Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

S elena

Begging.

I wasn't a beggar.

Not for anyone, even a sexy yet infuriating man. But his actions and his words remained intriguing. He was certainly more skilled at playing the merciless businessman. I didn't know what I was thinking by assuming I could not only go up against this man but win. The game was far too advanced for me.

But the nagging was there in the back of my mind. It was as if both of us were about to enter into a game of Russian roulette, but we weren't the only players. My throat felt tight, my nerves raw. Deceiving my entire family was something I'd never considered.

What was the saying? All was fair in love and war?

Love.

I'd spouted off about wanting love as if I knew anything about it. I'd thought I'd been in love at sixteen, the boy perfect in every way. But he'd been just a boy with an eye for anything in a skirt. In college, I'd believed finding someone who I could grow old with was the right thing to do. But ah, no. I'd almost found myself in a relationship with a much older professor.

Until I found out he was married.

The rest of my track record with men was horrid. Including the boxer.

Maybe this was the best I could do. After all, I'd end up a millionaire with an amazing business. Right?

The stars were twinkling, the moon high in the sky, and the waves from the pristine ocean waters were crashing against the shoreline. Even the glow of the candles was perfect. So romantic that any couple should be able to get lost in the moment.

Only we weren't just any couple.

This was nothing more than a business arrangement no matter how it was played out in my mind. I held out my hand in the moonlight, wondering if he'd get me a big, fat diamond. I guessed to keep the charade going he would. I'd make a point of adding that to my list of wants. Then after the year prison term was up, I could sell it on eBay. At least the thought made me smile.

The deal was a good one. Very good. I would eventually have everything I wanted. Except the odd sadness that had gripped my entire system told me I'd been lying to myself all these years.

I'd been one of those girls who'd envisioned her wedding, which was crazy in these days of high divorce rates and couples doing nothing more than living together. But I wanted the whole thing. The church, the white dress with the extended cathedral train, the red velvet carpet to walk down. I wanted the perfect music, flowers that filled the church and the reception space. I wanted to drink champagne and dance the night away.

All with the man I loved and who refused to look at any other woman.

Right.

That wasn't in my cards.

And the bastard certainly wouldn't get down on one knee and propose.

A sudden shiver coursed through me.

"Are you ready?" he asked, his deep voice penetrating every synapse.

"Sure. Why not?"

"Then go into the main bathroom to undress. You'll find everything you need. I'll add the adornments when you return. Now, go. I'm very hungry."

I wanted so badly to hate this man, but the electricity kept my heart beating and my mind reeling.

As soon as I walked into the bathroom, I almost ran away. On the counter were three items I could barely stomach. One, kitten ears. Two, a bowtie. Three, a butt plug with a furry tail attached. Really? Where were the whiskers? My stomach dropped. I couldn't do this. I wasn't into animal playing or whatever it was officially called.

You made a deal. You can't go back on your word, or he'll claim a win.

Did I really care at this point?

Yes. I had to think about my entire family. If playing married would do it then I could find the willpower. One year wasn't a life sentence.

I was huffing and bitching the entire time I removed my clothes, glaring at the plug for almost a full two minutes before yanking the tube of lube into my hand. He was trying to break me down a little bit at a time. That was his ultimate game.

Well, I wasn't ready to toss in the towel just yet.

As I squeezed the tube, I glanced into the mirror. Why were my eyes twinkling? I could not want this. An anal plug? I'd never worn one a day in my life. I had no clue what I was doing but if anyone saw me from any location, they would be bursting into laughing given my awkwardness.

After the third try, a lot of grunts and several beads of sweat, I managed to shove it in. The pain was as expected, and I gripped the edge of the counter until I was certain I'd crack the granite.

When the agony finally subsided, I twisted in the mirror. Okay, so the tail was kind of cute. Kind of. Snatching the bowtie, I slapped it on, doing everything I could to try to keep breathing. The kitten ears were last. I'd played dress-up as a kid, but this was…

Kinky.

Finally, a giggle popped from my mouth. I needed to get my swagger on. I was shocked he hadn't asked me to wear heels or little stockings with bows on them. Maybe that came later. After taking a series of deep breaths, I left the bathroom, waiting for a few seconds before I turned off the light.

I'd never been a model, had always hated my curvy body. I'd been called fat in high school although I'd known better. It had been the end of the era of stick thin was better but it seemed no one at my high school had gotten the memo.

However, I refused to be ashamed of what I was doing, the deal I'd made or of my body.

I was surprised he wasn't relaxing on one of the beds. He was outside as he'd been before, the bastard changing up the look, lighting torches and playing tribal music. Really?

Even before I was very close, he turned around from where he was standing, his entire face lighting up. At least he had a way of making a girl feel special.

"You are magnificent. But you seem to forget that kitties don't walk on two legs." He threw his hand out, telling me not to take another step closer.

