Guard (The Underground Book 3) Read online

  “I’m never going to dominate you roughly in public. It raises eyebrows and brings unnecessary questions. Not everyone understands this lifestyle. But if you want to spend your days pushing me, I’ll be happy to spend your nights punishing you.” He worried about those words. Were they too much? He watched her closely.

  She shuddered and pressed her legs together.

  Oh, fuck yes.

  He switched to a sultry tone. “It will be strange at first, us figuring out how the puzzle pieces fit together. Developing a method that suits us both in and outside the apartment.” He took a chance and reached out to stroke the tips of his fingers down her arm.

  Goose bumps rose. She didn’t step away, though. And if he wasn’t mistaken, her nipples had to hurt from being so tight.

  “You can spend as many days as you want testing me, but at the end of every one, I’ll still be here next to you. You might even ease up on the sass after a while when your ass gets too sore to sit down.”

  She tucked her lips between her teeth, but not before he heard the faint whimper that escaped.

  “I’m a Dom. I’m not even a part-time Dom. Can’t say I keep it to the bedroom. You know that. You like it too. It’s a soft place to fall when you can turn your power over to someone else and let them handle things. I bet you spend your days directing the universe at work. When you leave, you’ll find it so relaxing to give that power to me.”

  He wrapped his hand around her wrist gently and gave a slight tug to get her to inch closer. “Give it to me, baby. Submit to me. Stop trying to fight it. Let me make you feel good. Relaxed. Cherished. You know in your heart that’s what I’m offering.”

  She stepped closer, nodding, her chin still tucked low, her gorgeous red curls covering her face.

  He gave her a minute to think.

  “I don’t want to lose myself.”

  “I know, baby. And you won’t.” He pulled her the last step, tucking her between his legs and flattening her chest against his. He was glad he didn’t have on a shirt, but he wished he wasn’t wearing his jeans, either. His cock was rock hard. “You’re still you. You’re just adding this new experience to the mix. It’s scary at first. But I’ll help you through the transition.” He brushed hair off her forehead but let her keep her chin dipped.

  She wasn’t ready to meet his gaze yet. Another sniffle. Another swipe of her hand under her eyes. “I’m sorry, Sir,” she muttered.

  He breathed easily for the first time in almost twenty-four hours. “I know you are. Next time don’t shut me out. Talk to me. I’ll help you through this. I’ve seen it before. I know a little about what you’re feeling. It’s jarring to find out you’re submissive when you had no idea. And I’ll cherish this gift for the rest of my life.”

  She sucked in a sob. “You won’t leave.” She stated that more as a fact she’d just acknowledged than a question.

  “Never. I’m patient. I’ll help you work through anything.”

  “With your palm.” For the first time, he saw the hint of a smile cross her lips.

  He dipped his head to make sure he was reading her right. “As often as you require.”

  She snickered briefly. “You say that as if it’s my choice.”

  “And it is.”

  Finally, she lifted her face. “You think I’m going to start asking you to spank me?”

  “First of all, spanking you would hardly be a punishment since you’ll probably come every time I do it. But to clarify, when you act like a brat, that’s your indirect way of asking me to take punitive action at the first convenient time.” He grinned.

  “I think you misread me. I’m just trying to assert my independence and let you know you can’t direct every aspect of my life.”

  “Nope. Because although the lines we’ll establish in this relationship are still a bit blurry, you know without a single doubt that when you sass me, you’re doing it to goad me. And I’ll punish you when we get somewhere private.”

  She gasped. “How can you know that?”

  “Because you have repeatedly said and done things in front of me to test my dominance. You’re feeling me out. It’s natural. I expect it.” He leaned closer until their faces were inches apart. “And I won’t disappoint you. If I let your sassiness slide, I wouldn’t be living up to my end of the bargain as a firm Dom.”

  “I have not ever disobeyed you in order to test the flexibility of your hand.”

  “You sure about that?” He wrapped his fingers tighter around her wrist and reached around to hold it at her lower back. “You didn’t waltz around here in a towel, yapping on the phone about wandering around in the dark at night with your girlfriend, and then drop your towel on the floor in front of me to test me? Test my dominance?”

  She didn’t respond.

  “Uh-huh. Thought so. You have done everything possible to get me to respond to you with force for twenty-four hours.”

  “Why didn’t you?” She swallowed.

  “I did. Here we are. Granted, at first I wasn’t sure what to make of your insolence. I knew you were thinking. I knew I had thrown a lot on your plate in a short amount of time. So I thought I should give you some space to think things through.

  “Maybe I shouldn’t have let you go to bed frustrated, but I had my reasons. Namely that I wanted you to know if you clamp your mouth shut and give me the silent treatment, my reactions might be unpredictable. I might let you go to bed needy and alone. That’s punishment in and of itself.”

  “I didn’t like it.”

  “I know. I didn’t, either. But I’m still here. If you thought I might leave, you were wrong. Part of you was testing my commitment. And it’s strong. You can’t shake me with a little silent treatment. It’s bratty, and I’ll call you on it. But my methods might not be what you expected.”

  She pushed out her lower lip in a pout. “You held me, but you didn’t touch me intimately or say anything.”

