Constant Craving

STORY EXCERPT

Just minutes after the morning rush began to die down in the coffee shop she owned, Kelsey Richards felt it—a sizzle of electricity in the air—and looked up, straight into the eyes of Gabriel Durand.

Her heart leapt at the jolt to her system and the surge of awareness that made every erogenous zone in her body tingle.

“Good morning, Gabriel.” Her voice sounded huskier than usual, something that she noticed happened more often in his presence.

“Good morning, Kelsey.” The low intimacy in his tone never failed to fire her imagination, and it made her curious to know if his voice would have that same deep timbre in bed.

“The usual?” Straightening cups that didn’t need to be straightened, she looked up at him through her lashes, her pulse tripping at his slow smile.

“Can you join me?”

In an attempt to appear nonchalant, she shrugged as the two of them played the game they always played when he came in. “Sure, for a few minutes.”

She knew that if the shop had been busy, he would have sat at the table in the corner by the front window and waited until she could join him.

He seemed to have learned the rhythm of the shop, because he always appeared just when things started to slow down.

Nervous under his stare, she reached for a cup for a double espresso and almost knocked the entire stack over. “Why don’t you go sit down and I’ll be right there?”

The knowledge of her predicament gleamed in his eyes. With a faint smile, he inclined his head. “Of course.”

Watching him walk away, Kelsey admired the fine figure he made in his dark suit. She’d never seen him in anything else, and she couldn’t stop trying to imagine him in nothing at all.

“I don’t know how you can contain yourself. You try so hard to look calm and collected when he’s looking, but the second his back’s turned, you eat him alive with your eyes. Don’t you just want to take a bite out of him?”

Kelsey wanted to laugh out loud at Gina, the young woman she’d hired to manage her coffee shop, but managed to keep a straight face as she fixed coffee for Gabriel and herself. “The thought’s crossed my mind a time or two.”

Gina sighed. “I’m going to miss him when you sell this place to me. He’s better than a jolt of that espresso he loves.”

Kelsey glanced toward Gabriel, unsurprised to find him watching her. “I haven’t agreed to sell yet, and what makes you think he won’t come in here after I sell it to you?”

Gina snorted. “Please. He comes in here to ogle you and try to get in your pants. How you’ve resisted this long is beyond me. He started coming in, what, six months ago?” Smiling, she picked up a towel and wiped the already clean counter. “On the other hand, I might get back some of the customers he’s scared away—you know, the ones who stare at you and he glares at them until they leave?”

Kelsey’s face burned. “Shut up. Why I don’t fire you, I’ll never know.”

Gina giggled. “Because you love me. Now, stop dawdling and get out there. God, that man’s a walking orgasm.”

Avoiding Gabriel’s stare, Kelsey picked both cups up from the counter and made her way to the table where he sat, smiling at Len, who worked at cleaning up after the morning rush.

Setting Gabriel’s cup in front of him, she lowered herself to the seat across from him, wrapping both hands around her cup to hide the fact that they trembled.

She knew what he’d come today to talk about, and it excited her as much as it unnerved her. “So how are you today?”

Looking sexy, expensive and dangerous, Gabriel smiled and slid his gaze over her features. “I’m fine, thank you. And you?”

Kelsey tightened her fingers on the cup to relieve the itch to run them through his long, dark hair. “I’m fine.”

Gabriel laughed, a deep, rich sound that vibrated through her, stroking her skin as effectively as a caress. “You’re not fine. You’re nervous as hell about going to the island with me. I thought we’d gotten past that.” Sitting forward, he unwrapped one of her hands from around her cup and held it in his, running his thumb over her fingers. “I thought we were friends.”

Kelsey jolted at the electric current that raced up her arm. Her face burned as she tried, unsuccessfully, to pull her hand from his. “Okay, friend. Why don’t you tell me exactly what to expect.”

Gabriel studied her fingers. “Why haven’t you asked Julianna?”

Shaking her head, Kelsey grimaced. “I have. Several times. She just laughs.”

Still a little disconcerted that her best friend would be marrying two men in less than a week, Kelsey was even more shaken at the prospect of going to the island Julianna’s fiancés owned—an island that catered to Dominants and submissives.

Gabriel grinned, lifting her hand to kiss her fingers before releasing it, sending another wave of heat up her arm.

“The rules are that every woman that goes to the island has to be accompanied by a man who agrees to take responsibility for her. He has to make sure she follows the rules of the island and even arranges for the clothing she must wear while she’s there. Of course, we have to share a room.”

