Master of the Dark Side: A Novella Read online

  Before she could come, he yanked her up. Up until the head remained barely in her, then he let her drop. His cock stretched her, taking her breath, and she hit the vibrators. She squirmed, trying to get closer, more pressure.

  Holding her hips in a bruising grip, he worked her pussy up and down on his cock, grinding his pelvis against her to maximize the vibrations. Each stroke increased her need, increased the pressure, until she teetered on the edge of an orgasm.

  “You feel good,” he said as her swollen clit pressed on the nubby vibrator. Her fingernails dug into his arms as her core tightened. Almost…

  “I like that tight, hot cunt wrapped around me.” He lifted her again, a second before she could come.

  “Please. Oh God, please, Virgil.” Too much. Her whole lower half pulsed with oversensitive nerves, needing more…more, more. When she tried to shake him, the sun lines at the corners of his eyes crinkled.

  “More. Please.” Was that her voice? Whining? Everything in her throbbed.

  He didn’t move for a moment that seemed to last forever.

  “All right.” He held her up with one hand, and the other hand slapped her bottom, damned hard. “Come now, Summer.”

  The stinging pain arrowed straight to her clit…and shoved her over. Pleasure fountained through her, exquisite sensations bubbling up against each nerve. Another wave hit, and she heard herself, her voice high and uncontrolled.

  Growling his enjoyment, Virgil pumped her up and down, sending the orgasm rippling through all of her. As the sensations started to slow, he yanked her down, holding her there, completely filled and pressing on the cock ring.

  The vibrations directly against her clit threw her into another spasm of pleasure. “Oooooh.” Her hips wiggled uncontrollably in his grip.

  His laugh came deep and rough. “Hang on, sweetie.” His face pulled taut as he lifted her, then hammered into her, pistoning her body up and down. Her breasts bounced, and each thrust of his shaft sent more shuddering waves to engulf her until just the feeling of him inside her filled her world.

  With a low groan, he pulled her against him so tightly she couldn’t move. His cock jerked in her center and the sensation was…incredible.

  Her head bowed. He’d cared enough to drive her into a mindless orgasm. And then…then he’d simply taken her for his own pleasure. Why did that give her the shivers—to be utterly used like that?

  She sighed and squirmed as the vibrations from the cock ring started to irritate her swollen clit.

  “Sensitive?” he murmured and lifted her up slightly with one hand until she no longer touched the toy. His eyes were heavy-lidded, his breathing rapid. He looked totally satisfied. I did that. The knowledge felt wonderful.

  He caught her staring at him and smiled, then curved his free hand over her nape to pull her closer. His mouth took hers gently, a confusing contrast to the implacable grip on her neck.

  “Mmm.” She teased his lips, wondering how they could look so firm and feel so velvety.

  He let her play, kissing her back, and then with a grunt, he used both hands to lift her straight up and off his cock. Still holding her up, he leaned forward, got his feet under him to rise. After turning, he put her down on the chair. “Stay here for a minute. I’ll be right back.”

  The nonchalant display of his strength left her speechless. And wondering why all that strength seemed so barbarically sexy.

  He returned, jeans zipped, and resumed his seat, this time snuggling her on his lap.

  As she laid her head on his shoulder, she saw a couple watching from a few feet away. She stiffened, feeling…exposed, which didn’t really make sense. She always played in public.

  But this, tonight, had been different. She and Virgil had shared…more. Unsettled, she watched them walk away, feeling as if she finally understood Virgil’s dislike of being on exhibit.

  “Simon’s sub says you’re moving soon, out of San Francisco.” His arm supported her as he ran his knuckles over her breasts, then lifted her chin up and frowned at her. “Tell me about that.”

  “Oh.” Contentment filled her. He’d gotten off. He could just walk her to her cabin and leave. Instead, he started a conversation. The feel of his arm around her, his fingers against her face, and his focused attention bathed her with warmth. “Well. I realized I wanted more …”

  She rambled, tucking her head back on his shoulder. Her limbs felt heavy, and she curled against him, feeling small and feminine. She could have easily fallen asleep, but he kept asking questions. About San Francisco. Her apartment. Her work.

