Chapter 17

Kraven

I had expensive tastes.

At least for the most part.

From the early days of first-class flights, to now with the feasts and accommodations of private jets and five-star restaurants where I was catered to hand and foot, I'd been spoiled with the best of everything. Maybe I'd taken it all for granted, expecting no less than perfection.

A little-known secret about me was that caviar and lobster weren't tops on my lists of delicious food. I hadn't lied to the stunning copper-haired sex kitten. However, given my stature in society, the kind of royalty Penny had mentioned, merely indulging in a cheeseburger and fries was something I rarely did.

Perhaps that was why the feast we'd been presented, watching the way she savored every bite, her eyelids half closed, her long lashes skimming across her shimmering cheeks had been so damn enjoyable.

And why the food tasted scrumptious, more so than ever before. Sure, I'd eaten a handful of burgers here, also telling her the truth about indulging in junk food on several occasions. But this was… special.

"This is the best burger I ever ate," she murmured after taking a bite, holding her fingers in front of her face as if I'd be incensed by her talking and chewing at the same time.

"You're not finished yet." She ate like a guy, chomping down heartedly. I found that entirely too sexy, making sitting in my chair uncomfortable.

"Are you trying to tell me that I must be a good girl and finish my lunch or I won't get dessert?" She even altered her voice to sound like a young girl.

Now my goddamn cock was pinched against my zipper. I was forced to shift in my seat to keep from crying out in pain. She seemed to notice, grinning before biting down far too slowly on yet another juicy mouthful. Damn if I wasn't thinking about how hot it would be to feed each other. And how perfect it would be to lather her entire body in whipped cream and spend my time getting a sugar rush.

"Yes, my dear captive. You are required to follow every single one of my rules."

"At least you're finally admitting I'm your captive. I can't imagine what's next. Tattoos with your name? Branding?" She'd gone from tormenting me about my less than calm life to being more playful than anyone I'd ever been with in the blink of an eye. "However, you're going to learn I don't like following rules, especially from overbearing men."

"Both excellent ideas. Now, I'm overbearing?"

"You bet you are."

She'd also refused to talk further about my recommendation that she work in one of my clubs. However, she would soon discover that what I wanted I always acquired. While the fact she was in considerable danger remained in the back of my mind, I'd already decided after fucking her that I wanted more, including time spent with her.

What that meant, I wasn't certain. I merely accepted once with her wasn't nearly enough.

I was an insatiable man.

I stole one of her fries since I'd already eaten all of mine, unable to keep from grinning. She was a natural beauty and the care she took with Remington was just as stunning.

As cheese oozed past her luscious lips, I found myself involuntarily slipping my finger through the bright orange dollop, bringing it to my mouth. The entire time I sucked on my finger, she stopped chewing, lifting her head away from her half pound of meat, so much lust in her eyes that my cock immediately responded.

"I warned you that you needed a second slice of cheese," she finally whispered in her sultry voice. As she broke off another bite of her burger, cooing as she handed it to Remington, I realized the way I felt about the woman wasn't just about exploring every inch of her. I genuinely enjoyed her company. I honestly couldn't remember the last time I'd felt that way about anyone.

I was so used to my life being strictly business, not trusting anyone because doing so meant potentially costing me my life.

Or my freedom.

What I hadn't told her about my time being a hostage was that it had happened because I'd been betrayed by a friend. A best friend. A guy I'd palled around with for almost two years. He'd known more about me than anyone, likely even my father. That's where I'd made my mistake. In trusting him with private details, aspects about my father's business, I'd opened myself up to becoming a victim.

I had no clue why the ugliness had surfaced other than longing to know why she'd felt the need to cut her beautiful skin. However, spending what little time I had with Penny had reminded me that I wasn't really living any longer. I was existing.

How ironic that a man with money, clout, and all the toys money could buy found himself unfulfilled.

"Well, I guess I'll need to start taking your advice from here on out."

