Daye, Lavender - Bound By Trust (Siren Publishing Allure) Page 16

  “He left you alone in the commons?”

  Kerri could feel his gloating smile even if she didn’t dare look at his face. How to answer? She didn’t dare use the word no. It might be construed as disrespectful. But so could her silence.

  “He’s nearby,” was the best she could do without a lengthy silence. McKeon’s rough laugh grated further on her nerves.

  “He can’t protect you from across the room, chickie. On your knees.”

  His command was coarse, carnal, and steeped in vulgarity. A memory flashed in her mind. The sound of his whip flaying a woman’s skin pricked at her. Allowing him to command her would be foolish, but denying his request would be pure stupidity. He wasn’t a man to let a disrespectful act pass.

  Kerri’s glance at Hunter went unnoticed, the two men engrossed in their espionage. Resigned, Kerri slid out of the chair and to her knees, her head respectfully lowered. Immediately, McKeon’s hand was in her hair, jerking her head back and staring into her face.

  “You might wear his collar now, but by the end of the night, you’ll be mine.”

  The chill she’d experienced earlier was overwhelmed by heat and the rapid pulse of anger. “Never.” She kept her eyes downcast but didn’t mince words. “I’ll never be yours.”

  “Bitch, you don’t disrespect a master. You’ll do whatever I tell you to do, and you’ll like it.” His palm came around and she braced herself for the blow. But his rough tap against her cheek surprised her. “I can change your mind in a heartbeat.”

  Kerri focused on keeping her body completely still as the hand in her hair tugged until her face was forced upward. A hard hand cupped her breast, and when he pinched her nipple, Kerri’s eyes flew open in shock.

  Meeting McKeon’s tight black eyes, she gasped, “You bastard, get your filthy hands off me.” Her hand flew out and connected with his knee, setting him off balance but not nearly knocking him to the floor.

  Her head was on fire, the pain from his grip on her hair reverberating through her body while he laughed.

  “Let her go, McKeon. You’ve no right to touch my woman.”

  Kerri panted past the pain and waited for Hunter to complete the rescue.

  “I have the right to discipline a sub who disrespects me, Merritt, no matter who owns her.”

  Hunter moved into her line of sight and stepped close to McKeon, his hand on the man’s wrist. “Let go now, McKeon, and you and I will discuss this situation. Continue touching my woman and I’ll be forced to remove you from the premises.”

  “You’re full of shit, Merritt. Only the owner can rescind my membership.”

  The harsh tone worried Kerri. Hunter was a live wire, his muscles clenched and ready. A public fight wouldn’t be good for any of them.

  The pressure in her head eased and disappeared, but both men continued to glare at each other. Kerri searched the growing crowd around them until her eyes met Devin’s. He’d moved to stand behind McKeon, a broad smile reaching almost to his eyes. But not quite. Keri knew that look. He was plotting.

  “He has the right to discipline her, Menton,” Devin said, his voice carrying across the room and drawing attention from the few members present who hadn’t encircled them. “As owner here, you are required to uphold the bylaws.”

  Kerri gave up all attempts at a submissive pose. Her uncle was set on creating a scene and ultimately punishing her. His eyes glowed with a joy she rarely saw. Watching him work his way through the crowd, drawing supporters to his side, she knew the outcome would be bad. She could only hope Hunter and Richard would override her uncle’s influence.

  Coming to her feet, Kerri glared at her uncle. “This is none of your business, Devin.”

  A telltale ring of red crept around the base of his throat but his expression remained aloof and sanctimonious. “It’s the duty of every member here to uphold the rules.”

  Hunter stepped between Kerri and McKeon as he reached for her arm. “No.”

  “What do you mean, no? Are you rescinding your membership?” Devin asked.

  “That man will not take a whip to my sub. I won’t allow it.”

