Page 30 of A Heart So Savage

Suddenly, without her consent or even an understanding ofwhy,Kingston’s pain was her pain. His torment, hers as well. And Kingston Vaughn Winterwastormented, although he concealed it behind an icy façade of dominance and control. Realizing she felt empathy for his upbringing was sobering. During the years her father helped him, she never would have guessed the depraved and violent truth of Kingston’s upbringing. The things endured simply because he had the misfortune of being born to a sadistic parent.

“I knew many of those women he brought down to the basement were not there voluntarily. My father dabbled in sex trafficking, and in his opinion, women were objects he could exchange for various favors or sold for profit.” Releasing one of Ava’s wrists, Kingston smoothed a hand over her hair, brushing wayward strands out of her eyes. A sad smile twisted his lips, his eyes dark with remembered nightmares. “He demanded that I do horrible things to them, always with the threat of harming Rebecca or Oliver if I defied him. Sometimes, I did those things to Rebecca while he watched and directed my actions. It was punishment—for falling in love with something he owned. But in my own fucked up way, I was protecting her. After all, better that the abuse came from my hand rather than my father’s.”

“I’m sorry, Kingston,” Ava’s said sadly.

Kingston’s hand closed around her throat. He did not squeeze, though. In fact, almost curiously, his grip remained light, almost caressing. As if he simply wished to remind her who was in control. But his eyes blazed, the blue depths so dark and cold that Ava shuddered with foreboding.

“Don’t feel sorry for me. I don’t want your fucking pity,” he snarled softly. “I did some of those things unwillingly, but the darkest, twisted part of my soul also found pleasure in it. I like having a woman gasp and moan my name when I make her come. I love striping sweet little asses like yours with a flogger or even better, my belt. I relish the submission of a beautiful woman, and nothing is more enjoyable than putting her on her knees while I command her. I’m a monster whoneedsthose things. They’re woven into my very being. Don’t even think about romanticizing my past and making me into some goddamn tortured hero who needs a good girl to save him from himself. I’m the bad guy, Ava, with a cruel streak a mile long. Don’teverforget that. Do you understand?”

Ava’s strangled sob came from deep within her, but she nodded. She could not comprehend how Kingston’s confession—his revelation—made her feel. On one hand, her soul ached for her captor. Hurt terribly for the unimaginable horror of his childhood and the way he’d grown up. But her heart also faltered in its beat, consumed with real fear of this man. He was unapologetic in his savage wickedness, his intent plainly stated. He wanted to hurt her. He would enjoy it. He would do what he wanted, regardless of her wishes and the lack of even the most basic consent.

And Ava felt a thrill with the realization of how much she craved it. Her body reacted in the most primal way to his outrageous dominance, her blood roaring like an out-of-control river until it pooled between her thighs and left her damp and aching. Kingston would protect her from other monsters waiting to snatch her in the dark even as he made her suffer for the privilege of security. As long as he wanted her, she was safe. He’d already proven his willingness to kill a man for her sake.

His possessiveness made her insides clench with something that felt an awful lot like satisfaction. Belonging to him meant safety. The unfortunate encounter with the law enforcement sent by her brother highlighted the danger of her situation.

I need Kingston Winter. And like the saying goes, it’s better to sit at the right hand of the Devil than to be in his path.

She shifted her legs, remembering what this man had done to her after Detective Redding and Officer Holt departed the estate. How could she forget the way he buried his face between her thighs while her ex listened on the phone? How could she forget how hard she came when he let her fall over the edge?

The tiny frown creasing Kingston’s brow melted as a knowing smirk played across his firmly molded lips. He knew what she was feeling. Knew that she wanted him to take and take even while she fought the inevitability of it. Between their bodies, his cock hardened and swelled until it stabbed at Ava’s stomach with ruthless lust.

“This is a fucking problem, isn’t it?” he inquired with a soft growl.

“What do you mean?” She sounded drunk. Or high, even to her own ears. Felt it, too. Desire sapped away all resistance, and she reveled in the control he exerted over her. She was woozy with the things Kingston made her feel. Addicted to the floaty dreamlike state she tumbled into every time he kissed her.

“This thing between us. This… fuckingneed.It’s a goddamn problem. Now that I’ve had you, I can’t get enough. That makes me weak.” Kingston’s eyes glowed in the room’s dim light, desperation lacing the steel of his voice. “Youmake me weak, Ava.”

Ava nodded, leaning forward until his rough hand closed more firmly around her throat. Sharp hunger lanced her nerve endings.

It wasn’t difficult remembering the plan of remaining submissive to his every demand. She couldn’t help herself, anyway. This man touched her, and she melted into a puddle of stupid obedience. “And you make me feel reckless. Wanted. Desired…” She met his gaze with unblinking honesty. “Safe. You make me feel safe, Kingston.”

“Safe?” he grunted in surprise, eyes narrowing. “Fuck. That’s the last thing you should feel with me. Oh, whatever will I do with you, lamb?” His thumb stroked the underside of her chin

“Anything you want,” she whispered. “I don’t understand what is between us anymore than you do, but I must pay your price in exchange for your protection.”

“You already have that.” The admission was gruff as the air thickened and swirled around them, but Kingston released her, gently pushing her away. “I’ve got business to attend this afternoon, but I’m taking you into the city tomorrow night. Wear something appropriate for dinner at a five-star restaurant.”

Ava stared at him as he rolled from the bed. She caught a quick view of his exquisitely carved buttocks and wide, muscular back before he disappeared into the huge walk-in closet. Her nipples contracted into hard buds of desire, throbbing for his touch even though he obviously had no intent on fucking her at that moment.

“And Ava?” Kingston’s voice, hard and stern, floated from the closet’s depths as she hugged the sheets to her bare chest, willing her body to calm itself. “No underwear. No bra. So, choose your clothing wisely.”

ChapterTwelve

Obsession becomes us…

Kingston swallowedthe bourbon left in the tumbler.

It was his fourth since arriving home almost two hours before. Now, he waited in the spacious, formal living room. Decorated in pristine white and grey tones, it shouted sophistication.

He’d sent word that his little prisoner be ready within the hour, and it was nearing that deadline now.

Maybe she called for help during my absence. Maybe she’s doing it right now as I pace back and forth like a nervous asshole going out on a high school date. Will the goddamn Navy Seals break down my doors any minute now, executing an extraction of a live hostage?

Fuck. How much longer would Ava be? And why the fuck had he returned her cell phone to her possession in the first place?

Yesterday, she’d stared at him in mistrust when he tossed it onto the bed.

“You were very convincing when informing Detective Redding of your intention to stay. I especially like the part where you said how much you enjoy my company. And later, when you told Cornerstone that you were never coming back to him, I truly believe you meant it.”

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