“What if I refuse?”
I know the answer, but I need to hear him say it.
Jared’s eyes gleam with a dangerous mix of lust and menace as he advances toward me. “You won’t.”
His words aren’t a question but a statement, a challenge. I know, in that moment, that he’s right. Despite my inner turmoil, my body betrays me. I want him. I want this.
My silence confirms his victory. He knows he has me exactly where he wants me. “Good girl,” he whispers, his lips curving in a dark smile. “You can’t deny me. You’ve been mine from the start.”
My breath quickens as he reaches out, his fingers tracing the curve of my tits. I lean into his touch, my eyes closing as a rush of pleasure washes over me.
His smirk grows. “Say it, Aria. Tell me you’re mine, and you’ll do anything I ask.”
“I’m yours,” I whisper, the words falling from my lips. “I’ll do whatever you want.”
“That’s my good girl.” His voice is a low, satisfied purr as he pulls me closer, his arms a steel cage around me.
His lips capture mine, and all thoughts of resistance fade as I melt into the kiss. When he breaks the kiss, I swallow hard. A thrill courses through me as I recall him as the masked stranger.
“Could we use the mask again?” I bite my lip, nervous about voicing my request. “I want to see your face, but there’s something about the mask...” My voice trails off.
Jared’s eyes narrow, his expression intense as he studies me. “You never cease to amaze me, Aria. Most girls would be terrified, but you are begging for more.” He steps closer, his fingers trailing my bare arm, sending shivers across my skin.“My good little slut, wanting me to fuck you while I wear a mask. Does the idea of being forced by some sick masked stranger turn you on?”
“Yes.” My voice is barely a whisper, the truth of my words heavy in the air between us. “I want you to take what you want. I want to be forced.”
Jared’s eyes flash, and he pulls me against him, his lips crashing down on mine. His kiss is hard and demanding, making me moan and surrender.
“Are you sure about this, Aria? This is something we can’t take back.” His voice is a gravelly murmur against my lips, his breath warm on my face.
“Yes,” I say again, more adamant this time. “I trust you, Jared. I know you won’t actually hurt me. But I want to explore this side of me. With you.”
A chuckle rumbles in his chest, vibrating against me. “Oh, baby, you’ve no idea what you’re asking for.”
He grabs the skull mask from the table and puts it on. My heart pounds as he becomes a stranger again.
“Wait.” I hesitate. “Shouldn’t we set a safe word?”
He pauses. “A safe word, princess? You really think you’ll need it?”
My heart pounds because this isn’t the stepbrother I thought I knew standing before me. He’s a stranger, and I’m at his mercy. “Yes. Please. Just so I can feel—I mean, so I know I’m safe.”
The silence stretches as he considers my request. Finally, he speaks. “Okay, princess. The word is ‘mercury.’ But remember, I have no intention of stopping once I begin. Not unless I hear that word.”
I swallow hard, nervous energy coursing through me. This is it. My fantasy is becoming reality, which scares me as much as it excites me. “Okay,” I whisper.
Before I can overthink it, he spins me around, pushing me over the bed. I stifle a cry as he handles me without gentleness, positioning me on all fours.
“What are you doing?” I ask, my voice shaking. “I thought?—”
“Shhh.” His hands are rough as they grip my hips. “I’m taking what I want. And you’re going to fucking love it,” he growls.
“But—” My protests are cut off as I feel him position himself behind me. My breath hitches, and my body betrays me, responding to his touch despite my reluctance.
“No, stop! Please.” I buck wildly, knowing my words will fuel his desire. “I don’t want this! Let me go!”
My lies fuel the fire between us. He knows I want him, that my body craves his touch.
“You know you want my cock, you little slut.” His voice is a harsh whisper in my ear, sending a shiver down my spine.