Forced to Cooperate Page 14

  Everything about this man was as confusing as it was infuriating.

  “Does that mean you’re going to fuck me on this plane?”

  “Would you like me to fuck you?” he retorted.

  “I have nowhere to run if you wanted to. As you said, you control me.”

  He shot forward, his hand snaking around my neck and pulling me close. A slight growl arose from his throat, the sound rugged and even beautiful in tone. He dug his fingers into my skin and while the hold was all controlling, there was no actual pain, only a reminder that I belonged to him. “Maybe I want more than just controlling you. Maybe I want all of you, releasing every inhibition, taking you to pure ecstasy every day. Would that bother you so much?”

  “And how long would that last before you grew tired of me?”

  “What I want is complicated, much as life is, but when I give my heart to a woman, it will be forever.”

  I hadn’t expected the words in any capacity. I had no retort, no smart comments to make. He had reached into my soul, piercing my armor. I was left trembling and breathless.

  “Close your eyes, Willow.” He removed the glass from my hand, placing both on the table.

  “Why?”

  “Because I commanded you to do so,” he answered in a whispered voice. “Because I want you to learn to trust me.”

  I obeyed, but only after blinking several times. Every part of me was quivering as I felt the slight puffs of air moving from my forehead to my chin, so sensual in nature. I was aware that he was sliding the tips of his fingers across my skin and every part of me was on fire. I found myself leaning further forward, eager to see how far this was going.

  He continued his exploration, brushing his rough pads ever so delicately down my cheek to my jaw, barely sliding them over my pursed lips.

  My mouth was dry, my throat parched as he darted his finger just past my lips, issuing another growl as he pumped in and out several times. The taste of him was so sweet, a beautiful yet caustic reminder of our shared passion. I felt like I was floating as he used his wet finger, sliding it under my chin, tracing the vein in my neck.

  My pulse was rapid, my heart rate increasing. Visions took over my mind, sexy images of his massive body hovering over mine, his long hair dangling into my face as he fucked me. I imagined having my legs wrapped around him once again, my pussy muscles clenching as I pulled his cock in deeper.

  He dragged his finger between my breasts, rubbing up and down before swirling the tip around first one nipple then the other.

  I heard my heavy breathing, the scattered sounds moving into a blossoming moan. Goosebumps had popped along almost every inch of my skin, igniting the fire burning within. I gathered a whiff of my feminine wiles, my pussy quivering and clenching, the light touch almost bringing me to an orgasm.

  “Mmmm... There are many beautiful ways to make love, cherie. A mere touch can bring a woman more pleasure than the act itself.”

  His words were little more than a whisper, a reminder of just how powerful he truly was.

  I licked my lips and leaned further forward, hungry to give him anything that he asked. There was no shame in desire. Was there? Would we have this kind of electricity soaring between us if danger wasn’t involved?

  I certainly wasn’t going to find the answer.

  His lips rolled across mine, so light in nature that I wasn’t entirely certain it had happened. When he repeated the move, I fought to keep from reaching out, pulling him in even closer. The way his raspy tongue darted around my mouth was incredible, more pleasurable than the kisses I’d experienced from other men.

  He pressed a series of kisses over every centimeter of my lips, the touch so enigmatic that I jutted my head forward, longing for more.

  Ready to beg for more.

  He brushed the backs of his fingers down the length of my arm, moving to my thigh.

  I shifted even closer to the edge, my legs opening wider. It was as if my body had a mind of its own, responding to his provocative touches without my control.

  “Pleasure and pain, the combination irresistible. Wouldn’t you agree?” he asked in a seductive manner.

  “Yes... I mean, yes, sir.” I was far too mesmerized, almost desperately hungry, even famished.

  I was only remotely aware that the glass had been taken out of my hand or that he’d eased me into a standing position. I fought to keep my eyes closed as his hands roamed my body, his touch alone bringing me to a heightened state of pleasure. I knew I was swaying forward and backward but was also aware that he’d catch me.

