Snake stood on the back deck, eyeing the knife. Once they’d reached the shore, Katherine had raced back to the house, refusing to talk to him. The moment on the boat had been riveting and the words he’d said to her the truth. She seemed to understand, but now, she’d gone to her room, slamming the door.

Yeah, he’d been careless, but she had never been out of his sight completely, yet he’d known better. He’d been trained for God’s sake to dive in extreme conditions. He should have caught the fact she was claustrophobic early on. If he hadn’t been thinking with his dick, he sure as shit would have. Hissing, he grabbed the knife, twisting the blade in the dimming afternoon light. He fingered the edges, realizing the moment he’d shoved the knife into the belly of the beast, he’d been drawn into a world of his own, his thoughts and actions turning dark and yes, just as dangerous as she’d believed.

Killing the shark hadn’t been his intention, but she had no idea how close she’d come to being attacked. He tossed the knife onto the table and grabbed his drink as he stood staring out at the ocean. The pictures he’d taken were telling enough. The story he’d told her was true, but certain details had been left out on purpose. She was too close to discovering the damning information. Far too close.

Taking a swig of his bourbon, he swirled the ice as he thought about whether to abort the entire mission. Hell, he was talking as if he remained in the marines, but in a sense, he was still there. There was culpability in certain actions, people who should be held responsible for heinous acts. All of it swept under the rug.

His reasons for leaving the military after only one tour had garnered him no friends, but then again, few knew the truth. Sighing, he finished the drink and headed back into the house for another. He was going to have to confide in Katherine to some degree. She was a damn smart lady and would eventually figuring out he was hiding something significant.

As he walked by her cracked bedroom door, he hesitated before tapping lightly. Hearing nothing, he took two steps away then stopped, debating his actions. Pressing the door open with a finger, he could hear the sounds of the shower. As he walked into her room, his desire, his burning hunger took over. There were so many reasons he should put a stop to their relationship, but he needed her. It was as if this woman could break him from the sadness that had encapsulated every aspect of his life.

But if she learned the truth…

Slamming his glass on top of the dresser, he removed his clothes and opened the bathroom door. The shower curtain was closed yet he could still see the outline of her gorgeous body, her long legs and full breasts. Rubbing his hands down his chest, he wrapped one around his cock, rubbing his shaft between his fingers.

His balls were already swollen and the friction he created forcing his blood pressure to rise. Breathing in and out, he pulled on his dick until he was unable to wait any longer. Tugging the back of the curtain open, he climbed inside, immediately advancing.

Yelping, she pushed hard against her would be attacker, her arms and legs moving.

“It’s me,” Snake whispered as he slipped his hands around her waist, cupping her breasts.

“Damn you,” she muttered but went limp in his arms, cradling her head against his shoulder. “What you do to me.”

“What I will do to you. Remember, you’re mine.” The words little more than a guttural whisper, he kneaded her breasts, squeezing as he ground his hips into her ass. As the water splashed down over them, he closed his eyes and toyed with her nipples, pinching and twisting.

Katherine moaned and undulated her body against his, her mouth going slack. Arching her back, she slid her hands down his hips to the tops of his thighs, her fingers digging in. “Yes, yours.”

“Say the words.”

She purred and wiggled.

“Say the words to me. Tell me you belong to me.” Snake continued pinching as he ground his cock into her ass, wanting nothing more than to fuck her asshole, drive his cock deep inside.

Hesitating, a slow breath escaped her mouth before she whispered, “I belong to you.”

“And no one else.”

“And no one else.”

Shuddering, he released his hold and rubbed the flats of his hands down her stomach to her legs, moving them up and down, his nails scratching her delicate skin.

She moved her hips back and forth, every move deliberate, as she continued to moan, the sound floating between them. Opening her legs as far as the enclosure would allow, she brushed her hand across his crotch, fingering his cock.

“Mmm… You’re hungry.”

“Famished.”

