Page 28 of His Dark Desires

Her mouth opens, and she takes me inside, her tongue working its magic. I feel her lips tight around me as she bobs her head, taking me deep.

This time, I don't hold back the groan. It tears from my throat, and my hips begin to move, thrusting, sliding in and out of her mouth. Her bound hands cup my balls, massaging them gently. It's too much, and with a sharp cry, I come, spilling myself down her throat. Mara swallows, her eyes closed in concentration as she takes every drop.

I pull out slowly, my breaths coming in sharp gasps. Mara stays on her knees, head bowed, waiting for my next command.

"Good girl." I pet her gently. "That's my good girl."

She looks up at me, her eyes shining with a mix of desire and submission. I untie her wrists, and she rubs them gently, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth.

I offer her my hand, and she takes it, standing gracefully.

"Get dressed, Mara." My voice is rough, the edges of my need still scraping at me. "You have work to do."

She nods, her expression closing off as she reaches for her scattered clothes.

"Now get out." I don't raise my voice, but the temperature in the room seems to drop several degrees.

Without a word, Mara dresses as quickly as she can, then heads for the door.

"And Mara?" I call after her. "I want you to handle the Tokyo negotiations. In person."

She pauses at the door, her back stiffening as she realizes what this means: a few days away from the office, away from Sophia. Away from any chance to interfere.

"Of course, Mr. Vale." Her voice is professional, but I hear the understanding in it. She knows this is punishment, knows I'm removing her from the equation.

The door closes behind her with a soft click, leaving me alone with my screens.

With my Sophia.

Chapter 8

Adrian

I adjust my tie and check my mirror, satisfaction coursing through me. With Mara out of the way, I can focus on what matters—on who matters. My steps echo through the hallway as I head toward the studio, anticipation building with each stride.

The door is slightly ajar. Sophia hasn't noticed my approach, too absorbed in her work. I pause, drinking in the sight of her. She's perched on a stool, hair messily tied back, smudges of paint on her fingers.

My pulse quickens. The way she loses herself in her art, that passion, it's intoxicating. She belongs here, in my space, under my protection. My fingers curl into my palm as I watch her mix colors with complete abandon, her movements both graceful and decisive.

I step into the room, deliberately letting her hear my approach. She startles slightly, turning toward me. A small paint streak marks her cheek, and my hand itches to wipe it away.

"How's the work progressing?" I keep my voice soft, controlled, though inside I'm anything but.

"Oh! Adrian!" She sets down her brush and pushes hair out of her face, coating the strands with color. "I was just experimenting with some new techniques for the commission."

I move closer, studying what she was working on. This piece is coming together beautifully, exactly as I knew it would. My chest swells with pride. I chose well. She's everything I thought she'd be.

"Have you given any thought to my suggestion about the exhibition?" I ask, carefully positioning myself between her and the door. "I have connections with several prestigious galleries that would be perfect for showcasing your work."

I watch her face carefully. She's considering it, weighing the opportunity against her instincts. Perfect.

"I'm not sure I'm ready for something that big," she hesitates, but I can see the want in her eyes.

"You are," I state firmly, resting my hand on her shoulder. "Your talent deserves to be seen, Sophia. Let me help you make that happen." I let my hand linger on her shoulder, feeling her tension. "Tell me about your own studio space," I say, studying her reaction. "Where do you usually create your art?"

Sophia's shoulder tenses under my hand. She shifts away, putting distance between us. "It's just... my apartment. A studio apartment. That's all."

"And that serves as your workspace as well? That can't be enough space."

---