Cassandra hadn’t realized how much time elapsed as they walked out of the café. She remained in a state of shock, half frightened of the fact Zach remained close, almost too close. Seeing him here, and after the previous night, she knew there was some irony in the destiny. While she’d never had the same strong beliefs as her grandmother, the electricity, the intense connection was not something she could ignore.

Or avoid.

He was just as enigmatic, but today all business, no mention of the night before as of yet. They’d talked easily, even ignoring the strong tethering, but she knew he felt it too. They were meant to be… She shifted as he closed the distance until he was standing only inches from her. “I should go.”

“I know,” Zach whispered as he brushed his finger across her jawline.

The touch took her breath away. She blinked as he tipped her head, his thumb rubbing back and forth. “Zach, I…”

“Shh… There’s a reason we met. I know you’re aware of this.” He leaned down, kissing her cheek, his lips remaining. “Last night was incredible.”

“It was you.” She shivered, goose bumps dancing along her skin. Visions. Spirits. Now, this man. Nothing was making any sense.

He nodded then shook his head. “I hope I didn’t hurt you.”

“You allowed me to be free for just one night. I enjoyed it. I wanted more.” She was embarrassed to tell him, but the words were spoken with ease.

“I did as well, but I didn’t want to frighten you.”

She couldn’t help but smile. So strong yet caring. “You didn’t.”

“This may sound insane, but I want more, Cassandra. I know we barely know each other, but I crave you. All of you.”

When she gripped his arm, her nails digging into his coat, she fell into the moment, unable to stop what was about to occur. As he slid his lips across to her mouth, hovering, waiting, she heard herself moan, a single breathless whisper. “Yes. I do too.”

Crushing her mouth with his, he pulled her into the heat of his body, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her onto her tiptoes.

There was no way to describe what she was feeling, the intense and heightened pulses cascading throughout her entire body. As their tongues moved back and forth, the move almost barbaric, she threw one arm around his neck, fingering his long hair. Even though her eyes were closed, vivid images rushed back and forth, moving faster and faster, coinciding with the rapid beating of her heart.

He grunted, breaking the kiss and nipping her lower lip before licking down the side of her neck. Panting, he pulled her arms down to her side then whispered into her ear. “You belong to me. All mine.”

She knew she was nodding, accepting the fact as if she was meant to be here, in his arms, accepting his command. And she wanted nothing more than for the moment to continue.

Easing back, he kept his head lowered, his hands gripping her hips. “Now.”

“Yes.”

He took a step back and reached for her hand and within a few seconds, she was sitting in his car. She had no way of knowing what to expect, but in her heart, she accepted the fact this was the man she was supposed to be with.

Zach slid into the driver’s seat, starting the engine. “Where do you live?”

She bit her lip, realizing that in letting go, this was the start of something they would never be able to end. As she divulged where she lived, she thought about her reasons why. Only Rebecca knew where she lived. She’d allowed no one else to enter her sanctuary. Her nerves furrowed into her belly, but she refused to give in to her fears. This man was supposed to be in her life.

His only acknowledgment was revving the engine and pulling out, one hand on the steering wheel, the other firmly planted on her thigh.

Cassandra was light headed, her emotions riding high and as the lights of the city flashed by, creating a blur of colors, she held her breath. This man, this stranger was going to become her lover, her Master.

“You crave discipline, a strong man in your life.”

“Yes.”

Exhaling, he remained where he was, his face pointed toward the windshield.

“Yes, sir,” she corrected.

“And you will learn to obey.”

“Yes, sir.”

He tipped his head, his face pensive, his eyes narrowing. “Then we go. Tonight, we begin.”

The words were more thrilling than she’d heard in so long. The single moment she’d attempted, allowing herself to succumb to a man had resulted in her fears being accentuated, her longing displaced. Until now. Until this man.

He raced through the city, moving around every obstacle, his breath sounds little more than scattered pants. His grip became firm, squeezing her leg. As if his hunger refused to wait, he tugged at the hem of her dress, pulling the thin material up to the top of her thighs.

