Chapter 22

CHAPTER 22

B raxton

A brush of electricity.

A searing of my skin.

A simple rush of need and desire that I’d felt every time I was near her.

Her.

There it was again, using a pronoun instead of reciting her name in my mind or whispering it in the moonlight. I was one powerful man who’d been stymied by feelings for the first time in his life.

The thought of Jasmine dying continued to weigh heavily on my mind. I’d barked out orders not once but three times to Jack and his crew both on the jet and after landing, including when I’d shown him the security room where he and his team could work. I’d also barely allowed them to claim the rooms that would be theirs during the stay before going over my makeshift plan once again.

He’d finally gripped my arm, taking me aside from the other two. He’d kept his usually gruff voice quiet, but his tone had continued to mean business. And he’d told me in no uncertain terms to chill the fuck out, that he and his team knew what they were doing. And he’d reminded me that Jasmine had been through a horrific ordeal and likely needed a strong presence.

They should know exactly how to deal with the situation since they’d been involved and trained by special ops, but after saving her once again, I’d felt more than ever she was my total responsibility.

With a drink in my hand, the cool sand under my butt, and secured in a tropical environment, I should feel somewhat better. Yet the images of her haunted face continued to create additional disturbing visions in my mind. The shit was about to hit the fan.

I had managed to successfully research Maggie Wallum, the woman only a couple of years older than Jasmine. The girl had been fired, which could lead to some acts of revenge, but she had no record that I could find.

Jack had taken the task from me, determined to find out any details the girl had wanted hidden.

Meanwhile, I’d also had a conference call with Valerio and Gage. They’d known better than to grill me, especially when I’d started making no sense. They weren’t used to experiencing their brother being confounded. That was the perfect word.

I preferred utter control and organization, everything in its place at all times. I couldn’t tolerate tardiness or insolence, chastising both. Hell, I’d even done that with both brothers.

Being so out of sorts, unable to control a single thing except maybe her continued protection was like a noose around my neck and we were both standing on a thin glass shelf extended over the ocean.

I still had the feeling the girl was hiding a dark secret. I’d seen it in her eyes after the wreck. I’d felt in my bones during the kiss on the jet. It was a black cloud hanging over her.

The prickles on my skin continued to increase and I turned my head slightly, shoving aside all the bad juju I was certain I was igniting. She was here. Close. Too close. And the warped dude that I was only wanted to ravage her. What did that make me?

Jasmine crowded my space after a few seconds, sitting down next to me. She bent her knees as I’d done, crossing her arms over them. She didn’t look at me or acknowledge my presence but the electric vibrations humming like a live wire were a dead giveaway.

I kept my head cocked, watching the way she was studying and staring at the ocean, the moonlight highlighting the dreamy look in her eyes.

Somehow, I remained quiet, both of us lost in our thoughts. When she reached for my drink, I allowed our fingers to touch. The jolt of current was incredible, enough so she issued just the hint of a moan. I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off her as she lifted the glass to her lips. Maybe she was teasing me or simply being reflective but the cravings furrowing deep inside were increasing.

When she pressed her forehead into her hand after taking a sip, I sensed she had a lot on her mind. Of course she did.

“Have you ever been married?” she asked in her quiet voice.

It was impossible not to laugh. I pulled the glass from her hand, the touch lingering longer than before. “I’ve never wanted marriage or kids, swing sets and college tuition. I don’t think I would be good at it.”

“Well, I have to disagree. You’re a natural born hero.”

“I’m not a hero by any means. And I never figured out the specifics of relationships.”

“There’s really nothing to figure out,” she countered. “You’re either good at it or you aren’t. And love doesn’t just strike from the heavens like lightning. I should know. I suck at relationships and the single bolt of lightning I’d felt had been nothing more than an electric storm, not love. A nonexistent word for me.”

“So young to be so jaded.”

“And you’re any different?” She lay back on the sand, folding her arms behind her head.

“I’m not jaded, just practical.”

“Practicality is for old men and idiots and you are definitely neither.”

Even after the near crisis, she managed to make me laugh. I pushed the glass further away into the sand, swirling it so I wouldn’t kick it over easily and leaned down on my elbow. “Oh, so you’re an expert on practicality now as well as everything else.”

“Absolutely. I am knowledgeable about all things.”

I knew she was being somewhat coy, trying to rid herself of the same visions I’d been unable to but for both of us, it was impossible. “Hmmm… Then the next time I’m required to go to the quarterly board meeting, I’m taking you with me.”

