DESPITE MY AMENDED schedule, I still managed to stay at Daniel’s apartment every night this week. I really need to develop my negotiating skills if I’m to stand a chance at ever getting my own way. We have eaten take out, I have brought food from the restaurant, and I cooked on Wednesday. Joe had taught me how to make fresh pasta when I was sixteen, and I made my other favourite pasta dish, ravioli with a wild mushroom stuffing and an herb butter. I even made a lemon panna cotta dessert. We fucked, we made love, and we talked.
We spend the evening lying on his sumptuous sofa. I am wrapped in a silk robe, and my legs are draped across Daniel’s lap. He is massaging my feet, while I am trying my best not to squeal. I am extremely ticklish there and don’t want him to know this weakness. It’s okay if the pressure is firm, but the minute it becomes feather light, I will be scrabbling for the ceiling. I manage to contain myself, and he starts to ask me questions about growing up and my family. I think I keep my answers detailed enough to be interesting and factual, but vague enough to not actually give too much away. The late night conversation, I believe, is the reason why Daniel woke me as I started sobbing in my sleep and now has lifted me into his arms and is crushing the breath from my chest. I am dripping with sweat and trembling. I wake up fully when he carries me into the bathroom and sits me on a warmed towel on the marble vanity unit. His large warm hands sweep my soaked hair from my face and tucks it behind my ears.
“Okay, that was new.” His smile is wary, his eyes are kind and warm. “Care to share?” He starts to strip the wet silk slip I sleep in, which is now translucent. He has the shower steaming and carries my trembling body into the welcome heat. Within minutes I am again dressed in one of his T-shirts, which swamps me, but is warm and dry. He carries me into one of the guest rooms. I raise my eyebrow at the change of location.
“Did you see the sheets?” He laughs lightly. “I never knew the human body could hold so much fluid.” He pulls back the covers and helps me in.
“Are you staying?” I whisper. “It’s okay if you don’t…” But I don’t get to finish that sentence as he climbs in on my side and pulls me half onto his body.
“Now, if you’ve stopped being ridiculous, would you like to talk to me?” He plants a soft kiss in my damp hair.
“No.” I can feel his glare. “No, I mean I really don’t want to, but unfortunately I have to. It’s the only way I will ever get back to sleep.” I let out a defeated breath.
“You have these a lot?” His obvious concern is touching.
“Used to, not so much now.” I nestle into his chest. It feels good, and I sigh. “Okay, the usual is just to spill the details of the dream, well, nightmare, but actually I think you woke me before it really started. How did you do that?” I crane my neck to see his answer.
“Hey.” He kisses my forehead. “I just felt you. Anyway, who do you usually spill to?”
“Sofs or Marco the other week.” I feel him tense. “He wasn’t quite as quick as you though. He had to come from his bedroom, and that’s after I had made enough noise to wake him.” I flinch as I flashback to that nightmare. “Anyway, I don’t remember what this one was, so that’s good.” I squeeze my eyes shut and take a deep breath smelling his intoxicating aroma.
“You sure you don’t remember, you’re not just saying that?” He sounds doubtful, but I snort.
“Believe me, if I could keep this shit to myself, I would, but then I’d never sleep again, so yes, I’m sure. There, aren’t you glad I sleep over now?” I nudge him, and he just holds me tighter.
“More so now.” He grumbles. “I definitely don’t want Marco coming to your rescue or anyone else for that matter.”
“Well, that just makes you crazy.” I yawn and relax into his strong comforting hold.
“You make me crazy.” He kisses my hair and strokes his fingers up and down my body until I fall asleep.
It’s Friday, and I am working in Daniel’s office, which is more distracting than the library, but better than Daniel accompanying me to the library, which he threatened to do. Since my first visit, where Daniel informed me that my screams were nowhere near as muffled as I imagined, every time he wants me, he sends Colin on an errand around the building. It’s like Pavlov’s dogs - Daniel tells Colin to hold all calls and to visit some department, and I’m dripping wet by the time he puts the phone down.
Today he was distant at lunch, and his mood has deteriorated as the afternoon progresses. I feel for anyone who has a meeting with him today, and I feel for our lecture group later if this continues. He is giving one of his lectures at my University this evening. I start to pack my bag.