The very moment his heated fingers touched her leg, she jerked forward, moaning, the sound one of raw need. She parted her legs without him asking, knowing what was required, exactly what he wanted. As he slipped his fingers under the lace of her panties, she gripped the dashboard, inhaling the sweet scent of her pussy.

Issuing a single growl, he toyed with her clit, swirling his fingers around the tender flesh, his eyes never leaving the road. He accelerated, taking the darkened streets and curves with ease. He seemed to know his way, never asking questions, never uttering a word.

She was exhilarated, her muscles tense with anticipation.

When he pulled along the curb directly in front of her house, throwing the gear into park and shutting off the engine, he turned, his eyes roaming her face. “You will do as I say.”

“Yes.”

“Without question.”

“Yes, sir.” The words came easily, as if she’d been waiting her entire life to hear the command. Perhaps she had, her hunger waiting, needing this kind of release. She waited until he opened her door, his fingers intertwining with hers, his pull one of damning need, a hunger much like her own.

He pulled her into the shadows, never hesitating, as if knowing his way.

She fumbled to unlock her door, her legs trembling as he slid his hands around her waist, rubbing them up and down the tops of her thighs.

He ground his hips and groin against her buttocks, creating another wave of heated friction.

Lowering her head, she placed one hand on top of his as she opened the door, breathing out as he ushered her inside. The slam of the door brought a smile and she stood in the darkness, the quiet nothing more than an all-consuming aphrodisiac. She was awaiting his direction, his demands.

Zach wrapped his hand around her hair, yanking back her head as he bent down, sucking on her neck.

She swayed back and forth as he sucked, his teeth digging in. He was marking her, making certain everyone knew that she belonged to him.

He slid his arms around her, finding the sash. Untying, he peeled away the material, easing the dress off her shoulders. “Beautiful,” he whispered as he caressed her shoulders, her arms, the touch more and more forceful. “Remove your bra and panties.”

When he released her, his hands leaving her body, she whimpered, feeling the loss. Nodding, she removed her underwear then tipped her head, trying to find him in the darkness. As she stepped out of her heels, she felt so small, tiny next to the muscular man.

Exhaling, Zach walked around her in a complete circle then moved to the front, taking her face into both of his hands. “Perfect. You are perfect.” He lifted her into his arms and took long strides, finding the kitchen with ease. The open blinds allowed the stream of moonlight as well as the single street light to cascade inside, highlighting the small room.

She felt so good in his arms, so right as if she’d always known him, had always belonged to him.

He smiled as he looked at the cluttered area then swept his arm across the small island, pushing away everything that was in his way.

She was so alive, her skin rippling with goose bumps and the moment he laid her down onto the counter, she lifted her arms.

“Good girl. No touching.” Zach spread her legs, pulling them up and out, exposing her pussy. He blew a swath of hot air across her stomach then dragged his tongue around her bellybutton.

Jerking up, she clenched her eyes shut as he bit down on her flesh. She was so wide open, so exposed to this man, but she wanted to beg him to fuck her, to use her in any way he craved.

He licked down, moving his tongue back and forth then swirled the tip around her clit. Once. Twice. “You’re wet.”

“Yes, sir.”

“You’re a very bad girl.” Licking all the way down the length of her pussy and back up, the sound exaggerated, he chuckled. “Punishment and pleasure.”

“Yes… Yes, sir.”

Zach opened his mouth and buried his face in her cunt, his tongue swirling, darting in and out of her pussy before sucking on her clit.

She could have come at that very moment, but she knew better. “Oh!” Her entire body shaking, she struggled to remain docile, allowing him to discover and explore her body. Wiggling, she moaned as he continued sucking, darting two fingers inside her cunt. “Oh, God!”

“Don’t come,” he whispered and lapped at her cunt, his sounds becoming crazed.

Suddenly, he stopped and lifted his head, moving his wet lips up her stomach. Cupping her breasts, he kneaded both as he gazed into her eyes. “Discipline before pleasure.” He pushed her legs together and lifted. “Hold them together. Don’t let them go.”

“Yes, sir.” She wrapped her arms around her legs, pulling them up and back. Exposed, she knew what his intentions were, what he was required to do in order to begin their relationship. She shivered, biting on her lower lip as he searched through her kitchen drawers. When the overhead light was turned on, she whimpered, the sound unlike any she’d made before.

