5

Dominick

I’d thrown down a gauntlet earlier than I’d anticipated and admitting that Caroline had managed to rile me picked at my brain. She had a way about her, far more formidable than I’d originally thought. Her paintings were certainly clear signs that she had many incredible layers, all masked by the requirements from her father. The thought was intriguing given Drummand’s outrageous proclivities. Discovering the woman hidden under the mask of steel would be my greatest joy.

Even if I had to break her in order to do so.

Caroline was skittish but inquisitive, a powerful combination. As she unlocked the door, I could almost hear her heart beating, taste her hint of fear. It was exhilarating. The room was expansive, warehouse style with windows covering two of the walls. Everything about the space was exactly as I’d pictured, radiating her talent and her need to keep this aspect about her personal life secret.

“This is pretty much it,” she said wistfully as she dropped her purse, folding her arms as she paraded through the various easels. Watching the myriad expressions on her face was fascinating, my cock throbbing from raw desire. She fingered several of the incomplete paintings as she sashayed, obviously critiquing her own work as she moved from one to another. When she was finished, she headed toward the set of floor-to-ceiling windows at the far end of the room, the greatest distance away from me.

I stood in the same position, one hand in my pocket and the other firmly wrapped around the handle of the bag. Blank canvases were leaned against almost every open wall, paints scattered on two separate tables in vivid hues. Larger cans with lids barely attached indicated she’d been here recently. Drop cloths were folded neatly, stacked in the corner, blotched from dried paint. There was a single chair in the room, an ornate wooden hardback that had certainly seen better days and an actual boom box with several CDs located close. The only extravagance was high dollar lights placed in various positions and directed toward all four corners of the room.

She stood with her head against the glass, staring out as if she could see the lights of the city. There was no chance. I knew the section of town well, the area crime-ridden with drug dealers on almost every corner. What few businesses had moved into the area were struggling to cope with turf wars. I had yet another reason to assert my authority on the pricks causing destruction. They would pay for their sins.

Exhaling, I walked toward one of the tables, clearing a space before dropping the bag. She’d already figured out our meeting wasn’t by chance. The fact I’d brought champagne would only fuel her defiance. My blood boiled at the thought. This wasn’t about seduction in my mind but about the first step in full ownership; however, I needed her trust in whatever limited fashion was possible. For now.

Caroline heard the popping sound of the cork, narrowing her eyes as she looked in my direction. “Champagne. Do you have chocolates and roses stuffed in that bag as well?”

I finished pouring two glasses, casually walking closer. I stopped in front of the first painting, the one she was working on, taking a sip in front of her and easing the second glass onto the tray-style table. She was as curious as before, perhaps longing for my continued admiration of her work. Her eyes darted down to the glass. “If you’d like a glass of champagne, Caroline, you’re going to need to come to me and explain your work.”

Her hand fluttered across her face and even from where I was standing, I was able to see a shimmering flush floating across her cheeks. She hesitated, finally leaning away from the window.

“I’m not a patient man, Caroline, and you’ll learn soon enough that I expect my commands to be followed.”

“I didn’t know that was a command.”

“You do now.”

Her eyes shifted down the length of me but within a few seconds, she took slow steps in my direction, her expression one of confusion. She was fighting her desires. When she was finally standing in front of me, I fisted her hair, twisting her neck toward me. “You have no sense of discipline.”

To her credit, she didn’t whimper, merely kept her eyes open wide.

“You may ask for what you want.”

A full minute ticked by, of which I refused to blink, making certain she understood that while I might provide leniency tonight, I was in absolute authority over her needs and desires. The hardening of her nipples against the silky material of her dress gave her away.

Her hunger was in full bloom.

“May I please have a glass of champagne?” she asked, her tone little more than a whispered purr. The sound filtered into my ears, comforting in a manner she could never understand.

She could be taught to obey.

The silky feel of her strands of hair made my balls tighten. “Much better and you may.” Releasing her, I wrapped my hand around the second glass. She accepted, her breath skipping. “Now, tell me about your painting. Do not hold back or I’ll be forced to punish you.”

