Prologue

Tallulah

I stare at the ruined fabric with tears in my eyes. How is it possible a dream could be ruined in one fell swoop? It's over. It's really over.

I'm not pregnant. My dreams have been officially crushed this morning. My panties are soaked in blood and it's all over.

A single tear rolls down my cheek.

This was my one chance.

A loud, racking sob escapes my throat. I throw the tattered remains of my lingerie at the garbage and sink onto my bed, covering my face with my hands and letting the tears fall.

My shoulders shake and my breaths come in short bursts. I feel like my entire life is falling apart. And all I can do is cry.

It's not like me to wallow in self-pity, but today I need it.

I know Xavier's going to come looking for me soon. My husband doesn't even know I was convinced I was pregnant. I was waiting until I was sure, so there wouldn't be any false hope.

I was so fucking sure.

How is it possible to have missed the signs so badly? I know the answer, and it makes me feel worse. I was ignoring the signs because I was sure, just fucking sure, I was carrying Xavier's child.

It was too good to be true, apparently.

He was so excited about the prospect of fatherhood, too. We both wanted a child of our own so desperately. And now that dream has died. I can't tell him. Not right now. Not today. It would ruin him.

I sit up and wipe the tears off my face. I sniffle, taking a few deep breaths to try to compose myself. I need to breathe, like he taught me. The good news is, he never knew.

I change into a navy dress and take special care to ensure Xavier won't notice. But having such a dominant, controlling husband, I'm well-aware he'll notice the signs of my predicament soon enough.

Tonight was supposed to be about us. I was going to tell him tonight, during the romantic date he'd planned for us. Now I was going to undoubtedly ruin it all.

Wiping the tears from my eyes with trembling fingers, I compose myself in front of the mirror. He'd notice, though. My husband notices everything.

The door swings open and he walks into the room.

"Angel, where are you?" he calls.

"I'm in the bedroom," I call back.

He strides toward me with his usual confidence, stopping when he reaches me. His palm comes to rest on my shoulder proprietorially and I fight a sigh of relief. I'm grateful to have him, I just wish I could tell him about this without freaking out.

"You look gorgeous," he says. "What are you wearing? "

I shrug. "The new collection from Prada. Just thought it was pretty," I say, smoothing my hands over the silky fabric. It's tight and curve-hugging, an attempt to distract my husband from the grief written all over my face.

"Stunning," he smirks. "We should get going now, angel. I have a special night planned for you. I'm glad you're wearing something tight."

"You're always glad I'm wearing something tight," I giggle despite the despair bubbling in my stomach.

"Tonight, you'll need it," he grins and helps me get up, spinning me in front of him to get a full look. He whistles, the sound low and full of admiration and lust. "As always, my wife will outshine everyone else."

"You're so dramatic, Xavier," I sigh, a smile on my lips.

"You deserve the best, angel," he says and leans in for a soft, gentle kiss. I melt into him, letting his kiss consume me and his touch heal me. He's the best thing that ever happened to me. And yet I have to break his heart.

When we pull away, he stares into my eyes and his grin is replaced with a worried expression.

"Angel, is everything alright?"

"Yes," I reply quickly, forcing a painful but beaming smile on my lips. "Let's go. Please."

He hesitates before nodding and leading me out of the room.

T he helicopter landed on Xavier's property, and in less than twenty minutes, we are up in the sky, admiring the view of the city beneath us.

"See that right there? It's that art gallery I took you to," Xavier points out, squeezing my thigh. I tense up and he pretends not to notice. "There are so many places I want to take you in the city, Tallulah... And I will, I swear. When it's safe."

"When it's safe," I repeat softly, risking a look into his eyes. "Will it ever be safe for us?"

Now it's his turn to tense up. "I don't know. I'm trying my best to make it safe for us. Trust me."

"I do," I breathe and lean in for a kiss. "I trust you more than anything."

His lips crash against mine, and he pushes his tongue into my mouth, exploring and claiming, reminding me who owns me. Every time we kiss, he makes me forget everything around me. All I can feel is him, all I can taste is him, and all I can smell is his masculine scent, taking over me in a cloud of dominance I'm always grateful for.

"There's the castle where I'd marry you if I could," he says with an edge to his voice. "It would be beautiful. A fairytale wedding."

"We could still have a wedding," I whisper. "When it's safe."

Xavier pulls back and I see the inner turmoil raging within him. Would he do if it weren't for his brother? My father? Or is he just ashamed of me?

I shake my head to get the traitorous thoughts out. We land on the roof of a luxurious hotel, surrounded by security. I smile gratefully at them, and they nod back. It's been a while since I felt so safe.

"Ready for dinner?" Xavier asks.

"I can't wait," I grin. "Can I have wine tonight?"

