Defiled: A Dark Paranormal Romance Read online

  Empty.

  I pulled open another. Still empty. Then I yanked open the rest, exhaling slowly when I found not a single piece of underwear or pair of socks. The two artisan-crafted nightstands were the same, not even a pen housed inside.

  More than just a hint of fear made me feel nauseous as I moved quickly toward the closet, throwing open the doors. There wasn’t a single hanger on the wooden rod. I took a step back, inhaling and holding my breath. There had to be an explanation. He hadn’t unpacked. All his things were in boxes. Or suitcases.

  That had to be it. He’d just arrived. No wonder there was little to identify him by.

  I took another deep breath before moving into the bathroom, flipping on the light. At least there were toiletries including shampoo and toothpaste. But no hamper. No dirty clothes on the floor. However, there was a robe on the back of the door, soft and fluffy. My hands were trembling as I slipped into it, cognizant that the beautiful and expensive piece was certainly not designed for a man.

  I had no idea what to think. Had he left the robe for me, planning that I would spend the night? Jesus. Trepidation and second guessing replaced any concept of shame. I was a smart enough girl to know that looks could be deceiving. He could have a wife hidden somewhere. Maybe this wasn’t really his house. Maybe his background had been expertly faked.

  Maybe I really was in danger.

  One thing was certain. I was going to find out the truth.

  I headed for the door, prepared for it to be locked. When the handle moved, I realized I’d been holding my breath. Yes, I planned on disobeying him. I slowly opened the door, peeking my head outside. There was no sign of him or sounds that I could detect. I moved toward the banister, looking over, listening. Everything was deathly quiet, fueling the crazy fantasies.

  Monsters.

  Devils.

  Abductors...

  No. I wouldn’t go to that ugly place again. There were usually rational explanations. Going off half-cocked was ridiculous. Then why had he asked me to remain in my room? Just to see if I would obey him?

  Maybe.

  He had made a point that this would begin my training. What training? There were too many questions and certainly not enough answers. I was angry with myself, but if curiosity was going to kill the cat, I’d accept punishment. I didn’t like being lied to and I certainly wasn’t going to trust him without knowing more. The decision made, I was determined to search his house, finding whatever I could about Christoff, no matter how insignificant.

  There were several other rooms on the floor. All the doors were closed, shadows sliding from underneath, crawling along the hardwood floor. I had no reason to be afraid, but terror bit into my mind, keeping my heart racing.

  I padded toward the first door, placing my hand on the knob, saying a tiny prayer then finally laughing at myself for being silly.

  There were no boogeymen waiting in the shadows, just a plain room devoid of anything spectacular. There were also no boxes and very little furniture, what little there was all very old and certainly not of the caliber of his bedroom or the great room. Everything was covered in dust, as if it had been sitting in the house for years. Huge chunks of plaster and peeling paint indicated the age of the house as well as the fact no one had lived in the rooms for some time.

  The red flags continued to raise, nerves pooling into the pit of my stomach. Yes, if he’d just purchased the house, he’d renovate the important areas first. Maybe he had no plans of redoing the entire house. Why purchase the home in the first place? Did rich people really do that kind of thing? At this point I should simply return to the room and wait for his arrival, but I wanted to see more.

  There was still no sign of him when I moved into the kitchen, no dirty coffee cups or plates. Pristine. Uncluttered.

  Unlived in.

  Unable to stop myself, I peered into the cabinets. While there were a few glasses, there wasn’t a dish to be had. The refrigerator was running, but food certainly wasn’t on the menu. I was beginning to believe the man was a ghost.

  Or worse.

  There was also no food in the cabinets, no wine of any kind, but he’d opened a very expensive bottle, serving me the night before. As I moved through the house, I expected to see sign of him, anything. No keys. No coat. Nothing. By the time I moved into the great room, my stomach had cramped. At least my dress remained in the same place where I’d left it.

  I continued snooping.