Oh, my God. He really did want me to act out the part.

The man was so frustrating, but I slowly sank to my knees first, issuing a series of purrs before dropping onto all fours. I tried to envision myself as the girl I'd seen just a few hours before. She'd been more than comfortable with her role playing, and her adoration of her master.

His expression indicated he was pleased as I crawled slowly toward him. When I was close, he uttered one of his infamous growls. I acted as if I knew what I was doing, moving between his legs, managing to weave in and out. Oddly enough, the actions felt sinful and unexpectedly delicious.

So few men had sparked my interest let alone fueled the bad girl side of me that I found myself remaining in the same fog as I rubbed my face against the inside of one leg. When he reached down, stroking my head like he would a kitty cat, I was also oddly comfortable with what he was doing.

"Good girl. Come with me, good kitty, for some additional bling."

He remained near me, obviously enjoying my shameful kitty cat strut but I was comforted by the fact he kept his hand on my head. When we were close to a very comfortable-looking chair, he turned around, taking a whiff of the ocean breeze before sitting down.

As if he would do on his throne.

I remained on all fours, uncertain what the heck I was supposed to do. When he placed a single finger under my chin, using it to encourage me to rise onto my knees, I noticed on the table beside him appeared to be some other… terrifying-looking implements. Given my limited but curious research into the dark world of BDSM, and the fact I'd read Fifty Shades of Grey , I knew instinctively the sterling silver-looking two pieces connected by a chain were nipple clamps.

I was staring at them wide eyed, my mouth suddenly going completely dry.

There appeared to be a vibrator of some kind and a funny-looking little rubber flower bulb. I had no idea what that was.

"My friend said you were a true sadist."

"She did, did she?" he asked, laughing. "Well, she isn't wrong, but tonight is continuing your training. Nothing you aren't ready to handle."

This time, he didn't ask if I trusted him. Maybe it didn't matter given the deal we'd entered into.

"Another round of pain and pleasure?"

"Exactly, my cupcake." He held up the nipple clamps, allowing me to hear the slight noise as he squeezed first one then the other open. "These will look dazzling on you."

As he flicked his finger back and forth across my nipple, I should continue to be floored at my body's reaction to him, but I wasn't.

"Purr for me, kitty." He pinched my nipples a few times before opening one of the clamps. I knew instinctively it was going to hurt like a son of a bitch.

I was right.

As soon as both were in place, I couldn't stop gasping or moaning. My eyes were watering so badly the tears were stinging. I closed them, trying to keep from begging him to rip them off. I almost did it myself until I realized my pussy was throbbing.

How was that possible?

"Good girl. How do they feel?"

"Are you fucking kidding me? I mean, sir. They hurt. Like hell." Now I was panting like a dog.

"You'll get used to them. And the plug?"

I was as close to being as humiliated as I'd been in my entire life. "It makes me feel full."

"Mmm…" He reached around me, rolling his fingers down my spine. I tingled more than usual from his touch. Until I realized what he was doing. I hadn't paid close enough attention that the butt plug could vibrate. As soon as he turned it on, I threw my head back, screaming into the night sky.

"Oh. My. God."

The sensations were powerful, so much so I would never be able to find the right words. All I knew was that the various sensations were hot and cold, agonizing and incredible.

"I'm not finished yet, my cupcake."

The way he said my nickname tonight was dirtier than normal. I was vaguely aware he'd picked up the flower thingy. I tried to focus as I always did, curious as to what in the heck he was holding.

"What. What is that?" I breathed, totally forgetting his need for respect. To hell with him right now. I was too far gone to care, my mind blown.

"This is a ravishing rose, my sweet. Never forget. Pleasure and pain. Open your legs wider and grip the seat cushion between mine."

"Yes, sir." I did as he commanded, keeping one eye open as he eased the rose thingy between my legs. Within a few seconds the pulsing air and the slight vibration forced my back straight.

His upper lip was curled as he watched me, so intent on my reaction. "This should bring you the ultimate in pleasure."

Holy shit, he was right. I owned two vibrators but neither one had such an immediate effect. I was tossed straight into ecstasy, the powerful sensations drilling through me incredible. My torso was swaying, my entire body aching as the pleasure took on new heights. Only seconds later, the most amazing clitoral orgasm swept through me. I heard myself screaming as my body continued to convulse.

For additional emphasis, he tugged on the silver chain between my breasts, the instant wash of agony just enough that it heightened the wave of pleasure. I couldn't understand it in the least, but I was certainly no expert at this. What I knew was that the rush of heat and need, the trickle of my juice down both inner thighs was insane.

It was funny how something so small could be so powerful. But more than that, I couldn't help but feel his control over me and my subtle and strange desire to submit.

Perhaps he knew me far too well after all.