Chapter 25

25

GWEN

T he club tonight is more feral than normal. All the girls are wearing maid costumes with little bells and we are serving drinks and food tonight for a special evening. I start behind the bar with Hudson, helping him make drinks since the bartender called out and no one else knows how to make a Manhattan or Cosmo, including our manager Oscar.

Hudson slides over to me with a shaker in his hand, wiggling his eyebrows. "Ready for your big night?"

I place a maraschino cherry on top of the tequila sunrise, and I slide the drink down to a lady at the end of the bar. "I am ready for all the big tips. And please, I don't mean yours."

Hudson laughs, pouring out his shaken Martini for the same green eyed man who nuzzles up Kim every night. "I'm just saying if I was shaking ass for a room full of men, including my boss who I am fucking, I'd be nervous as hell!"

"How can I be nervous when I look this good?" I smirk, doing a little twirl that allows my ruffled black and white maid skirt to spin around me. The dress barely covers my ass and the top of this dress has buttons to give a little peek-a-boo of my breast if I wanted to. "Besides," I hum. "Nik isn't even here."

I know this because I haven't felt his eyes on me all night, but Hudson clicks his tongue and nods in the direction of the other side of the room. "Oh, the boss is here and he has friends tonight."

I look over, my heart pounding in my chest as I stare at him. His slick back dirty blonde hair and intricate tattoo crawling up his neck, the lights showcase him in pieces. His pink lips, that he licks before letting out a low laugh showing off his white teeth. His arms, flexing in his black long sleeve t-shirt and matching black jeans. His shoes are black timberlands which is so completely New York of him that I smile, but as fast as I admire him, my world crumbles down. Nik didn't notice me, and Nik always notices me. Even before he cut Jordan's pinky off in my honor, he noticed me. My stomach plummets as I think about what Kim said earlier.

It's like he lost everything. Was I a part of everything? Did my absence break him, even if it was only for a few months? I look over at Hudson. "I'm going to talk to him. Can you hold down the fort for the next twenty minutes?"

"Or the next hour if things go right?" Hudson smirks, wiping down a glass.

"Maybe longer?" A playful giggle escapes my lips as I circle the bar, Hudson's howls echoing in the background. The slick sweat on my hand causes it to slip against the polished surface, but I quickly wipe it on my apron and smack my lips to combat the dryness in my mouth. Weaving through the crowded dance floor, I slowly make my way towards Nik, my heart beating rapidly with each step. The pulsating music fades into a distant hum as all of my focus is fixed upon him. Before I can even approach him, his intense gaze locks onto me. Waves of heat radiate from his eyes, drinking in every inch of me as our gazes meet.

But before I can close the distance between us, a large figure steps into my path.

"Excuse me?" I snap, trying to look past the man, but he blocks my gaze, folding his arms over his chest.

"Boss said no. He will talk to you when he has the time." The bodyguard growls even deeper, but before I can tell him where to shove his shitty attitude, I hear Oscar calling my name from next to the main stage.

I glare daggers at the intimidating bodyguard, my jaw clenched so tightly that I fear it may shatter. With a huff, I spin on my heel and march towards the stage, where Oscar eagerly awaits me. He gestures frantically for me to join him, his excitement palpable.

As I approach with fire in my eyes, Oscar's smile widens even more. He opens the back curtain for me, urging me forward as he whispers in my ear, "That's the look I want to see! Knock them dead!"

"Oh, I intend to," I mumble under my breath as I position myself at the slit of the curtains, just like Kim and I practiced earlier. The anticipation and adrenaline coursing through my veins is almost overwhelming.

Oscar grabs the microphone with a booming announcer voice, his words echoing throughout the venue. "Ladies and gentlemen, give a warm welcome to our newest Johanna performer - she's bold, sassy, and has curves like a backroad. Get ready for Cinnamon! "

The crowd roars as my stage name is announced, and I take a deep breath before poking out one leg from behind the curtain as a tease. The spotlight illuminates me in a warm glow as I saunter onto the stage, the music pulsating through my veins and guiding my movements. The crowd's cheers and whistles fill the room, fueling me with a rush of exhilaration. I sway my hips to the rhythm, letting my body move with a fluidity that brings everyone's eyes to my hips, as I rub my hands up and down my body. I can feel everyone's eyes on me but no one's eyes are hotter than Nik's. They sear through me and I can practically feel the anger radiating through him.

