Page 22 of Control: XXX Vadim 1
Then he shudders, and it’s like I can track the tension building within him, riding up his cock and finally exploding from him in reckless, ruthless waves.
And it’s the most amazing thing I’ve ever felt. Tears spill down my cheeks, my grin wild, my laughter shrill with triumph.
But then, somewhere within the come down, I realize…
I just fucked a human switchblade.
Chapter Nine
Idon’t know how we got here. Herebeing my hotel room, I think. I barely remember leaving the club. Entering a fancy red sports car. Having someone practically drag me into an elevator. Then, stripping my clothes and frantically trying to undress someone else—who stubbornly refused to remove more than his suit jacket and undo some of his shirt buttons. We stumbled into the bedroom afterward, and…
Hmm.Everything’s starting to blur and run together—but who cares?
I now have two glasses of wine, one in each hand. A beautiful man lies beneath me while I straddle him on a massive, luxurious bed. It’s heaven on earth, even if a part of me whispers that it’s a lie.
“You’re mean,” I tell Vadim seriously. So sexy and so mean. “What you did was really mean. I shouldn’t even be talking to you!” I lift my arms in indignation and wind up sloshing wine over the sliver of his chest bared by his partially undone shirt.Oops.Before a single drop can stain the tailored cotton garment, I lower my mouth to his pec and lick him clean. All better.
“Mean,” he echoes, sounding amused once more. He stares up at me, his gaze crystal clear. I doubt he’s taken a single sip of the wine he procured for me. No matter. That just means there’s more for me.
“Yes!” I nod. Then I giggle. “Spanking me was very mean, but in that case, you have my permission.”
“I should do more than spank you.” He’s frowning, his gaze distant. “My brother rarely speaks to me,” he adds, gripping my hips to steady me while I continue to bounce in place. “Never has he reached out genuinely. Not once. This morning, he sent you a present—well, I’m sure his fiancée had a hand in it, but your name is on the box.”
“Presents?” I perk up and scan the room. “Where?”
He nods to indicate a glass table positioned near the windows.
With a giddy squeal, I shimmy to the edge of the mattress and allow him to assist me by taking my wine glasses. Staggering on jellied legs, I find a beautifully wrapped package complete with a small handwritten note.
Thank you for the thoughtful gifts,someone had written.Francesca and Maxim.
I marvel at the simple gesture. Maxim may be scary as hell, but maybe there is some hope for him yet? At the moment, I’m tipsy enough to give even the Devil himself the benefit of the doubt.
“How sweet!” Feeling like a kid on Christmas morning, I rip into the package and gape at the present within. “Oh! It’s so pretty.” And luxurious too—a beautiful ruby-colored shawl made of silk. I drape it around my shoulders and find something else tucked within the box. “They sent you something as well.” I lift the navy colored piece of fabric and unfurl it, revealing a very nice tie. Lurching to my feet, I spin around only to find Vadim behind me. He eyes the strip of fabric as though it’s poisonous.
“So skeptical you are.” Giggling, I loop the tie around his neck only to instantly regret the finished effect. “Blue is so your color,” I tell him, annoyed at that fact. Navy enhances the depth of his gaze, making his eyes seem even more intense than usual. No fair.
“Do you make a habit out of manipulating people into giving you what you want?” he wonders grudgingly.
I bristle at that. “Not uh! It’s the first rule of engagement.” I lift my finger, about to school him on the proper gifting protocol, otherwise known as social norms. “Never arrive to a party without a gift for the hosts. Always shower them with adequate compliments. And…” I trail off, frowning as my thoughts turn fuzzy. “Something about always asking for seconds, even if the food tastes like ass, I think. Can I have my wines back, please?”
He frowns, so surly. “I’m starting to wonder if I should cut you off...”
I gasp in mock horror and snatch one glass right from his hand. “Never! I’m free, and no one can tell me what to do, remember? Not even you. It’s on my list.”
To prove it, I skip over to the window and admire the view of the city outstretched below, like a smattering of diamonds. If I stand at the right angle, I can make out my reflection—tall, butt-naked, swaying in the shadow of a larger, more enigmatic figure.
“Come here.” I beckon Vadim until he reluctantly steps forward, and then I sigh. “We look so sexy together.” And we do. Fire and embers. Light and dark. “What a shame that you’re so mean.”
“Why shouldn’t I be?” he counters. His hand smooths over my hip, and I arch into the contact. Then he stiffens as if he realizes only now what he’s done. Touch me of his own free will.
“Mean?” I prod before guzzling from my wine. I resurface pleasantly buzzed and add, “Because it’s mean!”
“In my world, you learn quickly that it’s better to be on your guard,” he muses. His words nuzzle the nape of my neck, and he’s even closer. “People seek out others only to gain something they want. I’m just prudent enough to ensure that more often than not, I get my desired win first. Consider thatmyversion of a list. The first rule is to always anticipate the selfishness of others. The second someone believes they have what you seek, they own you.”
It sounds so cutthroat. So darkly sexy.
“I didn’t want anything from you,” I point out, draining my glass. “I mean, I did, but mainly I wanted to do thingstoyou. Sexy things. You wouldn’t let me.”
