Page 100 of A Heart So Savage

To conquer.

To protect.

To keep.

To love.

Ava could not sit still.

She fidgeted. Squirmed. Downed a whole glass of champagne and asked for another as the limo sped toward the Winter Enterprises building.

Five weeks had passed since the incident, and Ava was completely healed from her injuries. Even Neil was surprised by her swift recovery, although he often teased that love was known to work wonders. It was a rationalization he used whenever Kingston demanded Ava’s activities remain limited so her body could recover faster.

“Ava, if you don’t calm down, I’ll have to take you over my knee,” Kingston drawled, sipping his scotch.

“Boooo,” she shot back with a smile belying her disapproval of his current sternness. “And don’t threaten me with a good time.”

“Sassy little thing tonight, aren’t you?” Dressed in an impeccable tux, Kingston was the epitome of handsome wickedness. His eyes glowed blue-black in the limo’s dim lighting.

“You like me sassy, remember?” Ava countered, flopping back against the leather seat, giving him an appreciative stare. “Have I told you how devastatingly hot you are in a tuxedo?”

“Have I told you how fucking delicious you are in this dress?” Kingston countered, pressing a kiss to her bare shoulder. Hooking his fingers in the pearl choker around her neck, he tugged her closer until Ava was plastered against his side. “I can hardly keep my hands off you.”

“Why are you even trying?” Her words were breathless, something she couldn’t help whenever Kingston gazed at her the way he did now. Like she was a treat to be devoured. She traced the small, half-moon scar on his cheek with the tip of her fingernail. It was the one she’d given him that first day in his office after he abducted her.

“Behave yourself, lamb. Don’t worry. I plan to feast on you all night if that’s what you truly want.”

“You know I do. You’ve not touched me in weeks. I’m going crazy.” Ava sighed, dropping her head back against the seat. “It’s my first time at LIST. How can you expect me not to be excited?”

After pestering Kingston for days, insisting she was healed enough to resume sexual activity, he finally agreed. To celebrate her recovery, and as a reward for good behavior during her tedious confinement, Kingston planned a weekend in the city. It would begin with a night of dissolute activities at LIST.

In preparation for the occasion, Mary from La Maison personally came to The Den and repeated the waxing process she’d done before. And like that first time, Kingston sat through the process, his heated gaze roaming over Ava’s nude body and a smile curving his lips.

“I’m afraid I’ve thoroughly corrupted you. Not many women look forward to being chained, gagged, spanked, and fucked.” An amused smile twisted Kingston’s firm lips.

“I’m sure that depends on whether you are the one doing all of the above,” Ava said cheerfully. “In that case, countless women would line up outside our door waiting for you to get busy.”

Kingston trailed a finger down her cheek in a softly caressing motion. “There’s only one woman in this world I want for such activities. Only one woman I want in my bed. Sharing my life. Holding my hand.”

“Who is this lucky woman?” Ava teased, wrinkling her nose at him.

“You just earned yourself another five strikes. Do you prefer my hand or the paddle?” Kingston grinned indulgently as Ava squirmed again, intensely aware of her lack of underwear. Her nipples were hard as diamonds beneath the strapless black cocktail dress, and she couldn’t help but lick her lips when she stared up into Kingston’s hungry eyes.

“The crop, sir. Did you know I’m not wearing panties right now?”

“Ah, someone has been doing their homework,” he growled. “And I am very aware you have nothing on beneath that dress, Ava. I would expect you to obey that simple command.”

“You told me to go through the list of things I might like.” Ava sulked when he gave no indication of taking advantage of her confession. “I did my research whenever I wasn’t working on the charity Christmas Ball. Neil has been so grateful for my help. I think he’s envious of my organization skills.”

“You would remind me of that particular list when I’m trying so hard to resist you.”

Ava pressed her lips together. “You don’t have to, you know.”

“Ah, but I must,” Kingston retorted. “At least until you’ve chosen a safe word.”

“Do I have to? Because I don’t want one. I want you to do anything you want tonight. In fact, I demand it. I’m going crazy wanting you, Kingston. It’s very cruel to deny me for so long. I thought you were obsessed with me?” She was egging him on. Ratcheting his lust until it burned like an out-of-control inferno. It was only fair that it matched the fire inside of her.

“I am obsessed with you, lamb.” His husky voice was molten honey pouring over her soul. It calmed Ava, even as it enflamed her desire. She ached for this man to just spread her legs and take her to the edge of oblivion. Kingston continued, “Sorry, Ava. But if you don’t select one, I will not touch you. I can’t promise my control without it.”

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