“Where the fuck do you think you’re going?” My head snaps to look at him, his eyes glaring and his jaw clenched.
“Who the fuck do you think you’re talking to?” I snarl back at him. He instantly softens and walks toward me, picks me up, placing me on my desk, and wedges himself between my legs. “I should go.” He tightens his grip before I get the chance to move.
“No, you shouldn’t.” He declares firmly.
“Daniel, it’s your fault.” I push against his hard chest, which doesn’t give an inch, and he smells so good this close. “You insist on all this time together, but it’s too much, and now you’re pissed, so let me leave. It’s fine, I understand, and it’s all right.” My chest constricts painfully at this, and my hand reaches for my hair but quickly moves to his. He doesn’t need to know I’m lying.
“And you could just shut down like that. It’s that simple?” He is barely containing his temper.
“Yes, Daniel, that is exactly what I could do, After all, I am a fucking robot!” I can’t do this, I can’t let him know I’m in over my head with him, in over my heart, not if he is ending it. I feel needy and pathetic, but he doesn’t need to see that, so I set my chin and meet his dark eyes.
“Wow, you are really stubborn. Kiss me.” He demands, and I frown, not what I was expecting, and I hesitate. “Now!” He growls, soft but stern, and I reach up to gently kiss the corner of his mouth. His lips are sweet and seductive. I need more, and he obliges, slanting his lips over mine, taking control of the kiss. His tongue pushes between my lips, and he tangles with mine, tasting and searching. He stops too soon, and I let out a sad sigh louder than I had intended, and his mouth curves to one side. “I am angry, but assuming it’s because I don’t want you says more about you than it does about my behaviour, Bethany. Have I given you any reason to doubt how I feel about you?” I swallow hard at the openness of this conversation. He tells me he wants me all the time, shows me with his body, with his time, but I haven’t thought about what that really means--I can’t. He wisely decides not to push this. “I am angry because I have an obligation that I have to fulfill, and it will mean that I am unable to spend Saturday and Sunday with you, and it fucking pisses me off!” He shouts the last bit, and I jump at the volume.
“And tonight?” I add quietly. He has a look of panic, and God, it makes my heart swell. I’m so fucked. “I have a drinks thing with Sofia. I did tell you, I’m sorry.” I stroke his jaw, which is ticking something fierce. He has the start of afternoon stubble.
“No, you tried to hide the request, and I ignored it. Shit, this is fucking great! I’m not going to see you at all then?” His irritation is bordering on downright fury.
“Well, you can join us for a few drinks if you’d like, but then I’m staying at Sofia’s for some girl time. I’ll work Saturday and can come over to you after work and after your thing. I’m at my Mum’s on Sunday, anyway, and then back to normal on Monday.” I like our normal and I flash him my warmest smile “That’s not so bad?”
“Fuck.” He is still not happy. “I’m not happy about this, Bethany.”
“No shit, Sherlock. I’d hate to see you really angry.” I placate him with more kisses but I have to leave.
His lecture is at seven, prompt, and I don’t want to be late. Although I do get an excited twinge in my core at the thought of what he might do if I was. My phone buzzes with a text.
MISS THORNE, NO PANTIES, FRONT ROW, ALONE-NO NEIGHBOURS. UNDERSTAND?
I did try and sit at the front, but Sam and Mike called me to sit with them and it just felt rude to refuse with no good reason; I text back.
ONE OUT OF THREE’S NOT BAD? ;)
The theatre is full except the front row, which has reserved notices along it. The main door clicks shut, and the room falls instantly silent. Daniel dominates the room with his power and presence, and I shiver at my intimate knowledge of that dominance. He narrows his eyes, sweeping the auditorium until he spots me. He flashes a wicked smile. I blush and immediately worry what he might do in front of all these people. He pulls a piece of paper from the inside pocket of his suit jacket and clears his throat.
“Is there a, Miss”--he pauses to look at the paper, and my whole body tenses--“Thorne?” No. No, he is not going to do this.
“Crap.” I mutter.
“What have you done now?” Sam elbows my ribs, mocking me with his ‘you’re naughty’ expression.
“Sir.” I raise my arm.
