A pale swath of moonlight spilled through the curtains, bathing the room in a silvery glow. Sebastian watched the light meander through the shadows where it shimmered along Taylor’s skin. He studied her face as she slept, watching each subtle nuance play across her delicate features, searching for some sign of happiness or peace in her dreams. He’d given up trying to fall asleep long ago and the hours seemed to crawl by as he lay awake in a silent vigil. Somehow, it helped to ease the guilt he felt each time his gaze wandered to the small cuts marring her skin or the still level plane of her stomach as it rose and fell with her breath. 

 

It still humbled and amazed him to know there was a tiny life growing in there. A life that he’d helped create. That was a true first, this sense of giving life instead of taking it. A lump swelled in his throat as he remembered hearing the quiet but rapid whir of their baby’s heart for the first time. The static-filled images had been hard to decipher, but there’d even been glimpses of miniature fingers and toes. It was such a small moment, but one that left him forever changed. There was nothing he wouldn’t do, no line he wouldn’t cross to keep them both safe.

 

His mind whirled, still searching for solutions or the fragile threads of promise that never came. He wanted nothing more than to walk into headquarters and plant a bullet in Marx’s skull. If he knew for a fact he could take the bastard out without any backlash to his family, he would gladly lay down his own life in exchange. It was fear that held him at bay. Fear of what would happen to Taylor and the baby in the aftermath. Fear of what would happen to his sister, to Mia, even Josh if the rest of the men turned on him and branded him a traitor. Everyone he loved would suffer dearly. Then there was the fear that Marx would somehow survive and force him to watch as SKALS took out the people he loved and cared about the most one-by-one.

 

What the hell was he supposed to do?

 

If he didn’t comply and go along with Marx’s twisted plans, if the bastard so much as suspected he was turning, he was as good as dead. Or, at the very least, Marx would make him pray he was. If he followed things though and stayed true, every agency known to man was going to come crashing down on their heads and with good reason. If Marx was telling the truth, and a small part of him suspected the man was, the car accident was a none too subtle warning of things to come. No one was playing around anymore, and no one was just going to sit back on their laurels and wait for things happen.

 

Blue was making his entire world implode. 

 

Sighing, Sebastian rolled onto his back and raked his hands through his hair. There were too many damn variables. No matter which way he turned, the stakes were high. The costs far more than he was willing to pay. He wanted a drink, but there wasn’t an alcohol in existence strong enough to dull the turmoil in his mind.

 

Rolling over, he wrapped his arms around Taylor and gently drew her to his side. Even the smallest gap between them felt like too much when the future loomed so dark and uncertainly on the horizon.

 

She stirred and a quiet whimper wrested him from his thoughts. Frowning, he eased her head onto his chest. Running his fingers through her hair, he murmured soft words of reassurance until her breathing slowed and evened out into the rhythmic patterns of sleep. Soothed by the warmth of her body and the familiar smell of vanilla and cashmere, he closed his eyes, relishing the way the rest of the world and all of its troubles started to fade away. For the moment, all that mattered was the here and now. It was all anyone was ever guaranteed.

 

 

 

~*~*~*~

 

 

 

 

 

The late May sun beat down on the sectioned courtyard full force and scorched their skin with the same ruthless assault. Sebastian squinted against the blinding glare as one of the rays bounced off metal and reflected into his eyes. Sweat trickled down his temples and licked the sides of his neck. It gathered between his shoulders and pooled in the small of his back. He would have killed for a pair of shades or a cold drink, and the pained wince crossing Josh’s sharp features said his partner felt much the same. They’d been standing in formation for well over two hours, despite the dessert heat, and Marx showed no signs of letting up anytime soon.

 

One of the recruits wavered on his feet beside him. The momentary loss of balance was enough to make the man shift his weapon and draw the attention of their commander. Stiffening, Sebastian steeled his jaw and waited. The blast from Marx’s gun roared through the empty desert basin where it echoed in his ears. The telltale mist that followed felt almost cool against his burning skin.

 

The grim press of the commander’s mouth said it all.

 

 And another one bites the dust.

