Chapter Seventeen

Wick

La Decadente Cala, Illa des Fonoll Marí, Balearic Islands, Spain…

"Did you enjoy the hike around the island?"

Wick's eyes glittered with glee as she leaned over the balcony and looked around. "It was idyllic. Thank you for taking me. I mean, everyone came here first and foremost to enjoy their kink, but you took me on a walkabout."

"I brought you along so we can get to know each other, Wick. Our relationship might have a component of kink in the form of sexual domination, but that's not the basis of our future together."

"Oh, I'm… you're…" She inhaled deeply, desperate to calm her mind. Suddenly, everything was moving too fast, and she struggled to wrap her mind around the direction her life was heading. Upon arriving at CyberCo Airline the previous evening, she was still a spinster who, up to when she had sex with Max in his office, hadn't been with a man for over two years. Doubt assailed her. Stefan had played her for a fool, and it had robbed her of all the confidence or trust she had in a successful relationship.

What Max proposed went beyond just a physical relationship. "Are you talking about marriage, Max?"

"I'm not a young man anymore, Wick. I never wanted permanence in my life until I met you. You represent the female counterpart of who and what I am. Do I want to have you as my wife? None of my friends would believe this, but yes, I do. Do I want children… the jury is still out on that."

Wick stared at him, shocked at the violence the last statement unleashed in him. It wasn't in his voice; it was more a feeling that emanated from deep within his soul.

"You don't want children?"

"To be honest, I don't know." His gaze drifted over the tranquil ocean. "I didn't have a happy or a good childhood. My father was a motherfucker, so I didn't have a good example to base being a parent on. I don't believe I will be a good father to any child, Wick. If that's a deal breaker for you…"

"I didn't either. In my case, it was my mother. She became so self-involved in her own hatred for my father cheating on her, then dying, she neglected me—physically and emotionally. Changing my name was, to her, an opus of some sort. I don't really know what pushed her to do it, but she never once considered what having such a name would do to her young daughter."

Leaning her head on his shoulder, she wrapped her arms around him. Her voice turned soft and cajoling.

"I don't know what kind of mother I would be, but I would like to believe that I have learned from the fuck up mine made with me. We can only do the best we can, Max, and if it's only the opposite of how they treated us, I'd say we'd be damn good parents one day."

"Does that mean you're prepared to give this relationship a go? That you'll open your heart and soul to me and that you're ready for full commitment. Move on from the heartache Stefan Jurgen caused you?"

Wick turned to stone. She knew next to nothing about the very elusive Max DuPont, apart from the little that was public knowledge of him as a very successful businessman. His private life was a closed book, and no matter how deep she dug, she couldn't find anything on him—not one tiny detail about his life growing up or any family. She didn't even know if Max DuPont was the name he grew up with.

Yet, he seemed to know every minute detail about hers. It was unsettling.

"How did you find out about Stefan?"

"There's nothing I don't know about you, love. The moment I decided you're the one woman I need in my life, I looked into your background." He smiled grimly. "Just as you did to mine."

"Again, how do you know that?"

"I have a very high-security algorithm on the web. Every time someone searches my name, I receive an alert."

"Why?" She looked at him intently. "In my line of work, that's what criminals do. Are you involved with syndicates or the mafia, Max?"

His laughter boomed from his chest.

"First Jax, now me. What is it with you and the mafia? Do you have a death wish, Wick? If Giovanni Lombardo finds out you're digging into his domain, it'll not only be the end of W. Carter Investigations, but it'll also be the end of you."

"That's what we called at the NYPD an avoidance tactic. You're not answering my question, Max."

"No, Wick. I'm not involved in any criminal activities, but I am part of a government covert group, which is why I'm always diligent in what information is available to the public." His eyes darkened. "Your turn. You play the game of avoidance just as well."

"You're right, we're not young anymore, and although we seem to be moving this… whatever this is, between us very fast, I do know I am very attracted to you. I have feelings I have never explored swirling around inside me whenever I think about you. Physically, I can't resist you, and I don't think I'll ever reach a point where I would want to. Yes, Stefan broke a part inside me, but that was years ago… and since meeting you, I'm not so sure I was ever truly hurt. I couldn't have been since I've never felt emotions with my heart and my soul to the extent I do with you. That's big, and I can't walk away from it. Nor do I want it to slow down." She smiled timidly. "But I do need you to promise this is for real because if you did to me what Stefan did, this time, I know I will be broken in all aspects of the word."

"I'm not the kind of man who would ever play with another person's emotions, love. This is it for me. Once you commit to walking the road into the future with me, nothing and no one will stand in our way. I will fight tooth and nail to make you happy and to never stray off that path."

"Then, I am ready, Max. I would love to explore that road with you. I'm ready to fall in love and find my one true happiness in life."