Zach eased back toward her, holding a wooden spoon in his hand. “We begin with this.” There was a slice of joy in his voice, an acceptance of his place as her Master.

“Yes, sir.” She was shivering and darted her eyes to the open window. Her neighbors were close, so damn close. What if they walked by? What if they noticed? Would they care? Would they think less of her? She closed her eyes, allowing her fingers to dig into the back of her legs. The concept of discipline, rough punishment had been in the forefront of her mind for as long as she could remember.

Crack!

He smacked the spoon against her ass just once, as if helping her understand what she was going to face, to learn. And to obey.

Pop! Crack!

Whimpering, she bit back an anguished moan. While the strikes were hard, they weren’t severe as of yet.

“You need discipline every day. Yes?”

Smack! Crack!

“Yes! Yes, sir.” Dear God, she was tingling all over.

Pop! Crack! Crack!

The spoon hit her on the sit spots, creating a wave of heat flushing through her system.

“And I’ll make certain you receive exactly what you need.” His words were more of a command, his tone hoarse, husky with desire.

Smack! Pop! Whap!

He cracked the spoon, hitting her ass and the back of her legs. With every hard smack, every strike issued, he grunted.

Crack! Pop!

“Oh!” Jerking up, she allowed her legs to be let go, her arms flailing.

He pressed his hand against her ass, rubbing. Caressing. “Maintain your position.”

“Yes, sir.” Now, her voice was shaky.

Smack! Pop!

This time, the spanks were against the back of her thighs. She shivered, her eyes flitting to the window, the movement of cars outside.

Crack! Slap! Pop!

He spanked her continuously, one smack after the other, his hand and method controlled, his movements on point, hitting her exactly on her sit spot.

Whap! Crack!

She had difficulty feeling her legs, her arms as beads of perspiration popped up over her lip. She was panting, falling into a heightened state of pure bliss, wanting nothing more than to please him, to be the obedient woman he required.

Smack! Pop!

He continued for several additional minutes then moved to the side of the island, lowering his head and kissing her lips. The action was gentle, a quiet reminder of his adoration.

She heard the spoon dropping, settling against the counter. As she controlled her breathing, fighting back tears, she waited, a patient girl hungering for the man she’d succumbed to.

He pried her legs apart and leaned over. “Now, I feast on your pussy.”

The moment he buried his head, his tongue sliding into her cunt, she lifted her head, a silent scream pushing past her lips. She was in awe, her breath stolen as he licked, swirling his tongue, savoring her sweet flavor.

Pressing her legs further apart, he darted a single finger inside, pumping, matching his tongue in a perfect orchestration. One finger became two, then three, his actions growing more manic, his breath sounds becoming ragged.

She wiggled, tossing her head back and forth. Her pussy was slickened, clenching as she tried to hold back, to wait until he allowed her to come.

Three fingers became four, his hand moving in and out, driving as far into her cunt as he could. His tongue moved around her clit, over and over again as his hot breath washed over her tender tissue.

Cassandra bit her lower lip and struggled not to reach out, to touch him, to hold his head in place.

His fingers were suddenly removed, sliding down to the crack of her ass. He dipped his index finger just inside her asshole, sliding it in and out.

Tensing, she arched her back, wanting to beg, to plead with him to drive his dick inside. But she’d have to wait. Her entire body was shaking, a climax rushing to the surface. Hold back. Don’t come. Don’t!

He grunted as he slid three fingers into her ass, pushing gently at first them thrusting them past the tight ring. He drove them deep inside, flexing them open as he continued pumping, his mouth sucking on her pussy lips, his tongue roaming her very core.

“Oh! Please… I…”

“Not yet.” He continued his assault, his tongue, fingers and mouth pushing her to the limit.

The pain from his fingers turned into raw ecstasy, driving her over the limit of pleasure to the point she was sweating, panting, longing to come. She squeezed her muscles.

“Pinch your nipples for me. Hard. Twist them.” The command was dark, laced with a hint of danger.