 

That made two now. He doubted anyone even knew the last poor bastard’s name. He was one of the new guys, just another meaningless face meant to buffer their ranks. Unfortunately for both of them, the kid hadn’t passed the test.

 

Squaring his shoulders, he met Marx’s expectant gaze and resisted the urge to wipe the blood off his skin.

 

“I suggest you gentlemen toughen up,” the burly director ordered. “The tiniest shift in movement can give your position away and leave you open for attack. This endangers not just you, but your team as well. There is no room for weakness in our ranks and it won’t be tolerated. If you let me or this organization down, I guarantee you will not be getting anything as quick as a bullet to the head.”

 

Josh opened his mouth to speak, then thought better of it. Sebastian tensed when Marx turned on them both, his dark eyes narrowing.

 

“Is there something you wish to add, Agent Reevers?”

 

“No, sir,” Josh said, offering a grim shake of his head. “I thought it was an excellent speech.”

 

Long seconds ticked by as the director held him pinned beneath his stare. Just when Sebastian thought he couldn’t bear the standoff any more, Marx turned and strolled the other way with a disapproving shake of his head.

 

“Tell me something, Agent Baas. Is there anything about this man you find particularly useful besides his extraordinary talent for running his mouth?”

 

In light of Josh’s stupidity and the fact that he now had a bull’s eye painted on his back, he seriously had to ponder that one for a moment. “Yes, sir. I do.”

 

Marx whirled on them both. He stroked the thin line of his moustache before responding with a disappointed grunt. “That is unfortunate to hear. In that case, I advise you get your partner out of my sight before I do something you’ll both regret. I’m two seconds away from sparing myself any further aggravation at his bequest.”

 

His heart sank, but he said nothing. To do so would be a fatal mistake. Snatching Josh up by the back of his sweat-drenched collar, he wrenched his partner out of line and shoved him in the direction of the open doors. Josh stumbled forward, but caught his balance and fell into a more graceful but hurried stride. They barely cleared headquarter walls before Sebastian spun him around with a forceful shove to the shoulder and jacked him against the concrete with enough force to drive the air from his lungs. Blue eyes cold and steely, Josh stiffened in his grip.

 

One of the security guards manning the doorway shot them an uneasy glance and edged a few steps to the side. A quick nudge to his counterpart silently urged the other man to do the same.

 

“What the hell were you thinking, Reevers?” Sebastian hissed. “You almost got yourself killed out there!”

 

“Me? What about you? You’re the one shooting off like a loose cannon every time I turn around.”

 

“Let’s get one thing straight,” Sebastian warned through clenched teeth. His fists tightened on Josh’s collar until his partner’s face turned purple. “You are not me. I do and say things that Marx would never let you get away with. There’s a little saying in life that I suggest you get yourself on board with. Do as I say, not as I do. Do you got that?”

 

Josh jerked away and straightened the rumpled front of his uniform with a dry snort. “Yeah, Dad. I got it.”

 

His eyes narrowed as his temper rose. Leveling a forefinger, he jabbed it at the end of his partner’s nose. “Keep running your lips and you won’t have to worry about salvaging your pride. You’ll be fucking dead.”

 

The words hung between them. Bit by bit, the tension ebbed from Josh’s solid frame. His shoulders dropped and he released a heavy sigh as the truth behind the warning hit home.

 

“You’re right, Baas. I’m sorry. I wasn’t thinking. The heat and tension was just becoming a little too much out there, you know? You get pissed when you get nervous. I crack jokes. Lightening the mood is just my way of trying to cope.”

 

“I know,” he said, wiping a stream of blood-tinged sweat from his eyes. “And I try to let most of it slide, but Marx is at the end of his rope with you. Straighten up or spend the next few weeks locked down. I can’t afford your bullshit right now.”

 

Josh glared, but said nothing. Silence cloaked them both as Sebastian led the way through the dimly lit labyrinth of hallways toward the cool, quiet confines of his office. His partner kept a steady pace beside him. Once inside, Sebastian shut the doors and glanced over as Josh jostled past him with a forceful nudge.

 

“That squint was the sign, right?” he asked.