“You’ll have to be a good girl,” he growled and nipped her ear as he shoved his hand between her legs, sliding his fingers into her wetness. The feel of her, the wet heat made his balls throb, his cock pulse. Using the power of his arm muscle, he rubbed hard and fast, moving up and down.

“Oh, God!” Her legs shaking, she slumped against him as he masturbated her, her breath skipping, both arms going around his neck.

He pumped up and down as the water streamed over them, steam rising to the point he was sweating, beads sliding down his back. But he wanted her to come, to understand the power of his hold over her.

She placed her foot on the edge of the tub, her hips gyrating as he finger fucked her. Panting, gurgled sounds pushing past her lips, she kept her eyes closed.

With every hard swipe, her juice soaking his fingers, he fell into a savage state, his beast crawling to the surface. He wanted to whip her. Chain her. Keep her safe and under his care. He would have her in any fashion he craved, no matter how sadistic his needs, how brutal the act. This was just the beginning. He slipped four fingers inside her cunt as he rolled his thumb around her clit, swirl after swirl.

“Oh… Snake, I…” Her head dropping, she continued moaning as her arms dropped down. “I’m going to come.”

“Not until I say.”

“But…”

Gripping and squeezing her breast, he kept his grip painful as he jammed his fingers in and out of her pussy. “Not yet.” The hiss was elongated, and he nuzzled into her neck, licking and nipping her skin.

Katherine sagged more until she struggled to remain standing.

“Soon, my girl. Soon.” Harder. Faster. He pumped until his arm was tense, his cock screaming for relief. After a few additional seconds, he flexed his fingers open. “Now!”

She came violently, her entire body jerking in his arms. “Ooohhh!” The squeal was loud but clipped as she bit back the moan.

He breathed out, allowing his hot breath to skate across her skin and refused to stop until her head dropped to the side, her body stopped shaking. Kissing her shoulder, he held his mouth over her skin as he placed one of her hands on the tile in front of them then the other. Pulling her back, he fisted her hair and leaned down, peppering her shoulder and upper arms with kisses.

Soft purrs continued to float from her mouth as she dug her nails into the tile. “Fuck me. Please, fuck me.”

“I will.” A dark chuckle slipped from his mouth as he licked and kissed, moving his head down the length of her back and back up. “Open your mouth.”

She did so immediately.

The moment he slipped his fingers inside, she sucked, the sounds exaggerated by the dense space.

“I’m going to fuck you in the ass.” His words were frank and said without any inflection. He thrust his fingers in and out of her mouth until they were slickened by her saliva. When he removed them, he dragged the tips down her spine to the crack of her ass. Wiggling his fingers between her folds, he found her asshole and slipped two inside.

She stiffened, a single whimper floating out of her mouth.

Snake kept his hold around her hair, twisting and pulling as he slipped a third finger inside, darting them in rapid motions. She was tight, her asshole warm and he was in such misery waiting to be inside of her. When he added the forth finger, pushing past the tight ring of muscle, she issued a long and strangled moan.

“I want you,” she managed, her words almost inaudible.

“Tell me what you want. Tell me.”

“Fuck my ass. Shove your cock deep inside. Hard. Fast. Use me.”

The sinful words were a powerful aphrodisiac. “Oh, I will. I’m going to use every hole, fill you with my cum.”

Smack! Crack!

Hitting her ass twice, the sound reverberated. He let go of her hair and grabbed her hip, yanking her out from the wall.

“Yes, sir! Spank me,” she muttered and pressed her face against the cool tile, offering him anything he desired.

Pop! Slap!

“Only a taste of what you’re going to get.” Wrapping his hand around his cock, he replaced his fingers with the tip, shifting until his cockhead slipped inside. “Every hole is mine. No matter when. No matter where.”

“Oh, yes, sir.” She smiled and licked her lips.

Grabbing her other hip, he thrust the entire length of his shaft inside her ass. “Fuck!” The way her muscles clamped around the tight invasion was chilling, creating a series of electric jolts coursing throughout his body. Lowering his head, he panted as the tingling continued. Then he began again.

