She was the single woman who brought out a mischievous side of me. Even my personal assistant, while cunning and masterful with my emotions, had yet to unlock the mischief door. I had to remind myself just like I’d done with her that this wasn’t a game, even if the caller pretended it was.
“You wouldn’t do any of those things.” Her tone was full of urgency because she didn’t know anything about my personality or what made me tick.
“Try me.”
She wasn’t certain of my intentions. Good. I’d use that to my advantage. A lesson did need to be provided. Perhaps then she’dthink twice about putting herself in any kind of danger. I needed time to investigate and with her unpredictable behavior, she was only managing to place a significant target on her back.
She licked her lips out of frustration. “You want to punish me in exchange for keeping my tirade a little secret.”
“Yes.”
“You’re serious.”
“I never joke about acts of discipline. Never.”
Groaning, she shoved her face into her hand before spinning around to face the mirror. “Get this over with.”
My throat was parched and the only thing that could quench my thirst was her sweet juice.
I reminded myself she was masterful in the art of playing people. “You defied me.”
“Yes.” And she was proud of doing so.
“You won’t do that again.”
“I guess we’ll see.”
I fisted a handful of her long hair, jerking back her head. “No, you will not. I’ll do this every day if necessary.” My cock twisted, the ache building. “Lean over the counter and spread your legs.” Backing away, I gave her room, raking two fingers down the length of her spine as I did. Her shudder kept my balls tight as drums.
Her expression full of contempt, she took her time facing the mirror, even making a face after doing so. Very slowly she lowered herself across the counter, spreading her arms andgripping the edges. I waited until she moved her legs apart, taking several deep breaths at the sight of her glistening pussy.
She was enjoying this. She wanted the harsh punishment. The ache in my groin escalated, my heart thudding. She was no longer terrified of what I would do to her but was craving my darkness. My God. Something broke inside of me, my needs completely unleashed. I rubbed my jaw, slowing my breathing. If I wasn’t careful, I’d hurt her in my exuberance and that couldn’t happen.
I ran my fingers down her spine for a second time, delighting in the betrayal of her body. While her mind remained uncertain of our intense connection, every touch of my hand increased the same yearning coursing through me.
“Thirty strikes will be your punishment today.” What I craved more than spanking her was fucking her tight pussy. That would come. I only hoped Carter stayed away. If he didn’t… Well, he’d get an eyeful. Maybe that would be good for him.
Alexia took several deep breaths, studying me in the mirror before pressing one palm against the tempered glass. I’d be damned if she wasn’t calculating her control around me.
I caressed her bottom, my fingers enjoying the warm touch. I opened her legs even wider, sliding my fingers down the crack of her ass to her swollen pussy lips, darting two fingers just inside.
“Oh,” she whispered, her single moan invigorating my senses, piquing the cruel man who’d been born inside of me the night I’d captured the fucking bastard. After rescuing her, it had taken almost forty-eight hours to follow the trail of breadcrumbs, finding the killer sipping a tall glass of bourbon on the deck of his ocean front home in Naples.
He’d only been somewhat surprised I’d found him. But he’d known me by name, even offering his hospitality. With his grand surroundings, his extreme wealth highlighted in every detail of his opulence, a bad taste had formed in my mouth. I’d learned exactly what I was made of on that night, the man I’d become. Cruel and without remorse.
Yes, he’d tried to sneak away, but I’d captured him after a short chase. He’d enjoyed every moment, insisting he’d been testing my skills. The fucking bastard.
After his capture, I’d lost all sense of humanity as well, almost allowing my extreme desire to slit him from ear to ear to take over. If it hadn’t been for Max, who’d remained vigilant as any partner would, I likely would have crossed more than one line that fateful night.
I’d regretted following the letter of the law ever since. While I’d never told anyone, I didn’t need to keep anything secret when spending time with my friends. They’d all experienced at least one vulgar, horrific crime to bring them to the point of crossing every line of decency.
Raven Intel members had jumped over the wide gorge and I was thankful we had.
More so now.
That would help me from second guessing what would need to occur should I discover the identity of the copycat.
Or the real killer.
