Chapter 1
One
TALULLA
I can’t believe I’m about to voice my final remarks and my academic career will be over.
Well—for now, at least. Academia has a way of pulling you back in just when you think you’ve escaped, but for the moment, I’m free.
And more importantly, I did it. The dissertation is done.
Printed, defended, survived. No more footnotes stalking my dreams or revisions bleeding into weekends.
My time at Bear Creek University is also done.
Officially, ceremoniously, irrevocably done.
My chest feels heavy as I speak my final words, like the air itself has decided to settle there out of spite.
My hands shake while I wait for the verdict, every second stretching into something dramatic and unnecessary.
Then, as soon as the professors finish evaluating my presentation, the entire lecture hall rises to its feet, and applause breaks out—loud, immediate, and strangely unreal, like it’s meant for someone else.
“Congratulations, Ms. Popescu. We had no doubts about your success,” Ms. Sinopoli says, shaking my hand with a proud, knowing smile.
“Thank you, Professor,” I reply, managing to keep my composure even though I feel like I might cry or pass out. A win, honestly.
“London is lucky to have you. But remember,” she adds, lowering her voice just enough to make it personal, “if you ever think about coming back, you have a place ready for you.”
The corners of my lips lift as I nod politely, the way you do when someone offers something you’ll never accept.
Because deep down, we both know my place is as far away from here as humanly possible.
I thought that by staying in school I’d be out of the picture enough—hidden behind deadlines and library walls—but it clearly wasn’t enough.
And my dream? That’s on the other side of the planet. At least for now.
Ms. Sinopoli takes the hint just as arms wrap around my waist. My body relaxes instantly, like it’s been waiting for this exact moment, as the familiar scent of vanilla and tobacco cologne surrounds me.
“I’m so proud of you, you know that?” Flynn’s husky voice brushes against my skin, his lips barely touching my ear.
Shivers race down my spine, heat blooming in my cheeks in response.
“You’ve said that a couple of times,” I say, resting my hands over his.
“So very proud.” His grip tightens on my hips, and the unmistakable pressure of his hard length presses against my back, making it increasingly difficult to remember we’re surrounded by people.
“We’re in public,” I remind him, keeping my voice calm and my expression neutral—an impressive feat, all things considered.
“Not for long.”
I turn in his arms so I can look up at him before I reply, “But we have to get to the party you decided to throw.”
“Yes, this is very true.” His smile turns smug. “I did organize a celebration of your achievements. However, there is the ride between the campus and said party.”
“It’s a small gathering at your apartment, Flynn,” I point out. “It’s literally across the street.”
His lips brush mine, slow and deliberate. “My dear red ruby, you have zero faith in me.”
“Are you seriously sticking with that pet name?”
“Yes.”
I chuckle, unsuccessfully trying to hide the heat rushing to my face. At this point, I’m fairly certain my skin matches the exact shade of his newest favorite nickname. “Nerve-racking,” I mutter.
“Do you want to get spanked?”
My mouth falls slightly open. His face is only an inch away from mine, close enough that I can feel the warmth of his breath and the confidence rolling off him like a challenge.
“Maybe,” I say after a beat, a grin spreading across my face before I can stop it. Subtlety has clearly left the building.
“Pick a room, Talulla.”
“We need to get going,” I protest, even though my body has already betrayed me and leaned toward him. Priorities, apparently, are flexible.
“Don’t make me repeat myself.”
My eyes widen for exactly one second—just long enough to acknowledge that this is a terrible idea—before I grab his hand.
And then I’m moving, weaving us out of the crowd with a speed that suggests I’ve been waiting for permission rather than resisting temptation.
If anyone notices us slipping away, I don’t care enough to look back.
My feet move on autopilot, memory guiding me through the halls without conscious thought. When we stop in front of Wagner’s old office, I already know Flynn approves. I can feel it in the way his grip tightens, the low sound he makes like I’ve passed some unspoken test.
“Is this good enough for you?” I ask, pushing the door open and stepping inside.
The room smells faintly of dust and old paper, untouched and forgotten—perfect.
I walk toward the desk sitting boldly in the center of the room, running my fingers along its edge.
“I could easily lie over here,” I add, glancing back at him, “and you could give me exactly what I need.”
The words hang there, heavy with promise. And judging by the look on his face, I’ve chosen very, very well.