  As she talked, she realized again the emptiness of her life. “Anyway, I took the job in Gold Beach and start in a couple of weeks. My lease is up in four days, so I’m on a tight schedule.”

  He was silent. Too silent. She tried to sit up to look at his face—

  “Gold Beach is in Oregon?” he asked.

  “Um-hmm. On the coast.”

  “About an entire day’s drive. Farther away than San Francisco.” His voice was even. Emotionless. He sat quietly for a minute and then said, “I’ve got to get going. I work tomorrow morning.”

  “Oh.” Disappointment seemed to dim the light in the room. “Okay.” She rose reluctantly and started pulling on her clothes.

  He stepped behind her and laced her corset with firm tugs. Chuckling, he turned her around. “Looks like I have my very own Bondage Barbie to play with and dress.”

  Her laugh turned into a gasp when he slid his fingers into the cups to adjust her left breast.

  “What time do you leave?” he asked. He settled her other breast, his calloused fingers brushing against her nipple. As a hum ran through her system, she unconsciously leaned into his touch.

  “Uh. What?” She looked up, caught his smile, and remembered his question. “Sunday around noon.”

  “I see.” He kissed her, taking his time, his palm still curved around her breast. “I get off work at two tomorrow and then have a couple of errands to run. Do you want to test your courage and let me show you some of the area?”

  “I—” Courage.

  Before she could answer, he lifted her chin, forcing her to meet his eyes, his level, honest eyes. “No sex, no bondage. Just talking and maybe a kiss or two. You have my word.”

  Anxiety warred with the sheer desire to be with him. Desire won. I will do this. “Yes.”

  *

  The sun sparkled on the light dusting of snow as Virgil pulled up to the lodge the next day. He spotted Summer waiting in front of her tiny cabin. Wearing a bright red parka, she looked like a very fuckable cardinal. His spirits rose.

  He’d had a hell of a time sleeping last night. The bed had felt empty. He’d wanted her in his arms, wanted to breathe her peaches-and-vanilla scent, wanted to hear her lilting voice. Dammit, he hadn’t known her long enough to miss her so much.

  But he did. As she started down the path toward him, his anticipation rose. Fuck, she’d been beautiful, squirming on his shaft, jolting as the vibrations hit her clit. Hell of a toy, that cock ring.

  Thank you, Angie. Of all the women he’d enjoyed, one had possessed the guts to show him how much fun toys could be. Shy creatures, females. They owned vibrators and dildos, liked using them, but hell would freeze over before they’d mention them to a man. These days, he’d insist on seeing a woman’s collection—and might even pin her down while he used them. He snorted. Guess he’d been more of a dom than he’d realized.

  Tapping his fingers on the steering wheel, he watched Summer cross the clearing and stifled his urge to escort her. Damn that fear of hers. Today, he intended to hear exactly what had happened to her. And then—he frowned. Tomorrow she’d leave for San Francisco to pack up and move.

  His mood dropped like a boulder tumbling off a cliff. How could he pursue a relationship with her if it took two days just to drive there and back? And with the distance to the nearest airport, flight connections, and security precautions, taking a plane wasn’t much better. His schedule didn’t giv
e him much time off—three day weekends were rare. Would she ever have the courage to visit him here without all her friends around?

  As she approached the pickup, her blonde hair shone against the bright jacket, and her smile was contagious. He slid out to open the passenger side door for her.

  “Thank you.” She looked up at him, her blue eyes shining with pleasure…at seeing him.

  He pulled her close, curving his hands under her lush ass, and took her mouth. Her lips were stiff, then soft and sweet. As he kissed her, he felt her body melt against his.

  “I’d like to drag you into the lodge and fuck you speechless,” he growled and watched her cheeks redden.

  “Uh.” Then she grinned. “We could do that.”

  He choked a laugh. How could he want her even more than he had five minutes ago? Leaning his forehead against hers, he said, “I can’t skip my errands today. And maybe away from the lodge, I can talk to you without wondering how many times I can make you come.”

  “God, you’re blunt,” she muttered, making him laugh again.

