Page 42 of Tainted Obsession 1
Your sweet cunt belongs to me. I could feast on you every day.I shiver at the memory of his crass, possessive declaration.
He dragged me to the edge of orgasm only to deny me. My body burns with indignation and residual lust.
“Go get ready for the party,” he orders, nodding toward the bedroom. “I bought you everything you might need.”
His chest swells with pride, as though providing for me pleases him.
But I know such things always come with a price. He’s already made me malleable to his will by stoking my lust and leaving me wanting. Now, I’ll be indebted to him, unable to repay him for whatever bought for me. He’s asserted his control over me so easily.
I could rail at him, but he’s proven that he’s completely unaffected by my insistence that I want to leave. Arguing will get me nowhere, and being combative isn’t in my nature, anyway. I would rather quietly bide my time and assess my situation for any opportunities to escape the cartel stronghold and get safely back to America somehow.
One thing’s for certain: as long as I’m trapped in this suite with Massimo, I don’t have a hope of attaining my freedom. If that means accepting the clothes he bought me so that I have something to wear to this criminal’s party, then I’ll swallow my unease.
Chapter 17
Evelyn
My anxiety increases with every passing second as we ride the elevator down to the mezzanine level of Duarte’s personal nightclub. Massimo told me that the drug lord loves to party, and he has a clandestine club in his own building.
We won’t venture out into the open, beyond Duarte’s defenses. That means it’s unlikely that I’ll get an opportunity to slip away from the cartel.
But I won’t dare make a scene in front of a bunch of criminals, and my compliance has little to do with the fact that Massimo teased me to the edge of erotic madness.
I plan to assess my surroundings and remain as small and unobtrusive as possible for the next few hours. I’ve dealt with cartel members before, on the night theZetaskidnapped me. Massimo said Duarte won’t allow anyone to harm me, but I don’t intend to test that.
I edge closer to him, pressing my body against his powerful form. His big hand spans the small of my back, sending a pulse of warmth through me.
“You’re all right,dolcezza.No one will dare to touch you.”
He drops a kiss on the slightly tender spot on my shoulder, where I bear the mark of his teeth. He’s chosen a daring redsilk gown for me that leaves it on display, and I didn’t put up a fuss. If his claim protects me from being victimized by the cartel again, I’ll gladly let everyone know I’m here with Massimo.
The elevator doors slide open, revealing the VIP area of Duarte’s club. Low music with a deep, sensual beat pulses through the sleek space. In contrast to the sumptuous antique furniture and ornate crown molding in the suite upstairs, the club is thoroughly modern. A balcony allows revelers to look down on the throng partying on the ground level, and the opposite wall is lined with mirrors. Golden lights illuminate the empty dance floor—the guests are gathered near the polished ebony bar, socializing for the moment.
“Stay with me,” Massimo commands, steering me toward the small crowd with his hand firmly on my back.
I huff an irritated breath at being ordered around, but I’m too nervous to defy him. I have no intention of leaving his side, so there’s no point arguing.
My footsteps stall slightly as we near the other guests—the other criminals.
Massimo’s thumb traces soothing circles over my bare skin that’s exposed by the low back of the silky dress. I can’t suppress a shiver, and my core pulses despite my budding fear; it’s not strong enough to quell the lingering desire from his wicked mouth on me.
My cheeks burn at the memory, and I glance over to find him smirking at me. He’s far too smug and pleased with himself for reducing me to a panting mess.
I purse my lips in irritation, holding in acerbic words. Challenging Massimo would definitely attract attention, and that’s the last thing I want.
“You’re being such a good girl for me.” His thumb continues to trace lazy patterns on my back, stoking the heat at my core despite my indignation. “You’ll get your reward soon.”
An outraged sound like a small growl rumbles in my throat.
He chuckles in response, as though he’s thrilled at our game. He’s enjoying playing with me.
I cling to my anger as we approach the cartel members. It’s so much easier to bear than debilitating fear.
I glance over at him again, and he winks at me.
Oh.Is he goading me on purpose? To distract me from feeling fear?
Between the puzzle of this gorgeous man and the lingering pulse between my legs, I’m definitely distracted. I don’t have any room in my mind for terror to take hold, not when my infuriating, alluring protector is toying with me.
