Her entire body trembled, her lower lip quivering. There was no doubt she could see the essence of rage in my eyes. She folded her hands together, trying to hold back her emotions but I could see the look of trepidation as well as continued fear crossing her face.

  She had every reason to be afraid of me.

  “You were a lead dancer,” I said with no inflection in my voice. “In New York.”

  “Yes. For three years, but that was a very long time ago. My entire life changed.”

  “On one dark and stormy night when you witnessed a crime that should have cost you your life. Yes?”

  Now her eyes opened wide, her lovely mouth twisting. After swallowing, she nodded but only once. The admittance to the obvious horror as well as to her lies was almost too much for her to bear.

  “Aleksandr Prentikov’s crime, likely his assassination of whatever monster he’d been hired to kill was the reason you fled everything you knew and loved,” I continued.

  A nervous laugh pulsed from her mouth. “Yes. I was in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

  “But that’s not entirely true. Is it, Willow?” I took two steps toward her and she stifled a whimper. “Is it?” I demanded, taking deep breaths as I fisted my hands.

  She studied my body language, wincing as if I’d hit her. Maybe that was what she’d been used to all those years ago.

  “No. Okay? How did you know?”

  “I have friends that I pay very well to hunt whatever information I need. Talk to me.”

  Only when I took a step closer did she begin to talk.

  “Aleksandr was in the audience on several occasions when I was dancing, finally asking to meet me backstage. For some stupid reason, I granted the request. On the night you’re talking about, the bastard managed to coerce me into having a drink with him after several attempts. I had a night off and he asked me to meet him at a bar not too far away from where I lived,” she half whispered.

  “Why did you accept?”

  “Because he’d plied me with attention, sending me bouquets of roses and champagne, showering me with gifts and trinkets over several weeks. I’d been warned about him, but I was stupid and young, longing to be cared about. Up to that point, he’d been the perfect gentlemen, attending as many performances as possible and I fell for his romantic lines of bullshit after several months. Months! I believed I could actually give him my heart. Then I walked down the wrong street and watched as he gutted a man, killing him in cold blood. I will never forget the way the blade glistened in the moonlight or the anguish erupting from the dying man as he begged for his life. Aleksandr didn’t give a shit. He killed this guy in the middle of the street and no one cared. No one came to the man’s defense.” Her hand shook as she brushed her long fingers through her hair.

  “Did you go to the police?”

  “Of course I did, but that was days later.”

  Days later. I was even more curious, my heart thumping rapidly against my chest. I knew enough about Aleksandr’s tactics to know he couldn’t have allowed her to go unpunished. “Days later,” I repeated.

  She nodded again, a sneer crossing her face. “Yes. By that point, the police didn’t seem to want to be bothered by my statement, acting as if I was a scared little girl who’d merely witnessed a robbery. It was insane.”

  I let out the breath I’d been holding, moving closer, realizing that she remained traumatized by the monster’s actions.

  And whatever had come next.

  “What did Aleksandr do that night after the incident? He saw you. Didn’t he?”

  She continued to fidget, her eyes glassing over. “Yes. I’ll never forget his eyes, so cold and distant, as if he was absolutely soulless. I was horrified, unable to scream but I tried to run. I did everything I could to get away from that monster, but he caught me easily, his fucking henchmen chasing me down. The bastard took me off the street and threw me in a cage, telling me over and over again that it was for my protection and that he loved me. He actually thought I’d believe the crap coming from his mouth. He was so damn obsessive, treating me like a prisoner for hours at a time, then acting as if we were a couple. He plied me with fine wines and beautiful clothing, but I wanted nothing to do with him, so he tossed me back into a cage. It was obvious he couldn’t care less about taking a life. I fought everything he did, only angering him more, but I didn’t care. I refused to be with a monster.”

  As she laughed bitterly, she leaned against the wall, gazing down at Baxter as he nuzzled against her leg.