"Absolutely not."

"Damn."

"Come, angel. Let's eat," he orders and leads me into the hotel. I glance at the sign above the entrance. It's a Michelin-starred restaurant with a waiting list a mile long.

"How did you manage to get us a table here?" I ask, surprised.

"It doesn't matter," he replies. "We have it for the evening."

I can't believe he managed to arrange this. There are no more questions, no more answers. He leads me inside and the maitre d' bows deeply as we enter the restaurant.

"Right this way, sir, madame," he says in a thick French accent.

"This is insane," I giggle. "I didn't expect anything like this."

"Anything for you," Xavier replies and winks. "And your surprise."

I frown and follow him inside the restaurant, the ma?tre d' following behind us. We sit at a private table in the corner, and the man takes the menus.

"I'll be back with the menu and the wine. Enjoy the evening," he says and leaves us alone.

I look around, and there's a large bouquet of flowers in the corner. My eyes widen when I see the little box nestled in the bouquet.

"Oh my God," I breathe.

"Surprise, angel," Xavier smiles. "That's your present."

"My present?"

"Open it."

"Oh, my goodness," I breathe.

My hands are trembling.

"Come, open it," he prompts me again.

I pick the small velvet box and cradle it in my palms, smiling nervously.

"Go ahead," Xavier encourages me.

My fingers shake as I unwrap the box. Inside, a beautiful pendant hangs off a white gold chain. I pick it up, inspecting it under the light. The dark wine-colored liquid inside sparkles as it catches the light.

"It's gorgeous," I say honestly. "What is it?"

"A hollowed out diamond," Xavier admits. "They told me I was insane for ruining it. I don't give a fuck, though."

I smile with trepidation as I angle the pendant in front of the light. "What's inside?"

He grips my hand, the pendant digging into my palm. I look up at him, heart threatening to beat right out of my chest. "It's my promise to you, that I am yours."

I gasp softly. "It's your blood, isn't it?"

Xavier smirks. "You probably think I'm a fucked up, sick bastard."

"I knew that before," I giggle, handing him the necklace. "Thank you for my beautiful gift. Will you put it on for me?"

He nods, taking the chain and fastening it around my neck. He presses a soft kiss to the side of my throat. "It looks amazing on you, Tallulah. Thank you."

I lean in for a soft, gentle kiss, and I'm so grateful he can't see the tears forming in the corners of my eyes. I'm a terrible person. How can I lie to him about this?

The waiter brings us the menu and a bottle of wine, and we order.

I can feel Xavier's inquisitive gaze on me as the food arrives. He's checking on everything. How much I'm eating, drinking. How much my hands tremble when I reach for the glass, and how the cutlery clanking makes me wince every time.

The food is delicious, but I barely taste it. Everything has a bitter taste.

When I push my plate away with barely held back disgust, Xavier reaches for my hands. I half-heartedly pull away, and he gets up from the table, kneeling before my chair while I stare at my hands folded in my lap.

"Tallulah, what's wrong?" he asks, his voice soft and comforting.

"Nothing."

"That's a fucking lie."

I take a deep breath.

"Angel, tell me," he prompts again. "I can't help if you don't."

"You can't help, Xavier," I snap. "Don't even bother."

He stares at me, confused. "Please, tell me."

"It's stupid."

"I'm sure it's not."

"It is."

"Tell me, angel. Or I will have to punish you."

I glare at him. "You won't hurt me. You've never done it, and you won't now."

"You have a lot of faith in me," he sighs.

"I know you," I say quietly. "You wouldn't hurt me."

"Not even if you were bad, angel?" he asks, gripping my chin and lifting my face up. "If you were a bad girl?"

"Even then," I reply. "You wouldn't hurt me."

Xavier sighs, letting go of me. "What is it?"

"I'll tell you," I say with a defeated sigh.

"You can tell me anything, angel. You know that, right?"

"I know."

"Good. Come."

He helps me get up and guides me out of the restaurant. We walk to the elevator in silence, and when the doors close, he pulls me to his chest, wrapping his arms around me.

"Talk, angel."

"I..." I hesitate.

"Now."

"I was convinced I was pregnant," I blurt out. "I missed my period, and I was waiting for it, but it never came. I got my hopes up, Xavier, and I'm so, so sorry. I ruined the evening."

I bury my face in his chest, and he holds me tightly. His arms wrap around me, holding me close and making me feel safe.

"Why are you sorry?" he asks after a few minutes.

"Because it's my fault," I mutter. "You're disappointed."

"I could never be disappointed in you, Tallulah," he whispers. "Never."

The doors slide open and we walk into our suite.

He pulls me to the couch, and I collapse onto the soft cushions. He kneels before me, gripping my face with both his hands.

