Chapter 2

Maria

Remember, you hate him with everything inside of you.

That was true enough, the moment of meeting him certainly no one's traditional fairytale, but seeing him in the tuxedo had awakened something deep inside. Even the moments of possession when we'd danced, Daniel keeping both his eyes locked on mine and his hand on the small of my back had been enthralling.

Shuddering, I tried to shut down the wave of emotions, concentrating on the shivers that had continuously raced down my spine.

I was in his house, in his bedroom, fighting the same nervousness I'd thought I'd conquered.

The room was a beautiful representation of romance. From the lit column candles and the soft bedding already turned down, the sheets and pillows covered in red rose petals, to the beautiful strains of Spanish guitar music lilting through unseen speakers and the bottle of champagne on ice, the powerful man had thought of everything.

Only all I could think about was comparing the crimson petals to drops of blood as I wondered how many people he'd killed in his life. I backed against the wall opposite the bed, daring to glance in his direction as he closed the bedroom door, walking toward me slowly.

"I don't want this," I told him.

"You have no choice."

"You said it was strictly business."

"I never lied to you. I thought in truth I was very clear as to my expectations when we met before. Do you not remember?"

His caustic words reminded me of the chaos I'd allowed into my life. "Oh, I remember. You acted as if I was nothing but your possession, a toy or a treat you could devour when you wanted." The bravado in my tone surprised even me.

Goddamn, his smugness was even more intense than before, the man stalking toward me. "Let's get something straight, sweetheart. There are rules you will learn to follow."

"I play by no man's rules. You should know that by now."

"Please, princess. You've been your daddy's little pawn your entire life. Haven't you?"

That was the sad truth for me. No matter my determination to be independent, my interactions with my father made it obvious I was not. He ruled with an iron fist, just like I suspected this man did. This… bastard of a man. "This isn't what I signed up for."

He cocked his head. "It's not? I beg to differ. You're required to produce an heir, maybe more than one."

I was confused by his words, my mind searching over the terms of the contract. Oh, God. Had I not seen that part on the detailed contract? Was I really supposed to bear his children then consider leaving?

The way the bastard laughed riled everything inside me. "You're an intelligent woman, my pet. Certainly, you read over that paragraph. Or did you place so much trust in your father you ignored it?"

He continued closing the distance and I threw my hand out. "Don't come any closer."

While he stopped briefly, he took another purposeful step closer, daring to defy me as I'd done to him. "I will do anything I want, sweet, luscious Maria. And do you want to know why? Because you belong to me, princess."

"I'm no one's princess."

Why did a shiver slam down my spine all the way to my toes hearing his powerful, dominating statement?

"You are to me. You're my sweet, delicious, and stunning wife."

God, how I wanted to hate him for his attempt at seducing me, but I couldn't take my eyes off him, let alone push him away. Up until this point, I'd hated men who pulled the dominant card, as if being a powerful alpha male provided not only a get out of jail free card but one that gave explicit permission to do what he wanted and take what he craved. But for some illogical reason, I found his brutality and air of arrogance attractive.

Maybe the champagne I'd consumed had gone straight to my head.

As he studied me from the shadows of his room, now our room, his eyes burned hot as volcanic ash. Even the way a growl worked up from the depth of his throat was scintillating, so much so I couldn't seem to stop quivering from being in his presence. There was no denying how aroused I was, my nipples hard pebbles pressing against the luxurious dress I'd changed into at the reception. The deep throb between my legs was more intense than before, the fragrance of my desire unmistakable.

Daniel had succeeded in making me feel like a queen, attentive and romantic, while remaining predatory while watching over his newly found possession. Maybe I should feel flattered that his eyes had never left me, peeling away layers of not only clothing but my inhibitions as well, yet I remained starkly annoyed with the entire situation.

"Claiming you for the first time will be a sweet reward for the long, sanctimonious day," he said in a deep, rich voice that reminded me of the darkest chocolate, every syllable a whisper of pure indulgence.

Suddenly, my mouth was parched, my stomach in knots. I'd never felt so awkward in front of a man. While the reception had been incredible, every aspect exactly what I would have dreamt of, I'd remained uneasy the entire time. The whirlwind romance was the perfect novel, the bad alpha man capturing the damsel, requiring her to belong to him.

A laugh threatened to bubble in my throat, my nerves so taut I was terrified I wouldn't be able to get through the night. I watched as he yanked off his jacket, the dark linen perfectly outlining his muscular physique. After tossing it onto a chair and ripping off his bow tie, he returned his full and very heated gaze toward me. There was something so erotic about the way he unfastened the diamond and black onyx cufflinks, placing them carefully into a small wooden box on his dresser.

I'd done everything in my life to push men aside, to squelch the burning need that all women had. There'd been no time for frivolous trysts or playing games. There was no purpose to engaging in small talk or going on numerous first dates because the difficulties of my life prevented me from doing so.

