Surrender to Me (6 page)

He watched as Arianna looked around the cozy dining area. They sat inside a screened-in porch, just off the lake. The dock was lit with soft, white lights and tiki torches, illuminating the boats swaying in the water. A low fire adorned the hearth across from where they sat. The only other lights provided were from the various candles surrounding the porch.

“This place is perfect.” She sipped her drink. “How did you find it?”

“I’ve stayed here on occasion.”

“Why? It’s so close to your house.” The skin above her brow creased, alerting Martin to her confusion.

“My lifestyle sometimes includes rewards.” He swirled his glass and watched as the bubbles floated to the top. “I would take my last—” He stopped to rephrase. “Gracie liked to come here. When she was particularly obedient, I would reward her with a weekend stay.”

“Gracie was your sub?”

He nodded, but that wasn’t entirely true. Gracie was more than a sub. For a time, she was his entire world.

“Why did you let her go?”

Martin looked up at Arianna, but didn’t answer.

“Roxy told me you released her to Cade.”

“Did she?” Roxy was awfully vocal.

“Don’t take it out on Roxy. I asked and she told me. She didn’t do anything wrong.”

“Roxy is a wild one. I gave her to Alex hoping he could tame her, but she’s a spunky little thing. Her mouth often gets her into trouble. Alex has grown fond of her feistiness.”

“That’s why she can’t use the phone.”

“Alex took away her only form of communication to the outside world because she spoke to another man without being asked a question. She’s only allowed to speak to me or Alex. When you pulled your little stunt last week, you caused her to disobey her Dom again.”

“I didn’t mean to get her into trouble. She wanted to help me.”

“I know, and that’s why she didn’t get punished for what happened with you and Nico. What else did she tell you about Gracie?”

“Not much.” Arianna finished her drink. “Will you tell me?”

“What would you like to know?” Martin didn’t speak about Gracie often, but with Arianna things were different. He wanted to tell her.

“She was more than a sub to you.”

“Much more.” He retrieved the bottle from the ice bucket and refilled her glass. “I hadn’t taken on a permanent sub in years. I think I started losing my way in this lifestyle. I lost my purpose. I wondered if there was something else out there for me.”

“That was a few years ago.”

“Roxy brought Gracie into the club. She was young and naïve, but so eager to learn how to be a sub. I’d never seen anyone with such determination. She was a breath of fresh air. The single Doms at the club couldn’t wait to pounce, but I wanted her for myself. I didn’t realize what she would do for me. How she would reinvigorate me. The two and a half years she spent with me were the best of my life. I broke a vital rule with Gracie, but it couldn’t be helped.”

“What rule?”

“I fell in love with my sub.” Many Doms fell in love with their subs but it had never happened to Martin before. That was one of the reasons he wanted to take Gracie on as a sub. He knew from the start she was in love with Cade, so he didn’t expect to fall in love with her.

“If you love her, why did you release her to someone else?”

“She was never mine to keep. She told me from the beginning she wanted to learn how to be a sub for Cade. He was her true Dom. I just trained her for him.”

Arianna reached for Martin’s hand. Her tender touch warmed him, but he saw the sorrow in her eyes.

“Don’t pity me.” He would never regret the time he had with Gracie, no matter the outcome.

“My heart hurts for you.”

“She didn’t belong to me, but I allowed myself to love her anyway. She was very easy to love.” He smiled when he thought about the time they’d spent together. “She’s kind, caring, and the perfect submissive. She could be anything I needed her to be. If I wanted her to cuddle on the couch with me on a Friday evening and just be my girlfriend, she could do that, but it was a role for her. She knew how to act out a scene.”

“She didn’t love you?”

“She loved me very much. She still does.”

“But what about Cade?”

“He’s her husband. I gave her away myself. It was very fitting I walk the bride down the aisle and give her to her new Dom.”

“I’m confused. Why didn’t you fight for her?”

“I gave her what she wanted. She served me well for years, but I knew what she needed. It wasn’t me. I love her, but not the way we both needed. I’ll always care for her and I’ll do anything for her, but I know where she belongs. Cade adores her. He’s a good man and he’s becoming a stronger Dom every day. I was thrilled to see their progress when I visited them last week.”