 

Dropping into his chair, Sebastian pulled a bottle of water out of his desk drawer and tossed another his partner’s way. “Not exactly, but it worked.”

 

Josh downed the contents in a few frantic gulps and swiped his mouth with the back of his hand before tossing the empty bottle through the air in a fluid arch. It hit its mark and landed with a ping in the bottom of the empty trashcan.

 

“It always does. You’d think he would have caught onto that ploy by now,” Josh said. “This is only what? The third time now?” Propping his feet up on the edge of the desk, he gestured for another water.

 

“You would think so,” Sebastian agreed, pitching a second bottle his way. “Slow it down or you are going to get sick.”

 

Josh twisted off the cap and tapped it several times against the bottle, his expression turning pensive. “I know we were going for realism and all, but what you said back there was a little harsh, don’t you think?”

 

Polishing off the remainder of his drink, Sebastian fixed him with a pointed stare. “No. That wasn’t just for show. There was a large measure of truth in what I said. You might want to think about that.”

 

“Aw. Come on, Baas. Some small part of you enjoys my wisecracks. Just admit it.”

 

Much to his chagrin, the corners of his mouth twitched in silent agreement. Catching himself, he forced a more somber expression into play and leveled his partner with a soft look of reproach. “I’ve already admitted to crossing the line and regarding you with some measure of friendship. Don’t make me regret that.”

 

Snorting, Josh waved him off. “Either way, you have to admit we make a hell of a team. You don’t see anyone else escaping into the air-conditioning and enjoying a refreshing drink now, do ya?”

 

He couldn’t help the quiet laugh that slipped past his throat. “No, Josh. No, I don’t. Unfortunately, I am going to have to rough you up when you finish hydrating.”

 

His partner’s broad shoulders dropped in a forgiving shrug. “It’s a small price to pay for comfort. To us,” he said lifting his bottle in mock salute.

 

Sebastian tipped the empty plastic in acknowledgement before tossing it through the air to join Josh’s in the trash. “It isn’t often you can get a man to toast to seven long years of living breathing hell. It’s amazing what the heat can do.”

 

Josh’s forehead wrinkled in a brief show of confusion. “Wait. Was that…a joke?”

 

“No.”

 

Josh sat up straight. His boots hit the floor with a solid thump. “No, really, Baas. Granted, it sucked, but I really think that was your piss poor attempt at humor,” he said, covering his heart. “I’m so damn proud right now,” he said feigning a small sniff.

 

“Shut up.”

 

“Too much?” Josh asked. “It’s okay. We can take baby steps here. I’m good with that.”

 

“Reevers…”

 

“I know, I know. I’m gonna get more than a busted lip if I don’t shut up. See? I know the routine. No need to get your testicles in an uproar.”

 

“Why do you insist on making me enjoy the thought of hitting you?”

 

“I don’t know.” Josh spread his hands in mock innocence. “Probably because we both know deep down you’ll eventually feel guilty about hurting me. I mean, it’s not like I did anything.”

 

Sebastian stared at him for a long moment before responding. “You give my conscience far too much credit.”

 

“Yeah, okay. It’s your story, pal. Spin it however you want.”

 

“Shut your mouth and get the hell out of my office before I change my mind.”

 

Grinning, Josh stood. He hesitated for a moment, the amusement in his blue eyes changing to a look of more thoughtful reflection as he cocked his head. “You okay, Baas?”

 

He’d already started thumbing through the stack of files regarding the new recruits in order to pitch the ones that were no longer relevant. “Yes. Why?” he asked without looking up.

 

“You just seem…I don’t know…different somehow.”

 

Nodding, he tossed one of the thick manila files into the trash. “I see. And is that a bad thing, Joshua?” he asked, lifting his gaze.

 

His partner laughed as he shook his head and backed toward the door. “No, Baas. Not really. See ya.”

 

He waved Josh off, dismissing both man and comments. Troubled, he leaned back in his seat and tented his fingers beneath his chin. As much as he enjoyed exploring the lighter aspects in life, he was going to have to be more cautious in the future. If Josh noticed the subtle changes he was starting to feel, Marx wouldn’t be far behind.