She did as she was told, plucking her nipples then pinching, writhing from the anguish. Tossing her head back and forth, she opened her mouth, allowing a single scream.

“Come for me. Come now!”

She let go, falling into a moment of pure peace, a feeling of utter nirvana, one wave turning into a second until she could no longer feel her legs. “Aahh!”

He refused to let her go, to settle down, his mouth sucking on her juices, licking every drop. When she stopped shaking, only then did he lift his head, rubbing his mouth and lips across her belly. “We’re far from being over, my willful submissive.”

The words were chilling, forcing her heart to continue racing. This was a perfect moment. This was her fantasy.

He eased her off the island, cupping both sides of her face, his breath sounds husky with burning desire. “You taste so sweet.”

Placing her hands over his, the touch remained enigmatic, a telling moment shared between them. This was as if destiny had dragged them together, creating a life force, pushing away all her fears. “I’m yours.” Even the current around them had shifted, charged to that every touch, every second flesh touched flesh, a jolt passed between them. She was no longer frightened, of herself or of her desires. This was exactly where she was supposed to be.

His eyes narrowed as he pressed his lips against hers then pulled back, allowing the tip of his tongue to slide across the seam of her mouth. “Undress me.” He broke the hold, easing his arms out to the side and taking a long stride backwards. The smile on his face was commanding, the words almost a challenge.

She padded forward and her eyes never leaving his, she undid his silk tie, allowing the smooth material to slide through her fingers. She held the tie against her cheek, rubbing up and down, slight cooing noises pushing past her lips. The scent of his cologne, exotic and woodsy, was exhilarating. Easing the silk around her neck, she brushed the two ends back and forth across her nipples.

He grunted in appreciation.

Palming his chest, she slid the jacket over his shoulders, her fingers tugging until it dropped to the floor. There was no fumbling, no hesitation as she unbuttoned his shirt, peeling away the crisp cotton. His belt, the sheer feel of the grain of leather against her index finger gave her another series of shivers until her pussy muscles clenched, longing for him to be inside.

“Mmm… I can smell your yearning, your needs. Can you feel mine?”

Cassandra allowed her fingers to rub across his groin, she nodded, a slight moan escaping her lips. As she unfastened the buckle, the cool metal giving her chills, she could tell what he was thinking, what he would soon demand. Inch by inch, she pulled the leather through the slender straps of his pants, her mind reeling with the possibilities. She wanted nothing more than for him to whip her, slap the thick strap across her ass and legs, her breasts and stomach. The realization was riveting.

“Soon, my sweet. Soon.” A dark chuckle formed, the sound permeating the dense air. “I’ll mark every inch of your beautiful skin.

When the belt was in her hands, she twisted and rolled the leather around and around her shaking fingers.

He cocked his head, amusement in his eyes as he watched her play, sliding the leather tip around her nipples, her stomach, then positioning the strap between her legs. Shuddering, he growled only once. “Be careful what you ask for.”

As she allowed the belt to slip through her fingers, fall to the floor, she unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, working them over his chiseled hips as she dropped to the floor. Looking up, she unlaced his shoes, tenderly lifting his foot and removing it, setting them carefully aside. His socks were next, and she sighed as she tugged the pants out of the way. When he was naked, she swallowed back any remnants of the frightened woman, the sheltered girl and lowered her head, planting kisses along the tops of both feet.

“Oh…” Zach’s entire body tensed but he allowed her to play, licking and kissing along the front of his leg, up to his knee.

She moved back and forth, paying attention to his inner thighs while her hands caressed his calves.

He placed one hand on top of her head, his hold strong. The moment her face and mouth neared his scrotum, he jutted his hips forward until his cock pressed against the side of her face. He widened his stance, allowing her access and breathed out.

Her fingers never leaving his thighs, she crawled between his legs, darting her tongue around his hanging sac.

“Jesus.”

Encouraged, she pulled a testicle into her mouth, sucking, her tongue swirling.

His hold became stronger, his fingers digging into the top of her head. “One bad girl,” he whispered but didn’t try and stop her.

