessive. And she was becoming certain he meant it. “If you go alone, you’ll spend too much time inside your head and freak out.”
“I don’t freak out,” she protested.
“No? Then what’s happening right now?”
His radar was keen, and he saw too much—her fluttery pulse and the way she wrung her hands together. “Okay.” Her next breath was a little ragged. “Maybe I am.” Then she amended, “A little bit.” Then she sighed. “This—you—has been a little overwhelming.”
“Which is why we need a reset. We should enjoy the day together.”
She narrowed her eyes at him. “A reset? What are you talking about?”
“How about we leave here in half an hour, have breakfast at my favorite restaurant on the way to Denver? Relax a little. Get to know each other.”
It sounded suspiciously mundane.
No kinky stuff during the meal or the drive?
Being in a BDSM dynamic with him was something she understood.
But hanging out with the gorgeous, somewhat mysterious man as a friend…? That was something she didn’t know how to deal with. Getting to know him more intimately might come with devastating consequences.
To save herself, she needed to keep him at a distance.
“Don’t overthink this.”
How well he knew her.
“I’ll be right back.”
He left the bed and returned a minute or so later with a warm washcloth that he used to bathe her pussy.
His exquisite aftercare melted her.
“Can you be ready to leave in thirty minutes?” he asked. “Or do you need a little longer to get ready?”
Fortunately, she had a change of clothes in the car, but only lipstick and mascara in her purse. “Maybe a little longer? I need the bag that’s in my car, and I’d like a bath, or at least a shower.”
“I’ll handle it.” He confirmed the location of her keys—in her purse in the coat-check area. “Take your time.”
Catrina was chin-deep in bubbles and hot water when he popped his head inside the bathroom to tell her he’d left her belongings in the closet.
“Though I’d prefer that you wear your corset and those thigh-high boots.”
Shaking her head, she grinned. “Always thinking sexy thoughts?”
“Can’t get them out of my mind when you’re around.”
Maybe he said that to all the women he engaged with, but she still grinned.
In under forty-five minutes, she was wearing a pair of jeans, ankle boots with chunky heels, and a soft sweater.
He walked into the bedroom, and her mouth watered.
Not surprisingly, he was in black. But his jeans snuggled him like a lover, as did his Henley. Confounding man had left the top few buttons open, seeming to invite her touch.
Leaning against a wall, he took her in. “That might be even sexier than the corset. You’re as hot as hell, Milady.”
So are you.
His hair was severely brushed back, and its thick length was secured by a strip of leather.
And his leather bomber jacket…?
He was so masculine that she ached to be on her knees for him.
Forcing aside the unwelcome thought before she could act on it, she said, “Ready.”
Downstairs, he helped her into her coat, then they spent less than half an hour on the road before arriving at a rustic mountain lodge near Winter Park. Not only was the place cozy with its wood beams and blazing fire, it had soaring windows with breathtaking mountain views.
Skiers and snowboarders were excitedly talking about the fresh powder and lack of wind and discussing the runs they were going to get in. A few others were talking about backcountry conditions while locals scanned their phones or glanced at the silenced televisions.
Though the place had a short wait list, they were quickly seated at a table next to a window, maybe because he came here a lot. Or the host had a crush on him. With the way she greeted him and smiled while dismissing Catrina, she was willing to bet the woman liked him.
Damien ordered steak and eggs, with a side of salsa and half an avocado. Almost no carbs.
No wonder his physique was so incredibly sexy.
After scanning the menu, she opted for migas, the house specialty. She’d never had them before, but they sounded delicious, three eggs scrambled with jalape?os, green chilies, tomatoes, gobs of cheese, and tortilla strips. And happily, it came with a side of hashbrowns. “I need my energy to keep up with you,” she said while biting into a banana walnut muffin, one of the offerings in the complimentary breadbasket.
The food arrived, and he finished his meal a few minutes ahead of her. “Impressive,” he said, nodding at her nearly empty plate.
“Now I’m ready for a mocha,” she said, when she forked the last bite of potatoes from her plate. Not that the muffin hadn’t been dessert all by itself. But she still craved more caffeine.
“We may need to hire a cook if you’re going to consume a couple of thousand calories at every meal.”
She raised one of her eyebrows. “Perhaps I shouldn’t exercise so much.”
“Eat up.”
She grinned and raised her juice glass in his direction.
They walked to a nearby coffee shop where he ordered an Americano and she scored their largest mocha before they returned to the car and started back toward town.
“You’re a great chauffeur,” she said. He was a competent driver, not hyper-aggressive, but assertive, giving her tons of confidence.
His sedan was all luxury, with heated leather seats and individual temperature controls for the driver and passenger sides.
Her side was ten degrees warmer than his.
She sipped the extra-chocolaty beverage while he told her about his business ventures and gave her the history on how the Den had come about. He and his wife had both been avid skiers, and she had a large extended family.