She laughed, the sound more like one I’d heard before. “Yes, I am also the master of all things.”

While the wind was light, I brushed a strand of hair behind her ear, basking in her beauty in a quiet, peaceful way. “Good to know. Also, the next time one of the sports cars need fine tuning or a repair, you’re my gal.”

She pressed her finger against my chest, giving me one more of her mischievous looks. “Now, that I can do. As long as the computer system isn’t too advanced. Why, oh, why did the car manufacturers not only design vehicles that most humans can’t work out, but the bastards also took away keys. I adore keys.”

“What’s your favorite car?”

“I have many. A GTO, a Trans Am, a Mustang. Little known fact. I stole a hot Camaro from an asshole at a bar.”

“You did not.”

“I certainly did,” she purred. “He deserved it too. He was lucky I didn’t take a bat to it. My father was so angry, he threatened to disown me. Of course that wasn’t the first time he’d done so.”

The shadow returned, a memory surfacing that she didn’t want. “How about when we return, I’ll buy you a fleet of whatever vehicles you want?”

It took her a few seconds to drift away from the fog. “You think you can buy me, huh?”

“Well, I certainly don’t mind trying if that will keep you obedient.” What the hell had she endured that she wasn’t mentioning?

“You are mean. Mean.” She pummeled her fists against my chest until I laughed but the feisty woman didn’t stop there, managing to wrap her legs around me and shoving me onto my back.

There was something incredible about the way she straddled me, dragging her hair back and forth. “Yes, I am a horrible man. I told you that at least five times.”

She pressed her knees into me with so much force I was shocked. The girl had muscles. “Tell me again.”

“Yep. A carnal predator with an intense appetite. I could easily devour you in one sitting.”

“Oh, you could, huh?” She lowered her head by a couple of inches.

“Oh, yeah.”

The slight awkwardness between us was quickly replaced with even more powerful vibrations of hunger. “Then do it. I need you inside of me.”

I pressed my fingers on the side of her face, uncertain it was the right thing to do. There was little I enjoyed more than dominating a woman, but I sensed a part of her was more fragile, the armor she’d worn for years coming undone in the second abduction attempt. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

“Because you don’t want me?” Jasmine pushed up from my chest. I didn’t need moonlight to feel her angry gaze. Her chest rose and fell from her labored breathing. Not from exertion but from more than a hint of anger.

“Want? Are you kidding me? I’ve been crazy with desire since the day I saw you in my casino. The need has only gotten stronger.”

Her breathing remained rattled but within seconds, she was the one who took control of the rush of passion. The way she kissed was as if her life depended on the connection we made together, the air we breathed. Every sound she made was more animalistic than human, and the way she was rocking her barely covered pussy was enough to drive a monk crazy.

Our combined scent was off the charts, the endorphins combined with my testosterone more than just combustible. I pitched her over in the sand, the sudden move breaking our connection.

Her laugh sparkled again with happiness and while I planted my hands on either side of her, taking back full control of her mouth, I had a feeling it would be short lived.

I swept my tongue inside, enjoying the hint of wine from her drink. I was so hard my balls were aching, in such need I couldn’t think straight. The kiss became manic, more so than before but we pitched and rolled several times. When she ripped at my clothes, my mind snapped. I adored the beach, having wild sex in a body of water amazing, but I refused to drive my cock into her with no blanket.

I had to draw the line somewhere.

The moment I backed away, able to jerk to my feet in one move, I had a feeling she was about ready to explode with her usual anger. Not that it bothered me but she’d awakened the beast and it was time for his dinner.

Before she had a chance to launch into me, I yanked her off the sand, tossing her over my shoulder with ease. I knew the unexpected move would shock her. Surprisingly, I was allowed to take several longs strides toward the villa before she reacted.

“What do you think you’re doing?” Her demand was adorable.

“Owning you. It’s that plain and simple.”

“You can’t own a person.”

“Wanna make a bet?” I headed up the stairs two at a time.

She smacked her fists against my back, wiggling in my hold. Did she seriously think she was going to be able to get away from me? Maybe the bump on her head was more severe than I’d thought.

“You know, I’ll get you for this.”

“You’ll probably try.” I took long strides into the bedroom I’d selected, wondering why I’d bothered to separate us in the first place. The same light was one housekeeping had switched on, which was barely adding more than a warm glow to the space.

