Illicit acollection, p.241
Illicit: A Contemporary Romance Collection, page 241
"Just one."
"Why am I like this? Why are you the way you are?"
"That's a question that has been asked a thousand times by a thousand people, men and women alike," he said with a heavy sigh. "There's no single answer, and there's no easy answer. Human sexuality, the human psyche, is complex. I've stopped wondering. I've just accepted who I am and the way I am."
"But you were right about why I do some of the things I do."
"You are very spoiled, but you're also very smart. I'll bet you figured out how to get what you wanted when you were just a little girl."
"You're right. My mother would be the one who would scold me and want to punish me, but all I had to do was go to my father and tell him how sorry I was. If I cried a bit that would be the end of any potential punishment."
"And your boyfriends?"
"My boyfriends? Oh, good grief. I don't know why, but every guy I've dated has been scared of me."
"Scared of you, or scared of losing you?"
"How do you know this stuff?"
"Life," he said with a soft chuckle. "The best and cruelest teacher."
"I think you're right. Scared of losing me. Honestly, I don't know why men don't get it. Why can't they take a stand. I got so sick and tired of hearing whatever you want, whatever makes you happy. That's all well and good, but after a while it gets boring."
"I'm sure they meant well, and you can be quite fearsome. Not every man is going to put their girlfriend over their knee. They might want to, but it's not PC."
"No, it certainly isn't."
"No more questions. Snuggle up and close your eyes. Round two is coming, and you must rest."
17
Duncan was standing in a lush green meadow. His dark hair fell to his shoulders in gentle waves, like soft ripples in a pond. Dressed in a shiny suit of armor, but with a crown on his head, a white mist swirled in the air. As she moved forward to join him, her feet not touching the ground, and a familiar melody floated through the air, and the words of the song were whispered in her ear.
These dreams go on when I close my eyesEvery second of the night I live another life
These dreams that sleep when it's cold outside
Every moment I'm awake the further I'm away
There's something out there
I can't resist
I need to hide away from the pain
There's something out there
I can't resist
The sweetest song is silence
That I've ever heard
Funny how your feet
In dreams never touch the earth
In a wood full of princes
Freedom is a kiss
But the prince hides his face
From dreams in the mist
"Brittany. Wake up."
"My prince…"
"Maybe I am, but you still need to wake up."
Struggling to bring herself up from a deep sleep, she opened her eyes and stared into Duncan's handsome face.
"That must have been some dream you were having," he remarked with a soft smile. "You were mumbling something about mists and princes and being in the woods."
"You were a Knight in Shining Armor, literally, then the song played, the one my mother loved."
"What was the song? Do you remember?"
"Dreams in the Mist. I think that's it, and the band is two girls with amazing voices."
"Heart. They were big back in the eighties."
"My mother would sing along and tell me I'd meet my prince one day just like she did, and he'd be a Knight in Shining Armor. Duncan, do you think the dream was right?"
"I hope it was," he murmured, nuzzling her neck. "I'd love to be your knight."
"You are, and I must think that subconsciously as well. I dreamed it."
"Are you ready for Round Two?"
"That depends on what that is," she said with a twinkle.
"Yes, you're definitely ready, but you need some water. I'll fetch it for you."
Watching him walk across to the bathroom she felt her heart swell. She often had mystifying dreams that carried covert messages, but there was nothing hidden in the one she'd just had. Her Dominant prince had walked into her life.
"Here, drink this," he said, returning with a bottle of water, "then take off the rest of your clothes and wait for me on your stomach with your eyes closed. I'll be back in a minute."
"Yes, Sir."
He softly kissed her, and as he left the room she downed several gulps and placed the bottle on the bedside table. Removing her silk top and bra, she settled on her stomach and closed her eyes. It was a few minutes before she sensed, not heard, his return, then the mattress moved and his lips were against her ear.
"Tell me Brittany, what is the bad habit I find annoying and impolite?"
"I interrupt, Sir."
"Yes, you do. When you interrupt it means you're not interested in what the other person is saying, you don't care about their opinion or feelings. It has to stop."
"Yes, Sir."
"Corner time is a gentle way to help you focus, but I have learned corner time doesn't have much of an impact on you, so, young lady, we must move to something else. When we're in London I'll have the proper equipment, but here I have to improvise. Bring your legs together and raise your feet."
After blindfolding her with a black silk sash, he picked up a necktie, wrapped her wrists together at the small of her back and left a tether, then followed suit with her ankles. Knotting the two tethers together created a gentle hog-tie. It was her introduction to bondage, and though not severe, he believed it would make an impression.
"Once you're in my home I'll weave my ropes in various ways, but this position will help you to focus," he said solemnly. "Surrender to this, Brittany, and think about the many times you've interrupted me and others. Think about why you cannot hold your tongue. If your muscles begin to cramp call out to me. Do you have any questions?"
"No, Sir."
"How do you feel?"
"I'm not sure."
"No sense of panic?"
"No, Sir, nothing like that."
"Sink into it. You'll find it can be liberating. Ironic, but it can."
