Chapter 23

CHAPTER 23

" M y love for you spans over the lines of my past, present, and future. You are what I love remembering, what I love experiencing, and what I love looking forward to."

—Steve Maraboli

Raphaella

Love wasn't on my radar. It had never been. Given I'd never seen real love through the eyes of my parents while also not being allowed to be close to anyone, I didn't have the experience or know-how. I wasn't even certain I knew what it felt like.

What I did know was that as I'd leaned my head against his shoulder on the way home after an incredible dinner, I'd felt butterflies swarming my stomach the entire time. Even my hands were clammy. In different circumstances, I would be certain I was coming down with something, but tonight my mind told me something else.

Still, I refused to be a fool, uncertain I could say the words. I had to be cautious because in the world of crime syndicates, love was frowned upon. A weakness. That much I knew without question.

Now I'd retreated to the beautiful bedroom, digging through my duffle and finding the single nightgown I owned. I normally slept in cotton PJs of some kind. That's what you wore when you had roomies. It was left over from purchasing it for a then boyfriend, or I thought he'd been one. What a fool I'd been. He preferred drinking with his buddies, ignoring me pretty much entirely the single time I'd put it on.

That had been it. I'd left his apartment and he hadn't even known. It had taken him two days to call me, acting as if nothing had happened. Maybe that was when I'd sworn off men.

Whatever the case, as I stood in front of the mirror, I liked the fact it was slinky without showcasing all the goods. While Aleksander had been reflective after we'd left, I was determined to spend some quality time with him.

Maybe because I was highly emotional for about a dozen reasons.

But for the entire night, I'd done a good job of forgetting about almost being killed and the bullet-riddled car he'd driven me back to his home in.

As I walked through the shadows, realizing only a few lights were on in the house that I could see, I wasn't certain where I'd find him. He was back on the second floor, outside on the deck staring out at the full moon shimmering across the water.

I stood in the open doorway, watching him intently. He was truly the most handsome man in the world and so powerful. Everything about his behavior was different than inside the courtroom. The dichotomy was something I would never forget.

Maybe it allowed me to respect him more than before.

His entire body tensed, the man straightening up from leaning over the iron railing. When he turned around, the darkness couldn't hide the way his eyes pierced mine. I was lost in another vacuum, my heart racing more than it had before. I wondered if he had any idea what he'd done to me, stripping me of my last defenses. In baring not only my body but my soul, I'd lost the last of my inhibitions.

There were no words to be said, no misunderstanding of the way I felt about him. The emotions were too strong, my body craving him more than I'd thought possible.

I needed to kiss him.

Touch him.

Fuck him.

The look in his eyes was lust filled, his nostrils flaring. This time, he whispered something in Russian I didn't care to have translated. It honestly didn't matter. What did was the way he was looking at me.

He came closer, taking his time doing so. He even had his hands shoved into his trouser pockets, but I knew that would be short lived.

As he gazed down the length of my gown, his head cocked slightly, I had a feeling he was going to eat me alive.

And dear God, I wanted him to.

"You are mine," he said. "No man will ever be able to touch you again. Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir." I said the words without hesitation, my heart palpitating from hearing them.

His nostrils continued to be flared and he took another step closer.

I took one back.

It was as if we were playing the predator and prey game all over again. Finally, he backed me against the wall inside the living room with a hard shove, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

"You are one insatiable man."

"When you appear dressed like that, what do you expect? You're one naughty girl, a bad influence on me. I'm supposed to be protecting you but how can I do that when you flaunt that sexy body of yours?"

"What, this?" I brushed the tips of my fingers down the side of my neck. Just hearing him growl was enough to send a heatwave through me.

"So bad."

"No, so good." I knew I was purring. Just being able to allow myself to go one more time was exactly what we both needed. I could feel it in my bones.

We were at a sinful crossroads for each other, the heat becoming explosive.

More so than before.

When I dared to try to touch him, hungering for the same jolts of electricity, he shook his head. "Hands over your head."

"Why?"

"Do it," he commanded. The dark, erotic sound of his voice was entirely different. "Keep them there. From now on, you will obey my every command. Do you understand?"