“You’re assignment was not completed. Whether you were too distracted or too far away to understand the instructions carefully, I would suggest you take a seat in the front row to prevent this happening again.” His eyes bore into mine, which must be the size of saucers. Oh. My. God. He cannot be serious?
“The front row is reserved, Sir.” I am so red right now, I clash with my dark green woollen skirt and sweater.
“I know.” He smirks and raises a brow. I have to move, as I don’t know how far he will take this. “Do you think it is polite not to follow simple instructions, Miss Thorne?” Crap! All right, now I know exactly how far he will go. I pack my bag and have to squeeze awkwardly across the row of students to the aisle, where I begin my descent of shame. I am so fucking angry right now. I have a good mind to storm out, but the wicked look in his eyes tells me he knows exactly what I’m thinking and is challenging me to ‘try him’. I sit and loudly throw my bag to the floor. I then rummage until I find my pencil and pad before I return to look at him with my angriest glare. He is delighted with himself, and I sit and stew. I also write pages of notes; he is really rather brilliant when he is not infuriating.
It suddenly occurs to me that I am alone in the front row, and the tiered rows with their desks shield me from the view of those above me, as does the one I’m writing on. I can only be seen from the waist up by everyone else but only someone on the stage would have a view below my waist, too. My turn to smirk. I give a light cough, and his eyes flick to mine, his cool expression gives nothing away. He doesn’t even pause in his presentation. I quietly uncross my legs and spread my knees wide. His face is turned to the screen but on looking back, his eyes widen as he recognizes my change in position. His eyes continue to address the room, but my heated stare is fixed on him, and I catch every furtive glance my way. I pull the woollen material from my dress, bunching it at my waist just enough to prevent any material falling between my legs and obstructing the clear view. I sigh as I become very aware of the change in temperature. Now that my legs are open, it is cooler, but I’m heated by desire, and I wiggle a little in my seat. I see his throat swallow, and I lick my lips to mimic the dryness he is trying to moisten.
His jaw is clenched, but other than that, he looks the picture of calm. He does however, move to stand behind the podium, and that makes me grin. I think one last bold move and we’re even. I slowly take my finger, wet the tip between my lips and in a movement so slow it would go unnoticed by the unobservant. I trace this finger down my body and start to slide it under the waistband of my skirt.
“The material from this lecture is available on-line, but unfortunately I will have to finish this lecture here, and I am unable to field questions tonight. Until next time.” His abrupt finish halts my move immediately. He switches the presentation off, but remains on the stage. As he has dismissed the room, there is a surge of activity and deafening noise. I hear him call, “Miss Thorne,” but I use the general level of disturbance as cover and hurry out the door. I know there was at least another ten minutes of the lecture, and he is a perfectionist. There is no way he didn’t have the exact and appropriate amount of material for the time allowed. I can see as I leave that he is again surrounded by gushing students. Perhaps it wasn’t the smartest of ideas to provoke him when I know he is angry. because of the weekend. anyway, but he wasn’t the only one who is angry. Fuck it, I’m not going to dwell. I’m going to meet my best friend, get roaring drunk, and deal with Daniel’s ‘man-struation’ later.
“I bought us a bottle, as I didn’t fancy bar hopping tonight. Is that okay with you?” Sofia calls to me above the noise of the bar.
“Absolutely.” She hands me a glass and starts to pour. We’ve managed to secure an alcove seat in a very busy wine bar. It’s lively and intimate, but perfect for catching up.
“Are you going to get that? It hasn’t stopped ringing.” She nods to my vibrating bag.
I know who it is, and he’s really pissed. “My phone, my convenience.” We clink glasses and drink. I ask Sofia about her wedding plans, and she tells me at length the stress she is under. The only daughter with a huge extended family, trying to please everybody, and Paul just wanting to please her. I can tell she’s really excited about it all, though, and she secretly adores all the attention.
“So?” She raises her brows and addresses the elephant in the room. “How’s it going with Mr. Hot and Horny, still ‘fun’?” She uses air quotes to mock me, but her expression is serious. I haven’t dated since her brother two years ago, and before that it was only ever John.
“Oh, definitely fun.” I follow this understatement with an uncontrollable surge of heat to my cheeks and a large gulp of wine.
“You’re not getting away with that Bets, spill! You’ve stayed at his place how many nights this week?” She tops up my glass, hoping for the “lots of liquor equals loose lips” scenario.
