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  She climbed onto the satin sheets, feeling their coolness against her skin. Jacob brushed her hair aside and wrapped a silk scarf around her neck. Then he took the long end of the scarf and tied it to the headboard. The feeling of being a sexual prisoner put her into a submissive state of mind.

  Jacob touched the back of her thigh. “Spread your legs.” She did so, and he proceeded to secure each ankle to a bedpost. Then he traced her body with his fingertips, starting at her neck and working down her spine. When his hand cupped her sex, Vivienne closed her eyes in pleasure.

  “I’m going to challenge you, Vivienne. You are not to climax until I allow it. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Jacob dragged an implement along her arms and down her legs. She recognized the feel of the crop. The rubber tongue teased her skin, warning her of what was coming. Gently at first, Jacob began to sting her skin with the implement.

  The bite of the tongue felt decadently good, and Vivienne craved more. With practiced strokes, Jacob excited her skin with the sting of the crop until she verged on orgasm. Then he stopped. He held an object in front of her eyes, and she recognized a vibrator he’d used with her before.

  Vivienne felt the object slide past her outer lips and into her pussy. She involuntarily clamped down on it, then Jacob turned it on at a slow speed. The vibrations quickly penetrated, urging her arousal higher. It was difficult to resist the urge to come, but she wanted to please Jacob.

  With easy movements, Jacob manipulated the vibrator, and just as Vivienne teetered on the edge, he withdrew it. The sudden cessation made her gasp, but the absence was immediately replaced with the touch of the crop.

  This time Jacob spanked her ass, striking harder on the fleshy parts. With each blow, Vivienne imagined the red splotches on her skin as a result of Jacob’s dominance. Her nipples were like tiny pebbles against the sheets, and her sex was on fire for release.

  Yet she was a long way from being granted the pleasures dangled before her. When Jacob had spanked her to his satisfaction, he turned on the vibrator again. He edged it over her upper thighs and along her wet slit, without dipping inside.

  The sensation radiated through her, engulfing her with the urge to let go. But she didn’t. Jacob put the vibrator on a faster speed, driving her crazy. He kept it moving around her most sensitive area, seeming to purposely avoid her clit.

  When Vivienne was close to screaming out, the vibrator stopped. Jacob dragged the tongue of the crop along her spine, making her moan. “You are doing very well,” he said. “But I’m not nearly done. You’ll have to continue to behave.”

  Vivienne hoped that she could, but Jacob relentlessly stimulated her, alternating between the crop and the vibrator. Just when she was about to shatter, he withdrew. Each time her arousal escalated to a higher plateau, and it made her dizzy, even lightheaded. The more he taunted her with the implements of torture, the greater her feeling of submission.

  Jacob stung her thighs with the crop, and Vivienne floated on a cloud of sensation. She would have done anything for him, and wanted to. The more severe his treatment of her, the better she liked it, a new discovery for her.

  Once again, Jacob teased her with the vibrator. With it on the slower speed, he slid it underneath her and moved it over her vulva, pressing in the right spot to vibrate her tight clit. Vivienne panted rapidly, dissipating the intensity as best she could.

  Vivienne wondered if she had the strength to hold back, but then thought of the pride she’d have in doing so. It was a thought she clung to, when she most feared that she’d disobey. That was what she didn’t want to do. Jacob had control of the scene, and he hadn’t given her permission to come.

  Yet when he stung her skin with the crop again, Vivienne was swamped with doubt. The sting felt so good, and she enjoyed the bite of pain. She enjoyed it too much, and wanted more. Jacob served her, stinging her more each time, and striking different patches of skin to further excite her.

  Vivienne trembled uncontrollably, but she didn’t climax. She knew that coming without permission would lead to a hard spanking, far exceeding any pain that she experienced now. As Jacob whipped her with the crop, her sexual tension built to a higher and higher level.

  The sting of the crop ceased, and Vivienne hovered in a euphoric state. Jacob’s voice was an anchor in a turbulent sea of emotion. “You’ll have to ask,” he said. “Before I allow you to come, you must ask me for permission.”