"Yes."

My voice quavered but it didn't matter. He pinched my nipple through the thin gown, twisting until I cried out in anguish. I was shocked how much pleasure the filthy moment had brought, driving a dazzling array of sensations into my pussy.

"Let's try that again," he growled.

"Yes, sir."

"Better."

As I raised my arms over my head, he took several shallow breaths, tightening his hold. I knew he would never hurt me, but at that moment I wanted to feel a slice of the kind of pain that only he could provide. My pussy ached, not just because of his rough claiming of me earlier but from the deep need that had erupted long before a single kiss.

I was lightheaded, eager to find out what he'd do. He lowered his head, breathing against my neck before darting the tip of his tongue in the shell of my ear. When he nipped and sucked on my earlobe, my legs started to shake, so much so I thought for certain I'd fall to the floor.

It was a struggle to keep my arms over my head, especially when he was tormenting me in his way.

His dominating way.

The moonlight streaming in from the outside, the scent of the ocean was entirely too powerful, the perfect backdrop and aphrodisiac.

Not that we needed one.

There was no struggle with the man, no hurry. He simply ran both his massive hands down my gown, whispering more words in Russian. There were still so many questions I wanted to ask him, so many things to say between us but at this time, I couldn't think of anything that would matter.

Very slowly he crawled the material of the gown up from my quivering thighs, his eyes still piercing mine, the look on his face telling me in no uncertain terms if I moved at all, he would punish me.

And the really bad girl inside wanted to press, to see how far he'd go, but I was frozen, enjoying his tender touch, the way his chest was rising and falling. I was his drug and he was mine, which no longer seemed out of place. This was where I was supposed to be.

When he twirled the material until it wrapped itself in a tight twist, I sucked in my breath. What was he planning on doing? He slid the material down my stomach, cocking his head as he continued sliding it down one leg then up another.

My stomach was full of butterflies, stars floating in front of my eyes as he took his sweet time; the tickling sensations the light material caused shifted into goosebumps popping along every inch of skin.

"Oh, my…" I managed, surprised how much I was shivering. I could tell he was paying close attention to every reaction, absorbing my needs and wants like a textbook. I couldn't get over the difference in his demeanor, but there was no doubt he was completely in charge.

And it thrilled me more than I'd ever thought it would.

The question from before was answered within seconds as he bound my wrists, tying a knot with expertise. Now I was his prisoner to do with what he wanted. That only heightened the excitement, keeping on the edge, my mind a fuzzy blur.

When I whimpered, he pressed his finger against his lips, as if anyone could hear us. But I did as I was told, determined to be a good girl.

For now.

At least I could bask in his masculinity, raking my gaze down from the dark stubble covering his jaw to the exquisite bone structure of his shoulders and chest. Then I allowed my eyes to fall to his detailed tattoos, every one of them a creation of beauty. The deep V cut of his abdomen gave way to his deliciously thick and throbbing cock. How could he be rock hard so soon after we'd… fucked? I wasn't certain what to call it, but the taste hadn't been enough.

For either one of us.

Too bad my viewpoint was only from memory. It was all I could do not to rip at the buttons on his shirt.

There was no danger at this moment, no bad men trying to take me away from him. The sound of the water hitting the shoreline matched the heavy thud of my pulse.

"The things I want to do to you." His voice was laden with lust.

"Do them."

Of course, I didn't need to encourage him. He was in full control over both of us.

But I knew I could unravel him further.

I chewed on my lower lip, locking on the glistening beads still covering his cockhead. My mouth watered at the thought of sucking his cock, even if I had no real clue what I was doing. I was flustered from the sight of his swollen balls, hanging low between his muscular thighs. He was a creation straight from a Greek god. I was swooning, heat rising across my jaw.

He seemed amused, but his hunger was more overwhelming than anything else. I could tell by the darkness of his eyes, the shimmer around his irises that he was thinking about all the ways he could defile me. I wasn't a fool with regard to sex, even if this had been my first time indulging in such passion.

