Unyielding (Tortured Love Book 1) (11 page)

She forced a neutral expression to her face, hoping it fooled him. “On paper, yes. But it was my father who took care of everything.”

Merrick picked up his phone. “I need to talk to them.”

Lynda froze. Her insides turned to jelly, and she was certain she’d puke any second.

He narrowed his eyes slightly. “You have their numbers, right?”

“Yes. Sure.” She pointed toward her phone on his desk. “They’re in there.”

She was helpless. There was nothing she could do while he talked to her Uncle Ted, and told him to come over that evening and bring his brother, Tom. What excuse could she give Merrick for not wanting to be in the same room with them?

Lynda hugged herself and struggled to keep breathing. She dug her nails into her palms to keep from shouting out something which would make no sense to him. She hadn’t seen her uncles more than half a dozen times since the party, fourteen years earlier. The same party where she’d first met Merrick.

Now, he would find out. How could she keep it from him? He would find out what they’d done, and then he’d never trust her again. First she’d kept the full story of Rey’s betrayal from him, and now this. No way would he ever forgive her for not telling him.

Chapter Sixteen

Merrick finished his phone calls and Lynda rose to leave the office, but he asked her to stay. “We need to talk.”

“Are you sure? This is a horrible day for you. I’m sure you have a lot more to take care of.”

“Lynda, we haven’t spoken in three days.”

She turned to face him as the anger bubbled up, hot and white. “That was your choice, Merrick.”

He stared at her for a few seconds, and she decided the best course of action was to leave before she said something she regretted. But then he was in front of her, cupping her face. Lynda bit the inside of her cheek to keep a check on her emotions.

“I know. I’m sorry.”

What?
“Excuse me?”

The corners of his mouth turned up. “I said I’m sorry. It was childish of me to ignore you like that. If it makes any difference, I found it incredibly difficult.”

“It was for me, too.” That was an understatement.

“We’re both very stubborn.”

“Yes, I suppose we are.” She didn’t know what else to say. Having him this close again was intoxicating. Somewhere in the back of her mind, that tiny voice of reason was screaming that this marriage would never work if she and her husband couldn’t communicate like adults. But the only thing Lynda seemed able to pay attention to were her raging hormones.

He needed a shave, and he smelled all musky and warm, the way he had Sunday night in the workout room. What her father and Dean had done got shoved into the background as Merrick grazed her lips with his.

Lynda sucked in a quick breath. Every fiber of her being wanted him again. This was sick and twisted, but it was as real as anything. The physical attraction between them was not something she could deny or ignore.

“Lynda…” It was only a whisper, a prayer, a pleading, but it sent shockwaves through her body. She had missed him so damn much! Talking was overrated anyway.

He kissed her neck, forcing a loud moan from her. “I need you. I need my wife.”

“Oh, Merrick. I need you, too.”

Lynda molded her body against his as he released her face and gathered her in his arms. The bulge in his pants pressed into her lower abdomen, chasing away all rational thought. Surely this was confirmation he was no longer upset with her. As for what her father and Dean had done, that would have to wait. Lynda needed to fuck her husband.

She reached between them and tugged at his shirt. He obliged by stepping back so she could tear it off, popping a few buttons along the way. He didn’t seem to notice them skittering across the wood floor. Instead, he pulled off her tank top and dropped it, her bra following.

He grasped her breasts, sending tiny jolts of electricity racing to her throbbing clit. “Lynda, we are so good at this.”

“Yes.” She tugged on the waistband of his jeans. “Yes, we are.”

He kissed her nipples, then gave her a wicked grin after she pulled down his jeans and boxers. “Shall we stay in here?”

“Yes.” Lynda sat on the desk, then watched as he stepped out of his jeans and boxers. “Come over here.”

He raised his brows. “What do you plan on doing with me?”

She licked her lips. “You’ll see.”

He gave her a thoughtful look, and she suddenly realized why. She’d told him the partial story, but had never explained that she’d been able to move beyond it and give Rey oral sex.

