PHOENIX
I follow Dane in silence; two steps behind like an obedient dog—like the stray he wants me to be. Against my better judgement, mixed with lack of food and sleep, I comply. But not because I want to.
I spent years living under the hands of someone else’s rule, forced to do as I was told. To be rarely seen and never heard. Meek and mild was my whole personality, molding myself to fit around everyone else’s wants and needs. I’ll be honest, for a time I thought I’d stay that way forever—the girl I was before lost to the shadows. Forced to stay in exile forever, trapped, desperate to break free.
Then the switch flipped. My body couldn’t take any more pain. My mind was over the sick and twisted games. I found myself again. I grew strong and said, fuck this shit , and I took back every piece of control which had been stolen from me. The days of me hiding out in darkened corners, cowering from the predators around me were finally no more.
It was over.
Or so I thought.
Melanie’s words echo deep in my mind, reminding me of my purpose here, but my heart drops to my stomach. I should be happy. I’m supposed to be free. This was supposed to be my second chance. Another shot at life. I could be anyone I wanted to be here at Stonebrooke. A chance to put the past behind me where it belongs. To figure out who I really am instead of acting like someone I’m not. Yesterday I would have given anything to stay in Braxton, but now I’m here things have changed—and not in the way I imagined.
My secret hook-up with Dane has awoken all kinds of feelings deep inside me and I’m not mad about it. Thanks to him and his wicked ways, the urge to rebel has been activated. Every fiber of my being is screaming at me to stay away from the deranged psychopath in front of me. Warning me that he’s dark, dangerous and all kinds of wrong.
Less than a week ago I would have walked in the opposite direction; keeping my head down and praying he didn’t see me, but right now it couldn’t be any different. Not only do I want dark and dangerous more than I’ve ever wanted anything else in my life; right now, and as much as I hate to admit it, but I need him.
I don’t want to need him, but I’m here in a different town, away from anything I’ve ever known. I’m all alone in this monstrous castle. I don’t know anyone. I have no idea where I am or what I’m supposed to be doing. Anyone could have walked past me and the Dean last night, handed the task of leading me to my quarters, but the universe stepped in and decided to fuck me over some more. Choosing to play with fire, it placed me right in the Devil’s waiting hands. Some people would call it karma, but I prefer to call it bad fucking luck.
I still can’t believe he came back for me. I really thought he’d keep me locked up, hidden away. His vulnerable captive. The beauty to his beastly ways. Biting down hard on my lower lip I fight against the smile creeping onto my face while trying to clear my mind of the inappropriate images as they crash to the forefront of my mind, but no matter how hard I try, it’s impossible to shut him out.
Especially when said sinful creature is right in front of me. Especially when everything about him screams authority and attention. I need him out of my head, but I doubt that’s going to happen anytime soon.
Looking around I try to shift my mindset and focus on my surroundings. On anything but the large set of his back, his muscles rippling as he strides along the narrow corridors, the oil lamps on the wall casting a dim glow on the curve of his ass as he moves forward and I can’t keep my eyes off him.
I know I haven’t been all too far since my arrival, but Stonebrooke feels different compared to last night. It could be because Dane is still by my side, but I feel really small and completely irrelevant compared to my impressive surroundings.
Finally, after what feels like a lifetime of creeping around in the dark, Dane turns down another narrow corridor before his posture stiffens, causing all the small hairs on the back of my neck to stand tall and an icy shiver runs down my spine, warning me of the dangers which lay ahead.
There’s no doubt in my mind that this is just another one of his fucked-up mind games. Hell, I was crazy—utterly delirious to think that he’d be willing to set me free.
“What’s this?” I question, suspicion heavy in my tone. “Another cozy lock-up?”
“If I wanted to keep you locked up, you would be.”
My eyes roll behind his back, knowing he can’t see me. Fuck, my dark demon is becoming predictable, fast. I thought he’d be a lot smarter than this. It doesn’t escape my attention that he’s decided to move me when no one else seems to be around, which seems to be pretty convenient for him. No doubt the normal and sane students of Stonebrooke are still tucked away, safe and sound in their beds—oblivious to my waking nightmare.