  “Then what happened?” I continued to demand answers, my need for revenge increasing. She seemed to shut down, an odd resolve building around her. She’d obviously survived by pretending the incident hadn’t happened. Then why the fuck was Aleksandr here? Too many coincidences. Too many games. I was finished playing them.

  “He finally let me go when I refused to succumb. That was days later, but it seemed like a lifetime.”

  A full ten seconds passed as I processed what she’d told me. The fact Aleksandr hadn’t recognized her was odd, but her hair was much blonder than the picture indicated, her stage name at the club protected from customers. And she’d worn a mask at all times, including when Aleksandr had accosted her in the dressing room. As far as the police, I would bet the Morelli family had bought them off. Still, she was holding out on me.

  “You’re still lying, Willow.”

  She shot a hateful look in my direction. “No, I’m not. He let me go after threatening me if I said anything to anyone, as if anyone cared at that point. I wanted to shout it out to the world what the asshole had done, but by then, I was lost to fear and self-loathing. When the police didn’t buy my story, I knew I had no recourse. I couldn’t eat. I couldn’t dance. After two weeks of wallowing in self-pity and pain, I knew I had to get out of the city. So, I fled to my parents’ home, locking myself away for months in my effort to disappear and rebuild. When both my parents became ill, taking care of them was my full-time job. Finding the director’s position at the shelter was a life saver.”

  “But you couldn’t give up dancing.”

  “No. I saw the ad and thought I could at least salvage something from my past. I was obviously stupid.”

  “That’s a horrible and sad story, Willow. But I have to ask, if Aleksandr was so obsessed, why didn’t he attempt to track you down?”

  Huffing, she glared at me with defiance. “I don’t know that he didn’t early on. However, I’m using my mother’s maiden name as protection, but as you can see, the monster found me anyway. Didn’t he? I have no idea how, but I can’t risk him figuring out who I am.”

  Something didn’t add up.

  With two long strides, I had her in my arms, wrapping my hand around both her wrists. “You don’t understand what that man is capable of. You need to tell me exactly what he did to you. There’s more to your story, Willow.”

  “I know exactly what that sick fuck is capable of and I told you everything that occurred that night. If you don’t believe me, I’m certain those resources you have can manage to confirm what I’m telling you.”

  It was my turn to laugh. “Why did you find it necessary to lie to me?”

  “I don’t know you. Not really,” she retorted, her defiance increasing. “How would I know if Aleksandr is a friend of yours?”

  “Are you playing a game?”

  “A game? What are you talking about?”

  “Did Prentikov make you an offer you couldn’t refuse, perhaps paying you for information on the club? Did he lure you back into his fold?”

  “Oh, my God. You actually think I could stand helping that monster after what I witnessed, what he did to me? Are you serious?” She struggled, managing to pull out of my strong hold. With a quick snap of her wrist, she slapped me across the face.

  The action was jarring, my heart thudding. She gasped as if the horror of what she’d done would require consequences, scooting out of my reach.

  I pressed my hand against my face, shifting my jaw back and forth. “All you have done is lie to me, Willow. That stops right here. I’m not a man to be fucked with.”

  “That’s right. You’re a dangerous badass. Doesn’t that make you exactly like Aleksandr? Do you and your brothers enjoy blackmailing people? Does it give you the warmth late at night when you crawl into your lonely bed? Do you get your jollies from destroying people’s lives?” She spit out the nasty words, a slight glimmer appearing in her eyes. She had paid attention to the business within the club. Perhaps I’d underestimated her. The sincerity in her eyes caught me off guard. I was so accustomed to people attempting to tear down the Dunmore reputation that I’d lost myself in the realm of my father.

  Another rush of emotions flowed through my system, nearly locking up every muscle. While the anger remained, my need to protect and care for her was more intense than before. I also craved her submission as well as her obedience. The dichotomy was fascinating, my cock aching from the sadistic thoughts. I’d made her a promise and I intended on keeping it. “You’re going to be punished for lying to me.”

