Chapter Sixteen
Chapter Sixteen
Relentlessly, he continued with his belt, leaving her swimming in a sea of deep, deep hunger. “Fuck me, Damien. Fuck my pussy.”
But he didn’t.
Voice broken, she pleaded. “Please.”
Her capitulation finally complete, he did, slamming into her with the same ferocity with which he’d belted her, satisfying the craving he’d created.
Crying out his name, she came.
Then she climaxed a second time as he pulled her hips backward, held her imprisoned and kicked apart her legs a little more.
In that moment, she was his.
She wanted no one else.
Didn’t want this to ever end.
Time merged then ceased to exist.
He relentlessly played with her clit as he issued a guttural order, “Squeeze my cock, Catrina, and come for me.”
She would have insisted she couldn’t climax on command, but he surged in her so deeply, she was helpless.
With a deep whimper, she came.
“That’s my girl.” His cock grew even thicker, pulsing inside her, signaling his impending orgasm.
Stunningly, that was enough for her to tip into the abyss once again.
Damien pistoned his hips before groaning.
Then, hands clamped around her waist, he came deep inside her.
Spent, utterly destroyed by his lovemaking and sensual demands, her body went limp.
What was happening to her?
Leaning forward, Damien moved aside her hair to stroke her nape. “You… Milady. Thank you.”
She said nothing.
A dozen thoughts tumbled through her mind, but she was incapable of articulating them.
Finally, after holding on to her for at least a full minute, he helped her to stand and straighten her skirt.
Then he turned her to face him, and he watched as she tucked her shirt back into her waistband.
“Back to work.”
“Are you serious?” She blinked furiously.
“I have a meeting with Gregorio then I’ll take you to dinner.” He checked his very expensive Bonds watch. “Can you be ready in about an hour and a half?”
Damien made her mind spin. “Yes.”
“Wear the clothing that I leave on the bed for you.”
With that, he stroked her chin before walking off, presumably to dispose of the condom.
Her legs nerveless, she sank into her chair.
Nothing could have prepared her for this time with Damien.
From kind to demanding, from protective to steely Dominant.
She never knew which version of him she would be dealing with.
Had she ever been more emotionally uncertain in her life?
A few minutes later, she once more noticed the streaks her tears had made on the desktop. So that she wouldn’t have a constant reminder of what he’d done to her while she worked, she needed to find some furniture polish.
First, to give her some time to put her world back together, she took a long drink of her water.
Telling herself she would survive this, she tried to get back to work.
Twenty minutes later, she gave up the pretense. Between the spanking and sizzling sex, she was unable to concentrate.
Needing something else to think about, she picked up her phone and called her mother.
“How’s your young man?” Evelyn asked.
Stalling, she took her time responding. “You mean Damien?”
“Yes, Damien. How many do you have?”
Quickly she protested, “He’s an acquaintance.”
“Hmm. Sure he is.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“I wasn’t born yesterday, my Cat. Business meetings aren’t typically held on Sundays. And associates don’t touch each other the way he touched you.”
She sank a little lower into her chair.
“Furthermore,” Evelyn pronounced with the same flourish as a television lawyer, “you wouldn’t have brought him along unless you were in one car, which you wouldn’t have been in unless he’d picked you up somewhere.”
You’re giving me a headache.
“So…how is he?” Evelyn persisted.
Not knowing how else to answer, she exhaled. “Fine.”
“He must be special to you.”
Catrina paused. There was no way she could tell her mother the truth…that he was fucking her and dominating her, for almost another two weeks.
After that, they’d go their separate ways. “What we share is nothing serious.” Then, more forcefully, she tried to end her mother’s questioning. “I mean that.”
“Mmm.” Finally, Evelyn went pressed forward. “You’re the one who tells clients it’s okay to fall in love again. You even told me that.”
“I’m not…” Catrina sighed. “Love has nothing to do with this.”
Why did the words sound hollow, even to herself?
To clear her mind, she shook her head. “I didn’t call to talk about my life.”
“Of course not. You called to stick your nose in mine.”
She opened her mouth before snapping it closed again. “That’s not true.”