The scent of him, the taste of his skin pulled her into another zone and she wrapped her hand around the base of his dick, rubbing up and down in slow, even strokes. She sucked his other ball as she rolled the other in her fingers, her hand twisting on his shaft, moving up further, inch by inch.

“You’re… driving me… insane. Suck me. Take my cock into your hot mouth.”

The way his voice was nothing more than a husky grunt, an intense command, created waves of goose bumps popping along her naked skin. She rubbed her finger along the underside of his shaft, moving up to his cockhead. Swirling her finger, she licked up and down on his dick, teasing, allowing him to understand her pleasure.

“What you do to me.”

Whimpering, she licked all the way up, taking just the tip into her mouth, sucking as her one hand pumped the base, her other squeezing around his balls. As he swayed back and forth, the action pushed his dick further into her mouth. She wanted to take all of him, every inch.

Placing his other hand on the side of her temple, he began to rock forward and backward, his actions slow at first, then harder. Faster. Until he was face fucking her, the tip hitting the back of her mouth.

A slight gagging sound rushed from around the thick invasion, but she relaxed her throat, closing her eyes and willing herself to let go. Within seconds, she had given up all control, easing her hands by her sides as he fucked her mouth. She never blinked, never moved as he continued, his face wrenching from anguished desire.

“Yes! I could… do this every day.” A single laugh erupted from his mouth as his body began to shake. The plunges became rapid as his strong leg muscles pumped, thrusting every inch of his cock inside her mouth. Suddenly, he stopped moving yet he panted and rolled down from his toes. “Not yet. I will come inside of you.”

When he pushed her away, breaking the connection, she wiped her mouth, savoring the sweet and salty taste of his pre-cum. She studied the way his eyes were closed, his chest heaving and slowly crawled around him, running her hands up the back of his legs.

Zach looked over his shoulder, the breath sounds remaining strangled and said nothing as her hands kneaded his skin, moving up until they cupped his buttocks. The moment she opened his ass cheeks, he tossed his head back and issued a strangled cry. “Yes!”

She darted out her tongue, swirling the tip around his puckered hole. This was so intimate, almost forbidden and there were so many cravings driving her hunger, fueling the fire building inside. She repeated the move then slipped her tongue just inside his asshole, wiggling as he moaned, as his body shook.

“God. Yes!”

Scooting closer, she pressed her entire face into his ass, the move forcing her tongue deeper inside. She held his ass cheeks open as she licked, wiggling as his body rocked. She’d never experienced this, had never wanted to try. Tonight, she would give him anything. Everything.

“Fuck!” His body continued to shake then tense, his cries becoming fevered, wild. He grunted, the tone savage then took a purposeful step forward, wiping his mouth. Turning, he slipped his hands under her arms, pulling her to her feet. “You forget who’s in control.” A wry smile on his face, he yanked the tie from around her neck. “Hold out your hands.”

Obeying instantly, she could see the unbridled lust in his eyes as he wrapped her hands, tying them together. When he was finished, he moved behind her, gripping her shoulders. “You’re going to learn to obey my every command, which means pleasure comes with a price. Tonight, I’m allowing leeway, but you’ll only do as you’re told. Do you understand, my sweet?”

“Yes, sir.”

Zach dragged his nail down her spine, continuing down the crack of her ass. He patted both cheeks then caressed. “You seem to crave more discipline.”

She looked over her shoulder as his strands of hair tickled her skin until she shivered, her nipples aching. “Yes, sir. I…”

He kissed her shoulder then bit down. When he lifted his head, he grunted. “Ask for what you want.”

“I…” How could she want more? Because she needed more. Because this is everything she’d wanted. No matter the horrible time before, the single time she’d allowed a man to touch her this way. She was ready to forget the past, move on. Submit. Yes, she could. “Spank me. Whip me. Mark me.”

Licking across the top of her back to her other shoulder, he brushed his lips across her skin before squeezing both shoulders. “Then you shall have what you want. Move to the window.”

A moment of true fear rushed into her system. Blinking, she stole a glance at the nearly floor to ceiling window near her kitchen table. From there, the street seemed only a few feet away. From where she was standing, she could see lights on in the houses around her. Her neighbors were home. They could be watching.

Crack!