 

 

 

~*~*~*~

 

 

 

 

 

Taylor peeled back the curtains and scanned the vast sprawl of greenery, rocks, and landscaping spanning the lavish grounds. The first traces of summer had kissed away the pale hues of spring and vibrant colors were bursting into life in the flowerbeds. It was a beautiful morning. The kind that made people glad to be alive. A contented smile plied her lips as she watched two baby rabbits frolic near the wide stone basin of the birdbath. Trees rustled, dancing in the gentle wind and she could feel her heart soar with the blissful promise the onset of summer always seemed to bring.

 

Unlike much of the western wilderness that spanned their beautiful state, Flagstaff was not prone to the brutal desert heat. The higher altitudes and snow-capped mountains offered a cooling breeze and she relished the crisp scent as it billowed through the open windows in the morning room.

 

Grabbing her cup of decaf off the tiled table, she eased the sliding doors open and stepped onto the wooden deck spanning the back of the house in search of Rupert. It didn’t take her long to spot his tall, muscled form patrolling the side perimeter. Spotting her, Rupert glanced up and tipped his colorful Oakley shades in a cheerful acknowledgement.

 

She couldn’t contain her smile. She hadn’t seen her designated bodyguard since the accident and it was good to see him doing so well. Setting her cup down, she made her way across the deck to the wooden railing and gripped the edge.

 

“Hey you. How’re you feeling, big guy?”

 

Grinning, he adjusted his rifle strap and gave the bulk of his shoulder a solid thwack. “Good as new, Ma’am. Agent Baas only gave me a few days off as a safety precaution.”

 

“It’s really good to see you back. I didn’t get a chance to say anything the other day, but I’m sorry I almost killed us,” she said with an embarrassed wince.

 

His deep chortle wafted between them as he dismissed the apology with a wave. “No need for that now. It wasn’t your fault, and even if it was, it’s just a part of the job. I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t forewarned.”

 

She choked on a noise that was half snicker and half indignant huff. “Warned about what exactly?” she asked, quirking a dark brow. “The job perils or my driving skills?”

 

The jagged scar contouring the left side of his face whitened with his grin. “Both, Ma’am. By all accounts, they happen to be one and the same.”

 

 “Just out of curiosity, is this assessment based on your personal time here or is this the voice of your wise employer talking?”

 

His smile slanted into a knowing tilt. “I’m not at liberty to say.”

 

“Wow. With warnings like that, it’s a wonder you took this job at all.”

 

Laughing, Rupert offered a dismissive shrug. “A man is willing to risk just about anything if the pay is right. Even your iffy driving skills.”

 

“Smart ass,” she quipped.

 

“Better smart than dumb,” he offered.

 

Taylor cleared her throat and peered down over the railing at him with a pointed expression. She fought a smile as his cheeks colored and he flushed.

 

“I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

 

Folding her arms, she cocked her head. “Uh huh. I see how it is. First you attack my driving, then you insult my IQ.”

 

He snorted and lowered his shades. “I say this with all politeness, but maybe you should get it checked, Ma’am. There’s obviously something misfiring in that head of yours if you think I would ever stand here and insult you.”

 

“That’s interesting,” a soft voice interjected. “I hope that is because you consider yourself a gentleman, Rupert.”

 

Taylor startled. Her grip on the railing tightened upon hearing the familiar silken rasp, and she whirled with her heart in her throat to find Sebastian leaning against the open door. His eyes held no hint of emotion as they flickered past her to land on the man stationed in front of them in the yard. The blood drained from Rupert’s face and his throat bobbed as he forced a respectful nod.

 

“Good afternoon, sir.”

 

“Is it?” Sebastian asked, prowling to the front of the deck to join Taylor’s side.

 

She let her eyes drift shut as he wrapped a possessive arm around her waist and drew her closer. Warm breath fanned the side of her neck, joining the gentle caress of the wind sweeping off the mountains as he nuzzled her hair out of the way. Despite the heat, she shivered as a very distinct chill settled into her bones. 

 

“What’s this? No greeting?” Sebastian asked, his voice bearing a hint of hurt and disappointment.

