“I’m going to give you a very clear answer and one that’s not up for debate. I’m going to train you to become my perfect, well-behaved submissive. But first, I’m going to enjoying every minute of tasting and fucking you.”

  CHAPTER 10

  Lark

  My typical reaction would be to smack him hard across his chiseled face, calling him an egotistical bastard. When I lifted my arm, he gave me a stern look. The truth was I’d goaded Lachlan on purpose. I’d wanted to see just how far I could push my luck before he dropped the playboy façade, choosing the darker side that I’d witnessed the night before.

  The one I could no longer deny I craved.

  Evidently, I’d finally smacked the big red button of no return. My tongue was tied by the carnal look in his eyes, the man suddenly so possessive that I was mesmerized. Dampness slipped between my legs, the scent of my desire unmistakable.

  “Be careful what you do, my sweet Lark. Every choice you make has consequences.”

  The desire was there but as usual, his antagonistic remark caused me to react involuntarily. Without thinking about it, I followed through with my original plan, cracking my palm across his face. The sound was more jarring for me than it was for the gloating man.

  I could tell by the look in his eyes he’d wanted me to risk his wrath. He’d goaded me as well. We were like oil and water, but the jolts of current were undeniable.

  He took a deep breath, moving his jaw back and forth. As it the close-range slap had caused him that much pain. The man was far too suave as he pulled the hand that had smacked him close to his lips, kissing my palm. Everything about him was unnerving.

  When he let it go, he shook his head far too slowly. “Tsk. Tsk, sweet Lark. You’ll be punished for that.”

  His hold was firm and as he dragged me closer, forcing me onto my toes, I couldn’t react quickly. When I finally eased from the fog seconds later, I smashed my palm against his chest, furious that I was tingling all over. The tone of his voice was darker, his accent creating a bubbling wave of need.

  He fisted my hair with his other hand, yanking until I was forced to gaze into his shimmering eyes. The man wasn’t used to being challenged. I’d played my hand and I’d failed. As he crushed his mouth over mine, a part of me wanted to continue fighting him, but the feel of his soft lips was too intense. My heart beat rapidly, my vision foggy but there was no mistaking the jarring electricity. We could become combustible together.

  I found myself clinging to his shirt, daring to allow the tip of my index finger to brush his heated skin, the touch searing. His hunger was explosive, and he thrust his tongue past my pursed lips. The way his fingers dug into my scalp was another indication he had every intention of making good on his promise.

  Lachlan forced me to arch my back, driving the thick bulge against my stomach. He was rock hard, throbbing to the point tremors skipped down the back of my legs. The taste of scotch was mixed with a hint of spearmint, the combination irresistible.

  The butterflies in my stomach remained, the quick stepping of my pulse as well, but the rush of warmth between my legs was calling the shots. He was everything I wanted to hate. Dominant. Arrogant. Confident. But I couldn’t ignore the explosion of tiny firecrackers going off throughout my body.

  His actions became more aggressive, pushing me into a blinding moment where sin and rationality collide. And he knew it. When he finally broke the kiss, he yanked my head back even more, his heated breath skipping along my jawline.

  As soon as he released his hold on my wrist, I allowed my arm to drift to his groin. I bit back a laugh as I rolled it back and forth across his shaft, wishing his clothes would suddenly disappear.

  I’d heard men growl before at football games, their testosterone getting the better of them. But the husky, animalistic sound he emitted was a pure cry from a savage predator. I was as thrown by the guttural tone as I was by the liquid velvet of his voice. He did things to me that no man ever had.

  And I hated myself for it.

  I closed my eyes, trying to control my breathing, still shocked he had this kind of power over me. It had been impossible not to think about the way he’d made me feel, forcing me to question my desires.

  He dragged his tongue around my mouth then down one side of my neck. Sensations continued to build, so much so I felt wobbly. I wasn’t paying any attention when he finally let go of my hair, concentrating on the way his thick strands felt between my fingers. Only when I sensed he was pulling away did I open and blink several times, trying to focus.