  “Yep.”

  “It was aggravating because I didn’t know what you were thinking.”

  “You mean like I didn’t know what you were keeping bottled up inside all day?”

  “Okay. You’re right.” She let her shoulders slump.

  “I don’t need to be right. I just need to be dominant. And I was. You didn’t get what you wanted.”

  “Except you stayed.”

  “I stayed. You gonna test that very often? Because it was boring as hell. If you have concerns or thoughts, I’d rather you brought them to my attention and we sorted them out together next time.”

  “Okay…Sir.”

  “That’s what I like to hear.” He glanced at the clock. “Now, what time do we need to leave the apartment to get to your work?”

  “You’re going with me?”

  “At least until I know you’re safe and you promise not to leave the premises until I get back.”

  “I need to be there at nine.”

  “It’s only seven thirty. Why did you get up so early?”

  “I couldn’t sleep. I was worried.” She bit her lower lip.

  He reached with his free hand and plucked it out with his thumb.

  “Sorry, Sir.”

  He stood, still holding her hand behind her back, and circled behind her. “Lean over the mattress.”

  She tugged her hand, bending at the waist after a second’s hesitation.

  “No. Reach back with your other hand, bend your arms, and hold your forearms together.”

  She did as he instructed, awkwardly setting her cheek against the mattress.

  “Good. Now spread your legs for me.”

  She inched them apart.

  “Wider, baby. Don’t make me tell you more than once. When I say to spread them open, do it far enough you’re sure I won’t have complaints the first time.”

  She took a bigger step, barely keeping her balance.

  “How do you think I should punish you?”

  “I don’t know, Sir.”

  “If I spank you, can you keep from com
ing?”

  “I don’t know that either, Sir.”

  “I appreciate your honesty.” He stroked one finger down her spine until she moaned when he reached her crack. “How wet are you?”

  “Very, Sir.”

  “You’re so sexy when your skin is all flushed with arousal, and I love the way you can drop into subspace in seconds. One simple command, and you’re mine to worship.”

  “It’s unnerving, Sir.”

  “You’ll get used to it. It’s hot as hell. Makes my cock harder than ever.” He adjusted the poor tortured shaft as he spoke. If he didn’t release it from his jeans soon, his pants would be filled with come.

  “I’m going to spank you, but I’m going to do it hard. Not the soft touch you’re used to that makes you wet and horny. It’s going to hurt. You might even cry. But I want you to learn from this experience. Don’t shut me out. Don’t sass me. Don’t play games with me.”

  He leaned over her back and whispered in her ear. “Because there’s nothing you can do that will make me walk out the door and leave you. You don’t need to test that theory. Instead, I’ll show you how much you mean to me every time by punishing you. It won’t be pleasant, but it will be just what you need to be reminded who’s the dominant in this relationship. We clear?”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “Good.” He set a hand on her lower back to hold her steady. “Whether or not you come is my decision. Sometimes I’ll allow it. Other times I won’t. It’s never your choice.”

  “Okay, Sir.”

  “Feel the sting of my palm and remember not to play games with me.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  He lifted his free hand and swatted her hard right in the center.

  She yelped, as he knew she would.

  Again.

  She lifted onto her toes. “Sir. Oh God.”

  He smoothed his hand on her pinkened ass. Her skin was so transparent and thin, he needed to be careful not to break it. He struck again, this time holding her back firmly, knowing she would rock forward to escape his touch.

  A fourth swat, harder, low and center. The burn would race to her pussy.

  She screamed out.

  He stopped and rubbed the spot again.

  “Sir, that hurts.”

  “Yes. It’s called discipline. It was meant to hurt. If it didn’t, what would I be accomplishing?”

  “I’ll be good, Sir.”

  “I know you will, baby.”

  He spanked her higher, on the right cheek. And then another on the left. “Two more, baby.” He landed both of the last blows in the sweet spot that brought her once again to her toes.

  She moaned as he flattened his hand over the burning sting of pink flesh and smoothed over the heat.

  “Your ass is so sexy all pink like this. Anytime you want me to spank you, feel free to sass me for the day.”

  “I won’t sass you, Sir. I won’t do it again.” Her voice was choked.

  “You will.” He chuckled. “And next time I’ll find another punishment.”

  She rocked side to side, moaning.

  He knew her pussy was pleading for attention.

  Shocking him, she released her hands and reached under her body with one, unabashedly masturbating herself.

  He grabbed her wrist and jerked it away from her pussy. “You will not touch yourself without permission. Ever. No matter how badly you need to come, you won’t rub your pussy unless I direct it. Are we clear?”

  “Yes, Sir.” She sobbed, still rocking her body.

  “In fact, since you’ve proven unable to control your hands this morning, you don’t have permission to be anyplace for more than a few seconds alone. The bathroom, and that’s it. Not even the shower. Not for an entire week.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  “I’ll trust you to stay in public places at work except the few minutes it takes to use the facilities when necessary.”

  “Yes, Sir.” She moaned again, louder, probably without realizing it.

  “You’ll earn the right to privacy again with good behavior.”

  “Yes, Sir.” Her back dipped, her pussy reaching closer to the side of the mattress.