 

“Of course there is. You have no idea how much I missed you, handsome.” Turning, Taylor wound her arms around his waist and searched his pale stare. “I didn’t hear them announce you pull in.”

 

“Obviously.” He let the word hand between them for several seconds before snaring her chin and stealing a forceful kiss. Releasing her, he took a step back and studied her face. “Is there something I should be concerned about here?” 

 

Folding his arms, he turned his attention Rupert’s way.

 

The hulking Cajun looked a bit taken aback as he gave an adamant shake of his head. “No, sir. Not at all.”

 

Capturing his bottom lip between his thumb and forefinger, Sebastian stroked it several times in thought before nodding. Taylor held her breath when he seemed to come to a visible conclusion and sauntered over to the rail, his lean body moving with its trademark sway. Her eyes darted to the slight bulge of the pistol strapped to his thigh beneath the hem of his overcoat, and she fought the urge to reach for his arm.

 

“I appreciate your friendship and loyalty where my fiancée is concerned, Rupert. I’m aware that you serve her well, but there is a very definite line with me that you do not want to cross. Joking or not, I don’t ever want to hear you insult her again. If you value your job, among other things, you will find a way to be playful without putting her down. Is that clear?”

 

“Yes, sir. I’m very sorry, Miss Taylor.”

 

“It’s okay, Rupert. No harm done.”

 

She hoped. Dear God did she hope.

 

She took a quick step back as Sebastian whirled on his heel. In a moment of typical Irish grace, she stumbled over the back of her own feet and caught herself on the rail. Embarrassment flamed in Taylor’s cheeks as her lover’s jaw steeled and he gave an incredulous shake of his head.

 

“Go inside before you hurt yourself,” Sebastian ordered dryly.

 

Shooting a hard, final look at Rupert over his shoulder, he ushered her through the sliding glass doors and eased them shut behind him. Wringing her hands, Taylor stood riveted in the center of the kitchen as her heart pounded a frantic drumroll inside her chest. Images of what happened the last time he’d caught her chatting outside with one of the security guards played and replayed in her head with horrifying clarity. She tried to tell herself this was different. That he accepted her socializing with Rupert. That she’d been smart and not left herself wide open by sticking to the relative safety of the deck, but she wasn’t so sure. Opening her mouth, she thought to offer an apology but quickly clamped it shut. It wouldn’t matter either way.

 

Sebastian studied her for a long moment before indicating toward the steps leading off the kitchen with a slight tilt of his head.

 

“Let’s finish this discussion upstairs.”

 

Her stomach knotted. Gripping the thick, polished railing, she forced herself to make the arduous journey one agonizing step at a time. The back of her neck prickled, alerting her to the fact that Sebastian followed close behind. When they reached the top of the broad landing, her fear got the better of her and she faltered.

 

Part of her argued that he wouldn’t hurt her when she was pregnant. Another pointed out that he was perfectly capable of swinging a belt without it getting anywhere near the baby, and the timid voice of uncertainty insisted there were far more painful and controlled ways for him to express his displeasure. Tensing, she bit her tongue as he brushed past her and swung the heavy wooden doors to their bedroom open.

 

The simple fact was, none of it mattered. Sebastian was going to do what he wanted to do. Whether she wanted to admit it or not, her fate had most likely been decided before they ever set foot in the house.

 

Hanging her head, she dragged her feet across the carpeted threshold and stepped into the sitting area off their bedroom. Cold silence hung between them until the tension became almost too much to bear. Turning his back on her, Sebastian wordlessly stripped the thick leather belt of his overcoat free.

 

“It’s nice to see you up and moving around,” he stated, his voice soft and almost conversational in tone. He draped the outer layer of his uniform over the arm of the micro suede loveseat before turning to face her and unbuttoning his sleeves. “I am going to assume that means you are feeling better.”

 

She shifted uneasily on her feet. There was no winning here. It was a lose-lose answer either way. Sighing, she nodded. “Yeah. I am.”

 

“That is good to know, Taylor,” he stated. Unbuttoning the top of his shirt, he headed toward the bathroom and shot a look over his shoulder that clearly indicated she should follow.