He turned fully toward me, taking a few steps closer as he unbuttoned his crisp white shirt halfway down and for some crazy reason, I was wondering how much his weekly dry-cleaning bill was. That's how nervous I was, how much the powerful man affected me.

As he drew near, his nostrils flared, the deep rumble in his throat increasing. He was a wild animal on the hunt and I'd already been ensnared. After rolling his sleeves over his elbows, he closed the distance, wrapping his hand around the back of my neck and pulling me toward him. I was forced to plant my palms on his chest to keep some sense of personal distance.

He cocked his head, the look of lust increasing. "You will not fight me, my sweet flower. I'm now your husband."

Husband.

The word held so many connotations including ownership.

The feel of his hand, the possessive nature of his actions as if he was collaring me should drive my irritation to another level, one I loathed. But it felt almost comforting, as if he was presenting me with an exquisite diamond necklace. Oh, wait. That had already been done on our first meeting. The man had believed he could buy me with jewels. What was next?

His hold remained firm as he lowered his head, allowing his heated breath to cascade across my face and neck. The tingling sensations only increased, the rapid pulse in my neck matching the thudding heartbeat that kept me lightheaded. Suddenly, his lips were dangerously close, the scent of his exotic and woodsy aftershave as intoxicating as the many glasses of champagne I'd consumed. Even the expensive libation hadn't dulled my senses or my nerves.

I had no idea what he was waiting for but when he finally crushed his lips over mine, I was thrown into a dizzying moment of pleasure. A moan erupted from my mouth, which he captured, the strangled sound in protest yet I wrapped my fingers around his shirt, rising onto my tiptoes. The way my body was betraying me brought another mixture of excitement and shame, the dichotomy keeping me on edge.

Daniel brushed his thumb back and forth across my cheek, the romantic action adding to the electric vibrations that had occurred the first time we'd met. And while I wanted to continue keeping my distance, refusing to fall prey to his toxic lure, the kiss was far too amazing. I couldn't stop tingling, goosebumps popping along every inch of skin.

My pussy throbbed more than before as he thrust his tongue inside, sweeping it back and forth. Every inch of my body was aching, my desire becoming overwhelming. I craved the man taking exactly what he wanted. The kiss reeked of passion, his commanding ways a perfect aphrodisiac.

When he pulled away, he laughed softly. The sound was almost evil, the man planning on what he would do next. He dragged his tongue from one side of my jaw to the other before biting down on my lower lip.

I shuddered audibly, my body swaying. He backed me toward the side of the bed.

"I could kiss you for hours, my lovely wife, and perhaps I will. All over." He gently eased me to a sitting position, once again brushing his hand down the side of my face. He was at least ten years older, the tiny lines near his luminous eyes adding character. I felt so young, so vulnerable even though I'd lived two lives in the last few years. At least that's what it felt like.

"Get away from me," I dared to say.

"You know that's not going to happen."

"I hate you."

"Good. You know what they say about how hot sex can be between two people who can't stand each other." He was having so much fun with this, acting as if everything I was saying was all about fun and games.

When a single whimper escaped my mouth, he chuckled darkly, shaking his head as if curious as to why I was playing at being innocent. I was known to be worldly, a party girl who'd used her family's wealth and influence to jet all over Italy and beyond, indulging in whatever fantasy and gorgeous men I hungered for.

Yet I wasn't that girl. My experience with men was limited, the two times I'd bothered not something I wanted to remember.

As he dropped to his knees, I leaned back, still trying to keep some sense of private space. He took his time removed one of my heels then the other, rolling his callused hand from one foot to the inside of my leg. I'd believed he would be a man who'd never done a hard day's work in his life, and finding out that he not only owned but worked on his ranch was one pleasant surprise. Now the roughness of his touch proved to be a powerful enticement.

Yet as he pushed my dress up to the tops of my thighs, I fought to keep my legs closed.

"Tsk. Tsk. Do not try and keep my pussy away from me, Maria. Every inch of you now belongs to me."

His pussy.

As if nothing about my person or my life belonged to me any longer.

I placed my hands behind me, fighting the anguished breathing, shocked when he lowered his head, pressing his wet lips against the inside of one thigh. I shivered violently as I remembered one time when a man hadn't taken no for an answer. It was a bad memory I'd managed to lock away until now, the experience one of the worst of my life.

Which was why as a heated blush rolled up from my toes, I was almost sickened by the extreme wave of lust tearing through me. I continued fighting the building shame from my wanton needs as his hot breath wafted across my silk-covered sex. There was no doubt he knew how wet I was, my damp panties clinging to me.

As the embarrassment continued, I wanted to look away, to drive my mind to a place of protection while he finished the dirty deed. But I couldn't. He was so handsome, so tender in the way he touched me that I was mesmerized by every action he took. "Fuck you." I barely recognized my own voice any longer. Who had I become?