As the music thumps in sync with my racing heart, I glide around the pole, each movement precise and alluring. I allow my gaze to lock onto Nik's business partner, a smug grin playing on his lips as he watches me intently. He leans over to Nik, whispering something as he points to me, and Nik's jaw rolls with irritation he doesn't show anywhere else on his body.

Nik mouths to me, "Stop it."

But I ignore him, flashing a coy smile. I intensify my performance, making sure to give his associate more attention than necessary. When I unravel my maid's skirt, I throw it point blank at the man next to Nik and he catches it with a wink. I return in earnest. As I pop each button on the top of my costume, I act as a tease, giving a full view to Nik and his associate before tossing my top to Hudson, leaving me in a lace black set, knee-high stockings and five inch heels, along with a bell that rings every time I move.

Nik mouths to me, "Get down, now."

I smile as if the lights are too bright to see him and blow a kiss in his direction. The music wraps around me like a second skin, guiding me as I dance for the leering crowd. But my eyes never stray far from Nik, who walks closer to the stage with clenched fists and a dark look in his eyes.

As the song reaches its climax, I descend from the pole with a sensual grace that leaves the audience breathless. Ignoring the cheers and whistles that surround me, I focus solely on Nik's seething gaze. His anger fuels me as I drop down into a split, swing around. The man with Nik howls in excitement as I run my hands through his hair, catapulting his arousal even higher. With a seductive smirk, I spin around and give the man a peck on the cheek before arching my back and crawling away towards Nik and his associate.

Nik's nostrils flares as he whispers, "Don't you dare." But I blink innocently as I swing my legs off the edge of the stage and open them right in front of the associate.

I lean in close to the man and whisper, "Hi, baby."

A wicked glint dances in his eyes as he chuckles, relishing in the attention he's receiving. My gaze falls on Nik and I can't help but shiver at the crystalline hardness in his icy blue orbs. Fear creeps up my spine, but I push it aside, determined to make my move. With a seductive stretch, I arch my back and let the bell around my neck chime with each deliberate movement. But before I can reach the man, Nik grabs me roughly, his biceps bulging with tension as he effortlessly lifts me off the ground. The crowd boos, and I growl under my breath, "Let me go, Nikolai."

"No," he retorts, his grip on me tightening. "This is what you wanted, right, Gwen?" His shoulders bunch up with fury as he gives my ass a hard smack. "You wanted my attention."

"I wanted to talk, not get manhandled like some caveman." I struggle against his hold, but his fingers dig into my thighs with bruising force.

With a single fluid movement, he kicks open the door to the bathroom and slams me onto the sink. "Are you trying to provoke me, Gwen? Trying to drive me mad?" His voice is a low growl, his blazing eyes burning into mine.

His rage radiates from him, and I can't help but be taken aback by his intense reaction. "I was just-"

"Just what?" he cuts me off sharply, his voice dripping with venom.

My own voice trembles as I whisper through clenched teeth, "I wanted to talk to you."

He pries my legs open with a force that makes my bones ache, his fingers digging into my flesh as he catches my chin in a vice grip. His voice is low and menacing as he growls at me, "Oh so you flirt with the head of the Italian mob because you want my attention?" I try to look away, but he forces me to meet his gaze. "My little brat almost makes me start a fucking war in the middle of my club because she wants to talk to me?"

My throat tightens as I struggle to speak. "I didn't want you to start a war."

He scoffs, his lips brushing against mine. "It's not your decision, little brat. If that man had touched you," he leans even closer, sending shivers down my spine, "I would have put a bullet through him without hesitation."

"Nik-" I jump but he cups my cheeks in his hands.

"No, Kotik," Nik says sternly with a small nod and a hint of a smile. His voice is firm but gentle as he continues, "It's time for you to be a good girl and take your punishment." I feel a shiver run down my spine at his words, my heart beating faster in anticipation.

He leans in and presses his lips against mine, the intensity of his kiss taking my breath away. I feel intoxicated by the taste of his tongue, my head spinning with desire.

When he pulls away, I whisper, "Yes, sir."

Nikolai steps back, his eyes darkening as he watches me. "Strip," he commands, his tone leaving no room for argument. My hands shake slightly, my heart pounding in my chest, then reach behind me to unhook my bra. The cool air hits my skin as it falls away, followed by my panties. I stand before him completely exposed, my body tense with a mix of fear and excitement.

Nik's gaze rakes over me, his eyes burning with intensity. "Turn around," he orders, his voice deep and commanding. I do as he says, my back to him, my hands instinctively crossing over my breasts. "Hands down," he snaps, and I drop them to my sides, feeling vulnerable under his scrutiny.