 

ADULT EXCERPT

 

Releasing her, he drew a strip of black fabric from his pocket. “I get to play with you. Explore you. Enjoy you—as my possession.”

Not about to let him see how much he intimidated her, she smiled up at him, arching her back to thrust her breasts out to him. “Do your worst, Master.”

She drew in a shaky breath when he moved to stand behind her, chills breaking out all over her skin when he slipped the dark, silky fabric over her eyes. No longer able to see, she shivered as he tied the blindfold, her senses sharpening.

Arching again at the slide of his fingertips over her back, she couldn’t hold back a moan. “Oh, that feels—”

“Quiet.”

Shocked at the effect his authoritative tone had on her, she snapped her mouth closed, biting back another moan—this one of frustration—when he removed his hands. Wondering where he would touch her next, she trembled with anticipation, turning her head to listen for any sound that would give her a clue.

She felt him move away, and then heard the sounds of him delving into his bag again. Keeping her head turned toward him, feeling his gaze on her, she trembled helplessly. The mental image of what she must look like to him in her present position had her tugging at the ropes as the awareness in her breasts and slit grew.

Jolting at the suddenness of his warm breath against her ear, she leaned back into him in an effort to get as close as possible.

He tugged at her hair, tilting her head back. “I’ve been looking forward to having the chance to explore you. You won’t find everything I do comfortable, but this is my body to do with as I wish. Remember that. You have no say in anything I do to you. You accept it. You endure it, because you know that everything I do to you pleasesme.”

The feel of his finger, coated with cold lube, thrusting into her vulnerable bottom startled a cry from her, the reality of being impaled in her most private opening heightening her sense of defenselessness. “Oh, God. Oh, God. Ahh!” Chills wracked her body as he slid his finger deep, cries pouring from her as he moved it around firmly as if he owned her ass and she had no say in what he did to it.

She struggled against her bonds, her inability to evade even the slightest touch more alarming than she would have imagined. No matter how much she tried to move, she could lift up slightly, but she couldn’t close against him. Biting her lip to hold back more cries, she stiffened as he stretched her, pressing against her inner walls with a ruthlessness that had her clenching on him as he awakened nerve endings she hadn’t known existed.

With the same suddenness, he slid his finger free, leaving her clenching at emptiness, the sense of loss unbearable.

Before she could catch her breath, something slim and slippery was pushed into her, the sense of relief and desperation for more forcing her to push back against him.

Struggling to adapt to having her ass filled, she concentrated on Gabriel’s movements, his breathing, and forced herself to be as still as possible. She couldn’t identify the sound she heard at first, but as the item Gabriel had inserted into her got bigger, she realized that it was the sound of it being inflated.

“You wondered what would happen if I did something to you that you didn’t like—something that turned you off. At the time, I assumed you were talking about your ass and the prospect of pain, and assured you that I wouldn’t do it again if you didn’t like it. If you come while this is filling your ass, then this gorgeous ass is fair game in the future.”

Kelsey’s breathing grew harsher with every pump, as each filled her ass with the plug even more. She felt so full, so invaded, that she couldn’t catch her breath, the chills that raced through her now stronger than ever.

He stretched her with every relentless pump, making her ass burn, but still she wanted more.

Wiggling against the fullness, she bit her lip to keep from begging him for more, begging him to move it inside her. She tugged harder on the ropes, the inability to escape her bonds adding a layer of excitement and freedom she hadn’t expected.

“I can t–take whatever you. Ah. Dish out. Holy hell. Yes. Take me. Fuck me.”

The pumping stopped, and Gabriel’s hand slid over the cheeks of her ass, his fingers flexing as if testing the resilience. “You don’t have any choice, remember? This is a fine ass you have here. Soft. Firm. Round. I’ve had more than a few fantasies about this ass. Since I won’t punish you unless—until—you disobey me, I won’t turn you over my knee and give you the spanking I’ve dreamed about. Yet.”

 

Sin's Magic

STORY EXCERPT

His black suit couldn’t disguise the strength beneath it, his lean, muscular frame moving with a grace that only a powerful body could.

Her breath caught each time he smiled, and when he held out a hand to help his scantily clad assistant into a box, a surge of jealousy caught her off guard.

He lifted the other woman with an ease that reinforced the sense of power surrounding him.

Veronica pressed her thighs together at the unwelcome heat that settled there, her already ragged breath catching when his gaze met hers.