The hard drive was followed by another, the force pushing her against the shower.

“Yes. Yes!” Slapping her hands on the wall, she pushed her arms out, meeting every hard plunge.

Hissing, he jutted his hips forward, driving into her dark hole harder and harder, the move almost savage. But he didn’t care. He wanted her filled. He wanted her tame. He wanted her to understand that she did belong to him. Unable to focus, he pulled out until just the tip was inside and took a deep breath.

Smack! Pop!

The hard slaps were against her hip. His hand stung and dear God, he wanted to whip her again.

Whap! Pop!

His balls were in anguish, full of cum, aching until his legs were shaking. He shoved his cock all the way inside again. And again. Every thrust more powerful.

And she took every plunge, her face twisted in utter bliss, her back arched and her legs wide open. “Fuck me! Use me!”

Harder. Faster. His heart was racing, thumping in his chest. There was no way he could hold back. Tipping his head back, he roared as his shaft filled with cum. The moment he shot his load, he cupped both breasts, yanking her back against his chest. “Mine!”

Snake could barely breathe as he filled her ass and the way she felt in his arms was so right, almost too perfect. He held her until they both stopped shaking then kissed the side of her face. “You have no idea what you do to me.”

Katherine mewed and rubbed his arm with her fingers, the touch gentle. “I’m glad, sir.”

Even hearing the word was enough to create a ripple effect, the needs refusing to go away. Reaching down, he stopped the shower and threw back the curtain. Lifting her out of the tub, he planted her in front of the bathroom mirror. He pulled her wet hair out of the way, exposing her face, his fingers rubbing her skin. “You scared me today. I could have lost you.”

“I know. I just… panicked.” The words seemed difficult for her to say. “I don’t know why.”

“Because you’re terrified of me, of what I can do.” The words were the truth. They both knew she wasn’t trusting enough of him, perhaps never would be. He rubbed his hand across the glass, wiping away steam.

“Yes. The kind of man you are scares me.”

“But do you trust me? Do you know I’d save your life?” He stared at her in the mirror, studying their combined reflection, the way the remaining steam muddied the look, but he could still see the fear.

“Yes. On both counts.”

He could sense the hesitation, but her desire was so strong, her willingness to push her limits. “If you know who I am, you will run.”

“Then you’ll have to trust me. I won’t.”

Sucking in his breath, he nodded, breaking the penetrating stare. “I will teach you many things, aspects of discipline, obedience.”

“Mmm… Yes, sir.”

Noticing the hairbrush, he gave her a controlling look before taking her hand, intertwining their fingers. Very slowly he placed both their hands on the handle of the brush, forcing her to finger the bristles, rubbing up and down. He adored the way she trembled in his arms, her breath sounds as she smiled. “You’re going to watch as I punish you.”

“Punish?”

“For not obeying my command.” He placed pressure on their fingers as he continued moving them up and down the bristles.

“But it was business today,” she countered.

“You could have died.” Pulling the brush away from her hand, he took a step back, his eyes never leaving her. Dying. He couldn’t lose her. He couldn’t go through this again. He wasn’t strong enough. Sniffing, he pushed aside the bitterness, the raging anger. The past wasn’t going to haunt him any longer. “And that will not happen.”

Katherine gripped the counter, opening her mouth as if longing to ask a question. She dropped her head, exhaling.

Yanking her head by her hair, he hissed. “Watch.”

“Yes, sir.”

Smack! Pop!

The brush was dense, the thudding sound creating a different vibe.

She bristled, rising up on her toes.

Whap! Slap!

“God!” Her grip became firm and she jerked forward.

He pressed his hand on the small of her back. “Breathe and pay attention. Those who don’t follow rules are punished severely.” The words he’d said before. There had only been one woman who’d been able to drive away the demons. Stop. Leave me alone. His head ached as the thoughts and memories rushed forward, snagging onto his consciousness, tugging at his heart. He’d long ago closed this off and this woman, this vibrant and amazing woman was forcing the man inside into the light.