There hadn't been a single boy who'd attracted me in the least. Aleksander was everything a powerful, seductive man should be. Yes, he was ruthless and dangerous, but he didn't scare me. However, the two sides of him were such an incredible draw. Watching him in action, both inside the courtroom and at the Russian restaurant continued to add to the amazing perspective I had of him.

He was as close to being perfect as a man could get.

At least for me.

"You're a very bad girl to float into this space dressed in nothing but a flimsy gown. Don't you know that I'm a very bad man?"

"No, you're not."

The way he chuckled was so dark and dangerous that I sucked in my breath.

"You don't know me very well, Raphaella. It would be best if I pushed you away, to ignore what was happening between us, but you broke the rules."

"That's because I'm allowed."

"Your safety comes first."

"But you are keeping me safe. This place, the people around you would die to keep their Councilor and his fiancée protected."

"Perhaps, but that's my job. If anything happens to you, if anyone touches you, I will burn down all of New York."

And I knew he would.

I took a deep breath, closing my eyes. The sensations were startling. When I heard a rustle of clothing, I tried to keep from crying out. I purposely didn't watch, teasing him in my way.

But I sensed he was removing his clothes. Maybe so I wouldn't have a chance to rip them off. The thought brought a smile to my face, a rush of adrenaline to my system. I'd never known passion could be so… incredible.

"Look at me, Raphaella. Keep your eyes on me. I'm going to rock your world all over again."

The excitement coursing through me from his sultry words brought several moans from my lips.

I loved the deep command, the way his tone washed over me like smooth velvet. When I'd complied, he flicked his finger back and forth across my nipple then pinched it again.

"Oh," I whimpered, bending my arms at the elbows, weak in the knees. He was teasing me to the point I wasn't certain how long I could take it. When he finally rubbed his finger down my stomach, I opened my legs wider without being asked.

The stern look on his face kept my full attention. When he pointed to the floor, he gave me little time to react before pushing my shoulders. I dropped to my knees without hesitation, looking up at him for direction.

All the ugliness I'd spewed, the words of hatred seemed so silly at this point. From the second I'd met him, my fantasies had been wrapped up in him and nothing else.

I couldn't resist, wrapping both hands around his cock, running my fingers up and down his shaft. His eyes remained dilated, every muscle in his six-foot five-inch frame tense. Even his jaw was clenched, as if he was trying to hold back.

Yes, this was filthy and so delicious. I rubbed my fingers down the length of his shaft, keeping my eyes on him as required as I rolled his balls between my fingers. Every sound he made, every growl and guttural whisper in Russian only fueled the desire building between us.

He brushed his fingers through my hair, tangling them barely seconds later. "I could do nothing more than fuck your mouth for hours."

As I blew across his cockhead, daring to dart my tongue across his sensitive slit, he slowly lifted his head, half laughing and half groaning.

"What am I going to do with you?"

His whisper was hoarser than before, his body already shaking.

But not nearly as much as mine.

I wasn't certain anything could keep me from tasting him. I pulled his cockhead into my mouth, swirling my tongue around. The combined taste of our intimacy was salty yet sweet, enticing every one of my senses.

Maybe I wasn't very good with this, but it wasn't for a lack of yearning. I'd often wanted to ask him how many women he'd been with but knew better.

He didn't care.

The past was the past.

When I slid his cock in another inch, he placed his hand on top of my head, holding me in place. While I was hindered by the bindings, nothing would stop me from enjoying this moment. I did what I could to keep my eyes on him, using my jaw muscles to suck. He was so large, filling my mouth completely, and when he pressed down on my head, I almost instantly gagged.

"Relax, my precious little lamb. Breathe through your nose and allow your throat muscles to stop spasming." He didn't push any harder, allowing me to take my time. I licked and sucked, getting used to the feel of him, the taste of him.

And I wanted more.

My breasts were swollen, my nipples aching, and my inner thighs were stained from his cum. But it wasn't enough.

I wrapped my hand around the base, twisting it back and forth. I could tell he enjoyed the friction by the look of darkness crossing his face. His body was shaking and as he rolled onto the balls of his feet, the action pushed more of his cock into my mouth, the tip hitting the back of my throat.