  Behind the bar were several bottles of liquor and wine, all expensive. There had to be more here. I noticed a small hallway, one I hadn’t seen before. I glanced behind me, scanning the perimeter for any sign of him. Snooping wasn’t in my best interest, but why should I care?

  What I found was an office, fully equipped as if the man were running a business, just like he told me. Papers and files were piled on the desk, a computer humming. He purchased the house instead of staying in a hotel. Nothing more. He’d spent some time working and maybe he was out getting coffee or food.

  Since he didn’t have anything.

  He was generous. And caring. I felt like a damn fool. I was about ready to walk out when the draw of the papers strewn across the surface of his desk was too much to ignore. Just one quick look. Nothing more. Another darted glance over my shoulder and I moved quickly behind the desk, grabbing the top file.

  “What are you doing in here?”

  His booming voice was full of anger, even disappointment.

  I dropped the file, cringing as I glanced into his eyes. Another cold chill shifted down my spine. Zero light refracted in them, black like onyx.

  “I asked you a question, Sadie. What are you doing in my office?” Christoff asked, the darkness in his tone unlike anything I’d ever experienced.

  “I was just looking for you.” I sounded pathetic.

  “Don’t lie to me, Sadie. I can take many things but not a lie.” He stepped closer, his chest rising and falling. He glared at the papers, hissing before turning his gaze back in my direction. I thought for certain he was going to drag me out of the room, tossing me onto the street. Instead, he took a deep breath, folding his arms. “I asked you to do one thing for me. Stay in the room. Stay in the freaking room. Why did you disobey me? Did you honestly think I was going to leave you there?”

  “I had no way of knowing. You’re not my keeper,” I spouted off without thinking. “Because you left me alone for hours. And there’s nothing in your closet or drawers, by the way. Yeah, I checked. I was trying to find something to wear. Sue me. I still don’t know you very well. You’re a stranger to me and I feel better in clothes.” I realized both anger and fear were fueling my words.

  Impetuous.

  The term had been used by my father before.

  I threw a nasty look in his direction, trying to rein in my behavior. I was an adult after all. How dare he think he could just... He was testing me. And I’d failed miserably.

  He lifted a single eyebrow, remaining quiet and allowing me to talk.

  I moved from around the desk, inching closer, still fueled by uncertainty. “I don’t like lies either, Christoff.”

  “What have I lied to you about, Sadie?”

  “Stop using my name!” As if I’m a wretched little girl. I rubbed my eyes, almost laughing at my tone.

  “What would you prefer I call you?” Now he had to throw in the gentle card, caring and kind, as if I was totally in the wrong.

  Maybe I was.

  He simply wanted to see if I trusted him.

  “I don’t know.” I took another deep breath. “There’s no food in the cabinets or the refrigerator. There’s nothing here in this big ole house. Nothing. Except for a few pieces of furniture, but they could have been left here by the previous owner. What kind of a man purchases a house on a whim then spends money on art that probably cost more than my entire scholarship? Because of some meeting and a little bit of business you have? That’s unheard of. What kind of a man doesn’t have clothes? Obviously, you appreciate expen
sive items. Who are you? What are you?” I realized I was babbling, the words popping from my mouth without thinking at all. I took a deep breath, running my hand through my still disheveled hair. I must look a fright, all wide-eyed and wild-haired.

  And he was smirking.

  And remaining silent.

  Damn him!

  He looked far too handsome in his change of clothes; tight black jeans barely hiding the good graces that God had used to make him and a crisp white polo shirt accentuating every rippled muscle in his very hard body. His scent was intoxicating, sending shockwaves directly into my pussy. Slightly damp hair, which he’d allowed to curl at the ends, framing his chiseled face. And those burn-me-to-the-core eyes.

  Now full of amusement.

  “Don’t you dare laugh at me! There’s nothing to indicate you’re even a person so I came in here to your office. Okay? I just wanted to have a look. To confirm. To make certain you’re who you said you were. I don’t trust easily. I have my reasons.” I finally took a deep breath, rattled to the depths of my being but more because of my impetuous decision. What the hell did I think I was doing? Acting like some stupid kid.