“It’s all right, Merrick. I can do it. I want to make new memories with you.” She meant it. This man had captivated her body, and she wanted to explore the limits of her sexual needs with him.

He gave her such a tender look that she was taken aback. If she didn’t know any better, she’d swear he was starting to care about her as a person. He moved in front of her, caressing the sides of her breasts, holding her gaze as he did so. Lynda whimpered with need.

“I wasn’t sure how you felt about blowjobs, after what you told me.”

She couldn’t talk about it right now or that would ruin the mood, so instead she wrapped her hands around his dick. “Then let me show you. Move closer.”

His wicked smile sent an odd fluttering to her heart. He really was a gorgeous, charming man when he wanted to be. She could easily fall for him if she wasn’t careful, but that would be a disaster for her.

She licked the tip of his cock to distract her thoughts, and his resulting groan satisfied her. He was considerably taller than she was, so even sitting on his desk, she was able to bend over and comfortably take the first few inches of his penis into her mouth.

“Oh,
fuck
! Lynda … oh my God!” He grasped her head and held it, one hand on each side, but that was fine with her. It freed up her hands to gently play with his balls while she moved her mouth up and down over the length of his shaft. Rey had loved blowjobs, and had been so patient in getting her to the point of being able to give him one that she had enjoyed it.

Lynda pushed thoughts of Rey and of the coming evening out of her head. She wanted to give this time and her attention to Merrick, and only him. She needed this. If she let thoughts of anyone or anything else in right now, she might never be able to fuck Merrick again.

She wrapped her hands around his ass and relaxed her throat muscles, letting him set the pace. He tasted salty and musky, and she loved the noises he made as he slowly thrust in and out of her mouth. He was being so careful. He
did
care.

No matter what this man had done in the past, something or someone had hurt him deeply. She knew that now. And the pain of being hurt by someone you loved or trusted was a pain Lynda understood all too well. They had that in common. She had no clue what else was in his past, but it was clear he was capable of kindness and restraint. Everyone had both good and bad in them. No one was perfect.

Lynda moaned deep in her throat as he tested her limits by pushing more of his dick into her mouth. He was so damn big, but she wanted to do this for him. She moved her hands from his ass to his balls again, and when she played with them, he cried out loudly.

“Jesus … that feels so fucking good! Lynda, I’m going to come.”

She was grateful he’d warned her, because as he did, his thrusting grew quick and jerky and he pushed the entire length of his cock into her mouth. She swallowed, but most of his cum dribbled onto her chin. When he finished, he gave her a look that took her breath away. It was a combination of awe and need that she’d never seen in anyone’s eyes.

“Are you all right?” His voice was smoky and warm, and it melted her insides.

“Yes,” she whispered.

“That was fucking fantastic. Thank you.”

She’d never been thanked for a blowjob, or for any sexual act. Lynda could only stare at him. The memories of this terrible day were already fading. There was only Merrick, and those intense, sexy dark eyes.

“Let’s get you cleaned up. And then I’m going to paddle your fucking gorgeous ass before I fuck you again.”

Lynda released a shaky exhale as erotic images danced through her head. Her pussy contracted in tiny spasms. She was so damn ready to come right now it was ridiculous. He led her into his bathroom where he washed her face with a warm cloth, then kissed her, shoving his tongue into her mouth. By the time he released the kiss, she was out of her mind with desire, and his cock was almost hard again.

He took her hand and led her into the bedroom. He told her to sit on the edge of the bed, and she watched him take a thick leather paddle out of the armoire. The bottle of lube and the box of condoms they’d used days ago were still on his nightstand, which surprised her. He told her it had been difficult to stay away from her. Had he meant it? Why else would he have said so?

When he turned to face her, his gaze roamed over her body. “Why do you still have on pants?”

She giggled at the look on his face. “I was distracted and forgot to take them off.”

He smacked the paddle against his palm, and she jumped at the sound of it. “Get them off. Now.”