“A few, he’s very insistent when he wants something.” I try to bite back the giggle, but it’s useless.
“And he wants you…lucky you.” She giggles and nudges me.
“For now.” I smile lightly, the sobering sentiment quelling the giggles. I may not like the feeling I get when I acknowledge this fact, but, when I am not in the thrall of Daniel Stone, I do see this for what it is and where it will end.
“Oh, I have missed your ‘glass half full’ world view. Look, he’d be nuts to let you go, Bets.” She softens her voice. “How do you feel about him?” My shoulders stiffen, and she thinks it’s in response to her question. It isn’t. I’d happily tell her if I knew myself. No, my shoulders stiffen and my skin tingles because I can feel him. How does he do that?
“Holy shit!” Sofia’s eyes widen, and she beams a huge smile. I don’t turn but take a large gulp of my wine, empty the glass, and pour myself another. He stands behind me brushing his hands across my shoulders. He moves his hand and sweeps my hair from my neck, scorching my skin where his fingers lightly touch. He leans in and softly kisses my cheek.
“Bethany.” His voice is low and husky. He offers his hand to Sofia, and they shake hands. “Sofia, lovely to see you again. Bethany invited me to join you for drinks. I must apologize for being late. I wasn’t entirely sure I had the right address.” I tense instantly under his fingertips at this comment. “Can I get you another drink? Some water to go with the wine, perhaps?” He is charming with a touch of menace.
“We’re fine with the wine, thank you.” I look at his gorgeous face, and he is all smouldering, sexy as hell with a dazzling smile.
“Very well, I won’t be a moment.” He disappears toward the bar.
“Late?” Sofia queries.
“I’m surprised he’s only late. I didn’t tell him where we were meeting. I have no idea how he found me.” I whisper even though the noise of the bar easily drowns my words. Nothing would surprise me. He is like a super spy or something equally sinister.
“So you didn’t invite him?” She smiles unaware of my growing unease.
“Well, yes, I did. He was really grumpy earlier about not seeing me all weekend, and I said he could join us. I told him that I was staying over at yours afterwards, so it was a compromise. But then he was a complete arse in the Lecture this evening. I may have provoked him and then done a runner. Really didn’t think he’d show up. That’s why I wasn’t answering my phone, if I spoke to him I would’ve caved and told him where we were. He’s really persuasive.”
“I’ll bet, looking like that, why would you say no? Still he looks cool about it now. So, we’ll have a few drinks, I’ll text Paul. We’re still doing the girlie sleepover though?”
“Hell, yes!” although I don’t quite agree with her summation of Daniel’s demeanour.
Daniel returns with a large bottle of water and proceeds to pour me a glass. He has a beer for himself. I tell Sofia about Daniel’s lecture, skipping the tense bits that have me on edge, or maybe it’s the way Daniel is drawing patterns on the skin of my neck and along my collarbone with his thumb. He whispers while Sofia is checking her phone.
“I want to speak to you alone.” I know he can feel me tremble, and he hums into my neck, inhaling the scent from my hair.
“I know you do, but I can’t leave Sofia alone, she’s a man magnet.” I smile tightly.
“She’s not the only one, or haven’t you noticed?” Actually, no, the only thing I have noticed is the filthy looks I have been getting from every female who happens to clock Daniel. “But you’re right, you’re safe, for now.” He nips my ear lobe with his teeth sending a current straight to my core. He is too calm, too controlled. This underlying tension has me on edge. Sofia’s squeal makes me jump, and I turn to see Paul making his way through the crowd. I twist to give him a hug and a kiss on the cheek.
“Daniel, this is Paul Simmons, Sofia’s fiancé. He works near your offices, in one of the finance houses, and Paul, this is Daniel Stone.” Paul interrupts.
“-Yes I know who you are. It’s really good to meet you.” Paul shakes Daniel’s hand vigorously.
“Right.” I carry on. “Well …Paul, this is Daniel…” Daniel interrupts this time.
“-I’m Bethany’s boyfriend.” The shock on my face would be the same if he’d slapped me, but it was Sofia who gasped.
“What?” I gasp too.