  “Are you finished yet?” he asked quietly.

  Suddenly, he’d closed the distance, taking my chin into his thumb and forefinger. I groaned, doing everything I could not to look at him. I was ashamed of my behavior once again, only for entirely different reasons.

  “Sadie, look at me.”

  I shook my head.

  “Look. At. Me.” His command was so sensual yet demanding in a soft-sided manner.

  And I couldn’t deny him. I glanced into his eyes, feeling smaller than I had in years.

  “I closed on the house yesterday, Sadie, and remember, I love your beautiful name. I brought you here to share in the celebration of finding such an exquisite home. The previous owner was kind enough to allow me to renovate a small portion prior to making the all-cash deal. Actually, I think he was very happy to turn over the house to me. The majority of what little I’m having brought here has yet to arrive. A few boxes are in the garage. Would you like to see them?”

  I’d never felt so stupid in my life or untrusting. I simply shook my head, trying to swallow the lump in my throat.

  “As far as food, well, I preferred going to dinner with a beautiful but very willful woman to stopping at the grocery store. Food wasn’t on my mind.” He brushed his finger back and forth across my lips as he leaned down.

  His hot breath skipped across my face, leaving me tingling. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Now, I will tell you that while I have nothing to hide, there are certain aspects of my father’s business that are considered top secret. At least for now. I would appreciate if you would follow the rules of my house when you’re here.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “I want you to trust me enough to tell me all your dark little secrets, to share with me why you fade away into yourself, as if you aren’t important. You are very important to me in so many ways.”

  The way his words were spoken solidified his possessiveness. He wanted nothing more than to own me, keep me as his property.

  And for a fleeting second, I wanted nothing more.

  He fisted my hair, jerking my head back as he towered over me. He reeked of passion, dark and dangerous, fueling every bad girl fantasy I’d had.

  I gripped his arm, taking gulping breaths, my nipples aching. My pussy throbbing. I wanted to beg him for forgiveness, making promises that I knew I’d have difficulty keeping. The electricity soared, his raw masculinity sending shockwaves through every vein, shooting straight into my brain.

  “You need very strict and harsh discipline in your life. You require a man who refuses to allow you to get away with mindless infractions. And most of all, you need a man who will keep you on a pedestal, showering you with the kind of attention you so deserve.” Crushing my mouth, he yanked me against his chest, keeping me in place as he thrust his tongue inside. The kiss was powerful, the jolts of current shooting through us as it had done before, keeping us both on the very precipice of passion.

  I wrapped my hand around his shirt, clinging to him as he entwined our tongues, the dance one of superiority. He wanted me to know he was absolutely in control, his prowess recognized. The kiss turned wild, my moans mixing with his savage growls. The feel of his hard cock pressed against my tummy created a series of tingles skittering all the way down from my neck to my toes.

  Seconds later, I felt his hand sliding under the robe, cupping and squeezing my breast. The hold was firm, almost painful but exhilarating. I was so wet, pussy juice trickling down the insides of both thighs, the scent wafting between us. When he pinched my nipple, twisting and pulling, I was thrown into another stratosphere, every part of my body aroused, tingling all over.

  He broke the kiss, still holding me in place, his fingers tugging at my long strands. He finally untied the belt on my robe, leering down at me.

  My heart beat in rapid succession, my mind cluttered with longing, shame and remorse. The dichotomy was stimulating. Terrifying. I felt like I belonged to him, required to obey his every command.

  Releasing his hold, he slowly eased the robe off my shoulders, allowing gravity to take the sensuous material to the floor. He took a step back, dragging his shirt over his head and tossing it. His dark eyes were piercing, obliterating all my fears. I wanted him. All of him.

  The man was impossible to resist.

  His rugged good looks.

  His lurid smile.

  His darkened gaze.

  Tattoos covered his arms, vibrant ink highlighting his carved muscles. He was a sexual being, masterful and dominating.