  “Let’s go.” He picked her up and set her into his truck, enjoying the simple pleasure of touching her. It would have to do for him…until tonight.

  As they drove up the mountain, she sat forward, watching everything, her interest as appealing as hell. He slowed off and on, pointing out a herd of deer, the various cabins that normally couldn’t be seen from the road, then a cardinal that matched her jacket.

  At the end of a rutted road, he parked in front of Laurette Mann’s stone and log home. “Ms. Laurette, it’s Virgil,” he called as he swung out of the truck. Not waiting for his help, Summer jumped out. As she petted the ancient gray cat, Virgil grabbed the box of groceries from the pickup bed.

  The elderly widow opened the door, her cheeks pink with excitement. “Virgil, come in, dear. I have tea on.”

  He stepped aside to let Summer precede him into the living room. “Ms. Laurette, this is Summer. She’s visiting from San Francisco. Summer, Ms. Laurette and her husband designed and built this place—oh, about thirty years ago.”

  Summer turned in a circle, eyes wide. “It’s beautiful,” she said sincerely.

  “Why, thank you.” Laurette beamed at her. “Let me show you around.”

  Perfect. “I’ll tuck your groceries away and join you in a minute.” And Laurette wouldn’t argue about the extras he’d added to her order.

  Chapter Nine

  ‡

  After a pleasant tea with Laurette, Virgil took a service road deep into the forest, parking at one of his favorite spots. “We’re here.” Near the half-frozen creek, he spread a thick pad and blanket on a bare patch of ground.

  Frowning, Summer followed with the basket. “It’s the dead of winter, Virgil. Not picnic season.”

  Damn, she was pretty. He sat and pulled her down, then wrapped a blanket around them to keep in their body heat. And it made a good excuse to have her soft curves pressed against his. He handed her a fat ham sandwich from the basket and a thermos of tomato soup.

  “Eat, sweetheart.” He kissed her cheek before starting on his own.

  “You know, Midwesterners are smart enough to save picnics for summertime.” Still looking a little bemused, she took a bite of the sandwich.

  “Only because they’re too wimpy to stand the cold.”

  Her elbow jabbed his ribs in reprisal, and he barked a laugh.

  Ignoring him, she smiled at the snowy branches of the pines and tilted her head to listen to the cheerful gurgle of the creek. “It’s sure beautiful here.” She didn’t say anything else, didn’t try to fill the silence with empty conversation. Along with the warmth from her body, contentment seeped into him. They weren’t immersed in any sex-charged atmosphere now, and he still liked being with her more than anyone else he’d ever known.

  During the afternoon, he’d gotten a better handle on her personality. In the truck she’d listed off things, like shower rails and grab bars, that he and his brothers could install to keep Laurette safe. And if he hadn’t promised to follow through, she’d undoubtedly dig up the supplies and return on her own. A warm, caring—and determined—woman.

  As she leaned against his shoulder, he knew he’d be happy just sitting with her…forever.

  A rustling sounded in the undergrowth. He whispered, “Shhhh.” Twilight arrived early in the winter mountains, and he’d deliberately chosen this site. He pointed and watched her eyes widen as three deer came down to the stream to drink.

  When they’d finished and bounded up the slope, she sighed. “They’re beautiful. There’s good hiking around Gold Beach, they said. I’d like to get into the forests more often.”

  Dammit, how the hell could he stand having her live so far away? He cleared his throat. “You going to get homesick for San Francisco?”

  “A bit. Not for the city, but for my friends and their families.”

  “Ah.” Yes, she was a sociable person. He ran a hand down her hair, playing with the silky strands. A whiff of vanilla made him want to open her clothes and nuzzle her skin. “Where’s your own family?”

  “Nebraska. My brother and mom are still on the farm. I love them, but I wanted to see more of the world.”

  “A farm to San Francisco? That’s a jump.” He eyed her. “You got a job and moved?”

  “Unfortunately, no.” She gave a short…bitter…laugh. “Innocent me—I fell for a guy visiting Nebraska, and he asked me to come here and live with him.”

  “Something went wrong?”

  “The usual. He discovered he liked someone better and showed me the door.” She scowled at her hands. “God, I was stupid.”

