AllFreeNovel
Share Us
She shivered at the hard edge of promise in his voice. Terror crawled through her veins. She closed her eyes as he rubbed her slit, turning the slight moisture gathered there into an eager flood. Taylor’s cheeks burned with shame as pleasure coursed through her. No matter what he did or said, her desire for Sebastian never fled. It came as naturally and ingrained to her as breathing. Surely, there was something wrong with that.
His strong hands gripped her hips, his thumbs brushing the welted lines he’d lit across her skin. Unable to help herself, she moaned and rocked against him. An approving rumble vibrated through his chest, and she cried out in a combination of pain and bliss as Sebastian drove inside her. The hard slap of skin reignited the burn from the belt. His fingers bit deeper as he set a punishing pace. Taylor gripped the comforter, trying to steady herself as he pounded into her without mercy. Sebastian growled in pleasure. Rocking into the torment in a desperate bid to please him, Taylor met his forward thrusts. He angled her hips and mind-numbing ecstasy mingled with the pain. Within seconds, release swept through her ravaged form, drawing a hoarse scream from her lips. Colors clashed with fragments of light behind her closed lids until Sebastian stilled and his triumphant roar rang in her ears.
Breathless, Taylor collapsed against the massive four-poster bed, her muscles still shuddering with the strain. The soothing lull of Sebastian’s voice gradually brought her back down as he rubbed slow circles between her shoulder blades. She dangled in his grasp as he dragged her up the mattress and eased onto the bed beside her. His lips brushed her brow as he held her close.
A tiny voice in the back of her mind protested, insisting it was wrong, possibly even warped to love someone who could hurt her and to crave him the way she did, but it was like a fever—a sickness with no cure. In the end, her heart and body won. Breathing the scent of him in, Taylor pressed closer and burrowed against Sebastian’s chest, relishing in the warmth and comfort of his embrace. Closing her eyes, she sighed and gave in to the pull of surrender. Deep down, she knew it was for the best. There was no escape. There never had been. Not with him. There was no way to resist Sebastian, no way to fight back or win. If she left, he would use every resource he had to find her. Marx might kill her. All she could do was raise the flag of defeat and give in. Time and again, she yielded, bending to this man’s will, submitting to his ways. Life was a constant battle of pleasure and pain at Sebastian’s hands, but there was no denying the sweetness of the reward in the end.
His thumb brushed across her cheek, and Taylor’s eyes fluttered open to find his hypnotic gaze boring into her.
“What are you thinking?” he asked.
Taylor shrugged, uncertain how to put her thoughts into words and less sure she wanted to do so. She realized even that was pointless. He would just drag it out of her and probably end up cross because of those efforts. Blowing out a shaky breath, she tried to turn her attention to the ceiling, but he grabbed her chin, forcing her stare back to him.
“I just don’t understand what’s wrong with me,” she admitted. “Why I never…question what you do or say no.”
His shoulders jerked in silent acknowledgement and his dark golden brows crept higher, lining Sebastian’s forehead. “What is there to question, Taylor? I make the reasons for your punishments quite clear.”
“I mean you punishing me in general. It hurts. I don’t like it, but I just…let you do it.”
His lips pursed for a second. “You let me,” he repeated. “You don’t let me do anything, Taylor. We’ve had this discussion before. Nothing you say or do is going to stop me. In fact, you trying will just make it worse, but if you want to try that route, go right ahead. See what that one gets you, darling.”
“I didn’t mean I wanted to fight you! You asked what I was thinking. Wrong or not, I was just being truthful.”
A terse smile lifted one corner of his mouth. “So was I. You know there will be consequences if you step out of line. You’ve known that from the beginning. I’ve never lied to you or hidden that fact. You’re the one who makes the choices that land you in trouble, not me. If you don’t like the results, I suggest you wise up and start making better decisions. We’ve been together long enough for you to know the rules and understand what I expect. Our relationship isn’t a game. I take keeping you safe and our life together very seriously. I advise you get your head on straight and do the same.”
