Forced to Cooperate Read online

  “Yes, sir,” she barked, straightening up and taking several gulping breaths.

  I eased the quirt into my hand and took a step back, admiring my work. She would learn soon enough that I was her master. I coiled a portion before moving around to face her again, eager to see her reaction. Once again, there was no obvious sign of distress of any kind. “Do you know what this is?”

  She allowed her eyes to fall. “I believe that’s a quirt, sir.”

  There was no avoiding the smile that crept along my face. “And how do you know that?”

  “You’d be surprised what I know, sir.”

  I shook my head, barely able to contain my desire as I brushed the leather portion across her chest, allowing the two ends to fall close to her pussy. Almost instantly, goosebumps popped along her arms, a slight skip in her breath.

  “This is a very special implement, one I’ve owned for many years,” I half whispered, my tone huskier than normal.

  “To use on all your arm candy. Sir?”

  I rolled it under her arm, moving around behind her, tracing her backbone in a slow and steady motion. When I reached the crack of her ass, I allowed the two strands to linger, rubbing them up and down.

  Crack!

  Her yelp was more out of surprise, but she rolled onto her tiptoes from the single slice across her bottom.

  “I suggest you remember your place, sweet Willow.” I continued my path, sliding the ends down the length of her leg and back up the other. “As I mentioned before, I can provide you with pleasure or pain. You’d be surprised how much of both this simple leather strap can bring.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  So conceited.

  So full of herself.

  “But you just may learn.” I slid my hand between her legs, swirling my fingers around her clit. “You’re so wet and hot, cherie.”

  I could almost feel her gritting her teeth, biting back every nasty comment that she longed to spout.

  Willow’s breath caught and there was a slight sway in her body, but she remained rigid, unyielding.

  Fueling every cell to the boiling point.

  I rubbed back and forth, taking my time, enjoying the ripe scent of her and the way her juice slickened my fingers. “Does that feel good?”

  “Fine, sir.”

  She was pushing every button, attempting to make me lose control. That wasn’t going to happen. I continued, dipping one then two fingers past her swollen folds before retreating. Then I gave her buttocks not one but two hard cracks, much harsher than the single strike before.

  This time, she swayed forward, almost losing her balance, the single huff turning into two. She regained quickly yet her clasped fingers were white knuckled.

  “Perhaps you are beginning to understand,” I offered as I rubbed my wet fingers across the slight redness that had already developed.

  “Oh, I’ve understood for some time. Sir.” There was even more contempt in her tone. “Your need to control is because of your fear of inadequacy.”

  A single twinge of anger floated into my soul, enough that I took a step back, rubbing my forehead. I’d been in various situations, using methods of punishment on assholes who’d betrayed me, but none had brought even an ounce of anger. I blew it off, swallowing since my cock was still throbbing, my balls aching from tightness.

  Without hesitation, I issued four more, my aim perfect across her rounded buttocks. Her actual moan was my reward. “You truly don’t have a clue about me at all.”

  She tilted her head, and I could swear to God that there was a smile on her face. Another moment of fury sent a pain shooting down my spine. I had to be in full control of every aspect of my mind and body, something that I expected from every one of my soldiers.

  I took two long strides, thrusting four fingers into her pussy, driving her all the way up onto her toes. Flexing them open, I was almost drunk on her scent as her muscles clamped around the thick invasion, drawing me in deeper. I leaned down, easing the hair from her neck, allowing the quirt to slide past her shoulders until the strands touched her swollen nipple.

  “When you decide to surrender to me body and soul, you will know nothing but raw ecstasy,” I whispered into her ear, changing the angle of my hand, pumping in a perfect rhythm. I slipped my thumb into the cleft in her ass until I found her plugged hole. “And remember, cherie. Every hole now belongs to me.”

  “You’ve said that before,” she hissed. Almost immediately her body became tense as I slowly removed my hand.

  “A lesson you have yet to learn.”

  The next six strikes came one after the other in rapid succession. The redness had blossomed, covering a good portion of her ass cheeks. I caressed both, enjoying the heat and determining how much her delicate skin could take.

  We weren’t finished yet.

  I cracked four more, one hitting her upper thighs.

  “Fuck!” Her reaction was unexpected, her body lurching forward.

  I caught her with ease, pulling her back into position as I stroked her hair. “Are you going to be a good little girl for me? Obedient and respectful?” Just the feel of her long strands of hair was intense.

  “Yes. Yes... sir.”

  “Then we’ll try again.” I dragged the tips of my fingers down her spine, sliding them between her legs once again. “While some call me a sadist, I prefer doling out pleasure.”

  “I hope you won’t mind if I don’t believe you. Sir.”

  “I wouldn’t expect that you would.” I flicked her clit several times before pinching the tender tissue between my fingers, drinking in the sounds of her heavy breathing. When I slipped my fingers inside, curling them slightly, she purred before biting on her lip.

  With every stroke, every thrust of my fingers, all I could think about was plunging my cock deep inside, filling her with my seed. I was almost blinded by the thought as I brought her closer to an orgasm, backing off then bringing her once again.

  “Are you close to coming, my sweet girl?”