  “She’s your guest and your responsibility. I wield the whip or you do.” McKeon grinned, a feral snarl in anticipation of a kill. His desire to draw her blood made Kerri’s heart race. The only way out of this situation, Hunter walking away from Velvet Glove permanently, would mean the end of his investigation. And it was her fault, her lack of self-control. His promise to protect her, to not consciously inflict pain, jangled in her brain as she watched his expression. McKeon’s hand stroked the leather whip at his belt and lifted it from its clip and offered it to Hunter.

  Steady pounding in her chest and ears consumed Kerri as the other sounds in the room disappeared. No one moved or breathed or spoke while Hunter made his decision.

  A minute passed like an hour while she focused her energy on Hunter. He was a rock, unmoving and unbending, staring at McKeon with steel resolve. Kerri could feel the tension in the room, the opposing forces waiting for the clash of egos.

  Richard reached across her body to take the whip from McKeon and the noise of the room resumed.

  “I’ll take responsibility. She’s a consenting guest in my club.”

  Kerri stared, first at Richard then at Hunter.

  Strong, gentle fingers gripped her chin and she looked up into Hunter’s tortured face.

  “He’s better with a whip than I am. He’ll give you less pain.” His thumb swiped across her bottom lip, a caress before the storm. “If you don’t agree, you and I can leave right now.”

  Her heart slowed to a crawl while she digested his words. If she wanted, she could walk out the door and never look back. But Hunter had a job to do here and a reputation in the clubs Richard owned. Kerri couldn’t fathom what would become of that reputation if she walked out on him now. She steadied her nerves and lowered her gaze, clearly indicating submission.

  The crowd parted as Hunter led her across the room and positioned her in front of an intricately carved wooden cabinet. Glass doors allowed an array of adult toys to easily perused and selected. He opened a drawer at the bottom and removed an object she didn’t recognize. A console of sorts sat on top of the hutch.

  Kerri watched as Hunter pushed a button on the console and a rope descended from the ceiling, a pair of leather restraints dangling from its end. His fingers gripped her chin, lifting her head, and Kerri fought to discern his expression. Worry and pride battled for dominance in his gaze, in the set of his lips.

  She tried to wipe the fear from her face but knew it would be impossible. Being publicly whipped was something she’d never expected. Reminding herself that sometimes the unknown was more frightening than the thing itself, she settled her shoulders and prepared for her trial.

  Hunter stepped around her and slid his hands down her hips as he squatted behind her. His hand caressed the curves of her calf. A leather restraint slipped around her ankle. His fingers tapped her other leg, moving her feet apart until he could wrap the second restraint in place. Kerri’s breath hitched as she felt the leather tighten around her ankle. The wrist restraints floating in front of her face reminded her of how completely immobilized she would be while the whip was being used.

  He returned to his place in front of her, his brown eyes darker than she’d ever seen them, his face a mask of control. She tried to keep her emotions to herself, to put on a brave front, but could tell by the wrinkle above his nose that she was failing miserably.

  Hunter leaned in close to her face and brushed a soft kiss across her cheek, whispering, “You can still say no, Kerri. You don’t have to do this.”

  She lowered her eyes, an act of submission given only because she knew if she opened her mouth to answer him, her voice would crack. Letting her uncle and all the other witnesses see her fear would only make this moment worse.

  Gentle hands cupped her waist with a soft caress then skimmed upward, taking her shirt up and over her head and baring her body from th
e waist. Quick hands and another stroke in the opposite direction removed her skirt, leaving her in a thong and flats.

  Hard fingers gripped her chin and forced her head up. “Keep your eyes on me at all times.”

  Hunter squeezed her chin one last time, his lips tight as he activated the wrist restraints and the rope rose, pulling her hands above her head until only her toes were on the floor.

  Kerri had never felt so vulnerable. The crowd around her whispered for a moment as she stood suspended before them. A murmur rustled through the group and footsteps could be heard behind her. She tried to turn her head to see what was happening but Hunter jerked her head back to face him.

  “They’re clearing a path for Richard. To give him room to maneuver.”

  Her body began to tremble of its own accord as anticipation and fear surged through her system. She closed her eyes to regroup her self-control but Hunter’s voice sliced into her.