“Punish,” she repeated. The only sign she was nervous was a slight shimmer of perspiration covering the tops of her cheeks. She blinked once before turning her attention to her painting, although her hand was white-knuckled holding the glass. “I noticed a lovely young girl sitting in a coffee shop by herself surrounded by books. She seemed lonely but as I watched her, every few sentences she read, she blushed as if having a delicious and very dark secret. I envisioned the kind of images she must be seeing in her mind. Depraved. Erotic. Or simply enchanting.”

“Fascinating. Why did you choose the darker side of sex?”

She swallowed, nervously taking a sip of the champagne. By the way she reacted, the bubbles must have tickled, fizzing in her mouth.

I gripped her neck, yanking her forward until only her glass was between us. This time, she whimpered, her entire body trembling in my hands. I took several deep breaths before crushing my mouth over hers, immediately thrusting my tongue inside.

Her hand wrapped around my jacket, fisting and tugging as our tongues entwined. She was tense, pushing against me for several seconds. I knew the instant she accepted my control, relaxing as a single strangled sound erupted around the moment of passion. The taste of her was exquisite, my cock pushing hard against the far too tight confines of my pants. I was ready to take her, stripping the beautiful ingénue of whatever perceived dignity she had, but this was merely the beginning.

The bleak darkness that had scoured my soul years ago surfaced. Everything about this woman, from her air of vulnerability to her utter disdain for anything and anyone refusing to follow the basic rules of humanity was a temptation I couldn’t resist.

I wanted her broken, taken to the very base of her being, begging for every aspect of my adoration. I needed her swept away from the life she believed garnered respect, ripping away the mask that kept her from tasting the dark side.

The fuel burning deep within was sick, depraved and at this point, I could barely contain the devil.

But somehow, my heart and soul had already accepted the fact that she would be the one breaking down my walls, exposing the truth.

When I broke the kiss, she teetered on her heels, her fingers kneading the thick cloth. “Mmmm...” The growl was almost inaudible, the overtones laced with my own sense of depravity. I took an exacting step backward, breaking our connection.

She let go, immediately tugging a stray strand of hair from her eyes, turning her attention once again toward the painting. “This is my space, all mine. It’s very personal, just like the paintings. No one has ever been here before.” Her words came one after the other.

“Hmmm...” I took my time mulling over her statement. “Then why did you allow me to come, Caroline?”

“Because you asked.”

The words hung in the air. She allowed another laugh, the husky sound filtering into my ears. After another sip of champagne, she eased the glass beside her paints, immediately selecting one of her brushes. There was no hesitation as she dipped the bristles into a dollop of red paint, her fingers working quickly as she splashed a spray of color in a diagonal line.

I watched her, quite fascinated with the way she worked, her fluid movements even more sensual than I could have imagined. Within seconds she was mesmerized with her own work, shifting from color to color, paying no attention to her guest.

My hunger increased, nothing more than a beast in a cage. After finishing my glass, I realized that my thirst had moved on to something else entirely—the need to sip her sweet nectar. She didn’t flinch or even turn in my direction when I tossed one of the drop cloths onto the floor just in front of the thinly paned windows. I took a glance out at the darkened night, reveling in the control I was about to usurp. The lovely woman had no idea I was the devil in disguise, waiting to claim my prize. My reflection told no lies.

I was in the mood for rapture. She would just begin to understand my power over her, body and soul.

Her concentration was magnificent, allowing me to move directly behind her. I said nothing as I brushed the tips of my fingers down the backs of her arms, marveling in the way her skin reacted.

Her hand quavered, stopping in mid-stroke. Even the sounds of her slight mewling, so soft and elegant in nature was enough to drive my cock to the point of blinding anguish.

I kissed the back of her neck, holding my lips in position before whispering, “What you haven’t realized yet is that you belong to me, Caroline.”

“I don’t understand.”