She shoved a fry into her mouth, her eyes full of mischief. After swallowing she dabbed her lips with the napkin before leaning over, suddenly acting prim and proper. "Most men don't have a clue that all women are much smarter in every way." Thankfully, she waited for a few seconds before bursting into laughter.

And dear God, I wanted to consume every inch of her.

"Why did you go to work for the Morellis?"

She exhaled, her mood changing entirely. "Because I'd applied to about eight other places and no one wanted me. I didn't know they were reprehensible pigs at the time."

"Were they aware you knew about the sex trafficking or their auction?"

"It was all the chatter, every girl talking about it. You need to remember I wasn't in the habit of having conversations with them. Their manager hired me. However, Rocco mentioned they were grooming me for the auction so…"

I tensed, more than eager to rip their throats out. "Did they hurt you?"

"No. They just scared me."

"They will never be able to lay a hand on you!"

"I really appreciate you holding onto that Neanderthal thought process, but I have no intentions of going back there."

"No, you won't. You will work for me or no one."

Once again, her eyes opened wide.

Reaching down, she petted her pup before shifting out of the seat. "You will take care of Remington while I freshen up. Won't you?" It was her way of making a demand.

And avoiding the conversation.

"Absolutely." I pushed my plate away, tossing my napkin onto the table and motioning for the waiter. I was completely mesmerized by the way she walked, her rounded hips swaying just enough that any red-blooded male would find his mouth watering.

As Aaron arrived less than a minute later, I didn't wait for him to ask what I wanted, merely handing him a few hundred-dollar bills. "Let me ask you a question. Do you know the show Miami Vice?"

Of course I confused the hell out of him but he smiled, his dimples showing. "Everyone does. Hot show. Lots of sexy babes."

"Do I look like I belong in an episode?"

Aaron's smile turned wry as he took a step back, glancing down at my attire. "Almost a spitting image of Sonny Crockett. Well, minus the blond hair of course."

It would seem I needed to find out more about this nonexistent man and why I was being compared to him. I chuckled to myself. Why did it matter? It was interesting that her increase in spunk, her ability to let go around me had resulted in my increasing need for her.

In the most carnal of ways.

"You won't mind taking care of our beloved dog for a few moments. Will you?" I asked, although Aaron knew me well enough that I sensed he realized it wasn't really a request.

"Oh, no, sir. No problem. The staff has wanted to meet him."

"Good. The money is for your inconvenience and for the tab. Also, ensure no one bothers my special date and myself inside the women's restroom for a few minutes." When he said nothing at first, I lifted my head. The poor kid was speechless, merely nodding his head like a bobblehead doll.

Taking that as an affirmative, I moved to a standing position, winking at the pup before heading toward the bathrooms. I knew the furry creature would be well taken care of for the few minutes I needed.

What I had determined during our festive lunch was that she still wasn't taking my authority or the fact she was being held captive for a reason seriously. Maybe I was pushing my luck by taking a firmer hand, or by longing to indulge in a little playtime.

I couldn't care less.

Besides, I was eager to get the last round of interrogation concluded. If Konstantin had found anything in her background that should be considered a red flag, he would already have let me know. That being said, with enough money, anyone could alter their identity and the best CIA agent in the world would never discover the ruse. That's why I would use my instinct and my observation skills while utilizing a milder form of interrogation.

I wanted nothing more than to believe she was the innocent victim in all of this. That didn't make the outcome any easier, but I would hate to go back on my promise that I had no intentions of hurting her. At this point, it would be like a dagger shoved into my little black heart.

As I opened the door for the women's bathroom, I noticed a back kitchen worker putting a temporary out of order sign in front of the door. Another grin crossed my face. I was having far too much fun with this. As soon as I walked in, I took note no one else was inside. Good. That would prevent me from being a little rude and telling the unwanted audience to get the hell out.