Flynn’s devilish grin appears as he looks around, his eyes finally landing on me. I’m wearing a black cocktail dress, and I know he’s enjoying the view, mostly for the easy access it provides. “How about I bend you over and fuck the brattiness right out of you?”
I gasp as he suddenly presses against me, his hard length teasing my core as he wraps one arm around my waist and the other hand gently but firmly around my throat. “It’s my day today. You should be nice to me.”
I know exactly how he’ll interpret that.
Flynn Lancaster is only nice to me when he’s in control, and he knows just how much I love pushing his limits.
He’s a dominant who thrives on feeling in control, and I’m his submissive, ready to surrender all my control to him. Only him. Only in these circumstances.
“Bend down and lift your skirt up.” His voice is a low growl.
“Mr. Lancaster, are you going to give me a lesson today? Right here in this office?” I tease, batting my eyelashes innocently.
His eyes darken, and I can hear a low growl rumbling in his throat at the formal tone.
“You undo me, red ruby.” That’s all he says before he presses my upper body onto the desk, his other hand taking care of my panties.
I can feel my pussy getting soaked in anticipation, my body aching for his touch.
“Please fuck me, Flynn,” I beg, my voice breathless with desire.
His fingers run up my slit, and he hums in approval. “Look at you, already so wet for me. Such a good little slut.”
He inserts a finger, and I moan at the sudden stretch. The way this man touches me is a religious experience. I feel like I believe in a god every time he makes me come, and maybe he is the one I should worship for how good he makes me feel. “Flynn, please, I need more.”
That’s all I have to say before I hear him undo his belt.
In a matter of seconds, I feel the head of his cock pressing against my entrance.
I move my ass, trying to get him inside me faster, but it’s a lost cause when the man holding you down is an old vampire with crazy strength.
“Patience, little hunter, you’ll get exactly what you want in just a second. ”
I moan as he moves his cock up and down my pussy, pressing on my clit for just a moment, and then, he’s inside me. I gasp at the sudden sensation of fullness. “Oh my god,” I whisper as he starts to thrust in and out of me.
“You’re taking me so well, red ruby,” he murmurs, his voice sounding like a seductive purr.
“Flynn,” I scream as the waves of pleasure continue to crash over me, each one more intense than the last.
“Such a good girl,” he growls, his movements becoming more frantic and urgent.
I feel my orgasm building quickly, my body tensing as the pleasure becomes almost unbearable. I moan loudly, my voice echoing in the office as I feel the walls of my pussy contracting around his cock. I explode, and my eyes roll back in ecstasy, the incredible pleasure leaving me breathless.
Then, as fast as he brought me to bliss, he’s out of me, leaving me empty and aching for more.
“Come back,” I beg, trying to catch my breath.
I close my thighs, trying to maintain the appealing friction and prevent a mess on the office floor.
But it’s an impossible task when Flynn Lancaster drops to his knees, demanding the exact opposite.
“Open up for me, red ruby,” he demands, his voice is commanding and primal at the same time. “Let me see how pretty your cunt is as it glistens with your arousal.”
I comply, spreading my legs wide, exposing myself to him completely. Flynn leans in, his breath hot against my sensitive flesh, and I can feel the anticipation building all over again.
His fangs tickle my lips as his tongue pushes inside my core, sending shivers down my spine. Then, he starts sucking me dry, drinking every last drop of my wetness, his hunger for me insatiable.
Then, faster than I can comprehend I’m bent over once again, getting fucked so hard I feel like he might split me in two, but I can’t stop moaning as his cock hits that perfect spot inside me. The sensation is overwhelming, a mix of pleasure and a hint of pain that only intensifies my desire.
I know he’s close. I can feel his length pulsing in me, and his movements are getting faster and faster. But he comes to a sudden stop when the door swings open and Asmodeus enters.
“Please don’t stop just because I’m here,” Asmo says, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
“Asmo, what the fuck?” I question, trying to cover myself, but Flynn keeps me in place, ensuring I am completely covered from Asmodeus’s view.
“Get out,” Flynn growls, his voice a low rumble of possessive anger.
“Well, that’s an impressive ass,” Asmodeus says, pointing at Flynn’s lower back, a smirk playing on his lips.
I chuckle despite the situation as Flynn remains immobile, still inside me. “Can I help you, Asmodeus, or do you plan to stare for much longer?”