Page 42 of X: Command Me through Alexander’s Eyes

She whimpers as though she needs me to move faster.

I slip a hand between us and fondle her clit. “Think of a safe word, poppet. You don’t need it now, but you might later, and when we’re in that moment, you won’t be able to think of it.”

She shakes her head—beautiful, obstinate woman.

“I’m trying to control myself, poppet, but I want to make you feel safe. Choose a word that makes you feel safe,” I explain.

“How about majesty?”

“Your safe word shouldn’t be something that you might have to use for other reasons.”

“Oh X, do you really think you’re going to get me to call you Your Majesty?”

An involuntary smirk slashes my lips. “With what I’m planning to do to you, you might.”

She looks torn between kissing me, hitting me, and ignoring me entirely. Finally, she whispers, “Brimstone.”

It’s an interesting choice.

“You could just say go to hell.” I can’t help myself.

“I thought you wanted me to pick a word that I would remember.”

“Brimstone, though?”

“It was the last time I said no to you,” she says softly.

Ahh. Now I understand. It makes me like it even less.

“You’ve said no to me since then.”

“But I didn’t really mean it those times,” she says.

This changes things. I reward her honesty with a teasing twist of my thumb. “Whatever you wish, Clara.”

“Then fuck me.”

She doesn’t have to ask twice. Instinct takes over. I drive into her. Over and over. Every part of me needs to fill her. I ache to see her eyes widen as I claim her. She’s mine. I want to watch the moment she realizes it, too.

“Look at me,” I command. “I want to see you as you come.”

Her eyes flutter open, and I let go, releasing my last thread of control. My hips roll violently against her, and I empty inside her. She shutters and cries out, falling apart in my arms. When her body finally stills, her arms circle my neck as she sags against me in a boneless heap.

“I love knowing that you’re full of me,” I whisper into her hair.“All night I’m going to be thinking of being inside you, knowing that I’ve marked you. Knowing that you’re mine.”

She looks up, eyes sparkling, and kisses me. Something in them has changed.

Something in me has changed.

Will everyone see that tonight? Or will they simply focus on the stunning woman by my side?

“And I’ll be thinking of your hot, naked cunt under this sexy dress. I want it to be ready for me if I need it.”

“It will be.”

I could linger here with her like this forever. She’s so vulnerable and small in my arms. When she comes, she is a queen, and I’m her servant, driven to give her pleasure. Now? I’ve weakened her right before she’ll need her strength the most. I help her adjust her dress grudgingly, stealing kisses as I do. It’s a reminder that we’re on our way to the ball. I won’t be able to control what happens there. No one can control the press or my family.

“Stop, you fiend.” She smacks me playfully, reminding me that right now, everything is perfect. Especially her.

“I can’t help it. I can’t keep my hands off you.”

“I’m not wearing underwear,” she reminds me. “You don’t have to work so hard.”

“We’ll see about that.” If she only knew. I sit back, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. Her cheeks are flushed. She’s so alive. She’s nothing like them. She’s nothing like me.

Clara checks her make-up. It’s unnecessary. She’s lit up from within. I did that.

What’s going to undo it? Why did I bring her here? Why am I putting her through this? I take her hand, knitting her fingers through mine, and silently vow to keep her safe from the poisoned hearts waiting for us.

“Are you ready?” I ask. She stares at our hands before finally nodding.

When we arrive, I circle the back of the car slowly. Opening her door, I give her my hand again. I won’t let her go until I have to. I do my best to shield her from the paparazzi. But it’s no use. Cameras flash. The crowd shouts. Her eyes are wide and startled as she takes in the scene around us. I smile, hoping she finds it reassuring before I lead my lamb to the slaughter.