While I wouldn't mind fucking my Red Penny in front of a dozen or more people, providing a little taste of humiliation, it wouldn't be here in this cheap ass bathroom.

She was humming softly to herself inside the stall. I leaned against the wall, deciding how I wanted to handle giving her a reminder that as of this moment, her health, welfare, and behavior all belonged to me. I rubbed my jaw, thinking about it for a few seconds. Why not use what I had with me?

As soon as I started to unfasten my belt buckle, the toilet was flushed. She was still humming, her voice an angelic lilt as she swept from the stall without bothering to notice the hulking mass of a man waiting for her. Given my size, she was a tiny little thing, all rounded curves and the perfect legs to wrap around a man. Even her breasts were sized to fit in a pair of hands.

My hands.

I was becoming very possessive of her. I'd almost made myself laugh, which would stop the slight element of surprise. Before she even made it to the sink, she'd closed her eyes, swaying to whatever music was going on inside that big brain of hers.

That allowed me to finish unbuckling, even sliding the thick strap from my belt loops. She did a little twirl that was in step, bringing her back to the center of the wash basin and the mirror. When she lowered her head, turning on the water, I knew it was only a matter of seconds before she realized she wasn't alone.

I was right.

When she jerked her head up, her slight screech was cut off the second her eyes focused, recognition settling in. I was already unsure how she'd react to just about anything, so I waited, swinging the belt in front of me.

She took a deep breath, holding it as she slowly lowered her gaze to what I was holding. "You do realize you're in the wrong bathroom. Or is there something you need to tell me?"

I did enjoy how she loved to tease me.

I took a decided step toward her, barely able to contain myself. Even her light floral fragrance, another selection I'd insisted on, had become a powerful aphrodisiac. Perhaps what I adored about her the most was her potty mouth. And it would eventually get her into trouble.

"As you suspected, pretty Penny, the celebrity status you insist I have comes with the power of being able to do what I want to do and take what I want without being questioned by anyone."

"Because they know you'll kill them. Bang. Bang." She even used her fingers like a gun.

I cocked my head, giving her a stern look. The fact I was still able to make her nervous was at this moment something I needed to explore. All the joking aside, protecting her would mean she needed to fully embrace the situation.

Finally, she seemed more anxious than before, rubbing her hands down her dress and dragging just the tip of her tongue across her lower lip. When she glanced at the belt again, I took that as a cue, turning her to face the mirror as I'd done only hours before.

Only this time was different. I was more in control, eager to make good on my promise she belonged to me. Did that make me an evil man? Not any more so than usual.

"Do you know what happens to bad girls who don't follow the rules?" I took a few seconds, rolling the edge of the belt down her spine. As I lifted my gaze, I noticed the tiniest bead of perspiration over her lip. Unable to help myself, I rolled the tip of my finger through it, rubbing her lips with it.

She shuddered and finally shook her head.

"They're required to learn lessons the hard way."

"Why?" She was more breathless than before.

"Because the cause and effect are more significant in my world."

"I don't think I want to be in your world."

I lowered my head, brushing my tongue from the nape of her neck to the thin strap crossing her slender shoulder. "Fortunately for me, you have no choice. Now, it's time you take your punishment like a good girl. If you do, perhaps you'll be allowed to have that dessert you seem to covet. In two ways."

She wasn't certain what to make of my actions as I ripped up the hem of her dress, exposing the tiny thong she'd chosen to wear. As I'd experienced before, it was close to impossible not to alter my decision, fucking her instead. That would certainly come later.

Again and again.

"Why are you doing this?" she finally asked.

"Because you're not taking this seriously." And because I enjoyed indulging in my sadistic needs, more so around the feisty vixen.

"You really aren't going to let me go."

"No." As soon as I issued the one-word answer, I cracked the belt across her buttocks.

She bit her lower lip, her eyes full of venom. I could tell she wasn't interested in providing me with the satisfaction of expressing pain.