“Well, I thought partner sounded like a business relationship, and although lover is technically correct, I feel that even though it is an intimate description, it also sounds temporary. I thought you would prefer boyfriend, for now.” My mouth is open, and I am actually speechless. Paul steps in.
“Well, that makes you a very lucky man.” He slides in next to Sofia and winks at me.
“I’ll drink to that,” beams Sofia, and I can’t help but love my cheering section, even if I am hugely embarrassed.
“Yes, it does.” Daniel agrees softly, and he covers my mouth with a heated passionate kiss as if there wasn’t a room full of people. “I need to speak to Bethany, I won’t keep her long.” I just manage to put my glass down before I am whisked off the seat and led away through the busy room toward the back of the bar. We walk through an entrance, which is clearly marked staff, and then a second door, which leads to a small intimate private dining room. My heart is racing as he turns to face me. He fixes me with heavy lidded eyes filled with lust. My lips are dry, and I moan a little with pent up need as I suck my lips into my mouth.
“I like your thinking, Miss Thorne.” His words are pushed through deep desire filled breaths. “You know by rights you should be properly punished for your behaviour today. If we had time, I would make it so that you couldn’t sit down for a week, but I am going to have to improvise. I am going to fuck your mouth, and you are going to swallow all I give you. It is going to be hard and fast and for me. Understand, Miss Thorne?” Oh, God, I’m so wet right now, I squeeze my legs together. “Oh, no, Miss Thorne, I don’t think so. For me, remember?” I pout but nod at his raised brow.
“Yes, Sir.” My breath hitches, and I don’t know how I am going to stop my own building pleasure.
“Good girl.” He steps close and pushes my shoulder with one hand as he releases his buckle with the other. This really doesn’t feel like a punishment as I kneel in front of him. I undo his zip, and his trousers fall to the floor. I carefully release his rock hard erection and fist my hand around the root. Applying some pressure, I move the silk-soft skin over his long, thick shaft. The wide crown is soft against my tongue, and I lick around the tip before I sheath my teeth and suck him into my mouth. He lets out a guttural moan and fists his hands in my hair, pulling me into him as he pushes deep into my throat. I can feel his veins pulsing against my lips as I swallow and hollow my cheeks, taking as much of him as I can, skilfully using my tight fist to squeeze and pump him to his root. I cup his heavy balls with my other hand and feel him tighten. His thrusts are faster, harder, and I feel him hit the back of my throat. I have to focus on my breathing to stop the gag reflex because I want all of him. I feel him flex and tense, then suddenly his cock gets bigger and his hips jerks and stop as he holds my head firm, and I pump my hand, milking the last drop. He comes deep down the back of my throat with an agonizing moan.
That was hard and really fast. My lips are swollen from the rough thrusting, but even so it really didn’t feel like a punishment. I don’t even feel too frustrated at not having had an orgasm myself. It felt amazing to just please him, for it to be all about him. I smile a satisfied smile as he directs me through the crowd with his arm around my waist. We reach our table, and I slip back into my seat.
“Another round?” Daniel asks casually, and he and Paul disappear to the bar. Sofia is quick to notice my swollen lips.
“Maybe some mouthwash?” Sofia giggles after them. Luckily it’s too noisy, and they’re too far to hear.
“Sofs!” I cringe.
“Hey, don’t shoot the messenger!” She laughs, and I join her. “You did say he’s kind of hard to say no to.” She is still laughing. This is such rich material for her and so out of character for me, she’s loving it.
“Yes, something like that.” I hang my head at my own wantonness.
The men return with fresh drinks and the conversation remains normal. But as we begin to discuss the weekend, I feel him tense beside me, and I hate that. I want to know what’s making him react like this. I turn to speak just to him.
“Look, you don’t have to tell me, and I don’t want to know, but you get tense at the mention of the weekend, and all I want to know is if there is anything I can do to make it better?” I hold his strong chin and look with all seriousness in his eyes.
“You already do, baby.” He kisses me so softly it, makes my chest ache. But he doesn’t tell me any more, so I leave it. “Look, ladies, Paul, I will leave you to the rest of your evening. I have work to get back to. Do you need my driver to take you home?”
“Paul can drop us or we’ll get a taxi.” I lean up to kiss him but he frowns.,
“No, Paul will take you or my driver will take you.” He demands clearly.