  “Even methods of punishment can be used as tools to heighten ecstasy. Don’t you agree, Willow?”

  The hum of the plane was almost as intoxicating as his voice, allowing the moment to move into a surreal fashion. “Yes,” I managed.

  “Trust me, Willow.”

  I knew he was unbuttoning my jeans, peeling away the edges, taking far too much time to slide the dense material over my hips. All I could think about was the flight attendant watching from the shadows. Had she seen this before? Had she watched as the powerful man dominated woman after woman? By all rights I should be humiliated, but for some insane, wicked, and bizarre reason, the entire moment was stimulating.

  Brutally exciting.

  He tugged my jeans down to my knees, muttering various words in Russian. I heard his exaggerated deep breath, as if he was drinking in my scent, savoring my fragrance.

  I was lulled into a fantasy world, concentrating on the sounds of the engine, the way the vibrations seemed to be sliding directly into my pussy.

  Aleksei shifted his hands around my hips, his strong fingers gripping my bottom, squeezing as he blew a swath of hot breath from one hip to the other.

  I’d never been so wet, aching to the point my legs were shaking. I was forced to grip his shoulders as he caressed my ass cheeks, alternately running his fingers up and down the cleft.

  “Discipline is good for the soul, allowing the mind to fly free. Punishment is required as a reminder,” he said in an even but luxurious tone.

  “Yes. I... agree.”

  “Pleasure for those who obey,” he continued.

  “Uh-huh.”

  I almost yelped when I felt his lips against my stomach, hungrily licking and nipping as his fingers continued to knead my bottom.

  I threw my head back, allowing several moans to escape. The sensations were white hot, the intense electricity soaring. “Oh, God. Oh...”

  He eased me over his lap, rubbing the small of my back for a few seconds. “I will always be truthful with you. I will always give you what you need. I will always discipline you as necessary, only punishing you when required.”

  His words sounded like a promise, like he was ready to commit to something other than being my abductor. I suddenly felt so small, more like a misbehaving child than anything else. I also wanted to please him. Why? Why did this man have some an extraordinary effect on me?

  Because he knows you.

  Because he adores you.

  I planted one hand on the floor, whimpering as the vibrations of the plane shot through every cell and muscle.

  “Pain is vital,” he stated then smacked my bottom several times, moving from one side to the other.

  I didn’t yelp, nor was there any real feeling of anguish. I was simply tingling all over, desire roaring. I pressed my face against the cool leather, relaxing in his arms, almost excited for the spanking.

  He brought the palm of his hand down several times, each one harder than the previous smack. As the sensations began to increase, tingling my legs, I found myself parting my legs and grinding my hips.

  His cock was thick, hard, and throbbing.

  I bit back a cry as the spanking became severe, Aleksei peppering my bottom. The sound of skin slapping against skin was far too enticing, mixing in with my scattered moans. This was sinful, amazing. I suddenly wanted Marlene to be standing behind us, watching his discipline of me, the way he controlled me.

 
I wanted her to know that he cared for me, protected me.

  All the thoughts were muddled together as he refused to stop, moving swiftly from one side to the other, leaving me panting.

  I was so wet, so hot that I had difficulty breathing. The pain because intense, washing down the length of my legs.

  “Oh...”

  “Doesn’t that feel good, sweet Willow? To let go of your sins? To know you’ve been absolved of all your bad deeds?” Aleksei asked, his voice as breathless as mine.

  “Yes, sir,” I answered immediately, biting my lower lip once again from the realization that he’d peeled away the last layer, exposing the vulnerable girl inside. The embarrassment finally rushed into me, guilt and shame for everything hitting me hard.

  And for some insane reason, I allowed tears to fall, salty beads slipping past my lashes even as I bit back every cry. I didn’t want him to see me this way, to think he’d broken me in any manner. I was far too strong for this.