  There was an urgency to his actions as he rubbed both hands down my sides, crawling the hem of my dress up by several inches. He wasn’t the kind of man to be told no, yanking it over my head and tossing the unwanted material aside. The look of hunger on his face exploded into something else, his eyes now hooded from lust.

  He cupped my naked breasts, squeezing as he brushed his thumbs back and forth across my already aching nipples. I was lightheaded enough I was forced to grip his arms. There was just something so powerful about a man who’d rolled up their sleeves. I tried to stay focused, keeping my eyes locked on his, but when he pinched my nipples between his fingers, the rush of pain drove me straight into a moment of bliss.

  “I will enjoy breaking down your defenses.” His voice was as commanding as before, giving me no alternative.

  I’d never felt so vulnerable or so excited and when he spun me around, pushing me over the edge of the pool table, whimpers escaped my mouth. My feet were dangling, my toes barely touching the floor.

  He pressed the full weight of his body over mine, taking one arm then the other, placing them above my head. “I can see you’re going to learn lessons the hard way. That’s fine. I know how to handle that. Why did you do that, Lark?”

  How did he have the ability to make me feel sexy and wanted while also bringing the bad little girl to the surface?

  “I don’t know, sir.”

  “I believe you do. Be honest with yourself.”

  He was asking me to dig deep inside myself, exposing the girl no one knew about. “I… can’t.” There was something far too comforting about having him on top of me, protecting me from all the evils of the world. That was ridiculous.

  “Yes, you can. I have faith in you.” He used his face to slide my hair away from my neck, pressing a single kiss against my jaw. “Whatever the reason, I won’t make fun of you.”

  Damn him for acting like he cared. I cinched my eyes shut, embarrassed that the girl who was never at a loss for words couldn’t find the right ones. So, I blurted out what was on the tip of my tongue.

  “I’m afraid.”

  “Of?” he asked quietly.

  “That I’ll want this.”

  “This…” While he repeated what I’d said, he didn’t try to put words into my mouth When he returned to a standing position, I clamped my hands together.

  He pressed his hand against the small of my back, the action tender yet demanding. When he peeled down my thong, dragging the soft silk to my knees, I pushed up from the table.

  “The lifestyle isn’t for everyone, Lark, but there’s no pressure to continue after our time together has ended.”

  Perhaps he was doing his best to continue comforting me. That didn’t change the way I felt, the fear that had the potential of becoming crippling.

  “For every infraction, there will be a point of discipline. Keep your arms over your head.” He brought his hand down and I almost started to laugh out of nervousness. Evidently, I did without knowing given the huge sigh I heard.

  I wiggled on the table, surprised that I felt no pain from the single smack. After almost bringing my arms down, I stopped short, wanting to obey him. How was that possible? When he cracked the palm of his hand from one side to the other several times, I was finally jarred into feeling the pain. I never would have thought the use of a hand could create hints of absolute anguish.

  However, he did have a massive hand. Within seconds, fire tore through me and it had nothing to do with desire. My bottom ached, his smacks becoming more brutal.

  “Stop. I’m sorry. I really am.”

  “While an apology is nice, Lark, that’s not what I’m hoping to get out of your punishment. I want you to consider your actions in the future.” Without hesitation, he resumed the spanking, using a perfect rhythm in doing so.

  I jerked up twice, gasping for air, only to have him pushing me back to the table. I eyed the colorful balls that were only a few inches away, wondering whether my aim would be good enough to pop him in the head.

  At least it allowed me to smile until he issued six more, ones so hard they took my breath away. When he stopped, I was ready to launch myself off the table, but he had other things in mind. He brushed the rough pads of his fingers down my spine, rolling then along the crack of my ass before caressing first one side of my bruised bottom then the other.

  I bit my lower lip to keep from making a single sound, but there was nothing I could do to hide my excitement. My inner thighs were wet, slickened from his touch, his kiss, and the anticipation of more.