Moving back to the armchair, he settled in to keep watch. He didn't like using neck ties. If she struggled the knots could tighten, causing a problem if he needed to untie them quickly, so he'd left a pair of scissors on the nightstand. Glancing across at the clock on the desk he took note of the time; she'd remain in bondage for fifteen minutes.
For many years Duncan had fantasized about creating a playroom in his house. He had the space, and he'd come close to making his dream a reality during his time with Sally. Thinking of his long ago love, it occurred to him she and Brittany were nothing alike.
"Perhaps that's a good thing," he mumbled under his breath, his eyes focused on Brittany. "Perhaps that's why I'm able to take this leap of faith, because you're so different."
Her upbringing had been far more sophisticated than he would have guessed. She had charmed the Sommelier at The Mermaid, but her demeanor at other times gave no hint of her background, and he wondered if she was ashamed of her family's wealth. Yet she was traveling First Class. Not the behavior of someone who was trying to hide their moneyed lifestyle. Glancing back at the clock, he realized he'd been so lost in his thoughts the time had zipped by. With only five minutes remaining he needed to check on her, and moving quietly to her side he studied her wrists and ankles. There was no sign of the circulation being cut off, the knots appeared to be as he'd left them, her breathing was measured, and she showed no signs of distress. Satisfied, he returned to his chair and continued his vigil.
Though initially tense, after the first few minutes Brittany discovered relaxing made the position more comfortable, and of its own accord her focus shifted. Why did she interrupt? She'd been criticized for it in the past. She decided it must be due to a lack of patience, though she found no difficultly waiting for the time to go by in her present state. She found the contradiction puzzling, but her mind began to fall silent, and she drifted away. When she felt him untying her blindfold, it was as though she was waking up, but she hadn't been sleeping. Her wrists and ankles were quickly freed, and he massaged her muscles as he slowly returned her limbs to their natural position.
"I'm guessing you've done this before," she quipped. "Ooh, I need that rubbing. Thank you."
"Such a cheeky girl," he said with a grin. "Roll on your back."
As he stretched out next to her and brought her into his arms, an unexpected tear dripped from the edge of her eye.
"Why do I feel emotional again?"
"You're releasing negative energy. I don't know how else to put it."
"This is nothing like I thought it would be, well, this part anyway."
"Did you have an epiphany?"
"I did, but I get the feeling you already know that."
"Don't worry about me, just tell me what went through your mind."
"Patience. That's always been a problem for me, but in that fifteen minutes I felt what it means to be patient, and I realized how self-discipline fits into that," then pausing, she asked. "If I start interrupting again, are you going to tie me up?"
"I just might, but you get five gold stars."
"I also felt a weird kind of peace, but now I'm really tired."
"Hungry too, I'm sure. How would you feel about a steaming plate of Fettuccine Alfredo?"
"That sounds absolutely divine."
"I want you to take a hot shower, and by the time you come out the food will be here."
"I'm kind of overwhelmed."
"I know," he nodded, silently adding, I am too. By you.
18
As the hot water streamed over her, Brittany closed her eyes and leaned against the shower wall. Though drained, a serene energy pulsed through her body. Over the years she had devoured many naughty novels, her head was often filled with salacious fantasies, and she'd spent hours exploring blogs posted by submissive women exploring their unique sexuality. But she had not been prepared for the reality. She loved the pain of Duncan's discipline and the pleasure of his touch in equal measure.
And she loved him. Completely. It wasn't just what he was doing. It was him.
Turning off the faucets, she stepped from the shower, toweled off, and wrapping herself up in the bathrobe, she padded back to the bedroom.
"Are you ready to eat?" Standing by a rolling cart, Duncan made a theatrical gesture with his arm. "We have the fettuccine as promised, a green salad, cheesecake, and I ordered you tea instead of coffee."
"Tea! Why does that sound so appealing?"
"Perhaps my English ways are rubbing off. Get into bed and I'll bring you the tray."
"You're spoiling me."
"Good girls get rewarded."
"I like this," she quipped, taking off the robe and climbing between the sheets. "Come along, don't keep me waiting."
"Don't push your luck, young lady."
"But it's what I do best," she said with a giggle. "It's one of the many things you love about me."
"Indeed it is," he said, grinning back at her as he set the tray on her lap.
"Aren't you having anything?"
"Not right now."
"I didn't think it would be like this," she remarked, rolling the creamy Italian pasta around her fork. "I didn't imagine you'd be serving me a wonderful meal in bed, that's for sure."
"There's so much more, Brittany."
"Why did that sound sad?"
"Thoughtful. Not sad. When you've finished you're going to take another nap."
"Another one?"
"Don't you feel tired?"
"Kind of. Is discipline always like this? I mean, things happening then rest?"
"There are no rules, I do what I feel. Now stop talking and eat."
Settling into the armchair, he sat back and watched her enjoy the meal. Her hunger was evident, but he understood her need for conversation. She'd have many questions as the days passed, possibly more than he could answer, and though he'd been a dominant since his teens, he couldn't remember a submissive with such a deep craving for what he offered. Not even Sally.
