Page 17 of Across the Crimson Sands

“Come here,” I commanded, my voice low and steady.

She hesitated, and I could see the calculations behind her gaze. Run or obey? It was a dance we’d done before, but this time, I was done playing games.

With a reluctant step, she approached, her body language screaming resistance. Good. I wanted her to fight me, to match my intensity with her own fiery spirit. It was the only way to exorcise the maddening hold she had on me.

I pulled her down across my lap, her torso resting on the rock beside me, her legs kicking slightly as she struggled to find her balance. I held her there with one hand firmly on the small of her back, pinning her in place.

“Rokan, what are you—?” Her question cut off with a gasp as I yanked her pants down, baring her to the cool air and my heated gaze.

“Silence,” I growled, my hand caressing the curve of her ass, feeling the softness of her skin. “This is your punishment for defying me, for making me chase you, for putting both our lives in danger with your reckless escape.”

She squirmed, trying to wriggle free, but I was stronger, my grip unyielding. “You can’t just?—”

The first smack echoed through the night, the sound sharp and satisfying. Arilee yelped, her body tensing beneath my hand.

“You will learn to obey,” I said, my voice a stern whisper against her ear. I punctuated each word with another sharp slap, my handprint blooming red on her pale skin.

Her protests turned to moans, the line between pain and pleasure blurring with each stinging impact. Her body arched into my touch even as she cursed me. The scent of her arousal perfumed the night air, driving me even wilder.

This wasn’t good.

This was supposed to be a simple punishment. Keeping a captive in line.

But her reactions had turned the moment into something more. Something dangerous.

“Fuck you, Rokan,” she hissed, her fingers clawing at the rock, while she squirmed against me.

“Only if you’re a good girl,” I promised, my cock hardening more at the thought. I slid my hand between her legs, finding her soaking wet and wanting despite her anger. “But first, you come for me. “

She was slick and hot, her arousal coating my fingers as I stroked her. I teased her entrance, dipping just the tip of my finger inside before withdrawing, making her whimper with need.

“Please,” she begged.

“Please what?” I taunted, delivering another sharp spank that made her cry out.

“Please, Rokan, I need?—”

I cut her off with a chuckle, plunging two fingers deep inside her. “You need this, don’t you? You need the release, you just don’t want to admit it.”

She was too far gone to argue, her inner walls clenching around my fingers as I thrust in and out of her. She climbed higher and higher, her body trembling with the effort to hold back.

“Let go, Arilee,” I ordered, my thumb finding her clit and circling it roughly. “Come for me, now.”

Her orgasm ripped through her body, her scream echoing off the rocks. I didn’t let up, drawing out her pleasure until she lay limp and panting across my lap.

I pulled my hand away, ready to end this unexpected encounter. My breath came in ragged pants, matching Arilee’s own labored breathing. I needed to regain control, to remember my purpose.

“Get up,” I growled, my voice rough with desire. “We’re done here.”

But Arilee didn’t move. Instead, she twisted in my lap, her blue eyes meeting mine, her lips open with an intoxicating brew of defiance and hunger that made my cock throb painfully.

“Is that all you’ve got, Rokan?” she taunted, her voice husky. “I thought Vinduthi were supposed to be formidable.”

My eyes narrowed. “Watch yourself, human. You’re playing a dangerous game.”

She smirked, shifting her hips deliberately against my erection. “Am I? Seems to me you’re the one who’s all talk and no action.”

A growl rumbled in my chest. This infuriating woman was going to be the death of me. I should push her away, assert my dominance, and get us back on track. But the challenge in her eyes ignited something primal within me.

---