  “You want me to make it two weeks?”

  “No, Sir.” She straightened her back.

  “Good choice. Now, climb onto the bed, lie on your back, and pull your knees up and out. Use your hands to hold them high and wide.”

  She scrambled to do his bidding.

  “That’s what I like to see.” He stared at her for a long time.

  Her pussy was glistening and swollen with arousal. The lips parted by themselves when she stretched her knees out. Her lips were pursed, but a low moan continued to leak out.

  “Where is your vibrator?”

  “Sir?”

  “Your vibrator. Where do you keep it?”

  “Um, Sir. I don’t need a vibrator. I’m so close to coming.”

  He grabbed her thighs, dragged her ass close to the edge of the mattress, and leaned over her. “Where do you keep your vibrator?”

  She whimpered. “In the top drawer of my dresser.”

  He held her gaze. “Next time answer me immediately. I don’t like to repeat myself.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  He could smell her arousal increasing with every command.

  When she shuddered, he turned around and took his time digging a condom out of his bag and then heading for her dresser.

  She whimpered again, louder.

  When he turned to glance at her, wondering why she was in so much distress, she had her face turned away. What the hell? He opened her dresser drawer and then froze.

  Holy shitballs.

  He smiled. No wonder she didn’t want him to look. The woman had an arsenal. How many different vibrators did one woman need? He couldn’t count them all. Every size and shape and style. Some he’d never even seen before.

  Oh fuck yes.

  This sweet woman was his.

  It took all his strength not to comment at that moment. He’d save the harassment for later. Right now, his submissive needed to come. And he could surely get her to do so in an instant with one of these toys from the mother lode.

  He selected a medium-sized vibrator with a flat head clearly intended for use on the clitoris. It took a second to shake his mirth and school his face to return to her, but he managed.

  Her face was bright red and still turned toward the headboard.

  She was a gem.

  “Do not let go of your thighs. Understood?”

  “Yes, Sir.” Her voice was almost too soft to hear.

  He turned the vibrator on the lowest setting and set it firmly to the side of her clit.

  She squirmed. Not shocking. She had to be mad with desire.

  As he circled her swollen bud, he turned it up a notch. In the silence of the room, it sounded louder than it actually was. After using the tip of the device to spread her lower lips wider and dampen the surface, he turned the speed to full power and pressed the vibrator directly over her clit.

  She screamed to wake the dead, bucking her hips into the air.

  He had to give her credit for not releasing her legs, though.

  He didn’t let up on the pressure as she came.

  With his free hand, he lifted the condom to his mouth and tore open the wrapper. He managed to pull the rubber free, spit out the package, and roll it onto his cock in record time.

  And then he thrust into her without warning.

  She arched her stomach.

  The vibrator against the base of his cock hadn’t been his best plan. He would come in two strokes. But it was worth it. He pulled almost out and then thrust back in. Deep. She fit him so perfectly.

  And she panted, her face now directed toward the ceiling, her eyes shut, her mouth open. And then she tipped her head back, elongating her neck. Her auburn curls spread around her like a halo.

  He couldn’t take his eyes off her as he fucked her harder. Again. And again. Gritting his teeth to ma
ke it last.

  Her tits jiggled with every thrust, enticing him to reach for them, but he didn’t have enough hands. He held the vibrator in place with one, and had to grab her hips to keep from ramming her across the bed with the other.

  When she stopped breathing, he knew she was teetering on the edge of a second orgasm. The second she crested, he let himself go with her, plunging deep and holding steady, the strong vibrations against the base of his cock creating a new sensation for him.

  He’d used vibrators on submissives before, but not usually while he was fucking them. And definitely not on full speed.

  When she came down and made a face of discomfort, he eased the vibrations until it was at the lowest setting and then slowly removed it altogether.

  Her face came into view, and she blinked her eyes open. She licked her lips as he pulled his cock out of her. “If you think that’s going to keep me from ignoring you for a day and sassing you for a morning, you might need to rethink your plan.”

  Chapter Nineteen

  Mikhail was still chuckling silently when they walked into the homeless shelter where she worked. Even though it was her first day back at work in a month and she needed to keep her head on straight and get back in the game, he had tossed her clothing choice for the day back in the closet and selected a jean skirt that reached mid-thigh instead.

  That might not have caused much protest, but when he rubbed lotion into her swollen ass cheeks and then didn’t permit her to wear panties, she’d almost argued with him, opening her mouth but then stopping herself at the last second.

  She was lucky. He’d allowed her to wear a bra.

  Several employees’ eyes lit up, and they waved and smiled as she made her way through the entrance toward the back.

  Mikhail stayed right behind her, knowing she was heading for her boss’s office first thing.

  She stopped at an open doorway and knocked on the side.

  The man behind the desk jumped to his feet as soon as he spotted her. “Haley. So good to see you.” He rounded the desk and clapped a hand on her shoulder. “You look good.” And then his gaze roamed to Mikhail.

  Mikhail stuck out a hand. “Mikhail Dudko.”

  “Terrance Shorter, and before you laugh, they didn’t know I’d be six three when they handed out surnames apparently.” He chuckled at his own joke.