Chapter Four

Tara stopped before the huge bed and swallowed back her instinct to yell STOP right now. Her senses were on overload with the most intense visual and physical pleasures. The luxurious suite closed around her with a pull to follow her baser urges. The huge mirror mounted on the ceiling both fascinated and terrified her. Her body hummed as Rick's fingers intertwined with hers in a firm grip she couldn't break, but she didn’t want to either. Sweat broke over her as she fought the memory of another time, when she had given her trust and found everything turned against her. But for some reason, she trusted Rick. There was a core of gentleness within his control that spoke to her and promised no pain. Since she had signed up for this one night experience, Tara would push herself to the limit. She needed healing, and maybe the man holding her hand was the one to finally give it to her.

“Lie on the bed, sweetheart.”

Humiliation washed over her. He'd look at her under the bright lights. His body was perfect and hers was completely damaged. Could she do this in front of a practical stranger? He sensed her nervousness and dropped a soft kiss on her lips. His voice raked across her ears in a low, hypnotic tone. “Turn off your thoughts and do what I say. I'll dim the lights.”

Tara swallowed. She obediently and willingly climbed onto the high platform bed, laying her head on one of the stuffed pillows. She tugged the hem of the shirt down as far as it would stretch and waited for his next command.

Amusement gleamed in those tawny green-gold eyes. “You look like you're awaiting an execution rather than hours of sweet passion and orgasms.”

“I'm so sorry,” she said miserably. “I told you I'm not good at this.”

“No more speaking. The only word I'll listen to from now on is stop.”

As if on cue, a rush of heat sizzled down to her pussy. The sexiness of him being in charge of her caused her nipples to strain against the cotton of her bra. He nodded, pleased, as he watched her body's reaction. Then stripped.

The black shirt slid down his arms and hit the floor. His bare chest was carved and covered with golden brown hair. A thin line snaked down his tight abdomen and disappeared into the waistband of his pants. She didn't have long to wait. Rick snapped open the button and shed the pants, kicking them off to the side. He stood in a pair of black underwear that did nothing to hide the impressive erection in front of her. Instead of fear, Tara bit back a moan at the idea of having that whole length tight inside of her, thrusting, giving pleasure. A vibrator just couldn't compare to the experience of a man's flesh, and it had been so long...

His thumbs hooked into his underwear. He paused one moment to gaze directly into her eyes. Then revealed himself and all of his naked glory.

Tara sucked in her breath. Sheer, raw power beat from him in waves. He stalked over to the bed and let her drink her fill. His wolfish grin told her he liked her gaze on him, and a drop of liquid essence gleamed from the silky tip.

The idea she was the woman to cause such a reaction struck her hard and deep. She gripped the silk fabric of the sheets as she struggled to process the knowledge he desired her.

Rick placed one knee on the edge of the bed and leaned over her. She caught the scent of soap, musk, and man. Blonde strands framed his face as he bent forward, framing the hard lines of his cheeks and jaw. Those carved lips paused an inch from hers.

“Now it's your turn.”

He began unbuttoning the shirt. Tara closed her eyes, dreading the moment of truth when he saw her naked, exposed. How often had her boyfriend called her ugly and maimed? Not worthy of his sexual attention?

“Look at me, Tara.” Her eyes flew open at his commanding tone, snapping her back to the here and now. Fire shot from his eyes and burned into hers. “Gaze on me the whole time.” She obeyed, helpless to break away. He undid each button with deliberate slowness, taking his time. Pushed the fabric down over her shoulders and off.

Her lacy matching lavender bra and panties was the only barrier between them. Pleasure shone in his face as he drank his fill, and then lingered on the scars.

Cigarette burns on her shoulders and the top of her breasts. A wicked knife cut across her ribs. Ugly gouged pockmarks at the top of her thighs. Tara imagined her reflection in the mirror as he looked at her, but she didn't hide from him.

After a while, he lifted his head. Her breath caught.

Hot, male desire gleamed from his eyes. His hard length pressed against her in demand. No revulsion, no shrinking away. Instead, he murmured low words of approval regarding her bravery, her beauty, how much he wanted her. His gentle, strong fingers caressed each nasty mark and it felt as though he could almost erase them away with his tender touch. Then with one quick action, he unclasped her bra. Removed the straps. And gazed at her nearly naked body.

“Fuck, you're gorgeous.” His fingers traced the heavy curve of her breasts and lingered on the tight tips, begging for his touch. He followed one blemish across the right globe, and then lowered his head.

His tongue ran over her skin, wet and hot. Her body jumped like an electrical current, and she arched upward as he avoided her nipples and licked his way around her breasts. Sensitive and swollen, sensations raked over her and took merciless hold. A whimper escaped her lips as he palmed and plumped both breasts as a gift for his mouth. His breath whispered over her nipples and shot straight to her pussy. Then his lips closed around one tight bud.