  Vivienne wasn’t sure that she could speak. Her lips were dry and her tongue felt thick. She writhed against the mattress. “Please, sir…may I come?”

  “You asked so sweetly, Vivienne.” She hung in the balance, praying he would give her what she craved. “I’m considering it.”

  Vivienne’s heart sank, and she wasn’t certain she could endure further delay. Her entire body was electrified and the world, even Jacob’s voice, seemed far away. “I rather like it when you beg, Vivienne.”

  That gave her hope. Jacob dragged the vibrator along her wet opening, and she cried out. “Please, sir. I beg you…I beg you for permission to come.”

  Jacob plunged the vibrator inside her, and Vivienne whimpered. “You have my permission. I want you to come…now.”

  The room shattered like brilliant glitter, and for a flash Vivienne was blind. Her muscles tensed and her sex was on fire. Then her clit stiffened, aching beyond endurance, as the vibrations flowed through her. Vivienne came apart, crying out as the waves of orgasm crashed through her body.

  On and on, the pleasure swept through her, and Vivienne gave in to the strength of her release. The pain had been worth it, resulting in a mind-blowing orgasm ending in a powerful crescendo. With her heart racing, Vivienne panted, until at last she slumped against the sheets.

  Jacob untied her, and Vivienne turned over to look into his sexy blue eyes. His chiseled form reminded her of Adonis, and she reached out to fist his thick shaft. “Put it in your mouth, Vivienne.” And she willingly complied.

  With her lips over his knob, she sucked voraciously, wanting him as she hadn’t dreamed possible. Her delayed gratification had been as difficult for Jacob as for her. Vivienne was certain of that, as she fisted his rock-hard cock and licked the pre-cum dripping down the sides.

  “Suck me, Vivienne. Take away my pain.”

  Jacob shoved his cock deeper into her mouth, and Vivienne felt as though he was a part of her. She relished his salty flavor, and breathed in his male scent. Cupping his balls in one hand, she massaged them roughly, while she fisted his shaft with the other.

  Vivienne sucked harder, urging Jacob to come in her mouth. He groaned in a loud voice, a sound so virile it made heat surge inside her, and then he exploded. “Yes…harder,” he gasped, as his cum poured down her throat.

  When he was drained, Vivienne continued to suck, only gentler. She didn’t want to separate, and didn’t want to let him go. Jacob pulled out and bent down to kiss her deeply. She stroked her tongue along his and delved into his hot mouth.

  When Jacob pulled back, he kissed her neck and over her breasts. “You please me, baby.” Vivienne beamed with pride and ran her palm over Jacob’s muscled back. The intimacy between them was special, known only to them. It was a bond that couldn’t be broken.

  Jacob turned onto his back and pulled Vivienne on top of him. She felt his heat against her belly, and rubbed against his growing arousal. Jacob grabbed a fistful of her hair to pull her to him. His lip-bruising kiss made her toes curl, and she pressed harder against him.

  Vivienne was warm all over, and her body hummed with pleasure. Yet she was not fully satisfied, and craved Jacob so much, she wasn’t sure that she could be. She straddled him, and Jacob shoved his cock up into her.

  His deep groan turned her on, and Vivienne leaned back, pressing her palms to the mattress. Leveraged so, she slid over Jacob’s cock, stroking him rhythmically. He swelled inside her, and Vivienne gripped his heat with her strong inner muscles.

  “God…Vivienn
e.”

  His beautiful blue eyes glazed over, and Vivienne sped her motions. Jacob’s ragged breathing and the guttural sounds he made in his throat sent her to the edge. He looked at her, the emotion he felt never more evident in his gaze. “I love you, baby.”

  “I love you, Jacob,” she cried out as she shattered.

  Vivienne fell into a sweet orgasm, as Jacob rocked up into her, then exploded. Together they spiraled into erotic ecstasy, so much in love, giving all to each other, as the only way to express it. “I love you,” Jacob said. And Vivienne collapsed against him, resting her head in the crook of his neck.