“Right, Paul will take us.” This time I manage to kiss the corner of his lips.
“You are working at the restaurant all night tomorrow?” He questions.
“Yes.”
“And then you’re at your mother’s all day Sunday, is that right?” He looks agitated.
“Yes, Daniel, and I’ll see you after work and after my visit.” I hold his gaze, but his eyes flash with uncertainty. It was only fleeting, but it was there. I hate uncertainty.
After Daniel leaves, Sofia grabs my hands.
“Oh, Bets.” She sighs, and I know she’s hearing unicorns. “You two are scorching hot together. Do you even notice there is anyone else around, because I know he doesn’t.” I smile, but now I feel unsettled. “He can’t take his eyes off you, he’s so intense. It’s seriously panty-wetting material.”
Paul coughs.“Hey! I’m right here, babe.” He points to his somewhat wounded face, which she instantly captures and kisses profusely. “That’s better.” He smiles as she finishes adoring him enough to restore his pride.
“He is intense.” It’s all I can say, my mind and heart elsewhere, somewhere much more precarious.
“I know you’re probably shitting yourself right now.” Sofia is hugging me goodnight. Paul decided to stay over, too, and I’m in her guest room because I have a call booked. “But he is really serious about you.”
“Well, I’m such a catch,” I joke, but she looks stern.
“Don’t! I know you think I’m all rose tinted and see romance everywhere, but I know love when I see it.” She stands looking as fierce as anyone can in fluffy, pink pyjamas.
“Fuck, Sofs! He can’t love me, he doesn’t know me.” I sigh at her sad face. “Look, there is definitely passion and lust, off the charts chemistry. I’ll give you that, but anything else is you projecting, I’m afraid.” My turn to look stern, or she will have me engaged by the end of the week.
“But what he said about ‘boyfriend for now’?” She pleads her case.
“Goodnight, Sofs!” I go to shut the door on her pouting face.
“Do you trust him, Bets?” Her voice soft.
“Yes, I do.”
“Then it’s okay to let him in.” She kisses my forehead and lets me close the door.
I hear my phone vibrate, pick it up right away, and answer quietly.
“Sir?”
“Good Evening, Lola. Why are you speaking so quietly?” His deep voice sends a familiar chill across my skin.
“Sir, I am staying at a friend’s house, and I don’t want to disturb her.”
“Very well. Are you wearing something I sent you?” He continues, regardless of my location.
“No, Sir. It wouldn’t feel right.” I’m being honest.
“Interesting. Well, tell me, are you at least naked?” I did quickly remove my T-shirt before the call.
“Yes, Sir.”
“And have you been a good girl today?”
“No, Sir.” I can think of at least one occasion, and I feel a little rush of heat at the recollection and the consequence.
“Really? And were you punished?” His voice deepens with a gravel rough quality.
“Yes, Sir.”
“So you have been punished since we last spoke. Did you enjoy it? Did it make you wet?” I can hear him draw in a slow breath.
I take in my own deep breath as a raw need starts to build in my core, and I run my hand over the skin of my bottom remembering the heat from my spanking. “Yes, Sir.” I pause. “It hurt at first, but it did make me wet; very wet.” My face is flushed and bright red.
“So you have received administrative punishment since we last spoke. That makes me hard, Lola… and jealous. And you said you were naughty today. Were you naughty because you wanted to be punished?”
“No, Sir.” I don’t think so.
“Really? Are you sure? Did you believe your actions would go unpunished?”
I think about this carefully, “No, Sir. I knew I would be punished.”
“You knew you would be punished for your behaviour, and yet you did it, whatever it was, regardless. Does that not strike you as the actions of someone wanting to be punished?” He is coaxing my confession.
“Yes, Sir, it does.”
“Tell me?”
“Yes, Sir, I wanted to be punished.” I sigh softly, and I tingle all over. My body is hyper-alert from my encounter with Daniel earlier. I feel hot and frustrated.
“Good girl. Now I don’t want you to touch yourself. I know you want to, but that is my punishment for you.”
“Why am I being punished by you?” I sound a little desperate and a lot frustrated.
“Because you want me to.” I let out a slight moan. I know I won’t touch myself now. Considering his knowing laugh, he knows it too. “Goodnight, Lola.” The line goes dead.