Bound by His Command: A Dark Billionaire Romance Read online

  His actions deliberate, he raised his arm, fisting my hair. The tug was forceful enough, the surprise jolting, creating a gasp pushing past my lips. “I don’t threaten, Ms. Summers. I make promises that I always keep, including ensuring protection for those who abide by the rules. My rules.” His nostrils flaring, he crushed his body against mine, peering down at me with such burning desire on his face that my legs couldn’t stop quivering. “But I can’t do that if I don’t know what I’m dealing with. Who are you and more important, who are you to Aleksandr Prentikov?”

  Just hearing the Russian assassin’s name was enough to create another flutter of uncertainty into my heart. Even a man like Christopher would never be able to protect me.

  “I’m nobody. And no, I do not know this Mr. Prentikov. I only know of his type.”

  “Then how do you know Russian, a language that takes years of practice?” he asked as he lowered his head until his lips were dangerously close to my cheek.

  Hot fire burned in both and I was unable to stop my involuntary actions as I clawed his crisp, starched shirt, fearful my legs would crumble underneath me. I was a much stronger person than this, the last few years of fighting to regain a foothold in basic civilization an amazing teaching ground.

  “I was taught several languages. French. German. Spanish and Russian. Isn’t that something your Stanford University experience required, a selection of languages to prepare you to take over the world?” I’d caught him off guard with my nasty barb, something I would likely pay for in some egregious manner. “Would you like me to perform a poem in each in order for you to believe me?”

  He lightly brushed his lips across my ear before easing back, yet his presence remained furling around my body like a tight vise. A lover’s embrace. “While I do enjoy a good game of sparring, lovely Willow, I will offer you a particular piece of advice which you can call a warning. Those powerful men you seem to hate enjoy the taste of innocence.”

  I clung to him, hating myself for doing so. My panties were soaked, pussy juice continuing to trickle down the insides of both thighs. “Then they will find even a single taste of me reprehensible, Mr. Dunmore.”

  “Hmmm…” He dragged the tip of his tongue across my cheekbone, daring to grind his hips against me.

  “What do you want from me, Mr. Dunmore? I just want to go home.” My words seemed little more than a whisper, my entire body electrified from his overbearing actions.

  “Now I believe you are lying.”

  “I beg your pardon?” His masculinity and arrogance were enough to drown me, the rush of my pulse a reminder that I was treading water around him. I had to get out of here, away from him.

  This.

  Everything.

  “There is no doubt you are just as intrigued as I am by the connection we share. In fact, I think by the scent of your increasing arousal that your hunger is driving you to the point of madness. You long to let go, breaking free of those chains that you’ve placed around yourself, pretending to be the good girl while the nasty little brat inside longs to breach the surface.” His casual way of tossing out innuendoes was infuriating.

  What the hell was wrong with this man?

  He allowed a single hint of a smile to cross his face, but it wasn’t one of appreciation as much as it was about being the hunter who’d just captured his prey.

  While I wasn’t certain where this was going, I didn’t like nor did I appreciate his subtle references.

  One that had pegged me far too well.

  “How dare you. You are nothing but the same kind of rude jerk who believes that because of your money and influence that you can have any woman you want. As you actually pointed out so aptly, I’m not for sale. Not now. Not ever. Especially not to you.”

  “Would you prefer the Russian, a bastard who will devour you then toss you out with the trash when he’s finished feasting?”

  I was utterly shocked at his vehemence and cruelty, but I could swear the clouds that had formed over his eyes were ones of jealousy. A moan threatened to give me away, the ache behind my eyes indicating that I could lose the control over my emotions at any moment. Damn him. “Fuck you. I hate you.”

  You want him. You’re wet for him.

  I was sickened as the thoughts continued to play out in my mind.

  “You can hate me all you want, Willow. You need to accept that I’m not the kind of man who purchases anything, especially a beautiful woman. What you will learn is that I am dangerous in all aspects, merciless in ways of business as well as in pleasure, especially when rules aren’t followed.”

