Chapter 78

SEVENTY-EIGHT

AMETHYST

Xero gazes down at me, his pale blue eyes burning brighter than the fire. He might be surprised at my forwardness, but I’m not the same person I was even last week.

It’s just like he said—I’ve furthered his cause and faced down a handful of my former abusers. The trauma of my past feels distant, replaced by the satisfaction of retribution. Each confrontation has stripped away the layers of my old self, leaving me stronger.

He steps closer, his hand cupping my cheek, his touch both gentle and possessive. “Are you sure about this, little ghost?”

“You’ve teased me for long enough.” I turn my head to press a kiss to his palm. “When you gave me that toy, all I could think about was how much I wanted the real thing.”

Gaze flickering with desire, he wraps an arm around my waist, pulling me flush against his erection. Its length and heat and girth soak into my belly, making me swallow back a groan. Heat rushes to my core, which clenches in anticipation.

With his thumb, he traces the line of my jaw before sliding it onto my bottom lip, sending shivers down my spine.

“This is a dangerous game you’re playing,” he growls, his voice a husky whisper. “You know the way I fuck… I’m not a gentle man.”

His words hang in the air, a dark promise that makes my pulse race. Tremors course through my core, and my pussy becomes slick with arousal.

“I can handle three fingers. Why can’t I handle you?” My voice comes out more challenging than I intended, even though I need him to push my limits.

Silence stretches, broken only by the soft crackle and pop of burning wood. Outside, the wind rustles through the grapevines. Xero’s gaze darkens, taking on a predatory glint. His fingers slide down from my lip, tracing the column of my throat and lingering at the hollow base. The touch feels possessive, and I shiver at the thought of him claiming me as his.

“Pick a safe word,” he rumbles, his lips grazing my ear.

Shivers skitter down my spine, and my breath hitches. “Why?”

“Because when I fuck you, it will be with all my heart. I’ll erase the touch of any man who thought he could lay claim on what’s mine, and I won’t stop until you’re sobbing my name. If you can’t take it, you need a way to stop me before it gets too intense.”

As his words sink in, my pulse thrums in my ears. I swallow, my mouth suddenly dry. “McMurphy?”

“What?” he draws back, his lip curling in distaste. His eyes narrow, searching mine.

“Too much?” I ask, my voice trembling with uncertainty.

His features tighten. “That word is like being doused with ice water.”

“Good,” I say with a nod. “What happened to her?”

“She lost an eye.” He lowers his mouth onto mine, his kiss searing and possessive, claiming me completely.

All thoughts of that pervy prison officer disappear as his tongue ravishes my mouth. His kiss is fierce and commanding, with an intensity that leaves me breathless. I melt against his larger body, surrendering completely to his desire.

His hands find their way to the front of my corset and unfasten the hooks. His touch is electric, each brush of his fingers igniting my skin with sparks. The leather falls away, revealing my breasts to his gaze.

A draft swirls around my exposed skin, making my nipples tighten. Groaning, Xero rolls them between his thumb and fingers, igniting waves of ecstasy.

“Xero.” I arch into his touch, a moan escaping my lips as I crave more of his intoxicating caress.

His lips graze my neck as he unzips my skirt. My skin tingles as the leather slides down my thighs, a chill rushing over my skin before it’s warmed by the fire. I step out of the puddle of fabric, standing before him in just my boots and panties.

His eyes roam over me, taking in every inch of my figure. I try not to squirm, pushing away thoughts of the cuts marring my skin. I’m no longer damaged, but battle-hardened. A warrior, just like Xero.

He leans in close, his breath warm against my ear as he whispers, “You’re exquisite. Every inch of you is perfect.”

The warmth of his breath against my neck makes my skin tingle. Then his lips find my collarbone, trailing lower to my breasts, each kiss a burning brand. I cling to his biceps, losing myself in the sensation of his touch.

“Get on your knees,” he growls, his voice a low, commanding rumble.

Obeying, I sink to the rug, feeling the heat from the fire seeping into my back. Desire coils in my belly as I meet his gaze, his eyes now pools of black with just the barest ring of blue.

His erection strains against the fabric of his pants, the outline of his pierced, thick cock clearly visible and tantalizing.

With trembling fingers, I reach for his waistband, unbuckle his belt, and pull down his zipper. His cock springs free, its piercings glinting in the firelight.

Suddenly, memories surge to the forefront of my mind. I’m back in that chair, my mouth wedged open with steel, surrounded by men jerking off at Dolly’s command. I flinch, my heart stuttering.

“Are you still with me, little ghost?” Xero asks, his voice snapping me back to the present.

I shift on my knees, the memory fading. “Sorry,” I mutter. “Flashback.”

He slides his fingers through my curls, making my scalp tingle. “Look at me.”

I glance up at Xero, seeing those pale eyes filled with banked fury. The firelight catches his platinum hair, giving him an unearthly glow. He looks like a warrior god crowned with flames. The sight is both terrifying and breathtaking. As I lock gazes with him, every other man fades into insignificance, leaving only the intensity of his presence.