“You’re okay with them being married? It doesn’t upset you.”

“No, it was hard when she first left, but I’ve gotten over it.” He reached across the table and took her hand. “I’m moving on. I think it’s time.”

“You want to move on with me?”

“Will that be a problem?” He smiled. “I think there is a mutual attraction. Have I misinterpreted?”

“I’m not like the women you seek. I can’t serve you the way they can. How can you be fulfilled with someone like me?”

“I could be very fulfilled with someone like you. Trust me.” He trailed his fingers up her arm and rested them on her shoulder. “I can’t stop thinking about you. I can leave the BDSM stuff behind and explore a relationship with you.”

“You’d give it all up for me? You just met me.” She looked at him for a few moments, the doubt evident in her voice.

“We don’t have to figure it all out tonight, do we?” He motioned for the waiter to come over. “Let’s have dinner and get to know one another a little better. But, yes.” He moved his fingers to her neck, running them along the base of her throat. “I’d be willing to try.”

Chapter 6

Ari tried to settle her nerves on the car ride back to Martin’s house. The alcohol wore off hours before as they talked and got better acquainted with one another. The attraction building between the two of them since almost their first meeting was at the boiling point. The chemistry could no longer be denied. Ari just about exploded with desire every time he touched her. She knew what was coming next, and she’d never wanted to have sex with someone more than she’d wanted to with Martin.

Martin held the door open for her as she made her way into the foyer.

“Can I get you something? A drink perhaps?” He loosened his tie, and then removed his jacket, draping it neatly over the foyer bench.

“Normally, someone would be bringing you the drink, right?” Ari moved closer to him, breathing in his spicy scent.

He smirked and it should have been cocky, but she found him confident and sexy, not at all like her weak and indecisive ex-husband.

“Tell me what would happen if you brought your sub back after dinner.” She squeezed her legs shut, trying to create some friction.

“Why?”

“Because I want to understand you.”

Martin paused for a moment, pondering her request. “We wouldn’t be talking, because her mouth would be otherwise occupied.” He swiped his thumb along her bottom lip.

“Oh,” she whispered.

He whispered into her ear, “After she served me orally, I’d reward her with my tongue, but I wouldn’t allow her to come.”

“You wouldn’t?” She swallowed hard.

“No, I’d bring her to the brink and let her savor the feeling. A Dom is nothing without his control.” He slipped the strap of her dress down her shoulder as he placed hot, open-mouth kisses along her jaw. “I say when and how many times she comes. Her climaxes belong to me.”

“What if she can’t help it?” Ari thought she might come just from his warm, wet mouth on her skin. How could any woman ever be expected to hold off when in his presence?

“She’d better.” Martin jerked his hips forward, pressing his erection into her thigh.

A low moan escaped her lips when she thought about the possibility of disobeying him.

“If she didn’t, I’d punish her.” He moved the other strap over her shoulder, pulling her dress down to her hips and letting it fall to the floor. “I’d bring her to the edge of insanity with my riding crop, slapping between her inner thighs and breasts. She wouldn’t know if it was pain or pleasure because the sensation on her nipples and clit would be far too intense.”

Ari stepped out of her dress that now pooled around her feet. She stood before him in nothing but her thong and heels. Could she offer herself to him?

“That kind of play isn’t for everyone, Arianna.” He licked his lips as he took in her exposed chest. “You’re exquisite.”

“I don’t know what to be for you.” She ran her fingers through her hair. “Tell me what you want.”

“You.” He brushed his lips against hers.

“What if I’m not enough for you?” Ari seemed to lose all confidence when it came to Martin. “What if I can’t be—”

“Shh.” He kissed her hard on the mouth. “Will you share my bed with me?”

She’d never seen him look unsure before, but she recognized the vulnerability in his eyes. It matched her own.

“I’ve never asked anyone to come to my bed. It’s usually not a request.” He twirled a strand of her hair around his finger. “I want to be with you.” He kissed her softer than before. “Please.”

“I want that too.” She realized how hard this must be for him. He reached out to her in a way he had never done before and it excited her. “Take me to your bed.”