The single smack on her backside was a reminder of what she’d asked for.

“Move to the window, my sweet submissive. Lift your arms over your head and spread those long legs for me.”

Her entire body was quivering, tension spreading through like wildfire. What if they saw her? The light was so bright, garish in fact, but… The concept strangling, she was unable to stop herself and moved to the bay window, darting glances up and down the street before lifting her arms, fisting the cool glass. She opened her legs and waited, knowing what was going to come, her mind reeling, perspiration dripping down the back of her neck. She was lightheaded as she leaned in, arching her back as she waited. And wanted.

And needed.

Zach allowed a long breath to escape as he moved behind her.

In the reflection of the glass and the moonlight, she could see his pensive face, full of concentration as he advanced. You want this. You crave this. The voice rattled in her mind and her lower lip quivered yet she refused to whine, to cry out.

Easing behind her, he moved close enough that his face appeared in the reflection, his smile one of control. “This will allow you to escape, to open up to me and to yourself.”

The words were haunting, and she closed her eyes.

Crack!

“Oh!” The single strike was painful, and she rose up onto her toes, her cheek pressing against the glass.

Snap! Crack!

He hesitated, his hand rubbing her back, the touch so gentle.

Pop! Crack! Snap!

“Oh. Oh!” Cassandra shook and almost turned around. The pain was blinding, creating ripples in her muscles. Sagging, she panted as her legs moved together.

Kicking them open wide, he wrapped his hand around her throat, pulling her back, his mouth next to her ear. “You will hold your position, or we’ll begin again. Do you understand me?”

“Yes… sir.” She blinked back tears and could see cars driving by.

Smack! Crack!

Jerking up onto her toes, she managed to keep her place, pain turning into anguish.

Slap! Crack!

He was practiced, his wrist snapping with each hard smack. “Breathe for me, my sweet. Breathe.”

Tears slipped past her lashes as the whipping continued, one methodical strike after the other. She was blinking, her mind shifting as the pain began to morph. To change.

Pop! Crack! Smack!

Zach grunted with each strike issued. He inched closer, pulling her long hair from front to back, his index finger brushing her long neck. “You’re doing very well. You’re free. You’re safe.”

“Mmm… Safe.” Closing her eyes, she smiled as he began again, and this time, she could only feel raw ecstasy.

Smack! Crack! Pop!

“Yes!” she moaned.

Whap! Crack!

She had no idea how long the spanking continued, but when he was through, dropping the belt onto the ground, she almost begged for more.

Gathering her close, he slid his arms around her, cupping her breasts and kissing her neck. “Amazing. You are simply amazing. I’m going to fuck you now. First, that wet pussy. Then your ass.”

Cassandra was cognizant that she’d nodded, knew what he’d said, but as he gripped her hips and thrust the entire length of his cock into her cunt, she tossed back her head, allowing a scream to rip from her throat. “Ahh!”

He pinched her nipples, keeping the hardened buds between his fingers as he wiggled, allowing her to feel his thickness, the way he filled her completely. When he pulled out, he breathed a series of deep growls then plunged again. And again.

With every hard drive, the force pushed her against the glass. Her hot breath created a swirl of steam and at this moment, she wished someone would walk by, would see and experience their carnal act.

Continuing to plunge into her, the actions becoming more savage, he drove them both onto their toes.

She slapped her hand on the glass and pushed back, shoving her bruised ass into his groin.

“Fuck! Tight. Wet.” Zach dropped his head as he fucked her, the sound of his balls slapping against her leg floating between them. Panting, he slowed then stopped as he licked and nipped her shoulder then eased back until only the tip was inside. Easing his hand around her, he held his fingers just in front. “Open your mouth.”

Obeying, Cassandra shivered as he slipped three fingers past her lips. She sucked on his fingers, her tongue rolling around, her saliva coating the long digits.

A smile crossed his face, his eyes almost twinkling in the reflection as he pulled them free then slipped them between her ass cheeks. He wiggled until he slipped them just inside her asshole. “Every hole is mine. Every action belongs to me. And I will take you when and how I want.”