Margot had wanted a large home for family retreats, holidays, reunions. And since the house could be rented for a premium during the winter season, it was a solid investment.
“You were married?” she asked, putting the drink in the cup holder. How had she never heard that juicy piece of gossip?
“Didn’t last long.”
“I had no idea. What happened?”
“Nothing,” he said. “It was unremarkable. Margot and I married. Things didn’t work out. We went our separate ways. End of story. No great devastation that left me emotionally crushed.”
“Quit holding out.”
He slid her a glance, and his eyes were darker than she’d ever seen.
“We started dating when I was in grad school, then we got married a year or so later.” His grip on the steering wheel was light yet competent as he negotiated a hairpin curve while climbing Berthoud Pass. “I got a job at a private equity firm. Getting married seemed like the next logical step. But I was at least as fascinated by money as I was with my wife, and I worked a lot of hours, including weekends.”
Catrina turned in her seat to face him. “What happened to the marriage?”
“Aside from the workaholic husband? Things fell apart when she realized she didn’t want to be my sub anymore.”
“Wait. What? Sub? You left out whole chunks of the story.”
“Frustrating, isn’t it?”
At his pointed question, she collapsed against the seatback. “I get it.”
After a few seconds, he relented. “A bunch of us frat brothers flew to a friend’s bachelor party in Vegas. We went to a BDSM club. It was my first visit, and I was hooked. I’d known I had Dominant urges, but until that night, I didn’t have a term for it. My girlfriends had just thought I was an overbearing jerk. They were probably right.”
“You bossed them around?”
“And ordered them to suck my dick while I pulled on their tits.” He had the good grace to wince. “I’m not proud of it.”
“Now you make women beg for the privilege.”
“I hope my technique has improved over the years.”
“Yes.” Heat rushed through her as she recalled the ultimate, crashing satisfaction he’d given her. “I can say it has.”
“It didn’t come easily. I joined a BDSM club out by the old airport. At a demo one evening, the instructor suggested Doms try switching roles. I wish I could say it was my idea, but one of my subs told me I should give it a try.”
“Sounds as if you had a rough go of it, ego-wise.”
“When you’re told your sexual tactics are in need of improvement? But she was right. Getting a swipe from a cane taught me that I should be a bit more careful with how I wielded one.”
She shuddered. Canes intimidated her. It was part of the reason she didn’t use one unless her boy requested it. “Was the sub Margot?”
“No.” He glanced her direction. “I met Margot at a concert, and by then I was upfront about my lifestyle and what it entailed. The idea of doing something scandalous thrilled her, at least initially. After we were married, she didn’t find it as exciting. She was bored and restless because of the amount of time she was spending alone. And being my slut princess every night when I got home close to midnight lost its appeal. She found someone less demanding and more available.”
“I wonder how that’s working out.”
“She misses it.”
She studied his profile. “How do you know that?”
“Ran into her recently at a dinner party.”
The information swam through her mind. And was there something more there, a hint of possessiveness that she didn’t have a right to? “You haven’t seen each other in…years? And the two of you immediately had a discussion about BDSM?”
“She brought it up.”
“That’s surprising.”
For a brief moment, he took his gaze from the road to flick a pointed glance in her direction. “I don’t scene with married women, unless their husbands are there. And her fourth husband, Larry, has no intention of letting her anywhere near me.”
“Fourth?”
“She’s still looking for something she can’t find.”
“But knowing she obviously still thinks about you, can you blame him for being jealous?”
“He’s a retired pro wrestler. Could still pile-drive me straight into the ground.”
“Ouch.” The ridiculous image made her laugh. “I’d stay away, too. Seriously, no lasting repercussions from the divorce? You haven’t remarried.”
“No need.” He paused before adding, “I have my businesses. And I’m fortunate to enjoy the company of beautiful women.”
When the unwelcome envy slithered back in, she shoved it to the back of her mind where it couldn’t bother her.
They had a superficial, two-week deal. Nothing more.
Her life was full, with her career and men who wanted to worship her.
Clearly, she and Damien were both enjoying their lives.
Still, she couldn’t resist saying, “Seems a little superficial, maybe even lonely.”
“We all make our choices. And everything comes with consequences, Catrina.”
She crossed her legs. The man had a way of saying things that made her see her own life, as if he were holding up a mirror in front of her.
“There are times when I’d prefer the company of others. That’s part of why I have the Den along with a circle of close friends. I’ve no desire to marry again.”
“I thought you performed Julia and Master Marcus’s wedding ceremony.”
“It was an honor to do so.”
Before she could ask another question, he held up a hand to stop her and added, “Don’t get me wrong. I understand why some may choose to do so, and I respect all of those reasons, especially the legal and financial ones. But once was enough for me.”
“You were hurt?”
“Loss is never an easy thing.” He shrugged.