Her mouth fell open and snapped shut as the blood drained from her face. Swallowing, Taylor forced an adamant shake of her head. “Sebastian, please,” she whispered. “I didn’t mean to upset you or make you think I was questioning you, I just...” She trailed off at the gentle press of his forefinger against her lips. He followed it up with a quick kiss.
“Shh, baby, no.” His voice was soft and reassuring. “I will always strive to make you happy, Taylor, but first and foremost, it is my job to protect you and do what’s best for us. If I catch you putting yourself or our relationship in danger, the repercussions will be severe. I can’t turn a blind eye to you putting your life on the line. It’s not to be cruel. It’s because I love you, and I refuse to lose you. You have no idea how precious you are to me.”
“I don’t mean to screw up. I wasn’t trying to disobey you today. Honestly, Sebastian, I didn’t think about it being dangerous. I just wanted some sunshine and fresh air, and it was nice to have someone to talk to for a minute, even if it was in passing.” She lowered her eyes against his unwavering stare. “I know it’s my fault, but I can’t even call any of my friends to say hello. All of their numbers were stored inside my cell phone, and I didn’t have them memorized. I wasn’t trying to put myself in harm’s way. My life was really boring and sheltered until you. Things like snipers never even crossed my mind. Smart or not, it’s hard for me to think about things the way you do. I just don’t see the world the same way.”
He nodded and his expression softened as Sebastian palmed her cheek. “I know, baby. That’s why you needed this reminder. To help you think. I will always protect you and serve your best interests, even if that means saving you from yourself.” Rolling onto his back, he dragged a hand through his tousled curls and sighed. “If you can remember to keep your priorities straight, I will see about getting you a new phone and getting all of your data transferred.”
“Don’t they need my old cell to do that?”
A lazy grin split his face as he turned his head to look at her. “I think you are forgetting who I work for, darling.”
Blushing, she lowered her head with an embarrassed nod. Her expression sobered. Reaching out, she traced the sculpted ridges and valleys of his abs. “Thank you, Sebastian. That would mean so much to me. I promise to keep up with things and not let you down.”
Deep chasms carved his cheeks with his smile, and for a moment, she was awestruck by just how handsome he was when he was relaxed and happy. The mood wiped years off his face. A sweet, boyish charm replaced his usual stoic and stony visage. Just like his moods, it baffled her how quick one could replace the other.
Pulling her close, Sebastian ran his fingers up her back, making her squirm. “Anything to make you happy, baby. Just bear in mind that it’s a two-way street and you don’t want me to have to remind you of that lesson again.” He kissed her head, silencing any reply. “Let’s grab a shower and get cleaned up. As much as I enjoy laying here with you, we still have a schedule to maintain and it’s time for dinner.”
Sebastian kept a close eye on Taylor as she cooked, well aware of how nervous his presence was making her. He could see the apprehension in her eyes every time they darted his way. For a while, he simply studied her, gauging her body language and the way she moved as she seasoned the steaks and diced the potatoes. Though shaken, she didn’t appear overly unhappy. Maybe the offer to replace her cellphone had appeased her. He hated to backtrack and undo any progress they’d made, but her mindset was troubling. Then there were the questions and concerns she’d posed earlier. Both were problems he didn’t need.
His plate was full enough as it was, and now he had the added pressure of Marx breathing down the back of his neck and assessing his personal affairs. He couldn’t afford any more complications. Frowning, Sebastian adjusted his laptop and turned his attention back to the split video feeds of the warehouse and Laychee’s home. Nothing out of the ordinary appeared on either screen. Content with that knowledge, he shut the computer and wandered into the kitchen.
Taylor stiffened slightly as he approached, making his gaze narrow. Saying nothing, he walked around her and grabbed a water out of the fridge. He twisted off the top and downed half the bottle before setting it on the counter and pitching the lid. Taylor seemed rooted. She stood motionless, tracking his every movement, and he felt her wide, grey eyes searching his face for some clue as to where his mood lay. Lips set into a firm line of displeasure, Sebastian shook his head.