She pulled off her Capris and panties, then tossed them onto the floor. He eyed her slowly, while goosebumps broke out on her arms. His cock was rock hard again, and once more his strength and stamina amazed her. When he finally advanced toward her, her gaze drifted to the paddle. The damn thing had holes in it, for God’s sake. It would hurt like a bear, but Lynda couldn’t wait to feel it on her ass.

“I think I might have to paddle your pussy, too, for making me wait to see it just now.”

She didn’t respond. She couldn’t. All she could do was watch him, waiting, wanting this more than she’d ever wanted anything in her life.

“Lie down on your back and lift your legs.”

She did as he asked, her entire body quivering in anticipation.

“Grasp your calves.”

Lynda wrapped her hands around her calves, her muscles tense now.

“Don’t move.”

“Okay,” she whispered, watching him. He sat down next to her and brushed the edge of the paddle up and down her legs, then over her soaking wet pussy. Lynda gasped when he pushed two fingers into her wetness.

“You’re ready for me, aren’t you?”

His voice teased her, sending her arousal to crazy heights. “Yes, I am.”

“You’re ready for me to fuck this hot pussy again.” He moved his fingers in and out, slowly, seductively, until Lynda moaned. Her orgasm poised right there on the edge, and he knew somehow because he withdrew his fingers and then stood. He tapped the paddle against her ass cheeks lightly, a wicked grin on his face. “That’s quite a pose. I should fuck you like that.”

“Okay.”

He chuckled low in his throat, sending shivers down her spine. “Not yet. You’re going to have to earn it.”

“That’s not fair.”

The paddle came down across both ass cheeks, hard. Lynda yelled and released her legs. “That thing
hurts
!”

“No shit.” He wrapped an arm around her legs before she could lower them completely. “Get them back up and hold onto them, Lynda. We haven’t even started yet.”

Chapter Seventeen

Lynda knew she could refuse. She had that option, and he’d still fuck her because he wanted to. His cock was red and swollen again, and that fueled her desire more than anything. The fact that he wanted her so badly.

But she wanted this, too. She’d never done anything as decadent and exciting at the same time. Even though the damn paddle did hurt, it also had felt incredible, and she wanted to know how much she could take. She grasped her calves again, and the triumphant look in his eyes made her grin. He was used to people giving him what he wanted.

“Is something funny?” he asked.

“No.” She cut her gaze to his dick. “Just enjoying the view.”

He laughed again. “Same here. Now hang on this time, understood?”

“Yes.” She braced for it, but wasn’t prepared for the searing burn when he brought the paddle down on her ass again. She gasped for breath as pain and pleasure became one, sending shockwaves of hot desire racing through her body.

When he stopped, she swore he’d only given her five swats, but she was dripping in sweat. “Spread your legs.” His voice was rough and shaky, as if he was barely hanging on. Lynda did as he asked, thinking he was finally going to fuck her, but she was wrong. “Lift them and grasp your calves again, or your ankles if you can reach them. Hold your legs apart in the air.”

She started to shake her head, but the look on his face stopped her. She’d never seen such lustful sexiness in anyone’s eyes, and she knew she wouldn’t refuse him. She needed to see where this went. She wanted him to push her like this. Her pussy was so wet she was surprised her juices weren’t trickling down her thighs by now. Her entire body tingled, as if lightning was close. Nothing could be this arousing. It wasn’t human.

Lynda did as he asked, then gasped again when he smacked her pussy with the paddle.

“Oh, Lynda. You are so wet, and now your beautiful pussy will be red, too. Baby, I’m going to fuck you so hard when we’re done. I’m going to fuck you until you beg me to stop.”

“Oh, God!” She simply tried to keep breathing as he gave her pussy five swats. They weren’t as hard as the ones he’d given her ass, but they still hurt. At the same time, she’d never felt anything so exquisite, and she knew that paddle would easily become her favorite toy.

“Stay like that.” He dropped the paddle on the bed and pushed two fingers inside her again, moving them in and out quickly. “You’re close, aren’t you?”

“Yes.
Please!
Please let me come.”