Crack! Pop! Slap!

Snake smacked first one ass cheek then the other, his rhythm steady yet he was panting. No, he couldn’t allow her inside. Not possible. But God, he wanted her. No, he needed her.

Nodding, she sucked in her breath.

Smack! Slap!

Harder and faster he issued the spanking until her cheeks were bright pink.

Crack! Pop!

“God!” she howled but remained in position.

Smack! Slap! Whap!

Back and forth he moved, but he could tell she was falling into a rare moment of quiet ecstasy. Think. She belongs to you. But the truth was, she would never belong to him. How could she after… “Obedience is key.”

“Yes, sir.” Sucking in her breath, she blinked several times.

Crack! Pop! Slap!

He rubbed his hand down her back, controlling his emotions. “Five more.” Now, he was shaking all over, memories of the past crowding into his space, his mind. Unable to push them away, he knew this had to stop. If he didn’t, he could destroy Katherine.

This time she nodded, her lower lip quivering.

Slap! Crack! Pop! Whack! Smack!

When he was done, he dropped the brush and covered her body with his. “Trust. I need your trust. Only then can we share what we both hunger for.” He eased away, heading for the door. Thoughts and visions rushed into the back of his mind, dragging him through hell, leaving the anger. “Even then, you should walk away. Just walk away.”

“Snake. Why?”

He pushed his arm out as she inched closer. “Don’t. Too complicated. Too much. You need to leave me. Get the next plane out before it’s too late.”

* * *

Katherine had no idea how to react or what to say to him. She remained in her room, stunned by the event. Snake had allowed her in, almost completely then pulled back, as if he wanted to hurt her. Confusion settled in and maybe her instinct was right. Maybe she should leave, get far away from him. Exhausted, she rubbed her eyes as she brushed her hair.

The man was infuriating. Unable to make sense of anything, her anger continued to increase. No man was going to treat her this way. Have his way with her then toss her away. What in the hell was he thinking? Who was he?

Snarling, she dragged the brush through her hair and realized she wasn’t going to take this. Not from any man. Ready to toss the piece, she caught herself and couldn’t help but rub the smooth wood between her fingers. She slunk back against the counter. Trust. He needed her trust in order to be able to move forward, but she sensed the need had much more to do with acceptance. He was a haunted man, demons driving him to the brink.

The question remained. What was he capable of? Violence, yes. But murder? She rubbed her arm as a chill slipped down from her neck. Tossing the brush, she walked into the bedroom. Her dress shifted back and forth across her bruised ass and she held her breath. My God. She’d been closer to him than she had ever been to John. Confronting Snake wasn’t going to do her any good. She knew this type of man. He would clam up or worse. But she had to figure this out.

Katherine smoothed down her dress and reached for the doorknob. Hearing her phone, she grimaced as she looked at the display. Shit. For him to call meant… “I told you not to call me here.”

“I think you’re going to want to hear this, Katherine. Remember, I’m doing you a damn favor. There are some things you need to know about this man you’re with.”

His voice was terse, clipped and laced with the nastiness she’d become accustomed to. Then again, the man was almost always full of anger. She wasn’t entirely certain she should have asked for his help for any reason, no matter how tenacious he could be. “What did you find?” As quietly as possible, she opened the door, peering out into the hallway. She could hear music, the notes melodic and beautiful. And there was something else, an amazing scent. Garlic and onion, other herbs and chicken wafted into the small space. Good God, the man was cooking. Slinking back into the room, she closed the door with a soft click. Why did this feel like betrayal? Stop this. Stop this shit. As if she could stop him from doing anything. “You know what? I don’t care what you found. I have everything I need to know.”

“I don’t think you do and in fact, you need to get away from him.”

“And why the hell is that?”