The words were so powerful they pulled her into a vacuum as he pushed the entire length of his fingers deep inside. “Oh!” Pain tore through her, but she jutted back her hips, the invitation blatant. She wanted him to fuck her in the ass, to take what belonged to him.

He flexed them open and pumped several times as a rush of guttural sounds came from his mouth. Tensing, he pulled back, replacing his fingers with the tip of his cock. Gripping her hips, he pulled her further away from the window until she was bent over, her hands slapping at the glass.

Cassandra was breathless, anticipation and excitement creating a blistering heatwave. The moment he shoved the entire length of his dick into her asshole, she opened her mouth in a silent scream.

“Yes!” Zach was shaking, and he held his dick inside, panting as he dug his nails into her flesh. When he pulled out, until just the tip was inside, he slid one hand around her hip to her pussy, fingering her clit. Then he began to drive into her, hard. Fast. His plunges were even but brutal, the force of his muscular body shoving her forward.

She met every hard thrust, pushing back, no longer able to feel her legs. The plunges were powerful, intense and she was lost in the rapture.

He continued for several minutes as beads of sweat cascaded down from his face and neck, sliding onto her back. “I’m going to… fill you.”

And she wanted nothing more. When his body tensed, the strangled sounds almost inaudible, she closed her eyes.

“Yes!”

As hot cum filled her asshole, the moment refueled her very soul. Gone was the terrified woman of the past. This was exactly where she needed to be.

* * *

Zach opened his eyes and tensed the moment he did. Blinking, he had difficulty adjusting to the darkness. He realized the single stream of light was from the moon sliding in past the vinyl blinds. When he was finally able to focus he shifted, becoming aware he was naked and lying in bed. But not his bed. Turning his head, he could see her long hair splayed out across the pillow and the downturned sheet. Both nights had been so incredible.

Exhaling, he allowed the breath to slide out in ragged pants. Then again, what in the hell had he done? He wiped his face and allowed his mind to wander. The night had been amazing, the connection unlike any he’d ever experienced, but there was more to this, a sickening feeling, a wave of knowledge. A hint of apprehension settled into his system, a knowing that kept him on edge.

The tether between them was more spiritual than electric. He could sense her thoughts and she innately understood his. They’d experienced some of the same sensations, visions and the strong bond between them was increasing with every touch. Every kiss. He could feel the cracked door to the spirit world opening wider. Soon, he’d have no choice.

The domination was something else entirely. He was unable to wrap his mind around why they’d been pushed together, as if by some unknown force. He remembered her words, demonic souls breaching the surface of the unwise opening. Spirits. He’d left most of his ancestry when he moved away, coming to a new state so many years ago.

He’d only been back to face his past once and that had been a disaster. Biting back a groan, he turned on his side, watching her sleep. Taking the tip of his middle finger, he brushed down the length of her arm, smiling when she moaned. Dear God, he wanted her. No, he wanted to own her.

His cock stirred, his balls aching to the point he almost rolled her over, lifted her legs and thrust his dick deep inside. Fisting his mouth, he pulled back the sheet and climbed off the bed. He was neither a coward or an asshole, or maybe he was, in truth, both. However, he would stay until she awakened. But he would tell her.

This could never happen again.

The why didn’t matter. They were not only working together, but the draw was too intense, dragging him back into a pit of Hell he’d refused to remain a part of. She wouldn’t understand. Then again, neither did he. There was no happiness in his destiny, no sweetness of shared intimacy. He was a brutal beast, feeding off women.

The thought left a disgusting taste in his mouth as he walked through the shadows and into her kitchen. The moment he walked inside, he was gripped with a rush of raw terror, enough so his heart raced, thumping against his chest.

A flash of images, all in black and white, flew through his periphery of vision. He fell against the counter, gripping the edge, as the faces rushed by. Men. Women. Land. There was nothing distinguishable, but he knew them. Something deep inside, his gut instinct filled his mind with the knowledge. The visions moved faster, now little more than a blur.

He could no longer breathe, his throat constricted, his blood pressure increased to the point he knew he was having a stroke. He slapped his hand against his chest, gulping for air as his legs slid out from under him. Please. Stop. No more.

