mind as it had done dozens, hundreds of times, his eyes full of hatred. As he lumbered forward, I stood my ground for the first time in years, my grip on the handle of the knife firm.
“Get the fuck away from me. You can’t hurt me any longer.”
“Little girl, I can do anything I damn well please. You belong to me.”
I clenched my eyes shut, refusing to fall into the same trap I had all week, memories rushing to the surface blindingly. Ever since the near attack six nights before, I’d slept maybe three hours a night, the images of the past mixing with the shadowy form of the asshole on the darkened street.
Think of something else. Anything.
My inner voice was more commanding than usual, yet she was right. I had to break the damn cycle, or I’d lose my fucking mind. I took a deep breath, holding it in. All I’d been able to smell during the last few days had been the reeking odor of blood. I’d stood over the hooded man who’d been determined to attack me, studying his vacant eyes. The knife wound had seemed more like a beautifully carved piece of art detailing his neck as well as the side of his face.
Whoever the mysterious stranger had been who’d saved my life, his skills had been exemplary. I bit back a moan as the scent of vanilla and cinnamon wafted across my nose. Mmm... Finally, I could breathe easier, my mind shifting away from the horror.
I’d simply been dropped off at the wrong address, the very nice police officer explaining how easy it had been for the taxi driver to make the mistake.
Although I still didn’t buy it. I’d been purposely left in the shitty part of town. And the purpose? Something the officer hadn’t disclosed. However, I’d been able to understand the brief exchange he’d had with his partner.
Something about the same assholes again. As if there was a crime ring located in that neighborhood.
Think. Dream. A new experience.
Yes...
Passion.
Ravishing nights spent enveloped in the arms of a hard-bodied hunk, the kind of man who exuded masculinity in every look of his dashing blue eyes. The very same roughhewn hottie who longed to quench his thirst as well as his ravaging hunger, feasting on my lips.
My aching nipples.
My wet pussy.
“Untie your sash, Savannah.” He stood with his arms crossed, the sleeves of his crisp white shirt rolled past his elbows. The man was regal, his dark trousers matching the color of his ebony hair. Even the stubble covering his jaw was sexy as hell.
He was my lover.
My protector.
My master.
“Yes, sir.” I obeyed without hesitation, allowing the thin material to slide from my shoulders, slowly billowing to the floor. I dared to look him in the eyes and the way his nostrils flared gave me shivers. He was going to ravage every inch of me.
“Come here, little kitten,” he commanded.
I padded toward him, the feel of the cool concrete giving me another round of shivers. This was his playroom, his dungeon, the place of harsh discipline. I noticed the cage in the background, the metal bars shimmering in the LED lighting. I knew my punishment would entail being caged. I was a very bad girl.
As he took me into his arms, the feel of his hot, hard body against mine, I was breathless. Desire rushed through me like a tidal wave, leaving me aching with need.
He fisted my hair, yanking back until he exposed my neck. The sound of his savage growl thrilled me to the very core. “I am going to punish you for all your sins. Then I’m going to devour every inch of your body. And do you know why?”
“No, why?” I managed, clawing at his massive chest.
“Because I own you.”
I stared into his eyes, the dark pools shining with an iridescent glow. “Yes, sir.”
As he guided me toward the spanking bench, I wanted to plead with him that I’d be good, but I knew better. I’d take my punishment like a good girl. I leaned over, the cool air slicing across my bottom somehow comforting. I gritted my teeth as he positioned my arms and legs in the cuffs, snapping them into place.
“Beautiful,” he whispered, taking his time to walk around me in a full circle. “Perfect in every way.”
As he placed his hand on the small of my back, I pressed my face into the cool wood. Every part of me trembled as I heard the tinkle of his belt buckle.