  It seemed like a dream when Jacob carried her to the bathtub. He filled it with warm water and poured in bath oil, then lowered her into the fragrant water. Gently, he massaged her body under the warm water, his strong hands sliding over her skin. Jacob’s care touched her deeply, and Vivienne sighed as she relaxed under his loving touch.

  After washing them both, Jacob lifted her out of the water and dried her off. Then he guided her to the bedroom, where they slid under the covers. Wrapped in Jacob’s warm embrace, Vivienne lay like that for what seemed like hours. He loved her and took care of her. Jacob made her feel special, as if she was the most desired woman in the world. And maybe she was.

  Chapter 6

  After the bath, Vivienne fell asleep in Jacob’s arms. He cuddled her, burying his face in her hair. Holding her close, he welcomed her warmth and adored her feminine feel. Earlier in the evening, she had submitted to him, deeper and in a new way.

  Jacob wanted only to love and protect her. The playroom provided a way to take Vivienne away from all the stress and pressure; all she had to do was to relinquish control. During the scenes, she had experienced an altered state of consciousness, and Jacob had cared for her afterward.

  On another occasion, Vivienne had talked about the feeling and Jacob had listened intently. She had described it as being totally released from stress, and present in the moment. “There was a ripple through my body…it was like a drug,” she’d said.

  The tinge of pain, the agony of delayed gratification, and the duress of strenuous positions contributed to the bliss of the experience. Play was tactile and sensual, yet for that period Vivienne was not responsible; she had only to obey Jacob’s commands. It freed her from any concerns, allowing her sexual freedom.

  The interludes were equally freeing for Jacob, if in a different way. He dominated and maintained control. Doing so was power; it was a high that couldn’t be fully described. The heady experience was addictive, a path for Jacob to lose himself.

  In scenes such as he’d just played out, during the peak of activity Jacob’s focus was clear, his perceptions sharp. It was a state of mindfulness, with incredible strength, taking him away from life’s pressures. The period of deep concentration provided a potent release.

  During play, Jacob observed Vivienne’s physical reactions, aligning with how the scene was progressing, and knowing how to guide it. Beginning with the slow, sensual touching, and getting lost in Vivienne’s lovely green eyes, he’d led them to ever-greater intensity.

  Jacob’s manner was deliberate, his goal to give Vivienne pleasure, even if the path was laced with pain. He remembered how Vivienne looked when Jacob had pushed the sexual tension so high that she was about to completely lose control.

  It was his duty to push Vivienne as far as she was able to go, but to be aware of her limits. Jacob had urged her arousal higher, until it was so intense that multiple orgasms were hers. In the months that they’d been together, Jacob had shown her how to let go, and to grant him the power to take her to higher planes of pleasure.

  Vivienne was willing; she trusted him. And that was the highest high of all. When he successfully gave her unending pleasure, he felt closer to her and more emotionally attached than in any other moments.

  Vivienne endured the precious agony in order to please him, and give him the treasured gift of her submission. It was at the point when she was utterly overwhelmed sexually that he wanted her most. And in coming together, satisfying Vivienne’s deepest needs, both of them developed a deep craving for more of the same.

  There had been a time in his life when Jacob hadn’t been able to envision being with just one woman. He had dominated others before meeting Vivienne. But now, having shared true intimacy with her, Jacob wanted no other woman.

  What they meant to each other, inside the playroom as well as out, was everything he desired. The honor of loving Vivienne was even more than he’d hoped for, or could have envisioned.

  *****

  The next morning, Jacob slid out of bed to go for his jog, earlier than usual. His anticipation of the day’s events made him restless, and he couldn’t sleep any longer. After dressing in his sweats, he quietly exited the penthouse and headed out on his usual route.

  He increased his pace, breathing hard. Punishing his body helped to clear his mind. His thoughts were of Vivienne and the joy of being with her. But for how long? Jacob couldn’t allow her to be dragged through a scandal, one that her parents would read about, and one that would reflect badly on her.

  Vivienne had chosen to be with him, but she could so easily be admonished for that choice. He’d even done that. So often Jacob had told her that he was bad for her, and now the media just might support that notion. He didn’t want her to read her name in the paper, associated with his in a negative light.