 

The stone slabs felt cold and jarring beneath the bare soles of her feet. Confused, Taylor watched him peel his shirt free. Ignoring her for the moment, Sebastian reached in to turn on the shower. The forceful blast of the water hitting the walls roared in her ears. She took an uncertain step as he rounded on her, his eyes blazing and intense.

 

His laughter was dry and humorless as he pinned her against the wall and raked a hand through the matted curls on his head. “Okay, Taylor. That’s enough. I am going to ask you something and I want the truth. Believe me when I say I will know if you are lying to me,” he said, trailing a finger along the underside of her jaw. “And I don’t think either one of us wants that.”

 

“No, Sebastian,” she agreed in a hoarse whisper. Resisting the urge to hold onto him, she tried to still the anxious jitter in her knees.

 

“Why are you so nervous?” he asked. “Did you do something wrong?”

 

“No.” She shivered as his forefinger traced an idle path between the heavy mounds of her breasts. Taylor froze when she found herself suddenly trapped between the unyielding lines of his body and the cold, stone-tiled wall behind her. 

 

“You have nothing to be afraid of. I’m not going to hurt you, Taylor,” he murmured, stroking the side of her cheek. “Everyone else may be a different story, but I have no desire to hurt you. After all, you would never do anything to hurt or betray me. Isn’t that right?”

 

Lifting her hands, she braced her palms against the rigid bulge of his pecs. “Right. You know that, Sebastian. Just calm down. Please.”

 

“I am calm. I’m perfectly calm, Taylor. You are the one who seems on edge here. Not me.”

 

Icy terror crawled through her veins and her bladder throbbed. Nothing in his assurances matched the cold calculation gleaming in his eyes.

 

“S-Seb…”

 

“Look at me,” he growled. His fingers bit into her chin and she silenced a frightened yelp. “Look me in the eye and tell me that you don’t regret the choices you have made. Tell me you don’t regret being with me. I don’t know how, but that is what you need to make me believe.”

 

She clung to his wrist, unable to help the beginnings of the heartbroken sob. For the first time she not only saw, but truly understood, what motivated him. It wasn’t crazed anger flashing in his eyes. There was jealousy, yes, but for the most part, it was fear and pain.

 

“How?” she asked once his grip lessened. “How can I do that when all you ever do is doubt me? Why is it always one step forward with you and three steps back? We just spent the last few days spilling our hearts out to each other. We shared it all, Sebastian. The good, the bad, and everything in between. Do you really want to hear the truth?”

 

Releasing her, he took a step back. A brief glimmer of hesitation crossed his face as he sniffed and tilted his head. Lifting his chin a prideful notch, he cast his arms open.

 

“Let’s hear it.”

 

“Fine,” Taylor said. “I’m not sorry, okay? I’m not sorry that I met you. I’m not sorry that being with you has made me question everything about myself, including who I am. You can be cruel and violent. You’ve done some really horrible things, Sebastian, and you’ve made some really bad choices along the way but, even at your worst, you are the only thing that makes me feel alive. I regret knowing that people like Marx exist, and I hate the constant havoc SKALS causes in our lives, but I am not sorry that I am in love with you. You are it for me, Sebby. Wrong or right you always will be.”

 

His cheeks hollowed for a long second. Shrugging, he dropped his arms to his sides. “Okay.”

 

Taylor’s mouth opened and closed as her brow knitted in frustration. “Okay? Really? That’s all you have to say?”

 

A small sparkle ignited in his eyes and the corners of his mouth twitched. “No. I guess I could add that it’s probably a good thing I didn’t shoot Rupert in the face.”

 

Rolling her eyes, she gave a disgusted shake of her head and snatched one of the clean towels off the rack. “I don’t know why I bother sometimes.”

 

He caught the pirouetting end before it made contact with the top of his thigh. With a quick jerk of his arm, he reversed the motion and wound the thick towel around Taylor’s wrist. His chuckle was low and sinister as he slowly reeled her toward him.

 

“Did you really think that was a good idea?” he asked, pinning her arms behind her back.

 

“It was worth a shot. You deserved it,” she muttered.

 

“Is that so?”