“Just listen to me. He’s dangerous. I had to dig in order to find out the real story,” he snorted. “He was stationed on an oil rig several years ago when he was in the Marines. He was the man responsible for killing his entire team.”

The words hit her hard. “What rig?”

“They were stationed near the Caymans. I don’t have all of the information because their particular mission was considered top secret, but I have friends at the Pentagon, so I will learn the details.”

The coincidence was almost too much. Could he have been on the rig that cause the spill? She’d never heard that any of the men on the rig had lost their lives. Something didn’t ring true. “Good to know. I have to go. He can’t know I’m on the phone. This work is important to me.”

“He’s killed other people as well.”

“Cut with the crap and the melodrama. I know about his military experience. I understand he was Special Ops. Of course, he’s killed people.” What the fuck was the man trying to get at?

“That’s not what I’m talking about.”

“I’m hanging up now. I have things to do.”

“His name is William Driscoll. His given name and the name he used to marry his wife.”

Her entire skin began to crawl. She eased down on the edge of the bed, her pulse racing. “Okay, so he’s been married.”

“Ask him about Kaylee. See what he says.” He chuckled. “Are you involved with this man?”

“None of your goddamn business.”

“I believe there’s more to the story as well.”

Katherine was growing weary, angry with herself for making the call. “I’m going now.”

“Fine. You can be such a bitch. Just remember, you owe me.”

She swallowed and had no idea what to think. None. Okay, so Snake had been married but was he trying to allude to the fact Snake has something to do with her death? Shivering, she rubbed her arm. When the phone rang again, she answered without looking. “Do you want to add more insult to injury?”

“Katherine? Christ. What the hell is wrong with you?”

She groaned and slapped her forehead. The day couldn’t get any better. This time Frank was calling. “I’m fine. Why are you calling?”

“There’s been someone looking for you. Several phone calls. Wouldn’t say who he was, but I have a bad feeling.”

The way Frank said the words gave her a chill. “What do you mean?”

“I mean that your past may be coming back to haunt you. Remember the case you tried ten years ago? Who was the asshole who sent the roses to his victims?”

Oh. My. God. Her instincts had been right. The man she’d convicted was a monster, even taunting her from his prison cell. And he’d sent her roses before he was convicted. “Are you talking about Ramone Chivas?”

“I am. He was let out of prison two months ago.”

She dropped her head into her hands. “What? How the fuck could that have happened?” She’d never forget his last threat. That he’d hunt her down no matter where she was and no matter how long it took.” The note. The phone calls. Everything made sense. Ramone was determined to make good on his threat.

“Well, he found a new attorney. Some of the evidence was evidently tainted. He had a new trial.”

“Why the hell wasn’t I notified of this?”

“I guess it slipped through the cracks,” Frank said then laughed. “Be careful, Katherine. You just might wind up dead. Oh, and you might want to ask your husband what he knows given the man’s ability to get prisoners released early.”

She wasn’t surprised at his grandstanding or the fact he’d ended the call after suggesting such an explosive concept. Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. Frank had left far too many items on the table, as if she was required to figure out the puzzle. What did John have to do with this? Yeah, he’d been responsible for several new trials for innocent men and women sent to prison, but… There was no way John would try and get Ramone off. He’d known how the vicious freak had terrified her. Angry with herself, she held the phone to her head. Think. Think! She knew she’d been followed, but this? And what the hell was he talking about with Snake’s ex-wife?

This was insane. This couldn’t be happening. Nothing made any sense. She needed someone in her corner. That much she knew, and she certainly couldn’t trust Frank or John.

Brushing her hands down her dress, she checked her hair in the mirror and tried to smile. Snake. Could she trust him? Would he continue to be her protector?

She found Snake in the kitchen, opening a bottle of wine. The change in him was dramatic, as if he’d forgotten all about what he’d said to her. “Something smells fantastic.”

Snake tipped his head and grabbed a towel, wiping his hands. “I thought you might enjoy having a nice dinner.”