"Don't be nervous," he said quietly. Softly. But the deepness of his voice was still overwhelming. "I won't hurt you." When he lifted his head, he took his time sliding his fingers to the thin lace of my thong, the heated look on his face increasing to something more primal as he slipped his index finger underneath. "You are beautiful, from your dark curls and quirky smile, to your long legs and voluptuous figure, and especially your pretty pink pussy."

Issuing another growl, he refused to take no for an answer, pressing his entire face into the silky material. Another moan slipped past my pursed lips and I couldn't help myself, rolling my fingers through his thick strands of hair. I threw my head back, allowing a nervous laugh to erupt. He rubbed his thumb across the sensitive crease of my thigh as he worked his tongue with the material, pushing it past my swollen folds.

I couldn't do this. I couldn't fake it. I couldn't… If that was the truth, then why was the desire so intense?

He was ceremoniously unraveling all my inhibitions, the time he was taking exactly what I needed. When his thumb slipped under the elastic, finding my throbbing clit, I let off a series of strangled sounds.

"Oh. Yes. I…" I licked my parched lips, fighting the beautiful sensations as if enjoying this was a bad thing to do.

"You can let go around me, my sweet wife. I'm going to break you down and build you back, igniting the fire I sense is burning deep within. Then I'll do it all over again."

Desire lodged in my throat, making it impossible to respond. He pushed my legs further apart, his upper lip curling as he tugged at my thong, pulling it ever so slowly past my hips. I couldn't blink, could barely breathe as he pulled the soft material down the length of my legs, ripping it the rest of the way off. As he brushed his hands along my calves once again, he widened my legs, smirking as if he'd opened a present on Christmas morning.

Every action he took was deliberate, lowering his head as his breathing became as ragged as mine. When he blew across my aching pussy, I let off a strangled whimper, which he took as approval to have his way with me.

The first flick of his tongue across the tender tissue of my clit was enough to send another wave of dazzling electric jolts through every muscle and cell. I was already on fire, my mind a complete blur as he swirled the tip several times before pulling the swollen tissue into his mouth. I couldn't stop gasping for air as he used his thumbs to open my pussy, exposing every inch of my vulnerability.

There was something so sinful about watching the huge man feasting, every sound he made carnal. He lifted his gaze, locking his eyes with mine as he rolled his tongue up and down the length of me, the growls he issued a reminder he was nothing but a savage beast. I had a sense the man was going to devour me whole and I wasn't certain if I had the strength to fight him. Why should I? This was allowed. I'd married him. I'd signed the marriage license with a trembling hand.

As he buried his head in my wetness, I issued a strangled gasp, realizing I'd given him more than just my approval. I'd offered my body to a man I didn't know as if there was no other choice. In truth, there wasn't. I'd made a deal with the devil, choosing to accept the marriage. I couldn't go back on my word. At least not now. Every sound he made pushed me further into a sweet vacuum where all time stopped, my mind a significant blur.

Processing what was happening between us would take time, but tonight I would allow myself to bask in the sweetness of our coupling. Every sound he made was illicit, adding to my feeling he was nothing but a primal beast. I tipped my head back, staring up at the ceiling as he continued licking me fervently. He returned to my clit, sucking with such fervor that I cried out.

"Oh, God. Oh…"

He licked and sucked, driving several fingers inside my tight channel and I tossed my head back and forth. The flames of desire and shame wrapped around me, searing every nerve ending. I allowed myself to become lost in the sheer pleasure, half laughing and half moaning as he tormented me with his wicked tongue.

I was more lightheaded than before, my blood boiling as his actions became rougher. He dug his fingers into my skin, lifting my feet off the floor.

"Come for me, my lovely wife. Come hard."

His command was something that my mind wanted to deny and ignore, longing to keep him from believing he had that much power over me but there wasn't a chance. My body was a treacherous beast that knew no shame. My lungs were suddenly constricted, my throat closing as the sweet rush of ecstasy tore through me.

"Daniel. Oh, God. Daniel." It was the first time I'd screamed out his name in sheer bliss, but I knew it wouldn't be the last. He had more control over me than I could imagine, pulling me to a release that left me panting for air.

My core exploded with fire, my womb constricting almost painfully as the sensual man refused to stop, every sound he made more intense than before. He was enjoying his moment of unraveling me, a warrior who'd managed with ease to force his opponent to surrender. Stars in the brightest colors floated in front of my eyes, the ache in my body intensifying as he refused to let me go.

My slight scream was muffled, fearful that his staff would hear me, that they'd consider me weak when I was stronger than anyone realized. His tongue continued assaulting me for another full minute, only slowing when I stopped shaking.