He steps closer, his presence overwhelming. I feel his hand on my shoulder, guiding me to bend over the sink. The cold porcelain presses against my bare stomach as he positions me, my legs spread wide.

His fingers trace the outline of my sex, teasing the sensitive flesh before delving inside. I moan loudly, my body arching towards his touch. Nikolai watches me with a predatory glint in his eyes, his actions deliberate and calculated.

"Beg for it," he demands, removing his fingers and stepping back slightly.

Torn between humiliation and desperation, I hesitate for a moment before whispering, "Please, Nik…punish me. "

Satisfied with my response, he steps forward again, his hardness pressing against my backside. "That's right, Gwen. You deserve every bit of this."

Without warning, his hand comes down hard on my left cheek, the sharp sting making me gasp. Before I can catch my breath, he spanks the other side, the sound echoing in the quiet bathroom. Tears prick at my eyes, a mix of pain and submission coursing through me.

"You need someone to put you in your place, don't you, Kotik?" he asks, his voice calm yet authoritative. My cheeks warm at his nickname for me, as another swat from his hand swipes across my left cheek.

"Yes, sir," I manage to choke out, my voice trembling as heat flutters across my ass and wetness pools at my center.

"Don't worry, Kotik, I will teach you," he replies, his hand stroking the reddened skin gently before delivering another sharp slap. "You will be a good girl and learn, won't you?" Each hit sends waves of heat through me, my body responding in a confusing blend of pain and pleasure.

"Yes, sir," I whimper against his hold. Nik's hand moves upwards, sliding beneath my stomach to cup my breast roughly. His thumb finds my nipple, pinching it hard between his fingers.

"Nik," I gasp sharply. Sparks of pain shoot through my body right to my clit. It feels so good. I want him to do it again.

"You like that, don't you, Gwen?" he taunts, his breath hot against my ear. "You like being treated like this. Like my little slut."

The word slut rings in my ears, and I moan. He pushes two fingers inside me, his thumb rubbing my clit in slow circles. I arch my back, pressing myself against his hand, my breaths coming in shallow gasps. His eyes are dark with lust as he grips my hips, lifting me onto the marble counter beside the sink once more, his fingers still inside me. "Spread your legs," he commands, and I obey, opening myself to him.

Shame rushes through me. This isn't like me. I have two fucking degrees. I was top of my class at Georgetown. There is no way I am the type of girl to like being disrespected and to want to obey the dirty things Nik says, but I do. I want him to use me. I want to be his.

Nik lines himself up, his cock hard and ready. He enters me slowly, watching my face for any sign of discomfort. I bite my lip, my body adjusting to his size, the sensation both painful and thrilling.

"Look at me," he orders, his voice gruff. I turn my head to meet his intense gaze, my black curls cascading over my face and down my back, partially hiding the want in my expression. "I want to see your face as you feel every inch of me inside you," he murmurs, beginning to move, his thrusts deep and deliberate.

"Good girl, baby. Keep those eyes on mine." I cling to the countertop, as he pounds into me, smacking my ass sharply. I bite my lip to keep from calling out. The pain he inflicts only heightens my arousal, making me yearn for more. Nik seems to sense this, his grip tightening as he pushes me further against the sink.

"You belong to me, Gwen," he grunts, his pace increasing. "Only me." I moan at his words, chasing my building orgasm as I brace myself against the mirror and the sink.

His pace increases as he thrusts deeper into me. Each movement is harsh and unrelenting, pushing me to the brink of both agony and ecstasy. I can feel my body responding despite the pain, my muscles contracting around him in involuntary waves.

His hands grip my hips, pulling me closer as his thrusts become more forceful. My body responds eagerly, arching against him as the pleasure builds inside of me. I cling to him, my nails digging into his back as my inner walls clench around him.

"Give in to me," he growls, his voice laced with desire. "Let me see you fall apart for me."

His words push me over the edge, and I feel myself unraveling in his arms. Every nerve ending tingles with pleasure as I ride out the waves of ecstasy crashing through me. "Nik, fucking hell!"

His gruff, desire filled voice chuckles in my ear, "I'm right with you baby." Nik's own release soon follows in hot spurts, and he collapses on top of me, our bodies intertwined and breaths mingling.

"You're mine, Gwen." He wetly kisses the curve of my neck. "Fucking mine. Don't you fucking forget that."

In the daze of my orgasm and the high of being in his arms again, I say the stupidest thing I could have possibly said. "Yes, sir."