“You thought right.” She moved closer to the marble island. He’d opened the windows, allowing in the fresh air. The scent of gardenias mixed in with the incredible fragrances of gourmet food. She remained tense, her mind reeling.

“Wine?” He studied her face before allowing his eyes to roam, offering her a smile of approval.

“I’d love some.”

“I took the liberty of opening a nice cabernet.” He poured two glasses and walked around the island, coming closer. As he handed her a glass, their fingers touched, and he inhaled. “You look beautiful.”

“Thank you.” The entire conversation was easy, as if they’d simply made love for hours. Even his simple and gentle touch seemed commanding. She licked the rim of the glass before taking a sip, delighting in the way his eyes twinkled.

“I hope you enjoy chicken marsala with fresh pasta.”

“You’re also an accomplished cook.” She was surprised he seemed so relaxed, even wearing shorts.

Laughing, he shook his head. “I normally grab a quick bite to eat. My brother usually handles the cooking.”

“Tell me about him.” His laughter was surprising. She was so used to his dark personality, his anger.

“Logan? He’s a good friend, a great businessman and I love having family at the house.”

Family? That meant more than one. Was there a note of sadness in his voice? “Is he married?”

“Um, no. Just the two of us.” Turning away, he checked the items on the stove. “We’re almost ready. Do you mind taking the wine to the table?”

Just the two of them? The words were stilted. She could sense he wasn’t ready to talk about any of his personal life. “Not at all.” She remained quiet as he served. The salad was crisp, the chicken succulent and the candlelight far too romantic for the man who’d left her bathroom only two hours before.

After serving, he eased down on his chair. “I’m sorry about what I said earlier.”

“You don’t have to apologize to me. We all have our demons regarding relationships of any kind. You already know mine.”

“I guess I do, but my concerns have very little to do with any past relationships as there have only been a couple in my life.”

Katherine resisted asking the question. “Work?”

He twirled his wine glass and glanced into the flickering flame. “I left Texas when I was eighteen. I gave myself a break after graduation. The vacation was only supposed to be for three weeks. I stayed for two years. I enjoyed spending time with a girl who didn’t turn out to be on the right side of the law. Let’s just say, I found myself in some significant trouble and I was in a country where jail meant torture. That’s why I joined the Marines. And there is no time for a relationship.” He smiled and shook his head.

“Then who else?”

Snake picked at his food, taking a bite before answering. “There was a very special woman in my life once, but she couldn’t handle the darkness, at least not completely.”

“Your sadistic tendencies?”

“You do understand.”

“Probably more than you know.” She took a sip of wine, hiding behind the glass. Trust him. Confide in him.

“Why have you used a sadist for relief?”

She knew the question was going to come. There was no judging, no sense of disgust. Just a simple question. “I guess after my father’s abuse, I was curious. I gravitated toward darker relationships when I was younger, and I had no clue. I met a man almost two years ago that awakened the woman inside.” Darting her eyes to the floor, she could remember the exact night she’d met him, could almost smell his exotic cologne. What few words he said were always intense, drawing her into his web.

“He taught you about pain?”

Exhaling, she wasn’t certain how to answer the question. “He was demanding. He didn’t ask. He took what he wanted. The very night I met him, he took me to the bathroom of the club, stripped me of my clothes and whipped me. I had never been so mortified and excited in my entire life. I simply allowed it to happen. No, that’s not entirely true. I craved what he’d offered, unbridled anguish with no connections, no binding ties.”

“And what did you do? What were you thinking?”

The question made her sweat. “I was thinking that I wanted more, that I had to have more. I didn’t care how I could get it, but I had to. The pain was a drug for me. The desire continued to build, and I begged him for more.” She hadn’t realized how much she needed their sessions until this very moment. “You see, I’m not the woman you think that I am. I need specific things that few men can provide and fewer still have the balls to grasp.”

Snake breathed in, swirling the glass as he gave her a heated and demanding look. “You can’t live without more.”