Liar. You're already in love.

Yes, but he has to do some work. No way am I gonna fall into his lap like an overripe fig.

Talking of a honeyed fig…

Shut up!

Wick was all too aware that she was dripping wet. She could feel the creamy discharge between her legs. Being with Max all day long, with him touching and caressing her—gently, teasingly—had sparked an unbound lust inside her. The previous night had been spent teaching her the difference between soft, medium, and hard using various impact tools. It had been enlightening but very frustrating since, although he had aroused and played with her in-between, they hadn't gone further than that. She had a suspicion he was priming her for something intense.

I am ready, so fucking ready.

Don't think he is. Me thinks he's gonna make you suffer a little before he feeds you that chunk of meat.

You're supposed to be on my side.

Just trying to prepare you.

"Better brace yourself, love. It's going to be a rough and wild ride."

Excitement stirred inside her as she trotted after him inside the private suite.

"I thought you said kink and domination aren't the basis of our relationship."

"It's not, but it is a big part of the foundation of how we build our life together… starting right now."

"Are we going back to the plane?"

Max laughed. "No, little bird. All the properties on the islands we visit belong to me. Everyone has their own dungeon and playrooms. For tonight, however, we're not leaving the room. I am going to explore the depth of your submission right here. Just the two of us."

"Oh, thank fuck." She cringed at his dark look. "I'm sure I'll get used to it in time, but for now, I'm very self-conscious being naked and feeling vulnerable in full view of a bunch of strangers. Not to mention scening. I mean, I spent more time last night worrying about what everyone else was thinking and seeing than how the hits you gave me made me feel."

"Oh, I was well aware of that."

"How exactly, may I ask?"

"A Dom is highly susceptible to his sub's moods and emotions, little one. The moment your mind wanders or your attention isn't with me in the scene, I'll know. Last night, I allowed it because, even though your attention wasn't in the scene, it offered me the opportunity to gauge your tells and assess to what level you'll be able to handle impact tools."

"Soft!" she exclaimed immediately.

"To the contrary, love. You can cope with much more than that. A delighted discovery I aim to further explore before we go back to Florida."

Shit! Shit-shit-shit. Let that be a lesson to concentrate on him in the future.

A little too late for that, little bird.

Again, you're supposed to be on my side!

"Tonight, I'm going to teach you, among other things, how to take a toy up your anus."

"You're going to do what?"

That damn eyebrow crawled higher, a warning that the powershift had come into play. She refrained from rolling her eyes with difficulty. Submission didn't come naturally to her, not yet, and to be honest, she didn't know if it ever would. She had to work at finding that place inside her that craved to be dominated and aimed to please her master.

"You're going to do what, Master M?"

"Good girl." Wouldn't you know it, her heart warmed at the praise? "And you heard me. We're going to pop your cherry, so to speak, using anal beads."

"No, we're not." She crossed her arms. "You seem to forget I have limits. Anal sex is one of them."

"Hmm, to the contrary, and if memory serves me correctly, your limit list states, ready to explore."

"No, it doesn't." Wick knew very well it did, but it didn't do any harm trying to play for time. He might just change his mind. During the research she had done on BDSM, she had come across an interesting blog on anal sex. Still, no matter what the writer had claimed, Wick wasn't ready to find out whether she could have a vaginal climax while being fucked in the ass.

No way, Jose!

"I'm fairly certain it does, but let's just quickly verify, shall we?" Max picked up his cell phone. "Why the surprise?"

"You have a copy of my limit list on your phone?"

"No, what every Dominant of the club has is a CDS app, which contains members' details, including every sub's experience level, medical certificate, signed NDA, and limit lists. It's much easier to have it on hand than having to barter something that's the aim of every Dom who's worth his salt—to push his sub's boundaries." After a few moments, he smiled. "Ah, there it is. Anal sex. Toys, fingers, and/or penis. Response… ready to explore." He tapped on the screen. "Right there. See."

Wick didn't need to look, but she made a big show of perusing the screen.

"I don't suppose one could change that response now?"

"Unfortunately, since it's very clearly a boundary of yours that needs to be pushed, no, you can't." He pinched her cheek and winked at her. "No need to look so petrified, it's—"

"I'm not petrified! I just feel you could've given me prior warning. Sticking something up one's ass isn't something you do every day. No, I don't believe I want to do it today."

"What makes you think you have a choice?" His voice was smooth but wicked.

"I thought BDSM is all about SSC. Well, I don't consent." She crossed her arms and stared at him morosely. Whether she was playing for time to prepare herself or honestly didn't want him to pursue the scene, she couldn't say. Either way, she wouldn't be Wick if she gave in too easily.

"Ahh, but you did consent to your boundaries being pushed, and as my sub, you gave me the power to decide what your body needs." He wasn't at all perturbed at her passionate protest.