His eyes widened briefly and then narrowed, laser-sharp as they held hers.

The roaring in her ears blocked out the sound of the music accompanying his show, and for a minute, she truly thought she would pass out.

He blinked, breaking the spell, and went on with the illusion that consisted of several beautiful women moving around him.

His assistants, all legs and saccharine smiles, moved around him, and suddenly applause broke out all around her.

His gaze met hers again, holding it longer than it had the last time before flicking away again.

She blinked, wondering what he’d done to earn such applause.

Glad that she’d had the foresight to DVR it, she joined in the applause, mortified that she’d done so just as everyone stopped clapping.

Hurriedly settling her hands on her lap, she looked away, his voice drawing her attention back to the stage.

“And for my final illusion…”

Final illusion?

Shit!

The evening had flown by, and she still hadn’t figured out a way to get backstage.

The woman next to her leaned closer. “Isn’t he gorgeous?”

Veronica smiled, her breath catching when he glanced in her direction again, his green eyes seeming to glitter and narrow as his gaze passed over her.

“He’s magnificent.”

Embarrassed that she’d said that out loud, Veronica shrugged.

“I mean he does put on a good show.”

The woman sighed. “I go to every show I can. I’m dying to meet him, but he’s got security out the wazoo. I can’t get within twenty feet of him. No matter how many times I’ve tried to get backstage to meet him, they thwart me.”

Veronica spun to stare at her, her heart sinking. “You’re kidding.”

Her plan to talk her way backstage went up in smoke.

The other woman sighed again, her features lighting up as she stared up at the stage. “Yeah, as soon as the show’s over, his bodyguards rush him out the back door and into his limo. He’s gone and on his way back to his hotel before you know it.”

Pursing her lips, Veronica nodded, her mind racing.

She didn’t know which hotel he would be staying in. If he left the building before she did, she’d lose him.

For all she knew, he could be on his way to the airport when he left.

She had to follow him, which meant she had to get to her car and find his limo before he could make his escape.

His voice, strong but with a sensuous cadence that rippled through her, came from the stage again, drawing her attention. “And now ladies and gentlemen, something that I saved for last because it’s very possible that I may not survive it.”

“God forbid.” Veronica tensed while he explained that he would be shackled inside a tank filled with water, the only way out locked with a padlock, which was on the outside of the tank.

“Don’t worry. Sinclair Majors can escape from anything.”

Hearing the tension in the other woman’s voice, Veronica glanced at her, not wanting to look away from the stage. “You don’t sound so convinced.”

“It’s just that he’s been performing more and more dangerous illusions. Now he’s retiring. This is probably his most dangerous one yet.”

Veronica stiffened, her heart in her throat as she watched his assistants putting him into a straightjacket. “He can get out of this. Right?”

“Let’s hope so.”

Knowing that she’d have to be outside as soon as the show ended, Veronica got to her feet and made her way down the aisle.

Unable to take her eyes from the stage, she walked backward toward the exit, her breath catching when the devastatingly sexy magician met her gaze again.

He saw her. There was no mistaking it.

He was looking right at her.

A hood was placed over his head, and the moment was gone and she could breathe again.

Her backward steps slowed, and she found herself breathing in gasps as they began to lower him into the tank by the chains attached to the belt around his waist.

She realized how ridiculous it was to worry.

He did this for a living and had for several years.

She was acting like a silly schoolgirl when she had a mission to accomplish.

She turned and rushed toward the exit, a collective gasp from the crowd stopping her in her tracks.

He was underwater.

Dear God.

They were locking the padlocks in place.

He struggled, frantically trying to get free, but his assistants seemed unconcerned.

What if something was wrong?

Why didn’t they pay attention to him?

His feet were still shackled securely to the bottom of the small tank, despite his struggles.

He had to be out of air.

He couldn’t breathe.

Dear God, he was dying.

“No!”

The excitement level rose, the panic cries from the audience drowning her out.

Her own panic had her running for the stage just as a man wearing a soaking wet hood appeared from a door to her left.

He moved swiftly down the aisle just as his assistants revealed that the tank was empty.

Whipping off his black hood, he revealed gleaming blond hair, and a confident smile that both relieved her and pissed her off.

Amid the applause and shouts of astonished relief, he turned, his smile falling as he looked directly at her.

 

ADULT EXCERPT

 

Sin smiled, his voice low and soothing but strained. “Steady. It’s just a little exploring. Remember, you do not have my permission to come. Your orgasm belongs to me just as much as the rest of you does.”