  “Risking something for love isn’t stupid, honey.” Her unhappy expression squeezed his chest and pissed him off. A shame the guy wasn’t around to have his face rearranged. “What happened after you broke up?”

  “Mom and Andy were strapped for money at the time, so I was stuck with no friends and no job. I didn’t have my RN license for California yet. I finally got work as a waitress. It was just one of those life lessons in survival.” Her voice sounded light, but he saw the shadows in her eyes.

  He pulled her closer, although there was no protecting someone from her past.

  After a second, she shrugged and smiled slightly. “Then again, I’d gotten out of Nebraska to San Francisco. I’d never have dreamed of moving so far on my own. There’s always a bright side.”

  “And you’re the type who’d find it.” He tipped her face up and kissed her. Everything he learned seemed to slide her farther into his heart. A kiss only, he reminded himself. More would frighten her. Time to find out why.

  She’d be happy kissing him forever, Summer decided.

  He nipped her lower lip and pulled back. “Now tell me about the incident Simon mentioned.” His voice had deepened and roughened—not a request, but an order.

  Her breath fled. “That—”

  “Summer, I need to know what happened. Not only because you mean something to me”—he kissed her palm—“but also because I’m your dom.” His eyes pinned her. “Now tell me.”

  He was right…and she didn’t want to think about it, especially now in the sweetness of the afternoon with him.

  He waited, as immovable as the mountains around them.

  “Fine.” She tried to pull her hand back…unsuccessfully. No retreat, physical or emotional. “I’d met a dom at Dark Haven. The party at Simon’s house was our first date outside of the club.” God, she’d acted so recklessly.

  “Sounds like it should have been safe,” he said mildly, his tone nonjudgmental.

  “I’m only grateful I didn’t go to his apartment instead.” She stared at her hand, enclosed within his warm fingers. “When we arrived, he wanted a private spot to play.” She didn’t think about the similarity to Virgil’s complaint until she felt his fingers tighten. Oh God. An apology would make it worse, so she forged on. “He found an isolated place under the stairs and chained me to a post there. And gagged me
.”

  She swallowed against the memory of the taste of the rubber ball-gag. Drool running down my chin, so humiliating. Choking on the gag. She’d shaken her head, used her safe word. He’d understood her. Ignored her. The blooming of fear. Horror.

  “Go on.” Virgil brought her back.

  “He used a cane.” Each strike had sent bladelike pain all the way to the bone. “He heard me use my safe word, over and over, but the gag kept anyone else from hearing me.” Agonizing blow after blow, as if my skin was being sliced to pieces. The whole world red with pain. She screamed, pulled at the restraints, tearing her wrists, an animal, mindless. “He laughed…and kept hitting me.”

  Silence.

  She looked up. He’d closed his eyes, his face like stone. “Virgil?” His eyes opened, so green and cold with anger that she flinched.

  She saw his effort to calm, to force his muscles to relax before he said quietly, “I’m sorry, baby, but the thought of you hurt and helpless makes me…unhappy.” He put his arm around her, pulling her close. “So what happened?”

  His arm was heavy. Warm. His controlled strength pushed her memories back, clearing a space for thoughts. “Rona, Simon’s sub, happened. She walked past and realized I was saying ‘red.’ Her yelling brought Simon and everyone else.” She rubbed her head against his chest. “The Hunt brothers were there too.”

  “Logan, Jake, and Simon?” The almost palpable vibration of his anger diminished. “Is the son-of-a-bitch dom still alive?”

  She tried to laugh through the tightness of her throat. “I found out yesterday Simon broke his nose, and the Hunts walloped him before they tossed him out.”

  “Not nearly enough,” Virgil muttered. “How badly beat up were you?”

  Waves of pain filling her until even the air seemed edged in fire. She shuddered and yanked herself from the memory. Thank God the post had protected her front. “I hurt for a while,” she said lightly.

  “Don’t hand me bullshit, Summer. If I ask, I want a truthful answer.”

  “Fine then, I hurt like hell,” she snapped. “I had welts pretty much everywhere. Bruises over the bones, places where my skin had split, and I peed blood for two days.”