“No.” He withdrew his fingers, a wicked gleam in his eyes. She yelled, but all he did was grin. “Stand up.”

She did, but her legs were shaking. “May I have some water, please?”

His expression grew concerned. “Are you all right? Lynda, if this is too much for you, please tell me so.”

Her pulse raced. She moved closer to him so she could put her hands on his face. “It’s perfection. Honestly. I’m just thirsty.”

He covered her hands with his and gazed into her eyes for long, luscious moments. The sex they had was amazing. It was over the top incredible. But would they ever have anything else? Would these tiny moments of intimacy blossom and spill over into the rest of their lives?

She couldn’t help think about the past three days. Granted, he had apologized for it, and she could have made the first move as well but had chosen not to. Were they both really that stubborn, or was this marriage doomed to be filled with fantastic sex but nothing else?

“I have plenty of water in here.” He released her hands and walked over toward the wet bar, then retrieved two bottles of water from the fridge behind it. He handed one to her, then gave her a wicked grin once more. “Drink up, because we’re not done yet.”

She drank half the bottle, and he drank half of his as well. Then he took a seat on the bed and patted his left thigh. “You know where I want you.”

Memories of the spanking he’d given her washed over her as Lynda got into position. He caressed her ass cheeks, then reached underneath to rub her clit. “I’d keep you here like this all day, every day if I could. You’re mine, Lynda. You’re my wife.”

She didn’t answer. Her breathing grew rapid, and she moaned softly as he rubbed the edge of the paddle against her skin. “Leather is so much fun,” he said. “It can be soft, but it can also be hard and unforgiving. Don’t you agree?”

“Yes.”

“How many swats shall I give this pretty ass of yours?”

“I don’t know.”

“Shall I choose, then?”

Oh shit
. He was backing her into a corner, but she couldn’t even think straight. Her arousal was so intense that her brain had gone all foggy. “Yes.”

He made a sexy, satisfied noise and continued teasing her with the edge of the paddle. “Will you agree to take the number I choose, without stopping?”

“Will you break my skin?”

“No. Absolutely not. I will watch for that and stop if I think you’re actually being hurt.”

“Okay.”

“Lynda, thank you.”

So much emotion bubbled up that she was sure she’d cry. This man did things to her mind that no one else ever had.

“I think instead of giving you a specific number, I’m going to paddle you until I decide you’ve had enough.”

“What if I can’t take it anymore?”

He caressed her hair and she shivered. “Will you try for me? Will you let me make the decision? Of course if you say to stop I will, but will you at least try?”

How could she refuse that? “Yes. Yes, I will.” The idea of giving him control over this made her heart melt. It was so freeing in a way. She didn’t have to decide anything. All she had to do was let go and experience it.

He kissed her lower back, and then he pinned her legs with his right one the same way he’d done the other day. “Keep your arms out of the way. I don’t want to accidentally hit them.”

She clasped her hands together above her head and closed her eyes. This was going to be the most intense thing she’d ever done, and she couldn’t wait. At first, the swats barely hurt. He told her he was warming up her skin. “I love to watch it turn pink.”

He was the sexiest, kinkiest person she’d ever met. Nothing she and Rey had done came close to this. Lynda shook away those memories again. Nothing and no one else were allowed in right now. This was all about her and Merrick, her husband.

She gave up counting after fifteen, when they suddenly became more forceful. She floated away, as if she were looking down on the scene instead of experiencing it. Pain and pleasure coalesced into one exquisite sensation, until the only thing she could do was
feel
. The burning gave way to numbness, but that didn’t last long. The swats built on one another until so much emotion bubbled up that she had to cry.

It was the most natural thing in the world to do so, and gave way to a feeling of peace and release. It was cathartic. She let go of the anger she’d held inside the past three days, and she let go of what Rey had done to her. She saw it drifting away like a black cloud of dust, until it simply reabsorbed into the atmosphere and was gone.

The pain began to break through, hot and red, before she was able to visualize what her uncles had done to her drifting away in the same way.
Next time.
“Merrick, I’m done.” Her words came out interspersed with grunts. Lynda wiped her face, surprised at the amount of tears on it.