"Did you know who I was before you entered that restaurant or that I owned it?"

Her expression shifted into the defiant girl I'd met the day before. "If I'd have known, I would have selected Burger King."

I cracked the belt down three times, the force and anguish obviously enough to roll her onto her tiptoes. Her grip on the counter was also much stronger, but she still refused to make a sound.

"You're not working for the Morelli brothers?"

"I told you. The fucking pigs fired me." Her voice was slightly more breathless like her pulse had already become elevated.

I couldn't end the spanking, smacking her four times this go-around and she finally jerked back, kicking up one of her legs. As she started to pant, I sensed she was debating running away. I pressed my palm against the small of her back, locking eyes with her in the mirror.

"Relax, Penny. We're just talking."

"You really believe I had something to do with trying to get you killed? Don't you? And you stand here while I crack your ass with a horrible strap and see if you can relax."

"Everything you told me is the truth?"

"Yes. Yes. Yes. How many times do I need to tell you? I just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Another two strikes were issued and she fisted her hand, shaking it at me.

"Why won't you believe me?" Her exasperation wasn't something that could be faked.

I didn't answer right away, taking a few precious seconds to run my fingers from one side of her bottom to the other. The heat was building in her skin. So were the delicious blush-colored stripes on her sweet curves. I relished the thought she would have a difficult time sitting comfortably for a little while. When a hint of desire wafted between us, I was forced to curl my fingers or thrust them into her pussy all over again.

From there, I wasn't certain I'd be able to stop.

So, I brought the belt down three times, allowing her to catch her breath and curse me out by calling me every bad name I'd ever heard before cracking three more just for good measure.

"You are a… bastard," she huffed, lifting and bending first one leg then the other. I was almost positive she was going to start hopping given the level of agony she had to be feeling.

"So you've already said without holding anything back."

"Do you want to hear me again? Son of a bitch. Asshole. Jerk. Arrogant prick. How's that?"

"Didn't your mother ever teach you that using curse words could result in having your mouth washed out with soap?" At this point, I was kidding. I'd gotten what I wanted. She wasn't working with the Morelli boys. She couldn't stand them. But that didn't mean they weren't behind the assassination attempt.

Especially after what I'd done with one of their main men, the lead kidnapper of young women sold into bondage and torture for their rest of their lives. When they'd found bloated fish and sharks six months before, they'd ceased their auctions, but I had it under good authority their self-imposed moratorium had recently ended.

For the briefest of seconds, my thoughts drifted to the upcoming visit from the Santos brothers. Hopefully, they could fill in some blanks since I was batting zero at this point.

And I never liked to lose in love or war.

"You wouldn't dare," was her answer.

"Are you really going to continue taunting me?"

She nibbled on her lower lip, sliding away from me by a solid foot. "Where is my dog?"

"I assure you he's perfectly safe."

"Oh, yeah, with one of your goons. Great."

I shoved the belt back through the loops, not bothering to fasten it just yet. When I sensed she was ready to try to bolt like a terrified fawn, I pulled her back against me, immediately sliding my hand under the front hem of her dress.

"What are you doing?" She struggled but not nearly with as much gusto as she'd done so many other times before.

I continued brushing the tips of my fingers up and down the inside of her thigh as I pushed my face into her neck. Her skin was hot, her breath skipping. "Whatever I want."

"No. Just…"

As soon as I flicked a flinger across the lace covering her pussy, she moaned and I took a deep breath, savoring the fragrance of her desire. Her panties were soaked, more so than I'd originally believed. Maybe my innocent girl thrived on a powerful man keeping her in line. I was so enthralled I slipped my fingers under the thin elastic, immediately swirling the tip around her clit.

I felt her knees buckle and wrapped my arm around her waist to keep her from falling. "You're wet for me, ideal'naya penni, yet you say you can't stand me. Isn't that what you call an oxymoron?" I continued my brash actions, including nipping her earlobe.