“You’re with me, understand?” he asks, the conviction in his voice unwavering.

Gulping, I nod, my heart pounding in my chest.

“I will castrate every bastard who ever touched you and burn their balls on a pyre,” he growls, his voice menacing and low. His fingers tighten in my hair, his eyes burning with fierce protectiveness.

“Why not set fire to their dicks?” I ask, with a spark of defiance.

“Because you’re going to stuff those cocks down their throats,” he replies with a sharp grin.

Bubbling laughter erupts from my throat, breaking the tension. A crushing weight lifts from my chest, and my spirits soar. How could I ever feel bad about myself with Xero watching my back?

This isn’t even dark humor. It’s a fucking plan.

I wrap my fingers around his shaft and pull him closer, making him jerk forward with a soft grunt. As I continue to stroke him, he lengthens and thickens at my touch. The temptation is too great, and I can’t resist adding a playful comment.

“What if I want yours? It’s so tempting. It even comes with lots of pretty jewelry.”

“My cock is not pretty,” he growls.

“Yes it is,” I say, holding his gaze. “Everything about you is pretty. Even your balls.” I grin, drawing my thumb along the sensitive skin beneath his Prince Albert.

He shivers. “How about you put it in that smart mouth?”

Licking my lips, I lean forward and swirl my tongue around the head of his cock, savoring the way he feels before taking him deeper. His taste is intoxicating—a blend of salt and musk, heightened by the heat of his arousal. I relish the way he twitches in my mouth, each movement igniting a spark of desire.

My clit throbs with anticipation, and the muscles of my pussy tighten. He doesn’t let me take it all at once. He guides me gently, letting me adjust to his size and shape as his hand rests on the back of my head.

“Good girl,” he groans, his fingers tangling in my curls. “Now, part those pretty lips and take me all the way.”

His voice is deep and commanding, sending a pulse of excitement straight to my core. I open wider, taking in as much of him as I can without gagging. His deep groan sends me a thrill of satisfaction as he hits the back of my throat.

Bobbing my head, I continue to take him in, using just the right amount of pressure and suction to drive him wild. With each swipe of my tongue, I control his reactions.

“You’re incredible,” he moans, his hips jerking. “So tight. So wet. So utterly irresistible.”

I hum, the vibration making him shudder. Even though he’s fully dressed and I’m the one kneeling before him only in my panties, I feel empowered. Right now, I control Xero’s pleasure. I own him.

Every swirl of my tongue causes his breath to hitch and his body to tremble. I hollow my cheeks, sucking him harder, my mouth working in tandem with the strokes of my hand.

His grip tightens in my hair, guiding my movements as I take him deeper, his crown pushing against the muscles at the back of my throat. Tears prick at the corners of my eyes, but I push through, determined to bring him to the edge.

“Eyes on me.”

I pull back just enough to lock gazes. His expression is raw, filled with a need so intense it makes my breath catch. His eyes burn with a molten intensity, and in them, I see my own reflection—a goddess, a temptress, a woman unafraid of her desires.

Gaze darkening with lust, he thrusts into my mouth. “You look so beautiful with your lips wrapped around my cock.”

Moaning, I swallow around his length, my own arousal building with his shudders and groans. They mingle with the snap and crackle of the fire, and the soft rustle of the wind.

“I’m going to take your throat, Amethyst. Do you want that? Do you want me to use you?”

“Yes,” I say around my mouthful. “Please.”

He tightens his grip in my hair, holding my head steady as he pulls back his hips. With a powerful thrust, he drives deep and hard into my mouth, meeting the resistance of a ring of muscle.

“Relax your throat, baby,” he says softly, his thumb caressing my cheek in a tender gesture. “Let me in.”

Nodding, I surrender to him, forcing my muscles to loosen, letting him slide further down my mouth. As he passes my gag reflex, we both groan.

“Just like that,” he rumbles.

He moves back and forth, taking control, each powerful thrust delivering a wave of pleasure. His taste, his scent, the feel of his cock stretching my lips—it’s intoxicating, making my core throb harder with need.

“Ah… you’re my good girl. My very special, little treat.”

With my free hand, I slide my fingers into my panties and rub a circle around my swollen clit. Arousal coats my fingers, slick and hot as I pleasure myself, matching my movements to the rhythm of his hips.

“That’s right. Stroke it nice and slow.”

Every moan, every gasp from Xero heightens my own pleasure, and I press harder, needing my own release.

“You’re taking me so deep, so well. Fuck, little ghost, you’re going to make me come.”

I want to push him over the edge, to feel the power of his climax, to take control of this awesome being. His cock throbs, his abs tense, his breath comes in ragged gasps. Just as he’s about to climax, he pulls back, his cock slipping from my lips with a wet pop.

“Xero?” I ask, my voice breathy.

He leans down, his eyes locking with mine. “You’ve been such a good girl for me, I’m going to give you what you want.”

My eyes widen.

“Lie back for me, baby. I’m going to take your sweet cunt.”