  “Look at me, Kerri. Only me. Stay with me.”

  The sudden lash of the whip against her back caught her unaware and she cried out. Fire raced across her shoulder and through her soul. With no time to process the pain, the next stroke seared along her left hip.

  She heard her name, a rough command in front of her and returned her gaze to Hunter. His arms firmly crossed at his chest, expression taut, he commanded her attention.

  “Keep your cries to yourself, or the number of strokes increases.”

  She stared into his eyes, the dark depths keeping her steady as more strikes flicked at her bare back and hips. A strange sensation crept over her, a feeling of floating as if in a pool of hot water washed over her. The next lash stung as much as the first, but this time, it was followed by a burn that surged through her body and lodged in her clit. She felt moisture gather between her legs and seep from her body, more collecting with each blow from the whip.

  Fear ratcheted higher as she recognized her body’s response. It was surreal. She couldn’t like this, this feeling of complete submission, this pleasure-pain. It wasn’t what she wanted, but it was too late to stop it from happening. She closed her eyes, afraid Hunter would see what she was feeling, but he didn’t allow it. His voice intruded, forcing her to focus on him.

  Kerri took in the fact he was shirtless before she realized the whipping had stopped. The restraints lowered and when her heels hit the ground, her body sagged into Hunter. He wrapped his shirt around her body as Richard released all four restraints.

  Before anyone could protest, Hunter had lifted her into his chest and moved toward the stairs and a private room. Kerri heard the click of the door shutting behind them and let out a breath. The lashes across her back and hips ached, but the surge of arousal was more worrisome. The fire raging within her couldn’t be denied, and she wanted badly to deny it.

  She felt cool sheets against her back as Hunter laid her on the bed and sat beside her. One soft finger stroked her cheek and came away wet, even though she hadn’t realized she was crying. Kerri shook at his touch as he cupped her head and pulled her to him for a hot, dominating kiss.

  She clung to him, her hands curling into the solid wall of his chest while she fought to quell the need rising rapidly within her. It was too much and not enough at the same time.

  “Not what you thought it would be, hmm?” he murmured before nipping at the skin just below her ear.

  Kerri couldn’t reply, could barely register his words while trying to catch her breath. “Please, Hunter. Help me, please.”

  “What do you want, Kerri?”

  He pulled back from her, watching and waiting. It made her crazy, or crazier than she’d thought she could ever be. He should understand. It was his fault she was feeling these reckless emotions, wasn’t it?

  “I need you, Hunter,” she sobbed, her body aching in ways she never imagined. “Please,” she gasped, “please,”

  “Tell me.”

  His harsh tone rasped across her senses, ignited more heat, more desire when there wasn’t room in her body for more. Overwhelmed, Kerri tugged him to her, pressing her body to his. She hummed, struggled to get the words out through choked pants.

  “Fuck me, please, Hunter.”

  His brow lifted, a look of surprise crossing his face since she’d never spoken that particular word in his presence, or in her life, for that matter.

  Kerri didn’t care.

  Her entire body was consumed with lust, with a need for his touch unlike anything she’d ever experienced. Her skin burned, itched with a ferocity she couldn’t subdue.

  “I’ve wondered how you’d respond to pain, but this is a welcome surprise.” Hunter’s hand cupped her butt cheek, stroking the red streaks left by the whip. She flinched, a breath punching out of her chest before she swiveled her hips against his hand.

  She whimpered again, the sensations racing through her body overwhelming her ability to speak.

  “Turn over,” he demanded, his tone mild but no less powerful than a dominant growl. “Let me see your rosy skin.”

  Kerri complied, unable to resist his instructions, desperate to please him and hopeful he’d please her in return.

  His hands gripped her hips, lifting until she was on her knees with her face pressed into the mattress. The metallic clicking of his zipper as it lowered set her body into a furious spasm, what little patience she had left blown to hell.