  “Is there anything else, Mr. Dunmore?” I had nothing else to say. He was far too intoxicating, threatening to derail my hardened resolve.

  But the second he wrapped his hand around my neck, his fingers digging into the very pulse of my life, I knew one day I would kill him with my bare hands. That is, if he didn’t kill me first. As he tilted my head, bringing our lips to within centimeters, I knew this was only the beginning.

  “I take what I want when I want. And I want you.”

  Chapter 4

  Christopher

  Fury.

  Every other person who’d dared to challenge me in such a blasphemous manner had been dealt with swiftly and without a second’s worth of remorse. I was a brutal man, refusing to accept the tyranny of the kind of men Willow called swine. Her words would have stung the normal man, placing his mental manhood in jeopardy, but all she’d done was create a firestorm in the dark recesses of my body and soul.

  Goddamn it, I wanted this woman.

  Maybe she was some kind of ultimate salvation, breaking me free of the chains I’d imposed years before.

  I’d just claimed her, something that I hadn’t intended on doing but the thought alone infused my blood with a shot of adrenaline and a kick of intoxicating power. She’d gotten under my skin, her vibrant and rebellious sentiments almost as enticing as her glorious eyes. They were the color of a sweltering Aegean Sea, the flecks of gold surrounding her irises adding to the boldness of her personality. They were also haunted, the light that shimmered only brightened by her anger and intolerance to my actions.

  A perfect specimen.

  My God, the thought was reminiscent of something my father would have said.

  While my father had basically ignored Gregory and me for the most part, preferring to coddle Michael as the son who would take over his beloved throne, I’d learned a few things from him. “Don’t take your relationship with a woman too seriously. You will know in an instant if she is the right one, the perfect specimen, the kind of woman who can tolerate you for the rest of your lives together. She must have a backbone to stand up to you, the good sense to allow you to take the lead when necessary, and the chutzpa to call you on the carpet when you’re wrong. However, never forget, you’re the man and you belong in charge. Make no mistake about that.”

  His words remained fresh in my mind as if he were still alive, merely recently sharing a fine scotch and Cuban cigar as he pontificated his words of wisdom. However, his love of my mother was widely known. That was saying something about the old man. He had a weakness. All three of us did, which is why our enemies were attempting to pick us off one at a time.

  Funny how my two brothers didn’t buy into my belief.

  I crushed my mouth over hers as I dragged her closer, enjoying the way she’d pressed her palms against my chest, her fingers digging in. She wiggled in my hold, struggling hard enough that with every shift of her hips, my cock was tantalized even more. The friction was undeniable, stars floating in front of my eyes.

  As tiny as she was, she was a fighter, her strength even surprising a man like me. However, she would soon learn that I was in charge of all things.

  Her body.

  Her pleasure.

  Her pain.

  She would surrender to my will without question, satisfying every sadistic need I’d ever desired. While she tried desperately to keep her mouth closed, I thrust my tongue past her luscious lips, drinking in her sweet essence. There was something about her that exuded innocence that had been tainted, yet I could feel the darkness within her, the same kind of intense longing that swept within me. She’d been hurt, the realization nauseatingly clear.

  And I had no doubt the Russian had been involved.

  I suddenly had none of my usual willpower, although she needed to learn a valuable lesson beginning tonight. The heat exuding from her body was delicious, the way she fit into my arms as if she belonged there.

  As if she were the one.

  The unforgiving man inside me swept the thought aside, even though I enjoyed the passionate roar shared between us. I shifted my hand to her long curls, enjoying the silky feel as the long strands rolled through my fingers.

  She smacked her palm against me once again, moaning into the kiss as if she found it extremely distasteful. I knew otherwise. There wasn’t a single inch of her body that wasn’t aroused. My mouth watered at the thought of sucking on her beautiful nipples. A wash of anger rushed through me, a ridiculous and unfounded moment of jealousy. While I believed she was lying to me, I remained quiet.