While I gagged briefly, I was so eager to taste his cream that I managed to calm my nerves, relaxing within seconds. He narrowed his eyes, staring down at me like the primal beast he'd become. As he took over, placing his other hand on my face, I shuddered in his hold. Everything was a delicious blur, and I closed my eyes, longing to keep the fairytale in the back of my mind for years to come.

I was under no false impression of what this was.

Pure sin.

He thrust harder. Faster. Finally developing a rhythm. While I struggled to breathe, the joy of having him in my mouth outweighed everything else. I could do this for hours, enjoying every moment of being taken by him.

Used.

Fucked.

My, wasn't I a filthy girl after all?

My jaws ached, my pulse skyrocketing, and just when I thought he was going to erupt in my mouth, he pulled completely free. I peered up at him, already reaching out.

His cock was standing at full attention and within seconds, he'd slid his arms under mine, yanking me all the way off the floor. When he shoved me against the wall for a second time, I wrapped my legs around his hips. He wasted no time, returning his cock to my aching pussy. He took his time thrusting inside but once fully seated, he let out an intense growl, the sound sending another wave of shivers down to my toes.

"So tight. My God, you're so wet for me."

"You make me that way."

He narrowed his eyes, his breathing as labored as mine. When he rolled onto the balls of his feet, pushing me further up the wall, he planted both hands on either side of me. "Hands over your head."

I was certain I would fall, but the weight of his body pressing against mine kept me aloft. As he started to fuck me once again, I was lulled into a magnificent moment of bliss, vibrations dancing through me. He was powerful as I'd known he'd be, rough in the right way as he fucked me, plunging in deep thrusts. The blissful lull was quickly surrendered to utter ecstasy as an orgasm began to build. This was something else entirely, igniting all my senses.

"Oh, yes…"

"Mmm…" He was looking at me like he planned on devouring every inch of me. I wrapped my feet together, no longer able to breathe or think clearly as the climax continued to build.

When he slowed down his rhythm, switching the angle, I was immediately tossed into another realm. I couldn't hold back a scream as the orgasm jetted through me like a tidal wave.

"Oh, God. Oh…" I lolled my head, struggling to blink or breathe. He picked up his speed once again, driving me so hard into the wall that I lost my breath.

"Good girl. Very good girl."

The praise was strangely comforting, the warmth I felt expanding into a blaze of fire. The single orgasm didn't seem to be enough, my body reacting to his firm hold. The cascade of sensations was like a live wire, the pull on my emotions as electric as the moment.

When the deliciousness began to subside, he yanked me away from the wall. I couldn't help myself, throwing my bound hands over his head, pressing my face against his. I didn't care what he did with me at this point. I only knew I adored being in his arms, completely protected and cared for.

He kissed my lips as he walked, every breathless sound he made fueling the fire. When he eased me to the bed, planting me on all fours, I clamped my fingers around the comforter, arching my back. The second he crawled directly behind me, he wrapped his hand around my long hair, yanking until I was forced to look straight ahead.

His breathing remained ragged as he rolled his fingers down my spine to the crack of my ass. I tensed, still anxious to be fucked in the ass but the strangest thing was I was excited. Maybe too much so.

It was as if every hole in my body had always been meant for him. Maybe it was silly but I couldn't help myself.

"Breathe and take your time," he instructed.

Was he kidding me? I was far too hungry to have any level of patience.

He rubbed the palm of his hand on my bottom, caressing then kneading. When he slapped first one side then the other with his palm, I was shocked, but not like when he'd spanked me with his belt. This was more sensual, awakening the remainder of my senses.

I gasped for air, the vixen inside of me wanting to tell him to stop, pretending annoyance, but I knew that wouldn't faze him. Instead, I arched my back even more, pushing up on my hands as I opened my legs.

"My bad girl is turned on."

"Uh-huh."

"Hungry for more."

"Yes, sir. Please, sir."

He slipped his hand between them, rolling a single finger around my clit. I hadn't realized it was so sensitive until now. I found myself bucking against his hand, longing to ride his fingers. His chuckle was dark, almost laced with evil and as he slid his fingers inside, whimpers rushed up from my throat.