“Rick!”

His name rang out in the room. The delicious sensation of her nipple rolled around between soft lips, wet tongue and sharp teeth all came together in a mingle of delight. He murmured encouragement as her mind fogged and refused to work, giving herself up to the demands of her body. Finally, he lifted his head and looked down. Her nipples stood out, erect and begging for more.

“Beautiful,” he whispered. “Look how responsive you are. How sensitive. Your body was meant for a man's hands. I can't wait to taste your sweet pussy and see if you taste like strawberries.”

Her pussy clenched in immediate response. He laughed low. “Rick?”

“No talking, Tara. The only word you need to remember is stop.”

He pinched her nipple lightly. Hot currents sizzled down to settle between her thighs. Still rubbing her nipples with his thumbs, his mouth moved downward to kiss her belly. Dip into her belly button. Nibble teasingly along the line of her panties, pulling at the edge of the elastic with his teeth. Each time the fabric snapped back, she tightened with anticipation, but he ignored her unconscious pleas and busied himself elsewhere.

He pressed a kiss to the nasty wound on her inner thigh. His tongue sampled the crease between her hip and thigh, while his hands moved from her breasts to cup the firm globes of her ass. Through the barrier of fabric, he settled his open mouth on the core. Took a deep breath. And blew.

Tara shot up and cried his name. His moist breath teased her pounding clit. Liquid warmth shot out of her pussy. He pushed her back on the bed and took the top of her panties between his teeth. And inch-by-inch, he pulled them down.

Cool air hit her exposed folds. The intense contrast of hot and cold wracked her body with pleasure. Oh, God, when was the last time a man had his mouth on her? The vulnerability of her position suddenly struck her, and she realized he had her fully under his control. Her body stiffened as her mind flashed an array of images. Pain. Humiliation. Betrayal.

“Tara.”

The sound of his voice lulled her away from the memory. His command brooked no argument as he looked up from between her spread thighs.

“Eyes on me.”

His gaze told her not to think. Dominated every part of her soul, until she couldn't fight him, and she slipped firmly back into the present. Then he lowered his head.

His wet tongue parted her swollen folds and dived in. Her pussy clenched and throbbed under him, as he licked around her clit and tasted her juices. His thumbs parted her wider, exposing her, and she slid into surrender, glorying at her erotic abandon. The mirror on the ceiling showed her pink pussy lips spread wide, while his tongue took control. Her clit swelled and pushed from its hood in lusty demand.

Tara cried out and twisted against the bed, drowning in the pleasure of watching him command her body and push her toward orgasm. So close, she reached hard and desperately, but release eluded her.

“Please!” she screamed. She shook hard, panting, as his tongue traced circles around her clit and his fingers rubbed and stroked. The exquisite tension tightened every muscle in her body until she thought she'd die of the delight.

“Tell me what you want me to do, sweetheart. Tell me.”

“Help me! Please help me....”

“Here you go, baby.” His mouth sucked hard on her clit as his fingers plunged inside of her.

She came hard, screaming as convulsions shook her repeatedly. He milked her orgasm and drew it out, until Tara shattered as mini tremors took hold and thrashed her around the bed. The sheer intensity of such pleasure overwhelmed her. Spent, she collapsed helplessly underneath him, and suddenly tears ran down her cheeks.

He whispered her name and slid up her body. He kissed her tears away and held her tight against him. Tara felt cocooned in a secure warmth she never experienced; a promise of shelter from pain and heartbreak. Who was this man? How had he snuck past her barrier she erected in order to protect her heart and soul?

“Thank you.” She snuggled closer as his legs entwined hers. His steady heartbeat thundered against her ear. A low chuckle stirred in her hair.

“Sweetheart, you have no clue how much pleasure that gave me. Thank you for trusting me to take you there.”

The sudden realization he hadn't come made her body stiffen. Oh God, she hadn't gotten him off. Guilt assuaged her, and she broke his comforting grip, flipping herself over. The gorgeous lines of perfect carved chest muscles greeted her, and she dipped her head, kissing her way down. His breath hissed through his teeth in surprise as she tried to make up for her selfishness. She ran her hands down his thighs and gripped him between her palms.

“Christ, Tara.” She ignored his plea, opened her mouth, and took him deep inside. His musky taste assaulted her senses. What had begun as a job turned to pleasure and desire for more, as her tongue swirled around the tip and she sucked him deep into the wet cavern of her mouth.

He let out a curse, and then dragged her back up. Every muscle stiffened as he forced her to settle against him. His ragged breathing cut through the air. Disappointment squeezed her heart. She hadn't done it right. He'd looked pleased, but her ex had consistently told her he'd gotten better blowjobs from a doll than her.