They both lapsed into silence, and she contemplated what he said. A few minutes later, she asked, “If I’m understanding correctly, you two bought the mountain property Den as second home?”
“Correct.”
“How did you end up with the house?”
“Gregorio had…” He paused before continuing, “borrowed the place while we weren’t using it.”
What hadn’t he said while he carefully chose his words?
“And he thought it might have business potential, so I bought out Margot’s interest. For considerably more than actual value.”
“But it meant so much to her.”
“She actually bought something in Aspen.”
He must have made her a hell of a deal.
“The place is much better suited to her personality.”
Catrina had visited the fancy alpine ski town once, during the summer. Her usual syrupy, chocolate-laced drink was three times the price she paid in Denver. And even at sale prices, she hadn’t been able to afford to shop in the town’s beautiful stores. Window shopping, however, had been a blast, even if the cost of parking had also been prohibitive.
“The Den turned out to be a solid investment,” he said.
“It’s a big place when you’re there alone.”
He acknowledged her statement with a short nod.
“You don’t miss having someone to share it with?”
“As I said, there are trade-offs.”
More curious than ever about the enigmatic man, she focused on his profile. “Are you afraid of falling in love again?”
“That seems like a romantic question, coming from you.”
“Ironic, isn’t it?” She shrugged.
“In answer to your question… Afraid? No. Truth is, I was never in love to begin with.”
His answer took her aback. “Never?”
“As I said, getting married seemed like the next logical step. I cared for her deeply. I was committed to her. Ultimately that wasn’t enough for either of us. Anything beyond affection never entered the equation.”
“You don’t believe in happily ever after?” she persisted.
“I haven’t thought about it much, but no. I suppose not. You?”
She’d much rather ask questions than answer them. “I used to.”
Damien allowed the silence to grow and stretch, waiting for her to go on.
Uncomfortably, she shifted.
Because he’d been forthcoming, how could she be less so? Besides, the clock had already started ticking. In less than two weeks, they’d go back to their previous relationship. She’d be a Domme at his club, nothing more.
The thought hurt, even though it shouldn’t.
“Years ago, I was engaged, and I believed that we were partners in everything. So I supported his dreams. That’s what couples do, right?”
With his infinite patience, he didn’t respond. Instead, he waited.
“He rewarded me by clearing out my checking account and vanishing.”
“Jesus.” He winced. “You didn’t deserve that.”
“It helped me become the person I am.” She wrinkled her nose, wishing she hadn’t learned the hard way. “And then I had a long-term boyfriend. We were not exactly…” She sought an explanation that wouldn’t reveal too much, but that was honest. “We didn’t connect in the bedroom.”
“The issue was him.”
The force in Damien’s tone made her blink.
“You’re amazingly responsive, Milady.”
She appreciated his loyalty. “At the end, he took exception to my attempt to…liven things up.” Catrina stopped short of telling him the rest…that she’d seen a horrible side to Todd that she hadn’t anticipated.
“There’s more to it.” He nodded to her wrist that she was absently stroking.
“Yeah. Like I said, he didn’t appreciate my efforts.” Even now, the memory embarrassed her, and she didn’t like to replay it. “Reacted badly.”
“An understatement?”
“You might say that.”
“Did he hurt you?”
How did Damien manage to see so much, read between the lines. “Nothing that required the cops or anything.” The bruises had healed in less than two weeks, but the emotional pain lingered. “Maybe I should have let him know what to expect. If I’d known then what I know now…”
“I’ve seen you with your boys. I’m betting whatever it was, he overreacted.”
“Maybe.” The same thing she’d wondered. “But he caught me off-guard, and I never wanted to experience anything like that again, so I told him to pack up his stuff and get out.”
“And…?”
“He had a few choice words for me.” This part was awful, too. “I probably deserved them.” Though she hoped never to be called those vile names ever again.
“Lines of communication need to be kept open.”
“Agree.”
“Physically hurting your partner because you’re pissed is never the right response.”
“Which is one reason I like BDSM. Rules are clearer. Expectations are set.”
“No messy emotions, right?”
She would have agreed with that assessment…until she met Damien.
And now, everything inside her was topsy-turvy.
When they neared the city, she directed him to her bungalow.
“Nice area,” he said.
“Yeah. I love Wash Park. Great for people-watching. Lots of dog walkers, coffee shops, boutiques, and lunch places.”
“Are you hungry again?” His lips quirked into a half smile.
“No,” she fired back. Then, maybe not smartly, she added, “I haven’t burned any calories.”
“I’ll rectify that situation.” Because they were at a stop light, he turned to look at her with smoldering eyes. “In fact, let’s get started right now.”
“Now?” Her echo emerged as a high-pitched squeak.
What did he have in mind, and why could she never resist the opportunity to say something smart, instead of keeping her mouth shut?
“No time like the present. Unzip your jeans.”
“Uh…”
“Are you going to make me repeat myself, Catrina?”