He pressed his lips against one inner thigh then the other, chuckling once again as if he'd won this round between us. He continued pumping his fingers inside as he lifted his head at the same time as I did. There was something so deliriously filthy about the way he licked my cum off his lips.

"You taste as sweet as I knew you would."

Why was it that his sinful words enthralled me as much as the man himself? I struggled to keep my composure as he rose to his feet. The way he reached for his belt drew my attention, the expression on his face keeping me on the pinnacle of insanity. After unfastening the thick leather strap and unzipping his trousers, he reached behind his head, yanking his shirt off and pitching the unwanted material to the floor.

As he'd done with tasting me, he took his time in unfastening his watch, placing it on the nightstand, a slight smirk curling on his upper lip. We couldn't seem to take our eyes off each other, the heat between us building to an explosive level. He was even more beautiful than I'd imagined, his chest and arms perfectly chiseled, sculpted from days of hard work instead of the gym. My mouth continued to water as I longed to trace the tattoos running down one side of his chest with my fingers.

The black rose intermixed with vines added to his dangerous persona, not that I needed a representation of how ruthless he was.

When he finally lowered his trousers and boxer shorts, I bit my lower lip to keep from crying out. His cock was even more of a creation of beauty, a gift from God, the tip swollen and purple. Pre-cum was glistening in the flickering candlelight, the sight of his full arousal keeping the edge of excitement burning brightly.

After peeling away his pants, he fisted his cock, stroking up and down the length from the base. I remained on my elbows, studying him as intently as he'd done to me.

"Remove your dress," he growled.

I shook my head, enjoying the moment of being able to defy him.

"Be careful, sweet wife, or I'll be forced to punish you for your act of insolence. And I don't think you want me to rip off the remainder of your clothes."

A part of me wanted to continue being rebellious, to try to escape from him. Yet when he planted his hands on either side of me, leaning over until the tip of his throbbing cock was pressed against my chest, I realized I wasn't going anywhere.

Even if I wanted to.

"Take. It. Off."

His words were barely audible, the guttural sound reverberating in my ears. He grinned before pulling back, cocking his head and waiting until I complied with his command. I could tell he wasn't a patient man. I eased the beautiful silk wrap dress over my shoulders, exposing the only clothing left, a matching bra to my blushing pink thong.

"Jesus Christ," he muttered as he wrapped his hand around his cock for a second time. As he pumped the base, he twisted his hand, and I couldn't help but flick my finger across my lace-covered taut nipple in response.

"Don't tease me, lovely wife. You won't like me if you do." I heard the taunting in his voice but there was also a subtle threat, the man obviously used to taking what he wanted. His way.

I continued toying with him, easing one bra strap over my shoulder then the other, rising to a full sitting position and dragging my tongue around my lips in a provocative manner.

The tendons in his neck tightened, the few curse words he issued ones of appreciation. When I finally lowered the lacey material, his upper lip curled again. "All mine."

I wanted to hate his words of possession all over again, but they titillated me. I finally felt comfortable enough to free my body of the tight confines, a flush of embarrassment spiraling almost out of control from being naked and vulnerable around him.

He took another deep breath in appreciation before wrapping his hand around my throat, keeping me pinned down. "Goddamn, you are so beautiful."

I felt beautiful for the first time in my life, my heart continuing to race as he rolled his hand up and down his cock, something I now wanted to do. I licked my lips in anticipation as his hold tightened, every nerve ending tickled by white-hot heat.

"Do you long to taste me, lovely wife?"

"Yes."

"Are you a good girl?"

I laughed from the question. He truly didn't know me at all. "Never."

"I'll have to keep that in mind." He shifted his hand to the back of my head, fisting my hair then pulling me several inches forward until his thick cock was only an inch from my hungry mouth.

There was no need to demand me to lick, my tongue darting out involuntarily. The moment I dipped the tip through his pre-cum, I began to shake uncontrollably. The taste of him was sweet yet tangy, awakening my senses. Every facial muscle was strained, the way he was looking at me as if he wasn't entirely certain whether to claim my skin with his cum or to fuck me like a crazed animal.

When he pushed the tip past my lips, I slipped my hand between his legs, cupping and squeezing his balls.

"Fuck, yes. Your mouth is so damn hot."

As he thrust it deeper inside, I swirled my tongue back and forth, trying to relax my throat. He never blinked as he fucked my mouth, the tip finally hitting the back of my throat. He held me in position for a few seconds, my eyes watering as my jaw muscles stretched. There was no denying the longing that continued to build or the need to have his cock buried deep inside.

I was certain he would let go, forcing me to lip every drop of his sweet cream but he pulled out, stumbling backward, raking both his hands through his hair.

"Not like this. Not yet. But soon I will paint your skin with my cum, leaving you a sticky mess. But right now, I need to fuck that tight pussy of yours. Over and over again."