He gently stood her up, then scooted back on the bed and gathered her into his arms. “I am so proud of you.”

His voice was filled with awe, and she glanced up at him, surprised by the tone.

“Do you realize how many swats you took?”

She shook her head. She was barely back in her body yet, let alone able to do math in her head.

“I’m not sure I should tell you. I don’t want to scare you.”

“You won’t.” Now she had to know.

“Forty-two.”

She blinked a few times, unsure how to respond. Was that good or bad? She had no frame of reference. He brushed a finger along her face, wiping away the moisture she’d missed. His expression filled with tenderness, and when he kissed her, Lynda forgot all about the pain and moaned into his open mouth. Her pussy was soaking wet, and her clit throbbed. He released the kiss and gently turned her sideways.

“Your ass is really red and there are already bruises coming up. It’s beautiful. But I don’t think you can lie on your back right now, so I’m going to fuck you from behind.”

Lynda sighed and lay prone on the bed. He pushed a couple of pillows under her hips to elevate them, and then he spread her legs. She moaned as he slid two fingers into her wetness. “Oh, baby. You’re more than ready for me.”

“Yes. I am.
Please
.”

He withdrew his fingers and rubbed her clit. Her climax was so close still, and this time if he stopped, she’d go out of her mind. He repositioned himself behind her, still massaging her clit, and then he sank his cock deep into her pussy.

Lynda cried out as the orgasm crashed over her. She clutched fistfuls of the comforter, shaking her head as the force of it spread throughout her body. Merrick fucked her rough and hard now, but she didn’t care. This was what she’d wanted for the past hour. This was what she’d missed for the past three days.

She had missed his voice, his eyes, and his scent. She’d missed his touch, and the way he took her without mercy. She should hate it when he told her she belonged to him, but she didn’t. God help her. It might be sick and twisted to want this—to want him to never let her forget she was his wife in this
way—but it was exactly where Lynda wanted to be.

“Lynda, this is seriously amazing.” His loud grunts joined her cries as the contractions from her climax continued on and on. Sweat droplets landed on her back, and still he fucked her. He pulled out, but she knew he wasn’t done when he flipped her onto her side and held her there. His cock rubbed against her sore ass cheeks as he reached around and played with her nipples.

“I have one more in me.”

“You’re an incredible lover, Merrick.”

He laid her on her back, and even though it hurt, Lynda forgot about that as soon as he kissed her. He cupped her face and stroked her hair, kissing her as tenderly as a man kissing a woman he loved would do. When he released it, they gazed into each other’s eyes for a long time.

Something in Lynda’s world shifted, deep inside, as if she’d suddenly woken from a long sleep. She was falling for this man, but why? Because he was dynamite in bed, and moved her to tears of joy and pain each time he fucked her? That wasn’t enough to sustain a relationship. Or, was there something else she felt? Something deep in those dark, intense eyes that her heart already recognized even before her mind could give it substance?

“Lynda…” His voice was barely above a whisper. “What are you doing to me?”

She had no idea how to respond, so she kept silent. The question sounded more rhetorical, but even if it wasn’t, she would not allow herself to examine it or break it down. Merrick didn’t feel the same way she did. He was not falling for her. That would never happen. It had been made crystal clear to her months ago.

He finally kissed her again, then turned her back on her side and slid his dick into her pussy from behind. One hand held onto her hips while the other teased her clit, but he barely needed to do that. Her second orgasm was as powerful as the first, and she moaned continuously as he slammed into her.

The fucking hurt a bit now, but she did not want him to stop. He was close. She could tell by the grunts and groans, and when he came this time, she knew he was spent. He turned her around gently and held her close, the sweat on their bodies drying and their breathing returning to normal.

“That was fucking massively incredible, Lynda.”

“Yes. Yes, it was.” She smiled as she drifted off to sleep. The hell with everyone and everything. She was back where she wanted to be. In her husband’s bed. The issues facing them would just have to wait a while longer.