“Damnit to hell, stop thinking!” She jerked back. He lowered his voice and spoke through gritted teeth. “You almost made me come with the first lick of your tongue. But that's not what I'm looking for. I'm not ready to come until I'm deep inside you, making you mine. Understand? Now get that dickwad out of your head and come back to me.”

Her mouth hinged open like a guppy. How did he know what she thought? How did he know her so well, after just a few short hours? And why in the world would he want her to be his?

The need beckoned and tempted like the slickness of Satan. To belong completely to a man again without fear. To give of herself without worry of being hurt. What a gift.

But one she promised herself she'd never receive again.

The truth struck hard. No matter how much pleasure Rick Steele gave her, no matter how well he read her thoughts, she'd disappear in the morning. She would never belong to another man again. Only herself. Tonight was about breaking down her walls and fear of sex. She refused to spend the rest of her life cowering from a man's touch. Rick had already shown her the best orgasm of her life. By dawn, hopefully she'd be more whole, and able to walk away with a full body and heart.

Alone.

Rick kissed her. His tongue swept in and took over, possessing every hidden nook and cranny until she dug her nails into his muscled shoulders and hung on. When he finally lifted his head, his eyes burned with demand.

“Sex isn't about tit for tat. Next time you take my cock in your mouth, make sure it's because you're dying to taste me. Not because you owe me an orgasm. Got it?”

His sexy directness re-ignited the ache between her legs. Her voice came out breathy as she forced the word past her lips. “Yes.”

“Do you want more?”

Her pussy throbbed. Her nipples rose and tightened even further, His hand flicked the tip and she shuddered.

“I'll take that as a yes. Let's just make sure.” His fingers slid down and plunged into her tight heat. Tara bucked under the sizzle of fire that tore through her center. Rick laughed. “Oh, yeah, that's the spot.” He added another finger as he worked his way in and out, setting a teasing rhythm. Her already over stimulated clit throbbed and burned from the attention. In seconds, she neared orgasm again, completely swept up in the bodily demands he rang from her with his voice, tongue, and fingers.

He reared up and sheathed himself with a condom. Grabbed her ankles and thrust her legs wide apart. Again, her gaze snuck up to the mirror. Her pussy lay open and vulnerable to his every whim, and looking at their reflection made a sound of lust break from her lips. His huge, throbbing length lay right at her entrance, poised to push forward. She wanted him, ached, and then—

The memory surfaced. Expression twisted with rage as he pushed himself inside of her without thought, without care, hurting her tender flesh until...

“No, stop!” The words broke from her throat and she panted, trying to push the ugliness away.

“Look at me, Tara. Now.”

She turned her gaze from the mirror to him. Golden eyes glittered and burned with heat. His hands gripped her ankles, but his touch was gentle. He kept perfectly still as he waited for her to calm and direct him.

“I would never hurt you. Say it.”

“You will never hurt me.”

“That's right baby. Do you still want me to stop?”

She relaxed; inch-by-inch, realizing she was safe. No, she already knew Rick would never hurt her. He wanted to give her pleasure. The last of the memory leaked away and left her body open, empty, needing him to fill her.

“No, more. I want more.”

His hands stroked her inner thighs. His cock pushed one inch into her pussy, then stopped. Tara moaned, past the fear, only craving the bliss he offered. Another inch. The tip buried into wet, clinging heat. Her channel clenched and begged for more. One more inch. Another. Then...

“Ahhhhh!” She cried out as he plunged to the hilt, and then stopped. His massive length and width filled up every crevice, until there was nothing else left but him. Tara clung to his shoulders, digging her nails into solid muscle as she struggled with the invasion. The breath whooshed out of her lungs.

“OK?” he asked between gritted teeth. “God, Tara, you feel like heaven.”

“Yes.” She lifted her hips upward. “More.”

“Here we go, baby. Hold on tight.”

Rick pulled completely out, then surged back. The demanding pace drove every thought out of her mind but giving him everything he asked. Again and again, he drove deep inside and left nothing for her. Her body squeezed him with her dripping heat, and her clit pounded in demand. Each scrape against the sensitive flesh caused more shudders to spill through her. The tension tightened until every muscle in her body screamed for release. Still, he kept her right at the edge, not allowing her to fall over but demanded she surrender to each thrust until she had nothing left to hold back.

Something shattered deep within her and broke free. Tara arched and cried his name.

“Come for me, baby. Now!”

He pinched her clit and drove his cock inside one final time.

Tara shattered. Her pussy milked every inch of him as she convulsed, and then he followed her over with a hoarse shout, spilling his seed into her willing body.

No tears ran down her face this time. Tara succumbed to the delicious plunge into a cloak of warmth and safety, and finally surrendered to the darkness.