  When his reputation was dragged through the mud, Vivienne should be as far away as possible. The truth didn’t matter as much as what people wanted to believe. Rumors and falsehoods spread rapidly, and were often embellished.

  The reality of Jacob’s past was horrifying enough. But handed over to the media it would be a hot story, one he might not recognize after it was retold with speculation added. When it was over, Jacob wouldn’t even know himself, so couldn’t expect any mercy from the public.

  There was a simple answer. Jacob could disappear and take the story with him. Once he resigned and left the scene, the news would quickly fade. There was no thrill in attacking a man who was no longer there to hear the accusations.

  But Jacob was torn. He couldn’t abandon his family, and he couldn’t bear the thought of losing Vivienne. It was a reality that if he did go away, the controversy would go with him. But the cost of such an action would be to give up all the love he had known.

  The price was too steep, and it struck Jacob with blinding clarity just what his enemies threatened to take from him. He pounded the path, rounding a corner, running so hard that his lungs ached for oxygen. The realization touched on deep emotion, and rage exploded inside Jacob, with a power not previously known to him.

  All that he cared about was in jeopardy. Jacob was backed into a corner. But the looming loss of those he loved, the thought of harm or dishonor blackening their lives, shattered the numbness that had imprisoned him for way too long.

  Jacob felt such amazing love for Vivienne that losing her would surely rip him apart. He loved her, more each day, and he’d be damned if some assholes were going to destroy that love. It was Vivienne, with her pure heart and caring soul, who had saved Jacob from a fate of darkness.

  It was in that fleeting second that Jacob knew the answer. He would fight for love, harder than he’d ever fought for anything. And he would win. He had to win. Leaving was what he would have done before, how he had dealt with life in the past, but no longer.

  Love had shown him that the darkness didn’t have to win, that it wasn’t stronger. Jacob would battle his inner demons and best his enemies. Rage exploded inside him, and he didn’t attempt to repress it. Unleashed, it was now directed toward those who deserved to suffer the consequences.

  There was just one thing he had to do first.

  *****

  By the time Jacob had gotten back and showered, Vivienne was up and dressed. He found her having coffee on the terrace. “I slept late,” she said with a smile. “I’ll skip breakfast and get something later.”

 
Jacob sat next to her. “I’ve been thinking.”

  Vivienne furrowed her brow. “About the threats?”

  “Yes, and before all hell breaks loose, there’s something I have to do.” Jacob kissed her fingertips. “I’m not going to let them win, baby. But it will get messy.”

  Vivienne squeezed his hand.

  “I’m going to see Vico today. He needs to know about all of this,” Jacob said. “My family will be in the limelight, and it’s not fair for me to allow that without Vico’s support.”

  “So you’re going to talk to him about it?”

  “Yes, I’ll go by this afternoon. I sent him a text, so I’m sure he will be at home.” Jacob stood up. “I have to get going now…but I’ll call you later.”

  When Jacob leaned close to Vivienne, his lips touching hers, she pulled him closer to deepen the kiss. She tasted so good, and smelled even better. Jacob loved her so much. When he pulled back, he ran his fingertips along her jaw.

  “It’s going to be okay,” Jacob said. “These assholes picked the wrong guy to fuck around with.”

  Vivienne grinned at him. “I like the sound of that.”

  *****

  By mid-afternoon, unable to wait any longer, Jacob took the car to the Rinaldi home. The upscale residence was where he’d grown up. But to him, it didn’t signify wealth or status, only the warmth of family. That was something Jacob hadn’t known until Vico rescued him from an untenable future.

  Vico answered the door dressed in slacks and a sweater. He greeted his son with a hug. “Come in, Jacob. We have the place to ourselves. Sophia is out, shopping with friends.”

  Jacob went inside, feeling good in the familiar surroundings. He took a seat in the living room and accepted his father’s offer of a drink. After pouring a whiskey for each of them, Vico sat in his favorite chair by the fireplace.

  Vico stayed in shape by running daily like Jacob did. He looked younger than his years, still a charmer with the women. He had sandy blond hair, casually groomed. “When you texted, it sounded important.”