  “Um...” The beautiful sheen on her face told no lies.

  “Should I allow you to come?” The quirt still in my hand, I reached around her waist, pinching her nipple between my thumb and forefinger.

  “Oh... God, I...”

  “I’ll ask you again. Should I allow you to come?”

  Her body quivered, her face pinched as she tried to stave off her body’s reactions, but as her pussy muscled clenched and released several times, she must know she was losing all control.

  “I, um... Please. Yes, please!”

  “Said like a lady. I will grant you your request.”

  I twisted her nipple, keeping the pressure high as I thrust in a brutal manner.

  Willow’s lips pursed at first, soft mewing sounds coming from her throat and her body swaying. When she finally moved into the heightened state of euphoria, she tilted her head, her mouth opening to a perfect ‘O.’

  “That’s it. Come for me. Come on my fingers.”

  “Um... Uh. Uh. Uh.”

  “I said. Come!”

  The rush of her juices was exquisite, covering every inch of my fingers. I closed my eyes, savoring every moment as a single climax became two.

  “Oh!” Her wail was barely contained as her body slumped forward, every inch of her skin covered in bumps.

  I continued pumping for a few seconds, finally removing my fingers and walking around to face her. “That’s what girls who obey are lucky enough to get. The rest are left wanting. Open your mouth.”

  She opened her eyes wide at first, an understanding settling in as her breathing slowed.

  But she obeyed.

  And for the first time, I don’t think there was any hesitation.

  Or plotting.

  Then again, I could be wrong.

  I slid my fingers around her lips, marveling at their sensuous natural color. So plump. So ripe. All I could think about was shoving my cock deep into her sweet little pussy. When I slipped them inside, rolling my index finger
across her tongue, she made a gurgling sound.

  “See how sweet you are?” I asked.

  Without my command, she closed her mouth around my fingers, her tongue darting back and forth as she sucked. While I knew the rebellious brat had returned, I took a moment to enjoy the event; the way her eyes were half closed, as if riding the wave of ecstasy and the sheer sensations that rocketed every cell and muscle.

  She cleaned every inch of my fingers, twisting and turning her head with every action. She also maintained her position, for which I would give her credit.

  When I pulled out, she gave me a wry and very seductive smile.

  “Pleasure and pain, sir. I’ll remember that.”

  Everything about her actions was meant to rile me, and I hated to admit that it was working. I took another deep breath before walking around her, immediately striking her twice with the quirt.

  She grimaced but kept quiet.

  I issued four more, frustration grabbing at me.

  She refused to react.

  I rubbed my fingers down her spine as I towered over her, keeping my tone even. “One day, cherie, I will break you. On that day you will beg me to fuck you.”

  “I will never beg a man to do anything but die. Sir.”

  Chapter Seven

  Willow

  I wanted to lash out as before, but with every experience I had with the brooding Russian, I was becoming more intrigued by Aleksei. There was such an extreme sadness, an aura of tragedy that I couldn’t put my finger on.

  He was obviously rich.

  Stunningly handsome.

  Intelligent.

  Powerful.

  But the word I truly thought of more often was damaged. As if his soul had been shattered into pieces. The experience in his playroom had been oddly freeing, far too much so, leaving me riddled with mixed feelings. Guilt. Shame. Uncertainty.

  Desire.

  I hated all of them.

  Even the loathsome words I’d said to him, all of them meant to push every button, had left a bad taste in my mouth. I’d become just as hard and bitter as the man himself. Perhaps even more so.

  I was mortified at the previous experience, the damn rubber piece a reminder that I belonged to him. Every time I moved, I was reminded of his dark and dangerous desires. I was shocked how full I felt, the plug actually making my pussy wet. How could I feel this way? A heated flush crept along my cheeks as embarrassment rushed into my mind even as the longing remained strong. What was this man doing to me?

  He’d had staff prepare a table full of appetizers; crab and shrimp puffs, stuffed mushrooms, various pastries. I’d seen them work in a flurry, making certain the dining room table was set with candles and crystal wineglasses before moving back into the kitchen to prepare dinner. They’d left only minutes ago, but not before opening a bottle of cabernet.

  Expensive cabernet.

  Was the man actually trying to wine and dine me? Whatever the case, I’d poured myself a glass, enjoying the taste of limited freedom for a few more minutes. The aroma was amazing; hints of raspberry laced with a touch of vanilla. The man also had consummate tastes.

  I heard his heavy footsteps and tensed, realized my arm was shaking. He’d allowed me to shower and change, leaving me to myself for a solid hour. I stood in his posh living room, staring out at the various lights shimmering from the depths of the luxurious pool. There wasn’t a portion of the house that seemed like the man or his tastes. I couldn’t get over how pleasant and comfortable, almost beach-like the setting.

  While I wasn’t allowed outside, according to his list of rules, the ambient lighting gave me a limited understanding of how lush the space truly was. A cabana. A waterfall. A tiki bar. What kind of mafia man had a tiki bar, for God’s sake? Everything appeared as if with the idea of entertaining in mind. Did he even have friends?

  I moved closer to the bank of French doors, pretending I cared nothing about his arrival. I could tell by his reflection in the glass that he’d stopped just inside the doorway. And he was staring at me.