"Look at me, angel," he whispers. "Why are you sad?"

"Because I wanted a baby," I whimper. "And it was a false alarm."

"It's alright," he says, kissing me gently. "I'm sorry, too."

"You have nothing to apologize for."

"I'm sorry because I wanted to have a child with you so desperately, angel," he whispers.

Tears form in the corners of my eyes. He brushes them away with his thumbs, kissing my cheeks.

"There will be a next time," he whispers. "But now, it's time to let me in."

I frown. "What do you mean?"

"It's time you give yourself to me," he replies. "Or I'll have to torture those orgasms out of you."

I swallow hard. "I can't."

"You can," he breathes. "If you don't want to, I won't do a thing. But I think we need this."

"Please, Xavier."

"Please, what?" he growls, pulling away. "Please, don't do it, or please, help me?"

I hesitate. "I can't."

"You can, Tallulah. I won't push you if you don't want to," he says. "But you have to tell me."

"Do it," I reply. "Take it from me."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," I whisper. "Make it go away. Please."

Xavier nods, and helps me up. I look at the massive four-poster bed, the sheets turned down.

"What are you going to do?" I ask.

"Trust me," he says, taking my hand. "Trust me, and I will make it all better."

"Promise?"

"Promise."

I take a deep breath and nod. "Okay."

He leads me to the bed and pulls me down. We kiss, tongues intertwined, bodies pressed together, and I moan softly.

"Let me get you out of these clothes," he whispers, pushing the dress off my shoulders.

"Xavier..."

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry," I blurt out.

He frowns. "What are you apologizing for, angel?"

"I don't know."

"Tell me."

"I... I don't know."

"Is there something you're not telling me?"

I hesitate.

"Out with it, angel," he commands. "Tell me what's on your mind."

"I've been so bad," I say quietly.

"How so?"

"I..."

"What is it, angel?"

"I... I'm on my period," I confess. "I was late, but I got it this morning."

Xavier is silent for a moment, staring at me, before he laughs.

"Is that all?" he chuckles. "Angel, why didn't you just tell me?"

"I was scared," I say. "I'm sorry."

"It's alright," he murmurs. "We don't have to have sex today."

"I thought you'd be angry."

"Never, angel," he replies. "Unless you're bad."

"Am I bad?"

"Not right now," he whispers.

"What are we going to do, then?"

He grins. "Do you trust me?"

"Always."

"Good. Strip and lie down."

I get up, peeling the dress off my body and kicking it to the floor. I'm wearing a pair of silk panties, and a matching bra, the cups padded so it's not visible. Xavier's eyes rake over my body.

"So fucking perfect," he growls.

I lie down, and he grabs my ankle, tying it to the post. My heartbeat quickens.

"Xavier..."

"Don't move," he commands. "Or I'll have to hurt you."

"Are you going to...?"

"Torture the orgasms out of you? Yes," he confirms, tying my other foot to the post. "But you'll enjoy every second."

"I've never done this before," I say.

"Neither have I," he smirks. "But I'll enjoy myself."

"I'll stain the bedsheets."

"So be it," he smirks. "Spread your legs, Tallulah."

"Please, don't..."

"I'm going to eat that pussy until you come," he groans. "And when you do, I'm going to lick every last drop of blood and cum off you. Do you understand?"

"I..."

"You said you trusted me," he growls. "So trust me. And obey."

"Yes, Master," I say.

He slides a finger into my panties, brushing his thumb against my clit. I gasp, arching my back, but the restraints won't let me move.

"Don't hold back," he murmurs, pushing the panties down. "You'll regret it if you do."

"What are you going to do?" I ask.

"This."

He spreads my legs wider and dives down, his tongue lapping at my pussy. I'm wet, dripping. And not just because I'm bleeding.

Xavier's fingers spread my pussy wide, and his tongue flicks against my clit. I groan, the sounds leaving my lips almost inhuman.

"Please," I cry out.

"Not yet, angel," he growls.

His tongue is hot, insistent. It keeps teasing my sensitive clit, licking, and lapping at me, but it's not enough. I need more. I need to come.

"Master, please," I beg.

"Soon," he promises, his words vibrating against my pussy. "Soon, angel. Be patient."

"I can't."

"You can," he smirks. "And you will."

I groan, the sensations overwhelming me. The pleasure is too much, the blood flowing from my pussy only making it more intense. I cry out as his tongue laps at me.

"You taste like heaven," he growls.

His tongue thrusts inside me and I moan. It's too much. It's not enough. My hands fist in the sheets, and I arch my back, desperate to find some release.

"Oh, God," I breathe.

Xavier's thumb rubs circles around my clit, and he groans against my pussy, the vibrations driving me crazy.