"I can say with confidence and conviction that my butt doesn't need an alien invasion."

"Invasion? Far from it, my little bird, but never fear, I'll treat your little flower with gentleness and care."

"Do you think it puts my mind at ease by calling my anus a little flower? You still intend to stick a foreign object up my ass."

"Rectum, anus, little rosette, back hole, or even better, poephol. Take your pick. I'll go with whichever one you prefer."

"Poephol?"

"It's Afrikaans for poop hole, fart hole, or shit hole."

"Afrikaans?" she asked with burning cheeks. "What language is that?"

"I've been to South Africa a couple of times. It's one of the eleven dialects spoken there. It's a very interesting language to learn."

"I don't care what you call it. I don't want anything shoved up there."

"Not shoved, rather gently prodded." He smiled broadly as he deftly pushed the silk dressing gown off her shoulders and allowed it to slither to the floor. As per his instruction, she was naked underneath. "Since you seem so curious, maybe you should see what I do. It might ease your mind." He pointed at the dressing table. "Bend over the stool, please."

"No, I'm not gonna— Hey!"

Before she realized what he was about, he had her bent over at the waist with her head between her knees and her wrists tied to her ankles with bright red rope.

"Comfy, little bird?" He peeked at her from above. It was most embarrassing to look at him from between her legs, all too aware of her spread pussy glaringly open between them.

"Go to hell, asshole."

Crack! Crack!

"Owww! Fucking hell," she screamed as her ass cheeks felt like they were caught on fire. The sight of his paw prints standing red and bright on her white skin made it burn twice as much. She didn't move, too scared that if she did, she'd tumble over and end up in an even more undignified position.

"Say it right, Phoenix."

"Go to hell, Master M."

"Much better."

"Oww, stop that," she complained as he rubbed the area he had just slapped, forcing the pain to bounce off her bones to settle in an unexpected and throbbing demand in her clitoris.

"So, the option is to look in the mirror over there or just look directly at what I do. Alternatively, if you'd prefer, I can do a video and show you later."

"Don't you dare. I promise you, take a video of my ass, and I'll sue you into kingdom come."

"And how will you prove it's your little poephol on the video?"

That shut her up… for two whole seconds before she exploded indignantly, "Of course, I forgot. As a newbie, I'd be too stupid, but an expert anus voyager like you could tell the difference."

"See it as a penis or a vagina. They serve a specific purpose. They all have the same components."

"So, you're saying once you've seen one, you've seen them all. That they all look the same?"

"Exactly."

"Bullshit, I'd easily identify your cock in a line-up."

"Really? Thank you, little bird. I'm flattered, truly."

Her cheeks burned with embarrassment as she realized she had muttered the words out loud. He wasn't supposed to hear her since he already had a big enough ego insofar as his sexual exploits—which the subs on this trip couldn't stop raving over. It seemed her Master M had quite the reputation as a fuck Master.

"You shouldn't be," she snickered. "The only reason I'd recognize yours is because your dick is just as bold, forward, and righteous as you are."

"Righteous? Me? I think you're confusing me with someone else." He tapped her lightly on the ass. "Enough bickering. You can't remain in this position for too long. I don't want you passing out, so let's get to it, shall we?" He winked conspiratorially. "Besides, fucking you with the beads still in will give you quite an explosive climax."

"You're gonna fuck me with anal beads in my ass? Hell no!"

"Ah, c'mon, little Phoenix. Be like your namesake… adventurous, fiery, and daring."

"Easy for you to say. It's not your ass and… and girlie bits taking the beating."

"Obviously not, but I'll be sure to take care of your needs. So much so, you'll eventually beg me to stop."

In your dreams, bucko.

You tell him, girl!

"Eeek," she cried in surprise at the unexpected coldness of the gel he squirted on her puckered hole.

"Oh, shit, that burns," she whimpered as he gently pushed his finger inside her clenching rosette and pumped it in and out a few times.

"Just relax your muscles, little one, and push out, like you would when you poop."

"Oh, good Lord," she wailed. "What if I'm dirty in there?"

"You went earlier, didn't you? And you took a long bath upon our return from the hike."

"Yes, but I didn't scrub all the way in there," she closed her eyes to shut out his amused smile as he added a second finger, ignoring her whimpering. He did, however, brush his other hand over her clit, gently tapping it until her mind could concentrate on nothing other than the throbbing demand he awakened.

"Fuuuck," she cried as something much bigger prodded the entrance to her ass. Her eyes opened and then stretched wide at the size of the bead he was pushing inside her. "That hurts!"

"Do as I said, Phoenix. Relax and push out against the intrusion. There you go… good girl," he praised when she stopped struggling and followed his direction. Surprisingly, the bead, which in her mind was as big as a golf ball, slipped past her sphincter much easier once she concentrated on pushing against it.