Dane doesn’t say anything else as he opens the wooden door before him, his large frame moving to the side, his back flush against the wall as he grants me entry to another one of his deadly dungeons.
“What is this?” I repeat.
His head drops a little, his hungry eyes roaming my body like he’s about to eat me up and a wildfire blazes deep in my core. “Whatever you want it to be…” he whispers, inching closer to me. “but I thought you’d want to freshen up before you’re temporarily released.”
His sentiment hits me hard, straight to the chest, but it’s drowned out by his last statement. “Temporarily?”
He rewards me with a wicked smile, his eyes crinkling at the edges and my breathing falters, my chest rising and falling as he takes all of me in. “Ever heard of good behavior.”
“Have you met me?” I ask breathlessly.
“My point exactly. Now about getting you cleaned up…”
Suspicion gnaws at my insides, his words leading me into a false sense of security, just the way he wants, I’m sure. “Okay, who the fuck are you and what have you done to my dark and dangerous captor?” I’m too caught up in the moment and the words fall from my lips before I can stop myself.
Wrong fucking move.
He’s on me in seconds, all traces of humor are gone. Like they never fucking existed and the demon is back—in full force. It’s replaced by a feral and unapologetic need as his large frame forces me back into the wall before he traps me again, with his hands on either side of my head. “You like dark and dangerous, huh?”
I hide the pain radiating up my back, plastering on a fake smile—the same one I perfected over the years. “Hmmm… there he is. In all his fucked-up beauty.”
“I prefer psychotic,” he mimics my earlier comment as he drops a hand, his fingers connecting with my jaw before he traces the outline and not for the first time, I welcome his touch. My body comes alive, setting ablaze in all the right ways, catapulting my mind right back to the events of last night. “And I plan on becoming the ringmaster of your nightmares.”
The thought excites me, no end, however all I can do is laugh in his face. I force my eyes to focus solely on him as he continues to tower over me. “You don’t know the first thing about my nightmares.”
“Oh, I wouldn’t bet on that, buttercup. You’re quite the talker when you sleep.”
Fuck. Is he being serious or is this just another one of his games? Another attempt to get inside my head, using anything in his power to get some kind of reaction out of me. “How long were you watching me for?” I demand and my palms grow cold and clammy. I refuse to be ashamed about the events of my past no matter how horrific, because those events are what shaped me. They taught me the true value of my worth, forcing me to become the woman I am today.
But that little pep talk does fuck all to stop the heat of my embarrassment rushing to my cheeks. Embarrassment that this psycho would actually sit and watch me while I sleep. “Answer me.” My voice grows more impatient and this only heightens his amusement.
Licking his lips, he ducks his head, bringing it closer to mine so our noses are almost touching, “You look hot as fuck when you cry out in pain. I don’t know what they’re doing to you, but I couldn’t help wishing it was me.”
What the fuck? He’s not bullshitting me. He can’t be. My nightmares are something I’ve always struggled with and the fact that Dane came back last night and watched me physically live out one of my nightmares sends my stomach spinning. “People go to prison for being that fucked up.” I warn, but there’s zero conviction in my voice.
He doesn’t say anything as his thumb traces my bottom lip before he pulls it down, hard and his nostrils flare. “I’ve done things that would make your skin crawl.” For some reason, I don’t fucking doubt him. “Only the weak get caught. They slip up and it’s game over. I play smarter, not harder.”
“I guess I’m gonna have to take your word for it.” I sigh, feigning interest, but in truth I’m captivated. Thoroughly entranced with this monster and I can’t pull myself away from him.
“I liked watching you sleep. It’s the only time you don’t run your smart-ass mouth.” Relief floods my body, washing over me like a tidal wave. At least if I was only crying out in pain, he has no idea why.
As if sensing my relief, he’s on me again, his eyes narrowing in warning. “What I didn’t like was the sound of someone else’s name falling from these lips.” He pinches hard, nipping the soft flesh and I know it’s going to leave a bruise. Just another reminder of my time with him. “So, I’m going to wash that filthy name out of your mouth with my cum and you’ll swallow it; every last drop like a good fucking girl.”