“Look, sweetheart, I realize you think you know best.” Evelyn’s voice was soothing. “You want to reassure yourself that I’m aware of what I’m doing, but you’re positive I don’t.”
“A prenuptial—”
“Stop it.” Her mother snapped in a way that instantly silenced Catrina. But when Evelyn went on, her tone softened. “I appreciate that you don’t want me to get hurt and lose everything again, but honey, that was over twenty-five years ago.”
“I know, but…”
“You took on my burdens in ways you never should have. And then when that jackass fiancé of yours did the same things your father did, it reinforced your worldview.” Evelyn sighed. “It was a struggle back then, I grant you. I wish I’d never allowed you to see how hard it was.”
“Mother, you couldn’t have hidden it.”
“I tried to protect you,” Evelyn said. “But I could have done better for you.”
She recalled Damien’s words. “You did a great job.”
“I wish I could be as sure. But I do know this. Milton makes me laugh. I feel alive more than I ever have. He has plenty of his own money.”
Does he?“So why do you need to get married?”
“We don’t need to. I want to be a bride and have flowers and a cake.” She paused. “I never had them.”
Catrina’s shoulders slumped forward. “I didn’t realize.”
Like a schoolgirl, Evelyn giggled. “And I want a honeymoon. One of my friends already bought me crotchless panties.”
What?“Moving on.” She couldn’t listen to another minute of this. “If I promise not to mention a prenuptial again after this, do you promise not to tell me stuff like that?”
“Oh dear. I’m sorry. I was hoping you had a recommendation for a vibrator.”
“Mother.” She broke the word into two distinct syllables. “Ask Aunt Peggy. I’m sure she knows.”
“She recommended two different models. One of them plugs in and she says that kind is actually used in a lot of adult movies and—”
No.“I recommend you exchange financial plans. Make sure your goals align and that you have adequately saved for retirement. Social security will not be enough to keep up with cost-of-living increases—”
Evelyn’s infectious laughter rippled around her.
Finally, Catrina relented.
“Life is short, my Cat. Miltey lost his wife a couple of years ago. Don’t let fear rob you of possible joy. Be smart but be happy.”
With that, Evelyn said she had to go. Miltey had bought her a gift certificate for a massage, and she had an appointment to use it.
Shaking her head in wonderment at the transformation that her mother was undergoing, Catrina ended the call.
After placing her phone down, she glanced up to see Damien on one of the monitors.
Standing in the kitchen, filling an entire screen, he looked directly into the camera, as if aware of her scrutiny.
Even though they were nowhere near each other, she felt his presence as keenly as if he were standing in front of her.
Then, he pointedly checked his watch.
She was almost out of time. And if there was one thing she’d learned, it was to take Damien’s dictates very, very seriously.
* * * *
Over the next few days, they fell into a routine. He brought her coffee in the mornings. They’d work. At some point, when they had privacy, he’d torment her.
At night, he’d teach her something new.
Thursday, she drove to Denver for an in-person meeting, and he called to make sure she had made it safely. Rather than chafing at the intrusion, she appreciated it. It was nice to have someone know her comings and goings, even though it meant she was more connected to him.
She met with her client, Jenny, and they spent most of the time talking about her soon-to-be ex and her grief.
Catrina helped Jenny draw up a realistic plan for saving, paying down credit card debt, and investing, giving her real tools to use.
“This feels better,” Jenny said. “It’s something I can do other than wring my hands.”
In the doorway, Jenny hugged Catrina. “Thank you, again.”
As Jenny drove away, Catrina grinned with satisfaction.
Helping others filled her up in ways she wouldn’t have known possible.
Her first reaction was to call Damien to tell him about her day.
Stunned, she closed the door and leaned her shoulders against the wood. Tell Damien?
In such a short time, he’d become important to her.
Since Todd exited her life, she’d chosen freedom over intimacy.
For the first time, she questioned that decision.
A shudder of discomfort tracing down her spine, she tipped back her chin and pushed away from the door.
After straightening her office, she texted him, letting him know she was on her way back.
Sliding behind the steering wheel, she realized how much she was looking forward to seeing him, and that bothered her more than anything.
Friday afternoon, he dropped into a chair across from her desk.
“Would you like to attend this evening’s event?”