“Knock it off,” he warned in a low voice. “I’ve never lashed out or punished you without a reason, but if that’s the kind of relationship you want to have, it can be arranged.”
She paled. Her teeth sank into the delectable swell of her lower lip as she shook her head. “No…please.”
He lifted his chin and regarded her through narrowed slits. “It’s over with. I expect you to move on. You seemed fine earlier. What the hell is your problem?”
“You’re making me nervous,” she whispered, wringing her hands.
“Is that so?” Folding his arms, he released a quiet huff. “Let me clue you in on a little something here, sunshine. The way you’re starting to question everything between us is making me nervous. If you would just think about what’s going on and start taking responsibility for your own actions, I wouldn’t feel the need to babysit you and make sure you’re not doing anything else that’s going to get you in trouble. Slinking around and pouting is only going to piss me off more. Is that what you want, Taylor? Do you want me to punish you again?”
Her dark hair whipped back and forth with her adamant denial. “No, sir.”
“Then straighten up,” he snapped.
She winced. “Yes, sir.”
Anger rolled through his veins. Prowling closer, he tilted his head and studied her. A small tremble worked its way through her slender frame. Taylor dropped her gaze.
“Are you even paying attention to what I am saying, or are these just automated responses to shut me up and get me off your back?” he asked.
Her anxious swallow echoed through the kitchen and broke the tense silence hanging between them. “I’m listening, Sebastian.”
“I sincerely hope that’s the truth. This is twice now. I won’t have this conversation with you again.”
Tears swam in her eyes and her response was unintelligible. He fought the urge to slap the frightened look off her face and snapped his fingers, pointing to the cutting board. She stumbled as she spun back to her tasks. Her slender body shook from the inside out. At this point, he doubted she even had any control over it. If she kept it up, she was going to cut herself and they’d be making a trip to the hospital on top of everything else.
Grinding his teeth together, he counted to ten and took a deep breath. He was on edge. She wasn’t entirely to blame for all of the stress and tension, but the beaten dog routine wasn’t helping any, and it certainly wasn’t going to fly.
“Come here,” he ordered flatly.
She dropped the knife, her terrified eyes flying back to his. He held a hand out to her and waited. Her steps faltered and for a moment, he thought she was going to hit her knees. The tight clench of his muscles eased a bit when she slid her hand into his.
“I need you to think about us right now, Taylor. With everything that is going on with Laychee, I have a lot on my mind, and my patience is at a minimum. I don’t always like what I have to be to do my job, but right now that coldhearted, calculating bastard is what is keeping you alive. You need to live with it. Tread softly and use your head—do the things you know I expect, and you will be fine.”
She mumbled a quiet apology. Sighing, he scowled and moved to the cupboard. He poured himself a half tumbler of whiskey and wordlessly pointed to the potatoes she’d been chopping on his way across the kitchen.
The early evening wind hit him in an icy assail the moment he slid the glass doors open and stepped out onto the deck. As much as it frustrated him to be away from Taylor when he didn’t have to be, it was best he removed himself from the situation before he ended up doing something he’d regret. And he did regret punishing her. More than he cared to admit.
Settling onto one of the padded loungers, he took a long drink and surveyed the grounds. The naked forms of maples, walnut, and aspen trees dotted the yard, mingling with the lush outlines of hearty firs and blue spruces. Finding his target, his gaze narrowed on Henderson. Despite the guard’s best attempts to veil it, Sebastian hadn’t missed the faint gleam of disapproval in his eyes when he’d questioned him earlier. The man was fond of Taylor. That much was obvious, and it was a fact that didn’t sit well with him. Not at all.
Rubbing a finger over the stubble above his lip, Sebastian wondered if that kind of concern would become a problem in the future or prove beneficial. As much as he hated the thought of another man forming any kind of emotional attachment to Taylor, people always fought harder to defend the things they held dear. Conflicted, he swirled the amber liquid in his glass, his attention still locked on the head of security. As if sensing his stare, the guard turned with an uneasy glance over his shoulder. Sebastian cocked his head in interest. The man boasted an impressive set of instincts. Fortunately, that little display was something he could appreciate. It looked like tonight was Henderson’s lucky night.