"Interesting. Is this what you like, my beautiful Raphaella?" he murmured as he curled his body over mine, brushed his lips across my shoulder. He cracked his hand against my bottom a few more times and I concentrated on the sound his wrist made when he snapped it. "To have a man take control of you, dominate you? Discipline you when you're a bad girl?"

I wasn't certain I could answer, at least not truthfully for fear of shame crawling all over me. I'd never had the chance to know what I'd wanted, but my fantasies had been revealing. This was exactly what I'd wanted, even though I fought to retain power in everything else.

"Maybe."

"Not good enough," he growled.

"I don't know." That was the truth. He was so powerful, so dominating but I'd always thought I'd be in an equal relationship. However, what was it I'd heard about wives? In life and love they ruled the roost?

Or the other thing my mother had tried to force me to believe was suddenly something I could believe in.

Behind every great leader was an equally powerful woman whispering in his ear.

"Then we're going to find out." He used his knees to press my legs open even wider, pushing his fully erect cock against my heated buttocks. As he ground back and forth, I was no longer afraid of the storm, allowing the buildup of electricity, the fire between us to add another wild segment of excitement.

He was rougher than before, thrusting his cock in with enough force I was pitched forward. Everything about this was different, causing an entirely new round of scattered sensations as my pulse raced. I didn't know if I could get any hotter, my skin seared from his touch. I continued to stare out the window, the refraction of light allowing me to catch fleeting glimpses of his face and torso.

The sound of the water and the whistling wind coming in through the doorway was the perfect backdrop. Besides, the light chill was exactly what we both needed to calm our libido.

And the building heat taking over every limb.

He was completely lost in the moment the same as was I, his entire face contorted from the furrowing need. As he continued fucking me, he reached under my chest, cupping and squeezing my breast. His actions became more brutal, but I met every savage thrust, slamming against him.

Another needy moan escaped my lips, my hunger yet to be satisfied. He was so calm in his control yet riveted by the action he was taking. I could tell he was enthralled by our connection, incapable of placing judgment on either one of us.

The moonlight captured the moments of his adrenaline rush, his breathing so heavy I was certain he was going to have a heart attack.

I'd never felt so exposed, yet I couldn't help but to lick my lips, still tasting the few drops of pre-cum I'd been rewarded with. I could feel my muscles clamping and releasing around his thick girth, pulling him in even deeper. Yet more than anything, this was completely freeing.

I was hotter, slicker, and wetter than I'd ever been with my vibrator, my mind so fuzzy that every sound was muffled. Ecstasy swirled around every sensation, pulling me into a dark abyss as another climax threatened to betray me. I couldn't hold back; the muscles of my diaphragm constricted, stealing what was left of my breath.

Shocked that I could come so soon, when I did it was harder than before, my core so overheated that all the air was sucked from my lungs. "Uh. Uh. Uh. Uh."

"I love hearing you come for me. Do it again."

I was no longer surprised that my body instantly reacted to his commands. I was on the precipice of a surreal ecstasy that I doubted anyone else had ever felt. Another rush erupted from deep inside, my core now like lava threatening to consume me. This time, there were no sounds, other than the hard thumping of my heart echoing in my ears.

He refused to stop, his actions only intensifying. He released his hold on my hair, digging the fingers of both hands into my hips. As he pumped hard and deep, I lolled my head, desperately trying to regain my ability to breathe. I could feel his cock swelling, going deeper, filling me completely.

I couldn't stop panting, clawing at the bedding as his grip on me only tightened. When I sensed he was close to releasing, I squeezed my muscles, but he wasn't finished yet. The way he pinched one nipple then the other was just another sinful reminder.

When he released, his body struggling, I couldn't help but smile.

"As I told you before," he said gruffly, "you belong to me. I'm not going to allow the world to interfere. You will marry me. Very soon."

The words thrilled me more than they should have.

But as always, the feeling of danger lurked in the beautiful shadows, little demons trying to destroy the moment. Not a chance in hell.

This was my time. Our time.

And nothing was going to stand in the way of our happiness.