Because they’d been in their own little world, it hadn’t occurred to her that others would be arriving soon.
“We could stay in our quarters, go out for dinner? Or we could go to my house for the weekend.”
She appreciated his thoughtfulness. “How about dinner out?” she asked. “Then we can sneak in the back way? I’m not ready to step out in public as your sub.”
“Even though you wore a white wristband and scened with me last week?”
“That was different.”
He steepled his index fingers.
“I can’t explain it. It just is.” When he just looked at her, waiting for her to expand, she thought it through. “Maybe the same reason you didn’t want me to play with Gregorio. It’s just not…” She lifted a shoulder. “A week ago, things were different.” I was different. I didn’t know how much I would like this.
When he remained silent, she continued. “I didn’t know how you’d react to seeing me, if the invitation was still open. But now…”
She couldn’t say what was on her mind.
That she was possessive of him.
That he mattered to her.
“In that case, let’s go to Winter Park? Unless you’d like to go the opposite way? Granby? Grand Lake?”
“Any is fine with me.” After lowering her gaze for a moment, she added, “Thank you.”
“Keeping you happy is my number one priority.”
The sincerity in his tone almost made her believe it.
“I’ll leave your outfit on the bed.”
“Oh?”
“No bra,” he cautioned.
At this point, she wouldn’t even think of it.
“A gift arrived for you.”
“For me?”
“Get ready to go and meet me in the living room.”
Half an hour later, she joined him. He was staring at the fire, an ankle propped on his knee.
The moment she entered, he stood.
No matter where or when, he treated her as if he was glad to see her. She appreciated that more and more.
“You look beautiful, as always, Milady.”
“Thank you, Damien.”
“Come here, please.”
She recognized that tone. He had something planned, but it wouldn’t do her any good to ask what it was. Rather than raw nervousness assailing her, curiosity tripped through her.
When she stopped in front of him, he said, “Lift your shirt and show me your beautiful tits.”
Fingers shaking though they shouldn’t be, she followed his instructions.
When she had, he pulled out a pair of unusual-looking clamps.
“Your gift,” he said.
“Nipple jewelry?” The small hearts were pretty, and she suspected they’d stay in place just fine. They weren’t meant to inflict discomfort like some clamps, but rather, she suspected, they were intended to create constant pressure.
“Present your breasts to me, Milady.”
Obediently, she cupped them in her palms and lifted them toward him.
“So beautiful. We may be returning as soon as dinner is over.”
His hoarse admission delighted her. The knowledge that she affected him as powerfully as he affected her thrilled her.
Leaning down, he sucked on each nipple to distend them before attaching each heart.
“How is the pressure?”
“I know the jewelry is in place,” she said. “But it’s not unbearable.”
“Let’s go before I end up taking you to bed without feeding you.”
“Oh?”
“Don’t tempt me,” he all-but growled as she grabbed her coat.
At the restaurant located at the golf club near Granby, he asked for a window table next to the fireplace, and he ordered them each a glass of champagne.
“Are we celebrating something?” she asked once the server moved off.
“Indeed we are. I closed the deal with the firm in England.”
“Congratulations.”
The bubbly arrived, and she toasted his success.
“A banner week for both of us,” he agreed, clinking the rim of his glass against hers. “With your new client and the way you helped her.”
She appreciated him acknowledging her, as well.
Sharing successes wasn’t something she’d really done before. The feeling was novel. And a little frightening.
Once more, the ending of this arrangement loomed in front of her, closer every moment.
After dinner, she was debating whether or not to order dessert when he said, “Get the chocolate cake. You’ll need your energy.”
“Really?”
The combination of his words and the nipple jewelry put her on the edge of her seat.
When the server returned, he ordered the chocolate cake and coffee.
“Just the cake,” Catrina amended. “If it’s okay, I’d rather not linger.”
“Ready to go home?”
“More than.”
“So you don’t want to go to a movie?” he teased. “Maybe dancing? Ice skating?”
“No.”
He smiled. “Ah. This must be about your nipples and state of arousal? How does the jewelry feel?”
“Even though the pressure isn’t terrible, they’re starting to drive me crazy.” As if you don’t know.
“I like looking at the outline, and I like you putting up with them because I requested it.”