  “Krasivaya.”

  His Russian accent seemed huskier tonight, sending a smattering of prickles dancing down both arms.

  I bit my lip before turning around, trying to give him my usual defiant air. Almost immediately it failed. He stood in an exquisite pair of charcoal linen pants, accompanied by a billowy white shirt. If I didn’t know better, I’d say he was a model preparing for a romance cover shoot. The thought brought a wave of heat between my legs.

  “What does that mean?” I dared to ask.

  He walked closer, his eyes never leaving me. “That means beautiful.”

  Whatever had possessed me to wear one of the dresses his soldier had brought was beyond me. The simple plum frock did hug every curve, falling in all the right places. I felt a warm flush creeping along my jaw, threatening to give me away. “Your soldier brought me two types of clothing. Hardcore and fancy.”

  “I prefer you this way.” He eyed the glass in my hand, offering a single slight smile before heading to the bar, pulling out a rocks glass from a hidden cabinet. “Women should always highlight their alluring features.”

  The man knew how to turn up the heat.

  “You don’t enjoy wine?” I asked with zero emotion.

  “In my country, wine is for breakfast,” he said, offering an actual laugh.

  “How long have you been here?”

  Aleksei plopped two cubes into the glass, pulling a bottle of bottle of vodka from what had to be a refrigerator before answering. “Since I was fourteen.”

  “Then you are more American.”

  The bottle still in his hand, he lifted a single eyebrow. “Interesting but yes. I have been here more than half my life.”

  “Why did your parents move here? I assume your mother is still living.” I watched his long and rugged fingers as they poured the crisp liquid almost to the rim.

  “My mother is very much alive, likely enjoying dinner with my father this evening at one of their favorite restaurants. She rules the household. What she says goes, I believe Americans would say.” He swished the drink as he walked around the bar, moving in my direction.

  Even from where I stood, I gathered a whiff of his cologne. Different from the night before. More provocative in every manner. My skin was instantly on fire. I hated my body’s constant betrayal, the way my nipples felt against the silky material, the style preventing me from wearing a bra. I’d been playing with a blowtorch when selecting the damn dress.

  “Is she a part of the business?”

  Aleksei gave me a surprised look as he flanked my side, still keeping his distance. “Do not try and pretend, sweet Willow. You are very intelligent. I daresay you know more about Bratva, the Irish mob, and the various Italian kingpins than the majority of people in the world. Our women never enter business. They can do what they like in certain manners. Attend school. Own a business. Teach. Whatever they desire, but they will never touch the organization. They are too precious to bring into the fold, bearers of our children.”

  “Is that what you’d like, to have a family and children?” I heard the whispered question coming from my mouth and almost dropped my wineglass.

  His look of surprise returned then his facial expression changed, becoming harder, untrusting. “A family? Family is the most important aspect of our lives. Money and power mean nothing without family. I would kill any person, male or female, who attempted to harm them. Why do you ask, Willow? I want to know the truth.”

  He almost frightened me with his vehemence, but I could see the intoxicating amount of love he had for those he cared for. “I honestly was asking a simple question, getting to know you for some crazy reason. Maybe that’s wrong. I don’t know everything about you, Aleksei. I didn’t have the time to study you and your family to any degree. Whether you want to believe me or not, that’s your prerogative.” I walked toward the table, easing the wine stem down on the coffee table, pouring the glass close to the rim. I might as well get d
runk. What the hell?

  The silence behind me was deafening.

  He was gauging me, trying to figure out if or why I was lying. Was he worried I’d intended to go after his parents?

  I took a sip and left the wine, folding my arms as I walked toward him once again. As I passed by, I could feel the heat of his body resonating, the scent of him even more intoxicating. I couldn’t think this way. I had to gather additional information. That was the prime goal.

  If only I wasn’t quivering all over.

  I casually tilted my head, mesmerizing every inch of his face. What I hadn’t noticed before was the tattoo crawling out from the open neck of his shirt. Ornate in design, the all black ink seemed befitting for a man of his nature.

  And God help me, but I wanted to see the rest of the intricate work.

  Every inch of his chiseled body.

  His hand was steady as a rock as he took a sip of his drink, no doubt buying time. “I meant what I said, Willow. I do not tolerate liars. I understand what you think of me and my business and I can appreciate that but lying will not help you achieve the freedom you so desperately seek.”

  “Freedom. I’m not certain I’ve ever had any.” I glanced back at the pool, allowing the mesmerizing effects of the lights to pull me out of a moment of insanity. The man didn’t care about me, only his precious business.

  “Why would you not consider yourself free?”

  “We all have our issues in life; fears and worries. They’re a condition of living.”

  “Hmmm...” he mused. “That sounds very much like you remain in debt to someone.”

  I turned away, wanting to go back to my room so I could find some solace. “Does it really matter? You’re going to get exactly what you want. My cooperation.”

  “I... desire to learn more about you.”

  A chuckle slipped past my lips. “Really? What would you like to know? You already broke into my apartment.”

  “And my soldier found it ransacked.” Aleksei’s voice was tinged with anger.