  “It will be a pleasure to take you on a journey.” He seemed genuine, although I remained wary of him. When he spread my legs even wider, I sucked in my breath. “You’re very wet.”

  Did he expect me to answer him? I nodded, uncertain, wanting the round of discipline to be over with. I wasn’t good with pain.

  When he plunged his fingers inside, it was as if he was testing his theory. The sound of what he was doing, the way my juice had slickened his long digits was evocative. I was thrown into a wave of pleasure, but it only lasted for a few seconds before his pulled his hand away, immediately bringing down another four brutal smacks.

  “You’ll learn to obey me. I think I know you well enough to believe you don’t want to disappoint me.”

  I shivered as soon as he made the statement, shocked at my reaction. I gasped for air, fighting my urge to rake my nails through the pricey red felt on his man cave toy. I hated my conflicting emotions.

  And the tears forming in my eyes.

  They had nothing to do with being unable to handle the anguish and humiliation. The tears were ones of frustration that this man and no other had seen right through my carefully crafted façade. When he rolled me over, I quickly wiped my eyes, but I could tell he’d caught a glimpse. I was mortified that as a grown woman, I was crying.

  I expected condemnation in his eyes, but they reflected something else entirely different.

  Respect.

  And anger, but not directed toward me.

  “Who hurt you?”

  God. This man could throw me like no other. It was impossible to hate him, which is what I’d been determined to do.

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “It does to me.” He reeked of possessiveness.

  Lachlan rolled his hand down the inside of one leg, dragging my panties with him. His eyes never left me, the smirk on his face full of explosive heat as he gingerly removed one stiletto then the other, the thong disappearing into his pocket. He scooted me into the center of the table, lifting my legs and opening them wide. When he planted my feet on the thick wooden trim, I flailed my arms before crossing them over my breasts.

  “Do not cover yourself. Ever. I need to see all of you.”

  I shuddered all over again from the sound of his voice, the tone oozing from his plump lips igniting lust. The man was hot as hell, so much in control that my stomach ached. Mostly because what he was doing felt natural, almost right. It was almost as if I could let my guard down, which was crazy. I chewed on my bottom lip, still nervous around the larger-than-life man.

  He reminded me of someone preparing for a feast, his expression more predatory than before. As he leaned over, another wave of humiliation tore through me. I reacted, covering my face with my hand only to feel a sharp twinge as he smacked my pussy.

  “What did I tell you?”

  “Not to cover myself.” I slid my hand away, fisting both as he nodded his approval. Another little hint of glee that I’d pleased him drifted into my system.

  “Good girl.”

  My stomach fluttered from his words but when he dragged his tongue down the length of my pussy, a knot formed. I wasn’t supposed to enjoy this or him. I couldn’t. I hated him.

  Liar. You’ve hungered for him from the first time you laid eyes on him.

  My deceitful little voice wasn’t easing the pain of the shame I felt for falling into his trap. I was forced to watch as he feasted, taking his time to swirl his tongue around my clit, sucking on it until it was swollen, aching like the rest of my body.

  Panting, I couldn’t swallow, struggling to keep my legs wide open. But with every swipe of his tongue, every heated breath cascading down my wetness, I was pushed into another moment of pure euphoria. When I tried to close my legs, he wrapped his arms around my thighs, spreading me so wide my knees touched the pool table. “Keep them exactly like this.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  “Good girl.”

  Good girl. Who would have ever known the two words would hold such meaning, a longing to be just that. I was crazy, completely out of my mind. As his actions became even more forceful, I bucked up from the table, gasping for air. The sensations were unlike anything I’d ever experienced. No man had taken his time to know exactly what pleased me. It was as if we’d known each other for years instead of a couple of days.

  I chewed on my inner lip, tossing my head from side to side. Goosebumps were floating down my arms, shifting to my legs. When I felt my toes curl, I sensed an oncoming orgasm.

  “Oh. Oh… My God. Yes. Yes.” As the climax jetted into my system, he buried his head into my wetness, taking me to an even higher plane.