“I think you do. Search your soul. I’m exactly what you’ve craved all those lonely nights, a man capable of providing not only discipline but one who can fulfill your greatest desires.” I eased the brush out of her hand, taking my time placing it on the table. She watched my every move, her shoulders moving up and down.

“No, I...” Her voice faltered.

“Tell me I’m wrong and I’ll go. For now.”

Caroline faltered, her long lashes brushing against her cheeks. She had no idea what to expect, no sense of what I expected. Teaching her would be incredible. “I’m...”

“Yes?”

“How do you know?”

“Because we have a primal connection, one that refuses to be denied. I will shower you with pleasure as long as you follow my rules. It’s that simple.” Sliding first one strap then the other from her shoulder, I expected some form of pushback, her usual defiant behavior.

But there was none.

Except for the lovely way in which she covered her breasts, holding the dress in place. I ran my finger down her spine, lightly tracing her bones until I reached the slender zipper holding the sheath in place. “You’re beautiful, but you have no idea how enticing you are.” I tugged until I was able to slide my hand just inside, fingering her soft skin.

“I... Thank you.” A single and very slight moan escaped her voluptuous lips. With every ounce of her being, she was fighting our connection.

This was perfect.

She was perfect.

And much more than I could ever have imagined.

“But you lack discipline, as many women do. You deserve a firm hand.”

Caroline tipped her head, twisting her mouth as if ready to retort. She wrinkled her nose, blinking several times, the move allowing her dress to slip, exposing her breasts.

Her nipples hardened, the color like the finest rosé wine.

“I’m my own woman,” she finally said. “I don’t need anything or anyone.”

Such defiance yet there was no conviction.

“That’s where you’re wrong.” I dragged my fingernail along her tailbone to her hip, using just enough pressure she sucked in her breath.

“I’m never wrong,” she whispered, the words almost completely inaudible.

Keep fighting, my sweet Caroline.

I tapped her bottom twice, chuckling darkly. “Remove your hands, Caroline.” I was forced to smack harder until she obeyed me. The dress fell silently to the floor, pooling around her crimson painted toes. Inhaling, her scent was intoxicating, sending a rush of electricity into every muscle.

Her body swayed forward and backward, the once isolated goosebumps floating onto every inch of her delicious naked skin. My mouth watered, my hunger becoming insatiable. I pulled her away from the painting, intertwining my fingers in hers as I walked her toward the makeshift blanket.

Her hot breath cascaded across the window, forming a haze. While her body continued to quiver, the scent wafting from between her legs was ripe with desire. She was brimming with excitement.

Releasing her hands, I slowly moved the hair from her neck, allowing my finger to trail along the side of her neck. “Good things come to girls who obey. Something for you to keep in mind.”

Her eyes appeared glassy even in the dirty reflection, water spots and filth covering every windowpane like a reminder of the dangerous streets below. She had no idea how much danger she was in, no understanding of the monsters who would enjoy feasting on her in the most heinous manners. What struck me as even more alluring was that she didn’t seem to care about the drug dealers and prostitutes hugging the corners. “Place your hands on the glass.”

Caroline’s only reaction was to dart her eyes to the left. She did as she was told, palming the glass, her fingers spread wide open.

“Excellent. You can learn to be obedient.” I took a decided step backwards, my eyes never leaving her as I unfastened my belt. I wanted her to taste the feel of leather, to know that very soon she would belong to me. I folded the thick strap, holding it under my nose.

Her engaging eyes watched every movement, studying me in the most intense fashion. I was surprised she wasn’t peppering me with questions or refusing to acknowledge my command. Every nerve in my body was standing on end, adrenaline pumping.

Instead of beginning this round of discipline immediately, I inhaled deeply the rich smell of the leather. A single flinch was my sweet reward. When I dragged the strap down the length of her spine, moving ever so slowly between her legs, only then did she issue a scattered moan. My exhale was more ragged than hers as I pressed my palm against the small of her back, forcing her into a slight arc. By just standing back a single foot I was able to see her succulent pussy lips, glistening from her wetness.