  “I don’t deserve to be punished. You learned what you came here for.”

  Very slowly I turned my head, locking eyes with hers. “Yes, you do and that’s exactly what’s going to happen. I was very clear about what I expected.”

  “I’m curious, Christopher. What does Aleksandr have on you?” she asked, although her tone was far too demanding. “Is there something you’re not telling me?”

  Every step deliberate, I moved closer, wrapping my hand around her neck and dragging her toward me. She flinched, only making me want her more. “None of your concern. That is, unless you were sent to find out what I might have on Aleksandr, information that could possibly destroy him.”

  “Just stop it. Stop it, Christopher. I’m not lying and I’m not your enemy. I would never work with that sack of shit,” she whispered, the tone so damn husky that it ignited the fire within me all over again.

  “Then tell me what else happened. Help me understand. I will destroy that man.”

  She twisted her mouth in the same seductive way as she’d done before, yanking at my barbaric desires. “I told you everything.”

  “Then so be it. You will be punished.”

  “I hate you.”

  “Go ahead and hate me, Willow, but honor and loyalty mean something to me.”

  “You could be such an amazing man, but all you want is power.”

  The truth hurt; however, I did need something else in my life other than wealth and influence. I needed her.

  I dug my fingers into her soft skin as I towered over her. There was something so powerful about her vulnerability, her bare feet and the provocative dress calling to the beast dwelling inside. “Then I’m going to fuck you.” I crushed her mouth as I’d done before, wanting nothing more than to thrust my cock inside her sweet little pussy with one long, brutal drive. My need to mark her, devour her was just another method of retaliation against the Russian. He craved what he’d tossed away, the life he’d ruined.

  The warmth of her body continued to fuel my savagery and as I forced her lips apart, I could feel her yielding to me, could smell her increasing desire. Every aspect of the kiss was all about controlling her yet setting the caged woman free. The cathartic moment became wild, my lust overwhelming both of us. She clung to me as before, the touch of her fingertips white-hot. Damn, she tasted like sunshine and spice.

  But she deserved a harsh punishment. She needed to learn one way or the other.

  As soon as I broke the kiss, I tossed her over my shoulder, heading down the only other hallway. The oddity of hearing Baxter woofing behind me should have been able to drag me out of my haze, but nothing was going to stop me at this point. Her ragged mews and the way she wriggled in my hold was far too enticing, her scent more intoxicating than ever before.

  I found the bedroom easily enough, her fragrance covering every inch of the room. The second I dropped Willow to her feet, I grabbed the bodice of her dress with both hands, easily ripping the unwanted material away from my prize.

  “Christopher!” Stunned, she blinked several times then reacted, flailing her fists against my chest. “You’re a horrible man,” she spouted, although the tone in her voice had everything to do with lust instead of trepidation.

  “Yes, I am.”

  Our combined breathing was heavy, her eyes glistening from the same level of hunger that boiled in my veins. Her beautiful nipples were swollen and hard like the most perfect pebbles. Unable to help myself, I yanked Willow by the hair, pulling her back into a deep arc. As I lowered down, darting my tongue around her hardened bud, she moaned, her body trembling.

  “Don’t,” she whispered, whimpers escaping her mouth.

  “You’re wet, longing to have me fuck you.” My growl was guttural and as I pulled her nipple into my mouth, she cried out. Within seconds, she was no longer struggling, yet her fists remained positioned against my chest. I rubbed my lips across to her other breast, taking my time to devour the tip, sucking and licking.

  Her eyes were closed, her chest rising and falling.

  “You like it rough. Don’t you?”

  “No!” she shouted then bit her lower lip, her entire body trembling.

  “Yes, you do. Tell me what you want, sweet angel.” I repeated my actions, biting down on her nipple. “Tell me.”