  Seconds later, I wound my fingers in her hair, jerking her away several inches. As I yanked, forcing her back into a deep arc, a series of whimpers escaped her mouth. She was so damn beautiful, her smooth porcelain skin shimmering from desire as well as her continued frustration. I dragged my tongue down the soft skin of her neck, taking my time to explore and tease. I adored the way she quivered in my arms even as she tried with almost near desperation to remain strong.

  The power pull was enjoyable, but one I’d already grown tired of. “Now, sweet Willow,” I murmured as I raked my tongue back and forth from one side of her jaw to the other, “you will listen and obey.” r />
  “Or what?”

  The two words were infuriating, and I leaned back, jerking her to a standing position. “Listen carefully because I am not going to say this twice. I know that you are lying to me. That is unacceptable. You have one last chance to tell me the truth about your relationship with the Russian. If you do not want to, that is your choice, but I will be forced to punish you again. Then I am going to fuck you. After that, you will be mine. Mine to taste. Mine to train. And mine to fuck. In. Every. Hole. While I will ask you at another time to reconsider your choice, it will be at my sole discretion. I do think that is very clear.” My desire roared to the surface. I was no longer capable of curtailing my needs. My mouth watered at the thought, my cock aching.

  “Choice? You call that a choice?” She managed to push away from me, almost stumbling in her effort to move far away. When she folded her arms, her look of defiance waned.

  “As I said, this is my club. My kingdom. My rules.”

  “Kingdom? And what if I’m innocent? Have you thought about that, King Dunmore?”

  I was so damn drawn to her that my balls were tight as drums, the adrenaline rush threatening to cut off my air supply. “No one is innocent, Willow. Not a single person. We all harbor secrets, hiding behind shadows. That’s just the way of it. It’s all about how we maintain our freedom. What is your decision?”

  The look of contempt was the same as before, her mouth twisting and her eyes holding such fire. There was also something else, a single very brief expression that actually grabbed at my blackened soul.

  Fear.

  All-consuming terror.

  “Fine. I have nothing to tell you. Punish me. Fuck me. I no longer care.” Her words were frank and stated without expression, even as the electricity soared through both of us.

  Everything about her was perfect in a fucked-up world. My fucked-up world. She was good and honest, forgiving and innocent, yet the fire burning in her eyes had dragged out the monstrous beast living inside. Her scent was far too intoxicating, driving me to do something that I would likely regret in the morning.

  As for now.

  I would take what I wanted.

  “Very well. For now. Undress,” I commanded as I walked away, accepting the fact I’d crossed a tenable line, one that could begin the final condemnation.

  And I no longer cared.

  Willow

  I was going to burn in hell.

  I’d just made a deal with the devil himself, a man who truly believed he was a king. I was shocked that I’d agreed, but what choice did I have? He’d hunt me down just like Aleksandr would.

  Or had.

  However, Christopher wouldn’t break me. I refused to allow that to happen. I’d leave here tonight with my head held high and never return.

  Then what?

  I’d cower in my house until one or both of them found me? The odds weren’t in my favor, but I was locked into my situation, at least for the time being. I had a house that I adored and a job that needed me and a few friends and…

  I studied Christopher, his stance completely that of a predator. He was staring at the three vile-looking apparatuses in the room, likely sizing up which one to use to dole out the harshest punishment. Maybe I deserved it, given the words I’d tossed in his direction. He’d been my boss after all. What was I doing? Playing with fire. The answer was easy, the consequences not something I longed to face.

  Then why is your pussy tingling? Why is your heart racing?

  The questions weren’t ones I could answer. Maybe I simply didn’t want to face some kind of crazy reality.

  “I suggest you also learn that I am not a patient man. Undress or I will rip off your clothes.”

