Page 120 of Sinner

He was mesmerizing, raw and sharp.

Every action he took was intense and angry, except with me. Yes, he was still calculated, always remaining dominant, but there was so much more tonight. I was used to the murderous glint in his irises, but on this night, his expression was entirely different. So much so my pulse kicked up in my chest and in my core.

In a tender move, he rolled his fingers up from the base of my spine and over my shoulders, taking his time crawling the tips down both arms. By the point he pressed his palms against the tops of my hands, I was trembling all over.

Seeing him in all black without his mask was even more daunting. He wasn’t hiding because it wasn’t necessary with me any longer. His beast could come out and play anytime he wanted and he’d be welcomed.

I laughed nervously when he nuzzled his face into the side of my neck. Why was it that his presence was more intimidating than before?

Why also was it that I knew this moment in time would change everything between us?

“My little lamb is a true vixen. Just remember playing games is very dangerous.”

“For whom?” I whispered.

He released my hands, slowly moving his to the black pants I’d worn, his eyes never leaving mine as he peeled the material over my hips, snagging my thong and sliding both to the floor.

I didn’t want to blink for fear I’d miss something. Every move he made was dominating yet sensual, the hard clench of his jaw sexy and inviting. His chest rose and fell as he slipped his handsunder the front of my shirt, growling the moment he cupped both breasts.

The heated shivers continued as he squeezed them before pinching my nipples.

“I think you know the answer to that. You challenged the man you once called the devil. Now the man behind the mask has surfaced.”

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning…” he breathed into my ear before nipping my lobe. “Now that I’ve captured you, I’m never letting you go.”

CHAPTER 34

Jessica

Every time I was around Xander, my blood boiled, but tonight the fire lapping at every nerve ending was even more enticing.

His eyes were hooded as he pulled his head away, taking several deep breaths just like I was doing. There was no denying the way we felt about each other or the connection we shared.

“Arms over your head, my little lamb.”

I did as he commanded, no longer fearful of what he’d do if I disobeyed him. My reaction was based on the need to please him. He tugged off my shirt, leaving me standing in only thigh highs and flat black ballet shoes.

There was something much more primal about the way he was leering at me. The man was preparing for a feast. Or my punishment.

He didn’t need a reason why. He simply provided what he believed I needed.

I couldn’t seem to stop shivering as he rubbed the flats of his hands down the outside of my thighs. The tingling sensations were almost overwhelming, leaving me as breathless as I was anxious for more.

Tonight he was wearing a black long-sleeve tee shirt, the material unable to hide his carved features. He appeared even more powerful than I was used to, but without his mask, there was no way of pretending or denying what he wanted.

My total surrender.

I remained completely lightheaded, swooning from the number of stars floating in my field of vision. Using his knee, he pressed my legs apart before taking a single step backward. Only weeks before I would have stared in horror as a man unfastened his belt. But now my mind was churning with possibilities, my pulse racing harder than it had done before. Maybe I did crave pain as he’d accused me of before.

He continued taking his time, as if this night was meant for the two of us. There would be no interference, no one attempting to destroy the moment. By the time he started to tug the strap from the loops, I was already breathless. He hadn’t needed to tell me to remain still. I had no desire to go anywhere.

“I can smell your desire, little lamb.” As soon as the belt was free, he snapped it on the floor. I didn’t jump. I didn’t move a single muscle.

My pussy was throbbing, the insides of my thighs both damp. I purred the moment he rolled the end of the strap over my shoulder, tapping one breast then the other. I even arched myback in anticipation of what he was about to do, the moment terribly stimulating.

But I should learn never to overestimate my knowledge of the man. He slipped the strap around my throat, sliding the end through the buckle and pulling until the thick leather was wrapped tightly.