  A few seconds passed by, the sound of our combined ragged breathing overwhelming. Then a dam broke within her, the sight of her eyes becoming unfocused, her mouth twisting tantalizing as hell.

  “Fuck me, Christopher. I don’t care. Just fuck me.”

  I pulled her upright, lowering my head and pressing a single kiss against her cheek. “Soon, my angel. Soon.” The second I released my hold, taking a single step away, she wiped her arm across her mouth, her eyes filling with conviction. I knew exactly what she was planning on doing.

  Escaping.

  As if she could ever get away from me.

  Her actions quick, she shifted and attempted to crawl over the bed. I wrapped my hand around her ankle, yanking her backwards as I unfastened my belt. When she attempted to get away again, I entangled my fingers in her long locks, dragging her to the edge of the bed and onto her knees.

  Panting, she clawed the comforter, managing to kick me in the stomach.

  “Such a bad girl.” I yanked my belt from the loops, the whooshing sound catching her by surprise.

  She shot a look over her shoulder, her brow furrowing, yet she remained on all fours. “Why are you doing this?”

  “To teach you a lesson. I know you understand.”

  Her entire face shimmered in the waning light slipping in through the blinds. We were at a crossroads, the moment where she was prepared to surrender, but so uncertain of the man she was succumbing to. God help me but I wanted nothing more than to shower her with the same kinds of presents and trinkets that she’d likely received before. I was overwhelmed with the need, the realization more shocking than my behavior.

  While I’d never considered myself a good man, the woman brought out the darkest of emotions, the sadistic cravings that I’d long since thought dormant. Every look she gave me was little more than a hard punch to my gut, yanking at what little was left of my heart. She could have no idea the kind of effect she had on me, the way she’d ceremoniously erased certain yearnings, replacing them with things I couldn’t understand.

  My sudden need for family.

  My absolute longing to keep her locked away from all evils.

  My constant cravings that refused to let me go.

  She watched as I folded the belt, no longer attempting to break free, but certainly not resigned to her punishment. I slid the strap portion down her spine, reveling in the series of moans escaping her mouth.

  Words escaped me as they’d never done before, but a lump formed in my throat. She’d been broken in some horrible manner by the Russian, a deed that he would pay for dearly. Whatever traumatic occurrence she’d been forced to endure, he would experience tenfold. As I tapped the strap against her bottom, she threw back her head, struggling to stifle a moan.

  “I hope one day you can learn to trust me.” I wasn’t even certain why I issued the words. How could she trust a man like me?

  “Then give me a reason to trust you.”

  The second I cracked the belt across her backside, she let out an elongated whimper, tossing her head back and forth. I couldn’t seem to take my eyes off her silky curls, the hair falling over both of her strong and shapely shoulders. When I delivered two more strikes, the sound echoed in the room, further igniting the fire burning deep within.

  I wanted her to feel the burn, to learn that she was required to obey me. I smacked her several more times, one strike coming after the other. Her whimpers were strangled yet so damn beautiful. Maybe I was nothing but one sick asshole. For a brief few seconds, what was left of my humanity realized she deserved a better man.

  The lump remained in my throat as I continued the spanking, the strangling sensations stealing my breath.

  “I will always protect you, keeping you safe from monsters like Prentikov,” I managed and cracked the belt across her upper thighs. “You are mine.”

  Whether or not she even heard the words was difficult to tell, the intensity of her expression as if the severe whipping was pushing her into a quiet space of euphoria.

  After four additional strikes, I couldn’t stand the wait any longer. I had to be inside of her.

  Taking her.

  Consuming her.

  The need was fierce, pulling me into a firestorm that I feared neither one of us would ever be able to escape. She was my kryptonite while I needed to be her hero. Only I wasn’t cut out for the job, not in the way she required.

  Or deserved.

  Her sweet scent of arousal was breathtaking, every inch of her porcelain skin luminescent, glistening like diamonds.