Veronica hadn’t counted on that.

Panicked when the need kept climbing, and afraid of disappointing Sin, she writhed restlessly and gripped his shoulders.

“I need to come.”

Sin continued his manipulation. “You’re a greedy little sub. Do you think your orgasm is as important as my right to explore my property?”

The desire darkening his eyes told her that he enjoyed their play as much as she did.

“When you put it that way, you make me sound selfish.” Her voice shook as much as the rest of her did, but she was determined to be what he needed.

Smiling, she cupped his cheek, willing to do anything to please him and make him want her as much as she wanted him. “Is there something I can do for you?”

Sin’s eyes flared. “Yes. Be still.”

His finger left her clit to brush over the curls covering her mound.

“When we get to the island, I’m going to have you waxed. Have you ever been waxed before?”

Just the thought of it sent another rush of heat through her. “No. Why do you want to have me waxed?”

Sin played with her curls with one hand while stroking her clit with a fingertip. “I want you smooth and visible to me at all times. I want to be able to see your folds. Your clit. I want nothing in my way. When I attach something to you, I want to be able to see it.”

Fighting not to move against his finger had to be one of the hardest things Veronica had ever done. “You’re planning to attach things to me?”

“Of course. I told you that I plan to decorate you.”  His eyes narrowed. “I’ll also insert things into you. You know that, Veronica. You’ve read the contract.”

Veronica tried not to think about the burning in her clit, or the sensitivity of her nipples, and struggled to focus on their conversation.

“Yes. Do you want me to get waxed before we leave?”

“No.” He tugged a curl, slowing his caress to her clit, dragging his fingertip over it with slow precision. “This belongs to me, and I reserve the right to have it done. There’s a salon on the island. They’re experts and will do exactly what I want.”

Nodding, Veronica sucked in another breath, the tingling racing through her growing sharper. “Okay. Whatever you want.”

Biting her lip, she squeezed her eyes closed, alarmed at the realization that she was going to come at any moment.

“Sin. Oh God!”

“I know. We’re going to have to work on your stamina, aren’t we? You’re going to have to learn to hold back your orgasm and enjoy the anticipation instead of rushing toward release.”

Embarrassed at her inexperience, Veronica nodded, her face burning. “I’ll do better.”

“I know you will. Don’t worry. There’s nothing to be embarrassed about. I’m enjoying your passionate nature.” His hands slid to her hips.

“There’s something else I want to explore before I let you come.” His eyes narrowed, gleaming with fire. “It’s better to do it now, while you’re aroused. It’ll help ease some of your fears.”

Veronica held her breath when he wrapped one arm around her, holding her tightly against him while the fingers of his other hand delved between her folds.

Bending forward, he slid a hand to her nape, leaning her back while he stroked her inner walls.

“You’re soaking wet, baby.”

Clenching on his finger, Veronica tried to rock but found she couldn’t move much at all.

Moaning in frustration when he withdrew, she struggled harder, stilling at the feel of his wet finger sliding to circle her puckered opening.

“Oh God!”

Sin smiled and nuzzled her jaw.

“Easy, Veronica.” He took her mouth with his, sliding his tongue against hers just as he slipped a finger into her bottom.

Instinctively tightening against him, she realized that her position didn’t allow her to restrict his invasion at all.

He seemed to sense her panic because he lifted his head and smiled down at her, a combination of tenderness and hunger that immediately eased some of her fears.

“You’re fine, Veronica. Look at me.”

Despite the soft demand in his tone, she had trouble obeying him, finding it hard to look in his eyes while his finger was inside her ass.

“Veronica.”

Veronica stiffened, the underlying steel in his velvet tone not to be denied.

Her face burning, she looked up at him through her lashes, gasping when he moved his finger.

“Does this belong to me, too?”

“Yes. God, yes!” The shallow slide of his finger went slightly deeper, the fingers of his other hand coming around to stroke her clit.

The unfamiliar feel of his finger in her bottom became even sharper when Sin began stroking her clit again, the bundle of nerves burning.

Hunger became a living, breathing thing, the sensations in her clit and ass combining into something so intense that she could only cry out and cling to Sin as she went over.

Never in her life had she even imagined such pleasure, the loops on her throbbing nipples adding to it.

At that moment, she realized that she belonged to him in ways that she could never have belonged to another man.

The sensation of his finger circling her sensitive flesh became so intense that it brought tears to her eyes.