Noises created echoes, simple cries to anguished moans. He slapped his hands over his ears and crumpled over, rocking back and forth. This was maddening. What were they saying? What were they screaming? Blinking, he could see nothing but blackness, a pool swirling, sucking him down. No. No!

Suddenly, everything was quiet. There were no whispers of ghosts, no screaming for his help. Only silence. The pictures began to fade, one by one rolling away until there was nothing but a blip of color, stars given the intense pounding in his head.

Jerking his head up, he sucked in air as he clenched his fists, pounding his legs. What in the hell had just happened?

When his breathing was normal, he wiped his mouth and struggled to stand. He continued to shake but he was back in control. Managing to turn around, he jerked the handle on the faucet and held his head down, gulping water.

The quiet hum of the refrigerator allowed him to pull himself back, away from the creatures. He flushed his face, wiping the remnants on his arm. This wasn’t going to happen. Not again. Not now.

Zach stood with his back to the counter, now staring out the same window that he’d fucked her in front of. Fuck. He wasn’t even certain the event had occurred. He was going insane.

When he felt stronger, he grabbed a bottle of water from the refrigerator and moved back toward the bedroom. A single sound drew his attention. While indistinguishable, he was certain he was required to follow. He was no longer afraid, only curious. When he reached the end of the other hallway, he stood in front of an open door. The various shadows inside were intriguing. This wasn’t a bedroom or an office.

This was intruding. Her space. This was her private space. He didn’t need instinct to tell him. He caught a whiff of her perfume, the scent filling his nostrils, creating another wave of desire. Hesitating, he retreated then realized what was located inside he needed to see.

No, he’d been instructed to locate by some unseen force.

Every muscle in his body was tingling as he crossed back over the threshold. He breathed in, allowing her scent to permeate his skin, his inner soul. Her aura was strong, captivating and he gathered a sense of her spirit, one from a powerful Indian.

Zach found the light and the moment the warm glow highlighted the interior, he swallowed back a crushing amount of bile. Paintings. Almost every corner, every wall was covering in vivid paintings, the strokes powerful and intense, bold visions of the woman’s inner thoughts as well as her desires.

He was mesmerized, pulled into the moment but they seemed like secrets, a telling of stories. Various men and woman were depicted, from young to old, in various states of emotions. They were so beautiful, captivating and every painting drew you in, taking you on the adventure or the experience of ravaging sadness.

His breathing was rapid as he walked around several that were carefully placed on easels and could almost reach out and touch their faces. They were so alive, full of life, even in bouts of anger and despair. Reaching out, he hovered his finger over the profile of a woman and could swear he knew her, but from where?

They know you. They fear you…

The words, the sentiment swirled in his mind. He breathed out and shook his head, about to leave when an oversized painting in the corner drew his attention. Some sort of covering allowed a small corner to show, a blotch of scarlet paint dragged across the section as if done in anger.

Or terror.

He moved closer, darting a single look over his shoulder before advancing. He reached out, groaning, given his hand was shaking, then wrapped his fingers around the edge of the covering. A slight pull freed the painting. He had to blink several times to understand what he was seeing.

His face.

His enraged and disgusting face. Almost unrecognizable but he knew.

His raised arm.

The bloody knife.

Scuttling backwards, he turned just as Cassandra came into the room, her lower lip quivering.

She said nothing as she darted her gaze toward the picture then looked down. “Whatever is happening between us is meant to be. You were right.”

Zach was unsure of what to say or how to process the information. She looked so fragile in her short robe and bare feet, but she also held an air of understanding, a strong conviction. He wanted her. He needed her. And she needed him. Closing the distance, he lifted her chin with a single finger and lowered his head, capturing her mouth.

She stiffened at first then threw her arms around his neck, pulling him in, accepting the heated moment of passion.

When he let her go he closed his eyes then kissed her forehead, his whisper full of such sadness, “I don’t want to hurt you.”

“You’ve made me feel alive again.”

His heart clenched, the realization piercing him, cutting him into. “You don’t understand. I have to leave.”

“Why? Tell me why.”

Zach took a purposeful step around her, stopping just inside the doorway. “Because if I don’t, I will kill you.”