  He didn’t stop, sucking on my tender nub until I issued another moan. When he finally lifted his head, I turned mine to the side, dragging in ragged breaths, licking across my parched lips. I eased my arms over my head, scattering the remaining balls. When I heard several of them dropping into the various pockets, I couldn’t keep from laughing.

  The way he rose to his full height made him seem larger than life. I’d studied him before, marveling in his exquisite looks, but seeing him in this light brought an entirely new definition to his masculine form. He was gorgeous. There was no other adequate word to describe him. It didn’t matter he was older. To this day I couldn’t stand dating anyone remotely close to my age. They were nothing but lab rats of testosterone, trying to prove themselves in the big, bad world.

  Lachlan’s confidence was something else entirely.

  I remained where I was, uncertain what he’d do. After he retrieved his drink, he headed across the room, taking a seat in one of the plush leather chairs, I struggled to move onto my elbows.

  He was at least twenty feet away, taking his time settling in, studying me intently as he took a sip of his scotch. Then he beckoned me with a single finger, saying nothing.

  My entire body trembling, I eased off the table, my legs shakier than before. The fact he remained fully clothed while I was completely naked added to his dominance. My legs were stiff as I walked in his direction, every step methodical. He seemed to be looking at me through the amber liquid, his eyes so narrow I could no longer bask in the beauty of his golden-rimmed pupils.

  Before I made it ten feet, he threw up his hand, instantly stopping me.

  Then he used a single word as a command, and it was the most terrifying of all.

  “Crawl.”

  I wanted to protest, ignore his demand, but a part of me continued to desire to obey him. Without my mind’s full approval, I dropped to my knees, slowly lowering my hands to the floor. I kept my eyes locked on his as I slowly advanced, and it was as if the man would walk through fire to get to me. The look was unnerving, creating myriad feelings and vibrations.

  The closer I came, the more his chest heaved. He took sip after sip and when I was only three feet away, he slammed the thick tumbler on the table next to him. I’d never done anything like this, exposing not just my body to a man but the inner darkness as well. I should feel appalled for being made to crawl to him, but I was far too enthralled with the entire experience. This was something I hadn’t expected.

  Lachlan kept his legs spread wide open. The moment I crawled between them he placed his palm on the top of my head, stroking gently. I couldn’t seem to stop shaking, but the longing to touch him was overwhelming. My mind continued to churn with wondering why I was drawn to him, but it was too little, too late to try to figure it out.

  He gently eased my face to the inside of his leg, lifting my chin with a single finger. I’d never seen such extreme lust in any man’s eyes and I’d been privy to several who’d tried to use their power to get me into bed. This was entirely different, his level of control and influence as unexpected as the man.

  The way he had one elbow placed on the armrest, rubbing his fingers back and forth across his lips was just as salacious. He was watching my reaction, waiting to see what I’d do. After taking a deep breath, I rolled my hands along the inside of his calves, his muscles rippling under my fingertips. I slowly slid them up to his knee and he removed the finger from my chin, fisting his hand.

  Still watching me.

  His eyes dripped with desire. The man oozed sex, dirty and kinky. As well as danger. Was it possible hidden beneath his tailored suits and Gucci crocodile loafers there was a man capable of murder? My throat started to close, my mind a mire of ugly thoughts.

  It was difficult not to ogle him, even as I reminded myself I’d sworn off men. But Lachlan was far removed from Michael in every way. Heat continued to rise on my cheeks, the intensity of his gaze spiraling me out of control. I shouldn’t want this or him, but the thought of him shoving me into a wall, driving his thick cock inside my pussy was an unforgettable aphrodisiac.

  There was another look in his soulful eyes, one I couldn’t read, but if I didn’t know better, I’d say it was sadness. He was reflecting on something from his past. When I reached his inner thighs, his cock throbbed more than before, straining the material of his trousers. He remained exactly as he’d been, his breathing ragged and his nostrils flared. But his hunger was ebbing at the seams, the energy oozing from him unlike anything I’d ever experienced.