I rubbed the strap in forward and backward motions, sliding against her pussy. She pursed her lips, taking several deep breaths. “Punishment will become more satisfying than you can even imagine. Only with absolute obedience will you learn the satisfaction of raw ecstasy.”

I whipped the belt into the air, the strap unfurling, the slight cracking sound as I snapped my wrist more satisfying than any music. A quick twist of my hand and I grabbed the two ends together, issuing two hard smacks against her rounded bottom.

“Oh...” She rose onto her toes, her fingers pressing hard against the glass.

This was more satisfying than I’d imagined. A savage growl slipped past my lips as I repeated the move, the strap creating the most beautiful blush-colored marks. The intent, at least for tonight, was not to bruise, only to serve as a reminder of the night.

And of the man.

I kicked her legs apart, my cock throbbing as I smacked her again. And again. The force was just enough to make her body sway. Even her lithe fingers had become white-knuckled, her breath creating circles of fog.

“Do you think anyone can see you, the nasty girl being spanked in front of a window?”

“I... Maybe.”

“As they should.” I didn’t stop, the strap almost with a mind of its own, slapping her backside and the tops of her thighs in a calculated manner. Every part of my body was on fire, the longing intensifying until I was breathless. A mixture of desire and the most demanding need infused with my requirement to take her.

Discipline her.

Train her.

One day she would beg for her punishment, learning quickly that in doing so she would receive the ultimate in pleasure. I pressed my hand against her bottom, sucking in my breath from the feel of heat.

She lowered her head, gulping several breaths, her lovely long strands hiding her face.

I fisted her hair, yanking her head as I inched closer. “When you receive punishment, you will watch as required.”

“Yes. Sir.” Her voice was pinched, a hint of anger pushing against what I suspected was a longing for dominance, something she would never admit. Breaking her would take time.

I kept my hand wound around her hair as I smacked her with several additional strikes. She gritted her teeth, the grinding sound somehow floating above the music. There was no reason for the action to arouse me as much as it did, but my cock was pinched, the pain unlike anything I’d ever felt. I wasn’t certain I wanted this to end, but my needs were too great.

Backing away, I moved to the other end of the cloth, controlling my breathing and placing the belt over the top of one of her canvases. In plain sight. “Come to me.”

Caroline steadied herself, running her fingers through her hair before turning to study me once again. She dragged her tongue back and forth across around her lips then slowly dropped to her knees. The temptation had become the temptress. She crawled toward me, exaggerating her moves much like a giant cat, hunting for her own prey.

I waited, clenching my fists and digging my nails into my palms. The way she goaded me, seductive in every manner, held an air of control, something that would never happen again. But for tonight, I wanted to enjoy her prowess, to see just how far she’d go in her attempt to seduce.

When she was between my legs, she rubbed her hands up and down, using the slightest amount of pressure. As she brushed her face against my inner thigh, I yanked off my jacket, pitching it away. Her hands continued to roam, sliding up and down as she undulated her body. Purring, she pulled off one shoe then the other, her fingers sweeping across the tops of my feet.

Everything about the woman was surprising, the firestorm building from the darkest crevices of my mind, the angry beast from within. I should refuse to care about her. She was an object. A toy. Then why did I already have certain feelings for her?

She unfastened my pants, peeling away the edges. Within seconds, she’d removed them altogether. I dragged the shirt over my head, refusing to waste any additional time. She pressed a series of licks and kisses along my legs, moving from one to the other and completely ignoring my stiff cock. And every few seconds she purred, the sound soft and alluring.

My eyes were hazy, unfocused as she toyed with me, lapping at my skin with her raspy tongue. Very slowly she rose to her feet, kissing and sucking on my stomach then moving to my chest.

I heard the first strangled sound pushing past my own lips, as if I was the one losing control.

“What do you need?” she asked before swirling her tongue around first one nipple then the other.

I yanked her hair savagely, jerking her to her feet. “Whatever I want.” Crushing my mouth over hers, the kiss wasn’t about passion but my damning desire to own her.

Fill her.

Fuck her.