  As he moved his hands to his belt, jerking on the leather strap as he unbuckled, I knew in my gut that he was preparing for another round of punishment. I wasn’t the kind of girl who understood discipline of this kind. Even though the previous spanking had been painful, the moment had been about all-encompassing passion, a letting go of my inhibitions and fears.

  This was different.

  “I said I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to invade your things.” I continued to sound like a little girl, whining because of her sins.

  He tilted his head, never uttering a word as he dragged the strap from one loop after another. I couldn’t take my eyes off the act, my mouth dry as a bone yet my eyes watering. I was standing in front of him completely naked, so vulnerable in every manner and entirely at his will. Everything was blurred, the way he consumed me, feasting on my longing. The way he disciplined me, as if I’d always known this is what I required.

  The way he craved every inch of my body, even my very soul.

  I took a step back, wringing my hands, ashamed that my nipples remained fully aroused, my pussy clenching then releasing over and over again. I was starving for him, the yearning gnawing at my insides, keeping me wet and hot. I wanted his mouth all over my body, licking and kissing. I needed his fingertips caressing, stroking up and down every inch of naked skin.

  “Please. I’ll be good. I promise.”

  “Yes. You. Will.” His words were stilted as he folded the belt. “Punishment is required. My house. My rules.” He brushed a strand of hair from my face before sliding his hand around my neck, giving an authoritative squeeze.

  As he positioned me over the groups of files and papers, I was no longer able to breathe. I gripped the edge of the desk, whimpering as he opened my legs, gasping when he fingered my clit. “Oh, God. Oh...”

  “Stay in position, my sweet Sadie, and I’ll take you to a place of absolute nirvana. You will learn to trust me above all others and obey me without question. You will also learn that I am the only man who can satisfy your needs.”

  I was ripped apart inside, my entire being shaken to the core. A tiny portion of me knew that I deserved his punishment, even craved his firm hand. I was stunned at the realization, angry with myself for even thinking it. This was ridiculous. This was not necessary.

  This was
... invigorating.

  Trust. Could I place my entire trust in this man, this wondrous and incredible stranger?

  I closed my eyes, pretending I was anywhere else, trying desperately to find a slice of serenity. The moment he brushed the leather down my spine, lightly sliding it back and forth from one ass cheek to the other, I let out a series of strangled moans.

  Christoff raked the tip of a single nail down my back, moving to the crack of my ass. “Thirty strikes based on your insolence, disobeying my rules, and snooping. If you attempt to stop what I’m doing, we’ll start over.”

  “Yes... sir.” The words were muffled, barely audible. I cringed, holding my breath and stars flowed into my vision, catapulting me into a quiet place. All I could hear was the whooshing sound the belt made as it was sliced through the air. I was aware the strap had connected, hitting across my entire bottom, but there was no pain, merely tickling sensations. Still, I quivered, my stomach churning. He was spanking me with a freaking belt. He was disciplining me like I was a child.

  Did I deserve it?

  Maybe.

  Did I need a firm hand as he suggested?

  That I couldn’t answer.

  He issued another strike. Then another.

  And still, no pain.

  I shuddered inside as he caressed my bottom, his fingers ever so delicately touching me. I wanted to see his face, his expression. I wanted to know whether this was bothering or exciting him.

  As two more cracks were given, one catching me on my upper thighs, my entire mind imploded as pain reared its ugly head, shooting up from my already curled toes, taking its damn sweet time to surface along my bottom. “God!” Gasping, I jerked up, taking several deep breaths as the pain shifted to utter agony, bolting into every cell and muscle. I couldn’t breathe. I couldn’t think.

  He pressed down on my lower back, his fingers digging in, telling me without words to obey him.

  Very slowly I eased back down, trying desperately not to kick out. Everything was a blur as he continued the spanking, moving into an expert rhythm, one coming after the other. The sound was deafening, mind-blowing, and added to the horror of being disciplined. I was embarrassed, trying to keep from blubbering. Blubbering! What was wrong with me?