"That was delicious! Thank you," she exclaimed, laying down her fork and drinking the last of her tea. "And you're right again."
"About?"
"Needing a nap. Wow. I'm really wiped out. What time is it, anyway. I've completely lost track."
"That's what happens. Doing what we do is a complete escape. We stop the world."
"I love it, every bit of it," she murmured, then surrendered to a yawn as he picked up the tray. "Oh, man. I'm really beat."
"That's why I'm leaving you alone. You need to rest, but I'll be here when you wake up."
"Duncan, this is all so amazing."
"It makes me very happy to hear you say that. Sleep well."
Returning the tray to the cart, he rolled it into the living room, switching off the bedroom light on the way, and closed the door behind him.
Though her bottom was sore and her limbs a little achy, she passed into a deep, dreamless sleep until the feel of his arms around her stirred her awake. Surprised and happy to find him next to her, she snuggled against his body.
"Duncan?"
"Yes, Brittany?"
"You're here?"
"Where else would I be?"
Running his hands over her body, he fondled her glorious breasts, caressed her tender backside, and sent his fingers into the slippery wetness between her legs. He'd planned on a long session of teasing and denial, but as he listened to her soft moans and felt her soft submission he changed his mind. She would have the pleasure she'd earned. Rolling her on to her side, he placed his cock at her entrance and thrust forward with slow, strong strokes. The day's decadent events had brought her to a heightened state of arousal, and she could be brought to the brink at any time, but moving his hand between her legs, he rubbed her clit to test the waters. Her soft moans turned fervent, and he could feel the faint pulsing of her inner walls against his cock.
"You are so primed," he whispered, kissing her ear, "and you're going to come so hard."
"I know. I can feel it."
Accelerating his thrusts, he continued his teasing play until she was at the edge, then pulling out he rolled her on to her back. Her eyes gazed up at him, and even in the dim light he could see their sparkling fire.
"I've never felt like this, not ever."
"You're about to feel more."
Though her pussy craved his return, he dropped his mouth to her breasts, languidly kissing them, then hungrily devoured her nipples. Finally raising his head, he slid his fingers in her hair and moved his mouth to her ear.
"Do you want me to fuck you hard, or fuck you gently?"
"I want you to fuck me as you wish."
"Mmm, good girl," he murmured, then traveled his lips to hers.
But it wasn't a gentle kiss, it wasn't a passionate kiss, it wasn't a kiss that relayed their ardent passion, it was all three. As their mouths engaged, he shifted his body, allowing his cock to snake its way back inside her, and with their lips still locked, he thrust forward and began to pump, gathering speed as his climax approached.
"I'm almost there," she suddenly gasped, breaking the kiss.
Her body grew taut, and pulling his fingers from her hair, he grabbed her wrists, pinning them above her head.
"I'm going to fuck you hard," he growled, "and you're going to explode for me. Are you ready?"
"I'm so ready…"
As he pummeled her pussy, her stark nipples brushed against his chest shooting sparks through his loins. Her back suddenly arched, her legs violently closed, and a moment later her cries of orgasmic joy filled the air. His cock felt the demanding clutch of her sex, and erupting in vigorous spasms it jerked out his essence. The intense hours of his discipline culminated in explosive orgasms, until finally groaning as their spasms passed, he fell breathlessly at her side.
"My God," she panted, "I know I shouldn't say this, but—"
"Sssh, just catch your breath."
"I have to. I love you, Duncan, like I never thought I could love anyone, and if it all ends here, yes, it will break my heart, but because of you I know who I am now."
"I love you too, Brittany," he breathed, holding her tightly against him, "I love you from the depths of my soul."
Epilogue
The ship had reached Tahiti. The day before, Duncan and Brittany had enjoyed leisurely strolls and recovered from the marathon session, but returned to The Mermaid for their last dinner on board. Now standing on the deck, they watched the large cruise ship move into its dock.
"I think Patric was definitely the most colorful character on the ship," Brittany remarked. "I'm glad we had dinner there last night, though I still don't understand why you wanted my nipples hidden."
"I'm not sure Patric would have been able to handle a second showing," Duncan said with a wicked grin, "but we'll be repeating the exercise once we arrive in London, I can promise you that."
"I can't wait to get there. I've wanted to visit London for ages, though I wish it didn't take forever."
"We could always stay overnight in L.A."
"No, I'd rather get there, but be prepared. I'll be totally out of it when we arrive."
"I'll be wiped out too, but we can sleep the whole day. We don't have to be anywhere or do anything except—"
"Except snuggle...oops, sorry," she added quickly, "that was a booboo. I didn't mean to interrupt."
"I'll pretend you didn't, but just this once. Now we need to get back to our cabins and make sure we haven't forgotten anything."
"I keep forgetting to ask you," she said as they began walking. "Did you know I was with Cooper Cross the other night, or was I imagining things?"
"You weren't imagining anything, though I do have infallible instincts," he quipped. "Simon called me. You should try and track him down before we leave. You owe him a very big thank you."
"Shoot, I wish I'd known. I'll write him a note and give it to Joe to pass along."
"That's an excellent idea. I hope you learned your lesson."
