Page 2 of Dark Embers

“It’s so late, Mom.” I sniff. “I… I suppose Elena and I can stay here alone for another night although…” Pausing for dramatic effect. “Mom. She’s been so fussy… I… I hope she’s not sick.”

“Sweetheart, I’m on my way.” My mother didn’t even say goodbye as the phone clicked ending our call.

I exhale shakily, running a hand down my face. Jesus, how the hell am I going to keep this up for heavens knows how long? But I can’t think about it. I have to get myself and Elena ready to meet her grandmother as we step into a new era of my life. One forged in lies and deceit. I kiss Elena again before strapping her into her car seat, reminding myself once again—this is all for her. My baby girl.

I grab a bag and begin packing up my things and Elena’s, making sure I have everything I need. Then I settle into the couch, my baby girl close while she sleeps in her car seat, waiting for Mom to arrive.

To pass the time, I unlock my phone and click on a show, letting the background noise soothe me.

But my heart nearly stops when a news alert cuts in, the words flashing across the screen:Explosion at the Mirochin Mansion Tonight. Police and Officials Are on Scene, Awaiting Further Updates.

A cold dread washes over me, my stomach turning to lead as a horrifying thought slams into my mind—is Tara involved in this?

The timing is a little too coincidental and it's far too suspicious how my sister disappears on the very same night there’s an explosion at the Mirochin mansion. My fingers tighten around the phone, my pulse thundering in my ears.

“Jesus Tara, what the hell have you done?

CHAPTER 2

Oleksi

Eight Months Ago

I love it when the woman surrenders—that moment she knows she belongs to me—after I've broken her down, stripped her of all pretense, and left nothing but pure need in her trembling body.

“Ohh…” The beautiful brunette bites her lips. “S… sorry, master, I didn’t mean to…”

She sucks in her breath as I shove my fingers deeper into my sub's dripping pussy, curling them just enough to make her gasp, her breath hitching as she dangles on the edge.

I can feel how fucking close she is to exploding. The sound that vibrates in her throat makes my cock ache, just like the sight of her—spread, bound, waiting—fuels the heat raging through my veins.

“It’s okay. You can speak now.” My voice is low, rough, and ruthless. “Tell me what you want, whore!”

The woman’s body quivers against the restraints, her arms bound above her, ankles secured to the floor. Her breasts rise and fall in erratic motion, the soft glow of the dungeon’s candlelight flickering over her still red-stained skin from the kiss of the leather flogger. Her dark hair spills like liquid silk over her shoulder, mussed from the way she’s been writhing beneath my touch.

“I…” Her voice trembles, soft and needy. “I want to come, please, master.”

A slow, cruel smile tugs at my lip, and I drag my thumb over her swollen clit in slow, deliberate strokes. Just not enough to give her what she wants, though.

“Not yet.” I press my mouth close to her ear, inhaling the subtle scent of jasmine and vanilla. “Do you think you deserve it?” My tone is velvet and steel. I push my fingers deeper and feel her walls tighten, her body vibrating with desperation.

“Yes,” she whimpers, her body straining against the cuffs. “Unless… unless you think I need to please you more, master. Maybe… maybe you need me to pleasure you first? Master”

A soft chuckle escapes my lips. “You’re such a good little slut, wanting to put your master's needs before your own.”

I reward her by twisting my fingers inside her, feeling her pulse around me. She’s so fucking close, teetering over the edge of oblivion, just waiting for me to let her go.

My concentration is shattered by the sharp knock that rattles the dungeon door.

“M… master?” The woman’s words tumble out of her mouth, half plea, half question, as the knock comes again.

I clench my jaw and choose to ignore it.Whoever it is can fucking wait.

I turn my focus back to the woman before me, tracing a slow, torturous circle over her clit with my thumb. She gasps, back arching, hands pulling against her bindings, that perfect moment of anticipation building once again as she thrusts her hips forward, her pussy hungry for the release.

“You were asking me for something my pet.” I lean closer so my lips and tongue can tease her sensitive inner ear and suck her soft earlobe.

“Please, master, I would like your permission to…” Her breathing becomes more labored as I roll her clit between my thumb and forefinger. “Oh… please… please…”

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