I’m speechless. Never in all I’ve been through have I had someone speak to me like this and get me so fucking hot in the process. Dane Savage is something else, and right now I don’t want to know any different.
He juts my chin with his hand, forcing me to look at him again as he growls, “Eyes on me, buttercup. This psycho wants you on your knees, repenting for your sins.”
My jaw grows slack in his hand, any form of smart ass reply instantly vanishing on my lips. This guy, in all of his fucked-up ways is going to destroy me in every way possible. I should be recoiling from his malice but fuck if it doesn’t make me want him more.
A gasp escapes my parted lips as he drops his hand before rewarding me with a wicked smile. He doesn’t say anything else as he steps back and turns his large frame away from me, before walking through the door he just opened. Once again, expecting me to follow his lead.
Surprising myself, my feet move without instruction—more than happy to walk over more foreign ground. I’ve come to terms with the fact I’m already on a one-way descent into hell so I may as well enjoy what I can.
Dane closes the door behind us, holding me captive seems to be his specialty, yet I’m the silly little girl who keeps going along with it. Just waiting for him to destroy me.
This room seems bigger than the last one he trapped me in. I’m happy to see this one has light, as a dim glow surrounds us from the oil lamps on the walls. Marble tiles line the walls and floor and I can’t help looking around in awe. I’ve never seem something so beautiful, well… with the exception of the tall, dark stranger before me.
I can feel his watchful gaze burning into me, taking in my reaction and when my eyes connect with his I find him leaning back against the wall opposite me, his muscular arms crossed over his broad chest, one leg lifted, resting on the wall behind him.
“Strip.” He orders, his voice low and raspy as it echoes out around us.
Shaking my head in disbelief, a nervous laugh falls from my mouth. “What, here?” I demand, but I don’t hear the conviction in my voice. It ran away, along with any sense I had left. “Are you crazy?”
His eyes bore into mine and I can feel him undressing me, which only makes me want this monster more. My body craves him and I’ve only had a sample of what he has to offer. “I said what I said.”
I know I should be refusing his demands. Straight up telling him no and to fuck the hell off, but instead, I find myself wanting to obey his every command, no matter how fucked up or sadistic it might be. Somewhere in the back of my mind I’m aware that I should be running. Running so fucking fast, refusing to look back but my body doesn’t want to hear a word of it. Fully aware that if I run, I’ll be the one who misses out. Denying myself of all the delicious things he’s going to do to me.
Like I said… I’m more fucked up than I initially thought.
When he remains silent, I try to argue my case. “I mean, anyone could walk in here.” I try my damned hardest to sound rational while also trying to hide the fact that my body is crying out for him—in any way he’ll take me.
A heavy silence simmers in the air between us as he pushes himself off the wall, his long legs stalking toward me. My chest tightens when I finally get a glimpse of his devastating beauty. He looked hot as fuck under the moonlight last night, but this… this is something else. There’s no doubt in my hazed mind that Dane is a deadly Demon who’s been sent from the deepest pits of hell to test me. To tempt me and all my inhibitions.
“And…” It’s more of a statement as it falls from his lips. His jet-black hair glistens under the oil lamp, and his deep blue eyes draw me in, holding me captive as his plump lips curve at the edges, giving me a rare glimpse of a genuine smile. I don’t get to enjoy the view for long when he reaches out and tears the playsuit from my body, exposing me—all of me in my naked glory, with the exception of my lace panties.
I try to protest, to cover myself from his deadly stare but he silences me, his eyes narrowing in warning.
“That’s better.” He growls out, roaming his hungry eyes up and down my bare flesh as he tosses the ruined fabric to the floor, discarding it as though my clothes don’t matter. “Step back.”
“Why?” Alarm sounds in my tone as he tilts his head to the side.
“I’ve done unspeakable things to your body and now you want to start asking questions?” He has a point. Closing my mouth, I swallow down my argument and do as I’m told. My heart beats frantically in my chest as his hand reaches around my head and he presses a button I hadn’t noticed before.