“Requested?” She lifted an eyebrow.
“You’re always free to refuse.”
Of course.But she liked pleasing him. In return, he went out of his way to ensure her happiness.
He took care of the bill then escorted her outside to the car where he opened the door for her. “Wait.” He slid his hands inside her coat and across her breasts to flick at the hearts.
She hissed.
With a wicked grin, he indicated she should enter the vehicle. “Milady.”
Catrina wasn’t sure if he had been trying to teach her the importance of reaching out to her subs before the scene. But now she understood it on a whole new level.
All afternoon, with his words, his actions, the way he mixed in serious conversation with smoldering, blunt sex talk banked the embers of desire. He stoked it along the way so that when he finally touched her, need threatened to consume her.
“I’ve been thinking about having you naked all day.”
“Me, too,” she replied, looking at him.
Everything he did—from driving, to running a corporation, to dominating her—exuded his controlled power. Experiencing it was something she’d never forget.
They returned to the Den with only the valet noting their arrival. The man gave a quick salute, acknowledging Damien as he pulled into the garage.
After exiting the vehicle, he came around to her side, then put a hand on her shoulder to stop her from getting out of the car. “Show me your breasts.”
The unexpected way he issued commands always startled her. She was certain he did it on purpose to keep her guessing. Knowing there was a houseful of people only feet away increased her tension.
Her hand trembled as she pulled apart the knot in her coat belt.
Damien stood close, not helping, just watching as she followed his order.
She lifted her shirt, and the cool air chased goose bumps up her body.
“Even better than I imagined,” he said. He squeezed her nipples.
She winced. “Oww.”
“How do they feel now?”
“Achy.” It would have been impossible for her to have worn actual clamps the entire evening. As it was, the dull ache became discomfort.
“Do you want me to take them off?”
Her shirt still raised, she looked up at him and knew this was another lesson. “If that’s your pleasure.”
“Well done, Milady.” He released his grip on her nipples.
Pain ricocheted through her, leaving her pussy wet and anxious.
“Leave the hearts in place.” Then he added, “Put your top back down.”
She exhaled but didn’t protest. While she would have liked to remove the jewelry, submitting to his will gave her pleasure.
When he offered his hand, she accepted his gentlemanly assistance, following him to the door, then preceding him up the back stairs.
“Have you ever been fucked in the ass, Milady?”
She gripped the banister tight to avoid tripping.
“I mean before tonight?”
Tonight?Looking over her shoulder, she said, “Uhm… No.”
“Then I look forward to being your first.”
Her body shook as she entered their rooms.
“You know where I keep the lube and condoms,” he said after he flipped the switch to turn on the fireplace. “There’s also a butt plug on a shelf in the bedroom closet. Put it in. That will be the only thing you’ll be wearing when you return to me.”
Shock immobilized her.
When she didn’t reply, he asked, “Are my instructions clear?”
Catrina gave herself a mental shake. “Yes,” she whispered. She cleared her throat and said again, “They are.”
“First, your nipples.”
She removed her coat and draped it over the back of the couch. Then she took off her shirt.
“Maybe I’ll make you keep them on. I love the way they look.”
“Of course, Damien.”
“Come here.”
When she stood in front of him, he closed his fingers around them.
“I wouldn’t do this with actual clamps…”
Curious, fearful, she met his gaze.
Rather than releasing each like he normally did, he pulled them both off at the same time.
She cried out, reaching to soothe the ache.
But he brushed her hands aside. “Just as gorgeous.” He curled his palms around her breasts then sucked on the peaks to ease the sting himself.
Instantly, the pain morphed into arousal.
“Now, go.” He nodded, and she hurried away.
Near the bedroom doorway, the sound of his voice froze her in place.
“I like that view of you shirtless, with jeans, and the way your hair hangs down your back.” He sucked in a breath. “Everything about you does it for me, Catrina.”
No man had ever shown her this kind of approval.
Maybe because she wasn’t looking at him, she found courage to return the compliment. “And everything about you does it for me, Damien.”
For a moment, he didn’t speak.
Then, very softly, he said, “Now get on with it, Milady. The clock is ticking. And I promise, you don’t want to keep me waiting…”