"I'm impressed, little bird. You're doing beautifully. Just keep your muscles nice and relaxed for me. Otherwise, this is going to take much longer than it should."

"What do you mean?" Oh, hell no. "You are not pushing all those balls up my ass!" she protested as she noticed how many were still on the string he was slowly and gently feeding inside her rectum. She was already feeling full, and the sensations the hard glass balls awakened went beyond anything she had ever experienced before. She panted as another disappeared inside her ass.

Max chuckled and continued unperturbed in his quest. "These vibrate as you move, so more than feeling full, you'll have some interesting sensations exploding inside you."

"You think?" she snapped sarcastically. "Enough! I can't take more."

"We're almost there, little bird. That was number six. We only have two more to go."

"You're pushing eight motherfucking balls up my ass? Hell, no. I want you to stop. Right this minute!"

"Hmm, not happening. First, you're exaggerating. They're not balls; they're beads and small in comparison to the ones I normally use. Secondly, if you want me to stop, you know which word to use. Otherwise, I will see this through."

Wick clamped her lips shut. Truthfully, it wasn't so bad, especially now that she managed to push out against the intrusion as he taught her. What did bother her was how aroused she was. How desperately she wanted more… more of what, she didn't know. All she knew was that her mind was in shambles, and her lower body throbbed like one giant pool of heat waiting to explode.

His smile was devious when the last bead slipped easily inside her. "All done," he cooed and added insult to injury as he playfully slapped her on both ass cheeks. Untying the bindings, he gently assisted her upright, holding her when she swayed. "There you go. So, did you enjoy watching?"

Wick knew that the bright redness of her cheeks wasn't from standing head down but more from mortification as realization hit. Part of the lust raging inside her had been from watching his tenderness and care when he maneuvered her ass to accept the beads.

"Shit!" she moaned as suddenly, the beads began to vibrate. It was so unexpected and so strong, she had to cling to his arm. Her nails dug into his bicep as she moaned and went on her tiptoes. "It's too much!"

"Then I suggest you answer my question."

"It was… it was… ugh!" She slapped him against the chest as she struggled to contain the rush of heat that threatened to pull her under. "Erotic. Very erotic… and arousing. Very, very arousing."

The vibrations slowed, becoming a gentle ripple inside her as he leaned forward to kiss her on the forehead.

"Now, was that so hard to admit?"

Wick glowered at him. "I'm glad you find this amusing, Master M, but I'll have you know, I don't appreciate having beads in my ass, especially since you said we're first going to have dinner. What is this?" She pointed to her buttocks. "The first course?"

"Quite a pleasurable one, wouldn't you say?" He placed his fingers over her lips to quiet the protest she was about to utter. "No lies, Phoenix. You just admitted how arousing it was watching me push the beads inside you. Don't pretend that having them purring like a contented kitten deep inside hasn't gotten you wet and horny for more."

"So, that's what all this is about? Your aim is to keep driving my lust during dinner, so that I jump your bones later?"

"Well, I'd prefer you ride my cock, but if my bones are your kink, then—"

"Very funny," she snapped. "You misjudged me, Master M. I might be a newbie to BDSM, but I'll have you know I have a lot more restraint than you give me credit for."

"Challenge accepted, my little bird. I will be delighted to prove you wrong."

A knock on the door cut further debate from her short.

"Ah, dinner has arrived."

"As if I'd be able to eat," she mumbled while quickly slipping into her dressing robe before walking toward the balcony where the table had been set. Her ass clenched instinctively around the beads as she walked.

Since their first meeting, Wick had become overwhelmed with unknown emotions. He had exposed her to sensations she had never known existed and subsequently discovered within herself a sensual wantonness to which she willingly participated. It also frightened and thrilled her to think that one man had that much sexual power to be able to make her twitch and dance like a marionette. She had believed she loved Stefan, but not even he could infuse such a reaction from her.

The damn scoundrel unleashed something wild to rage inside her. It probed the edge of her lust, awakening her unconscious libido that dozed peacefully unaware. Just a thought of Max jolted the need awake in an ambush by stealing away her control.

Today, the threat was always near and present in some form. Disguised or hidden within a breath or a lingering gaze, the sudden tactile brush would stir and tug at her loins, teasing out the deeper reserve of sexuality. Turning and twisting her quickly into a willing host, she would surrender to the sting that aroused the hunger.

A flash of heat surged through her stomach as she sat down gingerly at the dinner table. A rich moan resonated deep within her throat, racing up only to be snuffed in the clench of her jaw.

"Oh fuck, I'm so screwed," she whimpered as the vibration increased as she shifted. The creamy discharge on her legs was a sure sign she was losing control over her body.

Worse, the knowing look in Max's eyes proved he was all too aware of her struggles.