  But the tears continued to fall.

  I have no idea how long the spanking lasted but when he gathered me into his arms, still holding me on his lap, I was absolutely mortified. One bad little girl treated like such.

  “You can trust me, Willow.”

  I was finally able to look at him, to really see him as if for the first time. The man was being sincere.

  And that scared me to death.

  He kissed my lips, allowing his tongue to dart inside before easing me back onto my feet. There was no question about the fact he would be the one pulling up my jeans, fastening the button and zipper. When he nodded toward the seat, I obeyed without hesitation, whimpering only once as I sat down.

  The pain would at least be a reminder.

  But of what?

  “So beautiful,” he mumbled then reached for his champagne once again. “Soon you will be mine and no one will ever dare trying to take you away.”

  I closed my eyes again to hide from the embarrassment, rubbing both arms as I attempted to shift back into reality. I’d allowed my guard to fall.

  Again.

  “There will be much more where that came from,” he added.

  He was forever teasing me.

  The ruthless Russian.

  The consummate lover.

  The man I was falling in love with.

  What. The. Fuck?

  Shockwaves tore through me at the rare and ridiculous admission. I’d never been in love with any man, let alone one out to have me killed. My eyes popped open, immediately gazing into his, his pupils shimmering in iridescent colors.

  Or maybe my mind was playing tricks on me.

  I jerked back, breaking the connection, my fingers immediately pressing against my lips. I’d never been so embarrassed or emotionally exposed. He knew exactly how to get to me. No, he knew everything I craved as a woman.

  He took a deep breath, holding it before easing back.

  I didn’t want to look at him, to be drawn back into his web. I wanted the next couple of days finished. Gone. I wanted to run away.

  Hell, I wanted to move to a different country.

  “What concert are we attending?” I asked absently, trying hard to nurse the champagne instead of gulping in order to quiet my nerves.

  He chuckled, the velveteen sound floating into my ears. So smooth. So perfect. “I will leave that as a surprise. Don’t you enjoy having a man shower you with treats, Willow?”

  “I prefer truths to treats. Or maybe I should say versus tricks.”

  “I assure you, this is no trick. Getting out of town was in our best interest and I knew the perfect way to accomplish my mission. Now, relax. We will arrive shortly.” He drained the rest of his glass, easing it onto the table in front of us then closing his eyes. For the first time, he seemed almost serene.

  The plane took off just as a bolt of lightning shot directly down in close proximity. I’d always adored thunderstorms, the power of nature exciting. Today was different, the eeriness that Mother Nature had created weighing heavily on my mind.

  “You are safer in this plane than anywhere else,” he stated in a husky voice.

  “I doubt there will ever be a time I feel safe, Aleksei. I’ve lived a lie.”

  He slowly opened his eyes, remaining unblinking, leaving me more uncomfortable than ever. I gripped the glass, swirling the remaining liquid, unable to continue looking outside.

  “What did Maksim tell you?” The words left my mouth without me thinking.

  Sighing, he motioned for Marlene, who once again seemed to appear out of nowhere, refilling my glass. “Nothing for you to be concerned about.”

  “Why don’t you talk to me? You have more information on my brother than you’re sharing. That much I know. Maybe if I knew all the details then I—”

  “You would learn to trust me?” he interrupted.

  “Yes.”

  He chuckled and waved Marlene off once again, crossing his legs as his brow furrowed. The action brushed his leg against mine, the simple move far too startling. I had to get over this crush I had on him.

  Liar.

  I hissed under my breath, hating the thoughts racing through my mind. I wanted to care for Aleksei. I needed to care about him and my raw emotions didn’t make any sense.

  “I hope you can trust me, Willow. I may be the only true friend you have. Now, I am also your master.”

  Why did the words have such an effect on me?

  “I guess we shall see,” I muttered. “Unless you pull away from me again, fearful that you might actually care.”