She giggled, shaking her head. "No, you're called the moron."

When I pinched her tender bud between two fingers, she bucked and slapped her hand against the counter.

"Remember what I said about cause and effect? Obedience versus disobedience?" I continued taunting her, now rolling a single finger up and down her slickened pussy.

"Yes." The single word was issued through clenched teeth.

"Well, good girls receive not only the dessert of their choice but whatever pleasure their hearts desire." I fanned out my fingers against her waist, grinding my hips back and forth so she knew exactly what she did to me.

But it was the way her body responded as I slowly finger fucked her that had me reeling from the vicious hunger that was ready to explode in my system. I closed my eyes, envisioning her naked body as I thrust one, two, then three fingers into her tight channel. As her pussy muscles clamped around the invasion, I was taken back to the initial moment of shock at how tight she'd been.

As her soft whimpers escalated, I used my knee to push her legs further apart. I allowed my actions to become rougher, plunging brutally as deep inside as possible. While she continued to undulate in my hold, she wasn't fighting to escape, merely struggling to allow me deeper access.

I yearned for more of it.

When I opened my eyes again, both of us staring at our combined reflection, I could tell she was close to coming by the way her chest rose and fell. So I slowed down, if only for a minute or so. She was far too gone, bucking her hips against my hand, her way of encouraging me to continue.

"My good little girl," I whispered, knowing that wouldn't last for very long. And I didn't want it to. I liked her bad and precocious, pushing my boundaries as no one had done before. We were gyrating together as I resumed a more savage thrust, now rolling my thumb around her clit at the same time. My cock was throbbing more than it had been at the table.

I would need relief at some point, but my gut told me we'd be interrupted soon, displacing our sweet moment of filth.

"Do you want to come for me, Red Penny?"

"Uh-huh." She could no longer speak, her voluptuous lips forming a perfect O as she flitted one hand over the one pressing her against me. The touch was more electric than before, locking down the connection.

"Then do it. Come on my fingers."

Her breathing became even more labored, so much so her shoulders were heaving, which was pushing her up onto her toes. I had a sense from before that no man had ever taken time to provide her with pleasure, merely getting their own round of satisfaction. That irritated the fuck out of me. For all the bad things I'd done in my life, the sadistic requirements I'd had of the women I'd been with, in turn I'd taken my time to find their pleasure points.

Seeing her reaction, the innocent response was particularly enthralling.

"I don't… It's too sensitive."

"Mmm…" I growled. "You will come."

She half laughed.

"Be my good girl. Come."

"Oh. Oh…" She lolled her head.

"Now!"

With her entire body rocking, she followed my command, her small whimpers becoming more pronounced. I refused to stop, flexing my fingers open as I plunged them over and over again.

She tossed her head back and forth, panting and moaning. I loved every second of seeing her climax, the light glisten on her skin. It was far more powerful and breathtaking than if she had been sucking my cock.

Which would happen at some point.

One sweet orgasm morphed into a bigger one, and I was almost forced to slap my hand across her mouth to keep her somewhat quiet. But she bit her lip instead, her eyes like saucers.

When she started to come down from the high, I removed my fingers.

"Open your mouth, Penny."

She pursed her lips instead just like I knew she'd do.

"Do not make me tell you again." Of course she wanted to continue testing me.

"Bastard," she whispered all over again. Could she have any idea that all she was doing was tossing gasoline on the fire that she'd started the second she'd walked into Giuseppe's? With a pouty face, she followed my orders.

I jammed my fingers into her mouth for a few seconds before pulling them out, shoving them into my mouth. As she stared at me with a mixture of amusement and disgust, I sucked loudly.

The taste of her was like snacking on a peach in the middle of a sunny summer afternoon. Wasn't I getting sappy as fuck?

"Come on, Red Penny. Let's get back to our day."

"Bastard."

I couldn't help but notice a gleam in her eyes.