"Fuck," I curse, and Xavier smacks my thigh, hard.

"Language," he scolds.

"I'm sorry."

He continues working me with his tongue, and his finger dips down, circling my ass.

"No," I pant.

"Relax," he orders. "You can take it."

His tongue dives back into my pussy and I cry out, the sensations almost too much. I'm panting, begging, and pleading, and still, he keeps working me.

"Oh, fuck," I breathe.

"Good girl," Xavier murmurs. "Let me hear you, angel. Let me hear how much you want it."

His finger slips inside my asshole, and he begins to work me, his tongue still lapping at my clit. The sensations are overwhelming. It feels so wrong, and so dirty.

"Fuck, Xavier," I pant.

He growls, his teeth grazing against my clit, and it's all I can take.

I scream, bucking my hips as the orgasm rips through me. He holds me down, his tongue lapping at me as I gush cum and blood all over him.

"Good girl," he murmurs. "That's it. Let it all go."

My body trembles, my legs shake, and my pussy throbs as the waves of pleasure wash over me.

"Xavier," I whisper, and he gets up, looking at me, his face smeared with blood.

"What is it, angel?" he asks.

"I want to taste myself," I say. "Come here."

He complies, his lips crashing against mine. I moan, tasting my blood and cum mixed together, and he groans into my mouth.

"Do you like how you taste, angel?"

"Yes," I whisper.

"Good," he murmurs.

He unties my wrists, and I wrap my arms around him, holding him close.

"That was incredible," I sigh.

"I'm glad," he chuckles. "Did you enjoy yourself?"

"Very much," I nod.

"I'm glad, angel," he smiles.

"We need to shower," I giggle. "Or someone might have to clean the room."

"It's fine," he laughs.

"No, it's not," I protest. "Come on."

"Fine," he grumbles. "Let's shower, then."

"Let's," I smirk.

"Are you going to be a brat?"

"Maybe," I smile, getting up. "Depends."

"On?"

"On whether you'll make me come again."

Xavier stares at me.

"In the shower," I smirk.

"Oh, that's very possible," he smirks.

"Good," I giggle, heading to the bathroom. "Come on."

"Bossy little thing, aren't you?"

"Just come here."

"I'm right behind you," he groans. "But don't walk around like that. You're naked, and your ass looks amazing."

"Why can't I walk around naked?"

"Because I might fuck you against the wall," he warns.

"Isn't that the plan?"

"Not if you want to take a shower," he laughs. "Get in, and turn the water on. Now."

"Yes, Master," I giggle, obeying.

He follows me, and I get under the water, washing myself. I moan as the warm water washes over me, relaxing my muscles.

"Turn around," Xavier orders.

"I'm not done," I protest.

"Now."

"Make me."

Xavier's eyes narrow, and he reaches out, turning me around himself.

"Bratty, are we?"

"Very much so."

"Do you need to be punished?"

"Maybe," I smirk.

He grunts, grabbing my arms and pinning them behind my back.

"Xavier, what are you doing?" I breathe.

"I'm going to give you the spanking of your life," he growls. "Then I'm going to fuck you, and make you come again. Is that clear?"

"Y-Yes," I reply.

"Yes, what?"

"Yes, Master," I stammer.

"Good."

He pushes me against the wall, and his hand connects with my ass. It's hard, the slap echoing in the room. I gasp, and he does it again, the sharp pain shooting through me.

"You like that?" he groans.

"Yes, Master," I cry.

"How much do you like it, angel?"

"A lot," I whimper.

"Do you want more?"

"Please," I beg.

He spanks me again, and I moan, the sound reverberating against the tiles.

"Such a good girl," he praises.

He keeps spanking me, and I lose count of the times his hand comes down on my ass. All I know is that it feels so, so good.

"Fuck, angel," he curses.

His hand slides between my legs, and he presses his palm against my pussy. I moan, pushing against him, and he starts rubbing my clit.

"Xavier," I whimper.

"Come, angel," he whispers. "Let me hear how good it feels."

"It feels so good," I cry out. "So good, Master."

"Fuck, you're soaked," he growls.

"All for you, Master," I whimper.

"Come for me, Tallulah," he orders, his fingers sliding inside me.

"I'm going to come, Master," I whimper.

"Come on, baby," he growls. "Give me that cum."

His fingers curl inside me, hitting the right spot, and I cry out. The orgasm washes over me, making me shudder and shake. My legs are trembling, and I'm struggling to stay upright.

"Xavier," I gasp.

"Shh," he whispers, rubbing my clit.

"Too much," I protest.

"Shh, angel," he murmurs.

He keeps teasing my sensitive clit, and another orgasm rips through me. I scream, bucking against him, my legs shaking.

"Good girl," he praises.