  We both remained quiet, pensive in our own thoughts, even thought I was unable to stop thinking about him.

  The flight took almost no time, the pilot announcing our destination of Ronald Reagan airport less than an hour later. The weather was just as formidable, although there were no sudden streaks of lightning crisscrossing the sky.

  “After tonight, there will be no question and Willow, I always get what I want. I suggest you remember that as well as the fact that there are eyes and ears everywhere. No matter where we go, someone could be watching. Waiting. Hunting. You are only safe when you’re with me.”

  Another set of chills shifted down my spine because I knew he was right.

  Chapter Ten

  Willow

  I was very rarely surprised by anything, especially by people, but Aleksei shocked the hell out of me. The chauffeured car pulled in front of the Watergate Hotel, perhaps the finest and most expensive hotel in the heart of DC. Every employee recognized him immediately, allowing him to avoid the bother of being checked in.

  As the bellman opened up the door, I caught a glimpse of the panoramic views of the Potomac. The presidential suite. I was floored, completely uncertain why he was doing the full court press.

  “Will there be anything else, sir?” the young man asked after placing our luggage. “The bar is fully stocked as you requested, the champagne chilled, and the fresh fruit and cheese platter should be to your liking.”

  I gazed around the room, drinking in the opalescent atmosphere. From everywhere I could see stunning views of the city as well as the tumultuous waters below. Windows covered the two sides, allowing in light. The kitchen had marble counters, the living room succulent leather furniture and a working fireplace. I could only imagine what the bedroom and bathrooms looked like. I actually felt nauseous, unaccustomed to the finer things in life.

  “Thank you, Marco. That will be all for now.” Aleksei handed him a hundred dollar bill. “Oh, and have the tickets arrived for the concert tonight?”

  “No need, sir. Just give your name to the attendant. Your private balcony has been arranged.” Marco nodded.

  “Excellent. Thank you very much.” Aleksei followed him to the corner, closing and locking the door.

  I walked toward the window, unable to take my eyes off the raging river below. “A private jet. Champagne. The presidential suite. A private balcony for a concert. Why are you trying to seduce me? You’ve made it very clear who and wh
at I am to you.”

  I could see Aleksei’s reflection in the window as he moved from room to room. He was making certain that we were alone. I realized that he was actually nervous given the situation, concerned that my brother would attempt to finish the assassination I hadn’t been able to handle. Something didn’t fit. My brother didn’t have the kind of manpower.

  Or did he?

  “Is this room unacceptable? There are others,” he said with such a genuine tone.

  I couldn’t help but laugh. “This is exquisite, more beautiful than any hotel suite I’ve ever seen, but the question is why?” I turned around to face him, sitting carefully on the edge of the windowsill.

  He moved with purpose toward the coffee table, lifting the bottle of champagne out of the chiller. As I might have expected, he was an expert at opening, not wasting a drop. Every action was casual as he brought the glasses closer until he stood over me, taking several deep breaths. “I have many sides, Willow. My mother and father made certain I was well educated, experiencing some of the finest things this country has to offer. While I enjoy luxurious, beautiful items, I try not to take them for granted.”

  “This is what you’ve always known, a life that very few are allowed to taste.”

  “That’s where you’re wrong. I grew up in a three-room flat in an aging building just outside of Moscow. Often the electricity would go out, leaving us without heat for days. My father worked two jobs, including being a soldier for the Bratva just in order to be able to afford food, but still, there were times we went without. Coming to America did change things almost immediately, but the wealth my father amassed took time, years of hard work. I learned the importance of a work ethic from him. I know you find that difficult to believe, but I am proud of what my family has been able to accomplish.”

  I hid behind the glass, thinking about his words. “That isn’t hard to believe at all and you should be proud.”

  His eyes opened wide, so surprised. So unused to the kindness of another human. “I appreciate you saying that. I have been here to meetings on several occasions but only stayed here once and I assure you, not in this suite.”