I almost jump out of my skin as hot jets of water spray down on me, instantly relaxing my aching muscles, warming my body in the best fucking way. I keep my eyes fixed on Dane as he lifts his black tee and pulls it over his shoulders before adding it to the growing pile. Moving to his zipper, he pulls it down without missing a beat, stepping out of his torn black jeans; his perfect body and solid cock on full display—and all thoughts of anyone else leave my mind.
So what if someone walks in on us. It would probably be hot as fuck knowing someone else is watching what Dane does to me.
A rush of goosepimples prickle my skin as he steps forward and joins me under the water. “Why are you doing this?” I ask, as he snakes his hand around my waist, cupping my ass and pressing his solid length against me.
“Didn’t last night teach you anything?”
I find myself biting down on another smart-ass reply, knowing I won’t get anywhere fast with him with an attitude so I decide to play mute instead.
“I’m gonna take that as a no.” His fingers trail through my wet hair, pushing loose strands behind my ear. “How about I spell it out for you?” He pauses, “You belong to us now, buttercup.”
“Us?” I say as soon as I’ve found my voice again. Warning signals sound out in my head, my subconscious screaming at me to turn and run… to run and never look back, but my stupid curiosity screams louder, blocking out any danger.
“You’ll see.”
I don’t fucking doubt it. Dane Savage is one hell of a ride and I’ve only just fucking met him. I can’t even try to think of all the other fucked up plans he has in store for me. It’s pointless worrying about it because whether I like it or not, I know it’s going to happen.
This is a new start for me, so that means figuring out who I am and if that means being open to trying new things, then so fucking be it. I’m here for it.
His hands, rough and unforgiving explore my body, nothing but hot drops of water between us and my heart races frantically in my chest as I finally let go and give myself a free pass, losing all of my inhibitions. Giving myself permission to enjoy this moment for what it is. A little fun before he eventually tires of me and finds his next victim.
I trail my hands up his big strong arms, gliding softly over his shoulders before snaking around his neck and resting in their new favorite place, fisted in his messy hair, pulling him closer to me as his delicate mouth travels along my jaw, peppering hot, needy kisses down my neck before slowing at my breasts. A sharp hiss escapes him before he sucks my hardened nipple into his mouth, and my head falls back as a ripple of pleasure courses through me, the dull ache in my body building, yearning to be eased.
“Please…” I say on a breathless whisper, unable to control myself while also knowing he won’t comply with my demands.
Pulling away, his head tilts backward as he looks up at me through his wet dark lashes. “Are you going to beg, buttercup?”
What the fuck? Not this again. “Fuck you,” I pant, my composure slipping as he slides his hand between my thighs, his thumb applying the perfect amount of pressure against my clit as my hips rock back and forth, letting him know what I need.
“That’s the plan.” He doesn’t falter as he slides two fingers deep inside my pussy. I scream out, pulling his hair, my back arching as he teases me. “But only when you’re on your knees begging me to fuck you. That’s the deal.”
“Not… gonna… happen…” I pant out with each stroke of his fingers as he picks up speed, slowly building the perfect rhythm for me.
“You sound so sure of yourself.” He laughs, “but we both know you’re not strong enough to deny me.”
“You don’t know me.” I remind him, hating that I can’t stay quiet, always needing to have the last word.
“Don’t bet on it.”
I open my mouth to argue back, but he’s quick to silence me once more as he drops to his knees. Gripping my thigh, he places it over his shoulder before burying his face. His tongue darts out, gliding over my folds and I shudder under his heated touch, his fingers moving faster as he sucks and nibbles my clit. My stomach spasms, my release imminent as my walls tighten around him.
Dane knows what he’s doing to me but he doesn’t falter. Relentless in his pursuit as his fingers and tongue grow rough, by hips buckling under his touch as I ride his face with complete Abaddon. “Come for me.” he growls and my body responds to his command. Throwing my head back against the wall, the world comes crashing down around me as my release erupts all over his face.
Knowing he has me right where he wants me, Dane removes his fingers slowly before pulling himself up to stand. Bringing his down to my level, his blue eyes search mine as he flashes his teeth. “Well, if you’re not going to beg, I want you down on your knees. It’s time to cleanse you of anything other than Savage.”