She waited, her mind grasping the question. “I’m not entirely certain. I can’t figure that area of my psyche out at this point, but it’s what I’m afraid of.”

“That’s not what you’re afraid of, Katherine,” Snake stated, his words drawn out. “You’re afraid of admitting that you’ve found exactly what you’re looking for.”

The words buzzed in her ears and she could barely breathe. He knew her. He could see right through her. There was no way she could hide any longer, no concept of running from this. “Yes.”

“And I can give that to you, Katherine. I can give you everything that you desire, but again, you have to ask.”

Nodding, she wiped the sweat from her brow, fearful of saying anything.

“Then what’s stopping you from asking for what you want, what you need?”

“Because I’m terrified of what I’ll turn into.” The words were blurted out before she could stop them. “Because I don’t know how to handle living a lie.”

“A lie. Interesting choice of words. I’ve lived with this all my life and I assure you, when you finally grasp the ability to let go, you will be free.”

“Like you’re free? I see a tortured man sitting in front of me, one who will never rid himself of the guilt.”

He seemed to bristle then took a gulp of his wine, refilling his glass. “Guilt has nothing to do with my hungers.”

“All right. I’ll accept that. Perhaps one day you’ll trust me enough to explain.”

“Perhaps I will.” He took another bite of food. “After you discovered a man who could allow you to enjoy, what happened?”

“I pushed it away for over a month. Then, he became important in my life. He offered me a way to quiet the voices inside my head, the ones nagging me constantly about the same kind of darkness you hunger for. I’ve never told anyone this.” Laughing nervously, she gulped the wine, finishing over half the glass. He seemed to study her for a time and she knew his mind was swirling, consumed by the fact she wanted this heightened level of kink. “I ended the sessions the other night. I can’t handle any more. I can’t allow myself to fall into the madness.”

“Madness. The concept is interesting. Let me ask you a question. If I were to command you to undress right now, what would you do?”

Katherine could feel her pussy clenching and knew this was a test. “I would do so immediately.”

“Then do so.”

She eased her wine down to the table and wasn’t entirely certain he was serious. When he pushed his chair back and crossed his legs, a smile remaining on his face, she stood. “Yes, sir.” Easing the dress up and over her shoulders, she shivered and rubbed her arms before sliding her fingers under the thin elastic of her panties. After shimmying them down her hips and stepping out, she gave him a nod of respect.

“Come closer, Katherine. I need to see you.”

The way his voice had changed, the commanding tone was enthralling, and she wanted nothing more than to obey. She walked toward him, her hands at her sides.

After finishing a bite, he eased his fork down to his plate and slid his hand up the outside of her thigh. “You have no idea what I’m capable of.”

“I think I do.”

“We shall see what you think you know about me.” Snake continued sliding his hand up her leg to her hip, then to her waist. “Beautiful. Turn around.”

She did so without question and this time, the way he was looking at her, studying her skin, her body and demanding her obedience was different than before.

He brushed the tips of his fingers down the length of her spine, sliding them down the crack of her ass. “The marks are mine. Just as you belong to me. This is what you want.”

“Yes, sir.” His touch alone was invigorating, driving her into a heightened state. She was almost giddy with yearning and every time he touched her, jolts of current rushed into her cells, her muscles. The control he had over her was entirely different and exactly what she needed.

“Excellent. Now, sit down and finish your dinner.”

She couldn’t believe that he had this much control, but she remained wet, her nipples hard as she tried to get comfortable, the hardback chair biting into her welts.

“He never cared to ask what you wanted, did he?” Snake finally asked after several minutes.

“That wasn’t our arrangement.”

“Arrangement. A submissive for hire. Interesting concept.”

Katherine tried to eat, pretending his words weren’t swilling in her brain. “I gave him the ability to feed his beast. He allowed me moments of peace.”

“To keep your normal life sane and on track, even organized.” He smiled and leaned over the table. “I do see through you, Katherine. I can almost read your mind.”

As his expression changed to one of lust and darkness, she could feel her left leg shaking, her foot tapping on the floor. “Then what am I thinking?”