He downed the rest of the whiskey with a grimace. The burn diffused, branching into a pleasant warmth that helped dull his mind and ease some of the edge. Standing, he cast one last look at the security team before heading for the house. Taylor turned from the stove at the sound of the sliding glass door easing open. Though hesitant, her smile was a welcome sight. He crossed the kitchen in a few long strides and set his glass in the stainless steel sink before turning to wrap his arms around her waist. Resting his chin on her shoulder, Sebastian cradled her close. He closed his eyes, relishing her smell, as the warm scent of vanilla and cashmere washed over him. As always, they helped bring him back down, anchoring him in a place where it was okay to feel loved and safe.
“Perfect timing. Dinner is just about done. Were your Sebby senses tingling?” she asked.
He arched a brow in confusion. “My what?”
She leaned into his embrace, and he buried his nose in her hair with an appreciative smile.
“Sebby senses. They’re like Spidey senses, only better,” she explained. “You have this amazing insight and perception. Especially when it comes to people, like how you always seem to know where I am or what I’m thinking.”
He nodded against her neck and cradled the curve of her hipbones in his hands, molding her against him. “It’s what I’m trained to do, darling,” he murmured. “I spent years learning how to read people, but you’re right. We have a very special connection. I know what you’re thinking because I’m in your head, Taylor. I know exactly how that mind of yours works, and I sense when you’re around because I can feel you,” he admitted, capturing her earlobe between his teeth with a husky murmur. “I can feel you pulsing beneath my skin.”
A soft moan parted her lips when he ground against her, and Sebastian groaned with pleasure as she squirmed in his grasp.
“D-dinner is done.”
Her breathless stammer made him happy, knowing it was desire and not fear tripping her up this time. Reaching up, he trailed his fingers over the delicate line of her jaw. “Saved by the bell,” he whispered. “We’ll continue this later. Let’s get the food on the table.”
They shared a peaceful dinner, and he had to hand it to her, nervous or not, Taylor still managed to serve the perfect meal. The steaks were pink inside, just the way he liked them, and t
he broiled baby red potatoes were seasoned and crisped just right. She’d even managed to sneak a dish of asparagus into the second oven. Yet another perk of having a state-of-the-art kitchen and a woman who was eager to please. He smiled to himself as he pushed his plate away. All those long hours spent cooking together was really starting to pay off. If he wasn’t careful, the little minx’s culinary skills were going to make him fat. The thought almost made him snort.
Marx would really have a fit then.
He helped clear the table and put things away before settling down with his laptop while Taylor loaded the dishwasher and cleaned the kitchen. His ears strained, listening to the sounds behind him and keeping track of her movements as he studied the video feeds. A small frown creased his face upon finding no activity. Things were too quiet on the Laychee front, too still. Usually, there was at least one person coming or going from the warehouses or the man’s home. Tonight, both areas were a ghost town forcing an uneasy prickle to dance across the back of Sebastian’s neck as Laychee’s words recycled through his mind.
“I swear to you, our blood will be avenged. Everything’s in place.”
He rubbed a hand across his nape and scowled. What was in place? What the hell was he up to? A million scenarios played out in his head, none of them good. Sebastian squeezed his sinuses and winced. He knew from experience, caution and security teams wouldn’t be enough to deter someone with Laychee’s experience. He dragged a hand down his face and peered into the shadows stretching across the yard.
Everything in him warned there was a storm brewing on the horizon. If he’d been blessed with any virtues at all, patience wasn’t one of them. His instincts screamed to pounce, to eliminate the threat. It was what he was trained for, to strike and kill first. This feeling of being the prey, bait, didn’t sit well with him. He glanced at Taylor. If Marx’s little fishing expedition hurt his family, the fucker wouldn’t live long enough to regret it.