Martin lifted Ari into his arms so quickly the motion made her head spin. “Whoa.” She giggled. “What’s the rush?”

“I’m not giving you a second to change your mind.” He carried her up the stairs and down the long hallway.

As he pushed his bedroom door open, she dangled her feet, allowing her shoes to fall to the floor. He brought her into the room, placing her in the center of his king-sized bed.

She sat up on her elbows and watched as he undressed. She’d seen his chest by the pool, but now that he stood naked before her she lost her breath. The hours he must have spent in the gym were evident in his arms, thighs, legs, and shoulders.

“See something you like, Ms. Covington?” He moved to the edge of the bed. “I know you’ve been watching me every afternoon at the pool.”

“I won’t deny it.” Ari crawled over to him and got up on her knees. He took her face between his hands and kissed her, taking his time to explore her mouth with his tongue. She broke the kiss and looked up at him.

“You’re so beautiful.” He ran his lips along her jaw and to her ear. “The things I want to do to you.”

“Can I touch you?” She wanted to respect his boundaries.

“I’d like that.”

She ran her hands up his chest and over his shoulders, indulging in the way his hard body felt under her palms. She leaned forward and slowly ran her tongue along his lips. “It’s been a while since I’ve done this.”

He trailed his hands down to her hips, tugging on her thong. “This will have to go. Take it off for me.”

“You didn’t ask nicely.” She kissed his neck.

“Arianna, you have five seconds to take it off.” His voice was low, but firm. He held out his hand, waiting for her to do as he asked.

“Or what?” She looked into his lust-filled eyes.

“Five, four—”

“Okay.” She wiggled out of her panties and handed them to him. So much for him giving up on the dominant stuff.

He smiled in victory before putting the scrap of material to his nose and inhaling deeply. “I bet you taste divine.” He reached into his nightstand and pulled out a foil packet. “Lie on your back and spread those long legs for me.”

His every action and word mesmerized her. She couldn’t take her eyes away from him. He placed his hand on her shoulder and guided her onto her back.

“You’re not listening.” He wedged his knee between her thighs and spread her legs open. “What should I do about that?”

His dominance wasn’t something he could tuck away. He couldn’t help it, but she didn’t care. “Whatever you want.”

He leaned down and kissed her breasts. Taking them between his hands, he squeezed and pushed them forward, working his tongue around her nipples. As he licked and sucked her breasts, he rubbed his cock along her pussy, creating a warm rush of adrenaline to course through her system. Suddenly she wanted him everywhere. She needed to feel his tongue along her folds, his fingers against her clit, and his cock buried so deep inside her she wouldn’t be able to walk for a week.

“Ahh…” She cried out when he took her nipple between his teeth and bit down. She trembled with need as the juices flowed down her thighs. Her stomach muscles coiled so tightly she thought she might burst.

“You like that?” He blew his warm breath on her wet breasts as he ran his fingertips over her sensitive buds. “You look like you might come.”

“How could I?” Her voice laced with desire, breathless and throaty. “It’s not possible.” Her thoughts were clouded in a shroud of lust, but she knew the only way she’d ever climaxed was from her lover’s fingers or her vibrator.

“Anything’s possible.” He reached down between them, spreading her lower lips with his fingers and pressing the tip of his cock against her slit. “You’re dripping.” He continued to move his hips in slow, controlled movements, never pushing all the way inside her, but hitting where she needed.

“Martin.” She wrapped her legs around his waist and lifted her hips off the bed, trying to get him inside her. “Please.”

“I want to watch you come first.”

Frantic with need, she thrust her hips forward. He slipped his fingers inside her and watched as she rocked against them. He made sure to concentrate on her clit. Once she closed her eyes, need took over and she released hard against his hand.

Her heart pounded against her chest, echoing in her ears, but she could still hear the tear of the foil packet. When she came around, she opened her eyes and watched as Martin sheathed himself in the thin latex.

“I’m practicing great restraint with you tonight. As you may have noticed, my dominance is not easily buried.” He lowered himself on top of her. “If I do something you don’t like or don’t want, just tell me to stop and I will.”