“That you want nothing more than to drop all your defenses with me, share in the yearning that fills your every fantasy.”

Damn if the man hadn’t grabbed onto her very soul. “Yes. Yes, sir.”

“We’ll work on the level of respect.” He took another sip of wine. “But there’s more about this man that intrigues you. I can tell.”

She had no rebuttal. Merely the truth. “You are a very astute man. Yes, he’s powerful and if anyone ever found out about his desires, he would be condemned.”

“Condemned. The word is interesting, Katherine. You speak of this darkness as if these needs, your desires are wrong. Or his.”

“Or yours?”

“I’ve lived with this for many years. This girl I mentioned allowed me to experience the joys of wielding a crop, a whip, a quirt and so many other implements. She was a true pain whore and I adored her. She was also a drug addict, something I abhor.” He continued eating, as if allowing her to absorb the information. When he placed his fork on the plate, he waited for several seconds before sitting back. “But I didn’t say that embracing my desires was wrong. I want nothing more than to own a woman, but in that owning, the connection must be strong. Few people understand.”

“Trust. Respect. Obedience. Adoration. I do understand, but I think you already know that.” The two missing years of his life.

“Yes, you do, which is why we’re drawn to each other. Which is why I’m dangerous for you.”

“But why? You keep saying that as if pushing me away is the objective. Then you mention trust like it’s a buzz word. I don’t understand.”

“There are many aspects of danger. Then again, you already know this, especially given your involvement with this man. He is the one who provided information about me, is he not?”

Biting her lower lip, she realized she’d underestimated him. “Yes. If you know that, then you understand why he keeps his private life very much that.” How in God’s name had Snake found out anything about her contact?

“I do.” The smile remained on his face. “Your secret is safe with me, Katherine. We went to great lengths to be able to sit here together today, enjoying an expensive bottle of wine and a good meal. Trust is difficult for both of us.”

“You’re right.”

They ate in silence for several minutes.

When he was finished, he pushed his plate away and folded his arms. “Katherine, what we share is everything I’ve ever wanted and nothing I thought I could have again but getting involved with me could mean you pay a price. I’m not going to lie to you. I’m terrified that price is too significant.”

“What does that mean? Just trust me enough to talk to me.”

Holding his breath, his eyes became dark, filled with evil. “There are men who will stop at nothing to find me, hunt me down.”

“They’ve found you, haven’t they?”

He huffed and shook his head. “Perhaps.”

“Which is why you brought that knife on board the boat. Which is also why you purchased a gun when you went into town.”

This time he smiled. “An intelligent as you are beautiful.”

“Who and why?”

“That, I won’t tell you. Knowing will also put you in danger.”

“You’re a man with a death wish.”

Snake cocked his head. “That, sweet Katherine, is another story in itself.”

Katherine thought about her words carefully before confiding in him, but she knew something terrible was going on. “I think there was someone in the house.”

His head jerked up, his eyes narrowing, his body shaking. “What are you talking about?”

She held out her hand. “There are aspects of my life that I keep private. I think they’re crashing down. I think I’m being hunted.”

His eyes flashed, his entire body tensing. “Tell me everything.”

“My previous career. I was very happy taking on every difficult case, true monsters who stopped at nothing to rape, slaughter and destroy anyone around them. I was good at my job and had a ninety-eight percent conviction rate.”

“Impressive. I’m not surprised. Did one of these monsters escape?”

“Not exactly.”

Narrowing his eyes, he allowed a slow breath to escape. “The person threatening you.”

She nodded, her entire body shaking. “I think so. I have reason to believe he was let out of prison.”

“How?”

“Well, several mistakes were made on a case and I think I’m going to pay the ultimate price.”

“Go on.”

She exhaled. “You see, a man I put away in prison almost ten years ago was set free because of my mistakes. The monster is pure evil and trust me, he made it very clear that he’ll stop at nothing to see me dead.”