  “You are a real asshole, Christopher.” The words rushed from my mouth just like the others and the look he gave me was intense. However, I no longer felt as if formalities were needed, although I had a feeling that he’d require me to call him ‘sir’ or even ‘Master.’ Unable to take his stern glare, I shifted away from him, my hands numb as I attempted to remove my coat. A cold wave skittered through every muscle and tendon, my entire body aching. What I hated more than anything was that I was still attracted to him.

  His chiseled face.

  His dominating force.

  His demanding ways.

  A part of me loathed the various emotions rolling through me as well. Anger. Frustration. Longing. Even the way my body betrayed me, my nipples hard as little pebbles, was infuriating. I’d refused to date a single man who’d appeared controlling in any way. Maybe I was afraid of my reactions all along, fearful that I’d revert to the girl from so long ago, one far too naïve for her own good.

  Whatever the case, I was in boiling water, already scalded. I had no other recourse but to shove my mind into another place for the remainder of the night. After that, I would figure out what or if I could do anything to resolve this. With any luck, Aleksandr would forget all about the experience, slithering back to whatever city he resided in. I could only pray he wasn’t living in DC.

  A bitter laugh erupted from my throat, the sound difficult to mask. If the magnificent man heard me, there was no indication.

  “You can put your things over there.”

  His voice boomed into the expansive room, the husky sound both thrilling as well as deprecating. He wanted to control every aspect of the night, assuming that I wouldn’t fight him any longer. The arrogant asshole had another think coming. If he wanted me to speak my mind, I was going to continue doing it.

  I closed my eyes as I eased one strap of the simple gown from my shoulder then the other, slowly slinking the silky frock to the floor. As I folded the costume, placing it over my coat, I had the distinct feeling that he was watching me.

  Hungering for me.

  Preparing to devour me.

  I took a deep breath before removing the rest of my clothes, embarrassment riding over me. The man was testing my resolve in his attempt to find out the truth. I had to wonder what secrets he was hiding, why his hatred of the swaggering Russian was significant. Maybe if I had something important to tell him, then my life could go back to normal.

  Whatever that was.

  “Come, Willow. It’s time,” Christopher said in a softer voice than I’d heard so far.

  I shifted around to face him, cognizant of how enlarged my nipples seemed and how wet I was between my legs. Wanting any of this was the mark of an insane woman, not one who’d spent her entire life in an organized and pragmatic fashion.

  In his hand was a strap of some kind, the thick-looking piece of leather formidable. He smacked it against his palm several times, the slapping sound creating goosebumps dancing along my naked skin. I was sick to my stomach, the butterflies, having formed claws and fangs, eating at my insides. My head ached, my mind reeling from worry that I couldn’t handle the pain.

  Or his control.

  I sucked up my anxiety and walked closer, staring him directly in his eyes. He stood next to a spanking bench, the wooden and leather horse larger than life. I’d stood in this very room only two weeks before, watching one of the members spanking a guest the pompous man had brought for the night. I’d winced every time the paddle he’d selected had been smacked down against the submissive’s naked backside.

  I’d also been excited at the sight, unable to take my eyes off the event the entire time.

  I could no longer feel my legs as I managed to walk closer, holding my arms in front of me the entire time. Did I honestly think my stance would curtail the extreme embarrassment or his burning gaze roaming the length of my naked body?

  “Should I open the door, allowing guests to come inside?” Christopher posed the question as if I had some kind of choice in the matter. I knew better.

  Another warm flush swept up from my neck, sliding over my jaw to my cheeks. Wasn’t I already humiliated enough?

  At that moment, I wanted nothing more than to find somewhere to hide, but I was caught by the gleam in his eyes, a knowing that was different than before. His hunger knew no bounds, but it was his possessiveness that caught me by surprise. He’d already brought me into his world, claiming me as one of his expensive trinkets to play with at will. I should be sickened at the thought, but my pussy muscles clenched and released several times.