  Pain raced ahead of the pleasure as his hands splayed across her back and skimmed down to her ass, removing her lacy thong and kneading the hot skin until she cried out from pleasure-pain. The blunt head of his cock pressed through her wet folds and nudged her core, forcing another cry from her lips.

  A long, distended moan left her as he plunged inside, burying himself in the heat of her body.

  Hunter cursed as she pulsed around him, her climax blazing out of control. She felt him pounding into her, reaching for his own release while she continued to squeeze him within her body. Sharp barks of breath left her lips as Kerri sagged against the bed, her body not her own. Exhaustion was rapidly taking over, taking away her choices and leaving her lax and unable to move.

  Kerri heard Hunter groan as he stilled inside her, his breath as irregular as hers. He pulled out of her body, and moisture followed in a slow rivulet down her thighs as his footsteps moved away from her.

  Bare moments later, a warm damp cloth soothed the stinging skin across her hips before gliding over her curves and into the split between her legs. Hunter’s hands gently spread her thighs to wipe away his semen, the tenderness of his actions sending her heart careening again. A knock sounded at the door, followed by the click of it opening. Kerri cringed, her body stiffening until Hunter’s palm stroked down her spine.

  “Just Richard, bringing your clothes, pretty girl. Relax.”

  She wasn’t prepared to see Richard, afraid of what she might feel. She’d been deep into uncharted territory the last few days and between Hunter and Richard. Kerri wasn’t sure what to think about how much her life was changing.

  The scent of male sweat mixed with a hint of cologne told her Richard was in the room, but he didn’t move close enough to touch her. Instead, Hunter’s hands continued to stroke and clean her body.

  “How is she?” Richard said, speaking to Hunter in hushed tones, his concern evident.

  “Exhausted, a little intense.”

  “Kerri, I just wanted to check on you. And let you know Devin Hudson is no longer in the building. He was escorted out about ten minutes ago, along with McKeon.

  “Thank you.” Barely a whisper, but she knew he’d heard.

  “I won’t ask how you are.” He blew out a breath. “You’re a strong young lady, beautiful in submission. I’m impressed, and that feeling doesn’t come easily to me. Hunter’s a lucky man.”

  Kerri could hear the approval in his tone and it warmed her, even though she’d never asked for his opinion. But if Hunter felt the same way, she’d be over the moon. How could something so strange make her happy?

  Richard laid her clo
thes on the bed beside her and the two men stepped away to discuss her uncle. She heard his name mentioned at least twice as she found enough strength to get her feet under her. She snagged the bundle of clothes and headed for the small bathroom. A few blessed minutes of privacy would be welcome. Flashes of the whip striking her kept bombarding her brain, her back reliving each lash. The pain sliced through her, along with Hunter’s promise the first night they were together. He wouldn’t intentionally hurt her. But he had—well, he’d let Richard hurt her.

  The pleasure chasing the pain was harder to deal with than Hunter’s agreement, even though she knew it was necessary for the investigation. While her body responded to the pain, her mind rebelled. It was wrong. It shouldn’t have happened. It would never happen again.

  Kerri felt tears dripping from the end of her nose as she finished getting dressed. She didn’t want to face them, didn’t want either of them to see her cry. They’d been so impressed with her strength, but they were wrong. All she could feel was weakness. She’d let herself be stripped in public and whipped. Even worse, she’d begged a man to fuck her afterward.

  The need to escape, to hide from the world, gripped her. But how?

  The door swung open and framed Hunter as he said her name. She jerked her head up to look at him, afraid he could read her thoughts in her expression.

  Apparently not.

  “Richard and I are going to make sure they left the premises. You should stay in the room until we get back. If you need anything, call me.”

  He slid her cell from his pocket and placed it in her hand. Salvation.

  “The door will lock behind us, so you’ll be safe.” Hunter tugged her to him and kissed her hard on the mouth. “Stay put.”

  She nodded, knowing if she opened her mouth she wouldn’t be able to lie to his face. As soon as the door closed behind them, she sank to the bed. With shaking hands, she scrolled through her contacts and found the emergency cab company she kept listed in her phone.