Page 38 of Vicious in the Dark

Who was I kidding? I’d never really gotten over losing them. I’d simply learned to live with it.

“We can’t do this,” I gasped, fingers clawing the air as I fought the need to clutch two tight fistfuls of his hair. “It’s only going to make things more complicated.”

Maddox flicked my clit with his tongue, waiting until I shuddered to stop and peer up at me. “You just said you weren’t interested in a tease, but you want me to stop now? Which is it, Vixen?”

Instead of waiting for my response, Maddox dipped his tongue inside me. I flung out a hand to grip the dresser, not trusting my legs to hold me. All right, he kind of had a point. Not that I would admit it aloud.

“Honestly, I’d prefer that you didn’t find ways to fuck with my head.” A moan followed what was supposed to be a harsh remark, ruining the effect. Son of a bitch.

Maddox chuckled and pulled away, leaving me gaping at him. “Don’t worry, Maven. I plan to finish you off this time. Eventually.”

Before I could question his wicked promise, he used a hand on each of my hips to spin me around. Maddox pushed me against the bed, forcing me down on my stomach while he remained on his knees behind me. He seized hold of my wrists, trapping them behind my back in his powerful grasp. I turned my head to the side to avoid smothering in the fluffy blanket, staring at a painting of a jaguar on the wall while Maddox peeled my panties down.

The air touched my bare ass, cool compared to the heat of his free hand on my skin. My face flushed as I felt his hungry gaze upon me. I felt relieved that I didn’t have to look into his eyes when he spanked me. The suddenness of his hand on me followed by the sting of the slap forced out an excited gasp. A flood of pleasure made me wetter, which Maddox quickly discovered.

“You smell and taste exactly like I remember. Dear God, I’ve missed you, Mave.” He ran a finger up and down my slit, playing in the wetness gathered at my opening. “If you ever leave me again, I’ll hunt you down and drag your ass home.”

Because I simply wouldn’t be me if I didn’t test him, I tried to pull my wrists free. He held firm, tightening his grip. Being at Maddox’s mercy still turned me into a swooning mess. Time hadn’t changed the connection we shared. I found myself both relieved and disappointed.

“You never cared enough to hunt me down before.” I flinched as his finger dipped inside me. The warmth of his mouth on my ass cheek coaxed forth a weak groan. He’d always been able to reduce me to a quivering puddle of need.

I didn’t mean for the accusation to slip out. When I left River City I fully expected Maddox to come after me. He never did. It broke my heart.

“That’s what you think,” he said, voice husky with arousal. “I definitely hunted you down. You just never knew that I was there. I thought were you better off without me, so I stayed out of sight, but I needed to know you were safe.”

The only thing more shocking than his words was the sensation of Maddox tonguing my asshole. Something that sounded like both a moan and a sob came out of me. How could he say something like that while he had me pinned to the bed? What was this man trying to achieve by breaking me emotionally while driving my body wild? I’d never wanted to stab him as much as I did then.

Maddox slowly worked two fingers in and out of my pussy, rubbing my clit with his thumb. I whimpered at the sudden rise of sensations, unable to fight the orgasm he demanded from my body. Unable to help myself, I pushed back against him, seeking more. Having his hands and mouth on me wasn’t enough. I needed him inside me.

I came with a cry that made my chest ache. This was all too much far too soon. I’d come home because danger was on my tail, but I was in no way ready for the emotional aspects of my return.

Maddox dragged a finger over my ass cheek before standing up and releasing my wrists. He picked up his shirt from the floor and strode toward the door. “I’ll come back for you at supper time, Vixen. Is there anything in particular that you’d like?”

I rolled off the bed and unceremoniously pulled my pants back up, but not before noticing the M he’d drawn on my ass in his blood. Crazy bastard.

“Yeah, I’d like to eat it at home with Rumer,” I said, willing my weak legs to hold me. “I’m not staying here, Maddox.”

He paused in the threshold to fire a mischievous grin my way. “Agree to disagree.”

The door closed behind him before I could muster a furious retort. Annoyed with how easily he manipulated the situation, I picked up the knife he’d kicked across the room and flung it at the door. The blade embedded in the heavy wood. It didn’t do a damn thing to make me feel better.

It wasn’t up to Maddox to keep me safe. Not anymore, and sure as hell not the way he saw fit. He’d lost that right long ago.

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

MAVEN

By the time Maddox came back for me I was undeniably hungry. I was also mad as hell. I greeted him with silence, not saying a word as he led me downstairs to the dining room. There were two people stationed at the front door and two at the back patio door that opened into the backyard by the pool. There was no way of knowing how many were outside manning the property. I recognized the two men at the patio door from my time with the syndicate. If they were surprised to see me, they didn’t show it.

Maddox ushered me through the open concept living room and kitchen around the corner to the dining room. The six seater table was covered in various restaurant food containers. Ruthless sat at one end, digging into a plate of sauce drenched ribs and fries. He glanced up when we entered, a scowl crossing his face.

I took a seat in the middle of the table, careful not to place myself too close to either of them. Maddox sat at the end opposite Ruthless. He flipped open a pizza box and helped himself to a large slice while simultaneously pouring a glass of whiskey.

Opting for the jug of water, I poured some into a glass and used taking a drink to survey the room. It had been quite some time since I’d been here. Not much had changed. Most of the pictures on the wall and decorative items were the very same from when we’d been kids. My gaze lingered on a statue of an elephant hand carved from wood on a side table in the corner. I’d always loved that statue. Seeing it now made this experience feel surreal. I should never have come back here.

“Do you still think this is a good idea?” Ruthless asked, looking at Maddox but nodding in my direction. “She might be more trouble than she’s worth.”

My jaw dropped, but I quickly recovered. Helping myself to a tray of pasta and steamed veggies, I gave Ruthless an analytical onceover. “Ouch, Micah. That hurts a little. What did I ever do to make you hate me so much?”

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