When I placed her on the bed gently, she suddenly peered up at me like I was her savior. Her eyes were entirely too enigmatic, but my cock was throbbing. Playtime was over.

Sayeth her master.

The thought was as riveting as the woman. I sensed she wanted me to dominate her in every way yet remained cautious. As I’d done down on the sand, I planted my hands on either side of her, giving her more of a stern look. “You’re going to stay right here for a few seconds. I’ll be right back. You will do that. Correct?”

“Why, yes, sir.”

I cocked my head, kissing her nose before slowly backing away. I wanted her to experience sinful delights, hopefully taking her mind completely off the wretched day.

Yet my feisty woman was back in full force. I should have known better not to turn my back on her. I was barely four feet away and in almost near silence, she launched herself at my back, wrapping her arms around my neck in a stranglehold, her legs around my waist.

The force almost knocked us over, but I managed to maintain a standing position, even spinning her around as she attempted to strangle me.

I knew she was overcompensating, avoiding the questions and the experience. Why not go with it? Reality would settle in soon enough.

After spinning her around again, hoping to at least slightly disorient her, I tossed her onto the bed as I’d done before. Only I knew better than to offer a single additional chance of getting away. I held her down, grinning like some crazy loon while I fought not so elegantly to remove my belt.

At least it could be used as a temporary set of shackles while I retrieved rope or a more suitable method of keeping her bound to the bed.

She was sputtering, jerking her body from right to left as I fought with her to get one arm then the other over her head.

“You are more than mean. You’re a true bastard,” she groaned, the sound completely too adorable. It was enough that I almost doubled over in pain.

“Yep. A card carrying one too.”

“What is this?”

“Providing you with sheer pleasure.” She was definitely a wily little thing, almost managing to break free of my hold. But she also didn’t know what I was made of, especially when I was challenged by someone.

I finally managed to wrap loops around her wrists then the bedpost, but I wasn’t stupid. The light tether would hold for maybe five minutes. Maybe.

“Pleasure? You?” She licked her lips on purpose and the bad boy inside of me grabbed a handful of her pretty little tank top nightshirt, easily ripping it off her. Her mouth dropped open, almost matching the shock in her eyes. “That was my only nightshirt.”

She was now gritting her teeth, hissing at me while her eyes sparkled with hunger. “I tell you what,” I said and slipped my fingers under the elastic of her very short shorts. “I won’t tear the bottoms and promise to purchase any piece of lingerie you desire.”

After I removed them, she hissed again.

“What am I saying? I’ve decided you aren’t wearing anything but a collar and leash while you’re here.” No, I wasn’t planning on requiring that just yet, but it was worth issuing the statement to see an entirely different look of horror cross her face.

“No! You can’t do that.”

After tossing the shorts aside, I wasted no time tweaking one of her already fully aroused nipples. If she truly knew what I wanted to do to her, she would likely have me arrested. Hmmm… Now that might be fun. “I can do anything I want since I own the island and just took possession of you.”

It was adorable to see her so befuddled, warming my heart, which so many had been assured could never happen.

“No. I mean…” Now she wrinkled her nose. Another adorable trait.

When I twisted her other hardened bud, she arched her back, straining against the thick leather. “I think learning a little respect is in order. I did save your life not once but twice. And I purchased you free and clear.”

“You purchased me? I don’t think so. Saved my life? Ha. I could have gotten away.”

Now I pinched both on purpose until she cried out, her lower lip trembling. But she was arching her back again, still fighting her bindings in an effort to get to me. It wasn’t going to happen, not until I was ready. “Yes, my darling koala. I own you outright. Therefore, you will call me sir.”

It wasn’t an unreasonable request but at this point, I was still teasing her. But her furrowing brow and the way she was twisting her luscious lips kept that hungry beast right at the surface underneath my skin.

“Fine, sweet sir,” she teased in her usual way.

“Better.” As I pulled away, it was impossible not to admire her sweet pussy, the way her plump lips glistened from how wet she’d become. I took a few seconds to brush my fingers down from her neck, holding my breath for fear of doing nothing more than taking her like some crazed man.

My gut told me she needed more, someone who paid attention to her needs even more than I’d done before. “I’ll be right back.”

For a brief second, the look of fear on her face was stifling but at least her usual defiance had returned. Why was it that I felt even more protective?

And why did I have the distinct feeling the worst things she’d been through in her life had been done by her own family?

That angered me more than I’d been my entire life.

And I would find out.