 

“Yes! I stood there and poured my heart and soul out to you and all I get in return is a measly ‘okay’ and some twisted wisecrack?”

 

Keeping her pinned, he surged against her, pressing her body back against the wall. His lips sought purchase against her neck, leaving a prickling trail of fire in their wake. He paused behind her ear.

 

“I had no idea you were so greedy or impatient, Taylor,” he murmured, letting his breath fall hot against her skin. “Who says that is all you were going to get?”

 

Her eyes drifted shut as fear and frustration gave way to a fierce throb of desire. It was a sick and twisted game he played, but she doubted she would ever get enough of the way he plied her with just the right words, just the right touch. His voice alone was enough to send a shockwave beneath her skin and she felt herself begin to cave.

 

“Seb, please…” she moaned, arching her hips against his.

 

He responded by pressing into her with a slow, sensual grind. “Please what, Taylor?”

 

“Please touch me. Make me yours again,” she begged.

 

His laugh was soft and menacing against her ear. “You are already mine, darling,” he whispered, capturing the sensitive lobe between his teeth. “Maybe you have forgotten it, but that’s never changed. Every single part of you belongs to me. It always has and always will.”

 

“Yes. I know,” she panted in impatience. “Can we just skip the foreplay, please? My parts are already missing yours something fierce.”

 

“Mmm. No.” He traced the hollow of her collarbone with his lips. “That’s the least you should get for trying to hit me. Besides, I don’t just want you preheated. I want you piping hot and needing me so badly that your entire body aches.”

 

“I should hit you again,” she groaned.

 

This time his mouth clamped down against the junction of her neck in a possessive claim. He nipped and sucked with a force that made her knees buckle and drew a pained whimper.

 

“Try it,” Sebastian whispered once he finally let up. He traced the reddened outline of his handiwork with a smirk. “I guarantee it will end with you face down over our bed learning that one way or another, you will always submit to me. Is that what you want, Taylor? Are you craving a reminder of your place?”

 

She shivered. The raspy promise in his voice threatened to unravel her and another low throb of desire pulsed inside her. She lowered her eyes, unable to lend voice to the conflicting battle of her thoughts. Sebastian studied her for a long moment then stepped back with a nod.

 

“Strip and go wait for me on our bed.”

 

It took effort, but she managed to hide her smile and find enough good grace to hang her head. The cool brush of his fingers along her chin was startling.

 

“I would be very careful what games you decide to play with me, sweetheart. Sooner or later, that kid is going to come out,” he warned, “and there will be no buffer between us then. If I were you, I would spend my time thinking about what you asked for and praying my water doesn’t turn cold.”

 

Her eyes darted to his in uncertainty. Ignoring her panic, he directed her toward the bedroom with a stern point. She trudged past him, her heart starting to pound as she pondered the wisdom in her actions. She craved the firmness and control only Sebastian could give. He needed that release just as much as she did, but prodding the man was as dangerous as jabbing a tiger with a stick. She could only pray the pounce would be worse than his bite. Swallowing, she climbed onto the middle of their bed and smoothed a hand over the black and silver comforter.

 

The minutes seemed to turn to hours as she waited. Her ears strained as she tracked his movements. The forceful jets of the shower switched off, only to be replaced by the more gentle flow of the sink as he brushed his teeth. She listened to the soft click of his deodorant cap, certain that the suspense of his brief grooming was going to drive her insane. That, too, had always been a part of his game.

 

Her breath was coming in shallow pants by the time Sebastian entered the bedroom. She started to edge closer to the headboard as he approached the side of the bed, the sleek muscles in his body rippling with his graceful prowl.

 

“Stop moving,” he warned.

 

She froze, not missing the predatory gleam in his eyes. They trailed over every inch of her, caressing her skin in a languid assessment. Taylor bit the inside of her cheeks as he stared down at her in silent contemplation. She could almost hear the wheels in that intelligent mind of his churning.

 

“Roll over, Taylor. Get on your hands and knees. Now.”

 

Her breath came in a shallow exhale. Numb with a combination of desire and anticipation, she did as instructed. Confusion flooded her as he knelt behind her. Sebastian grabbed one of the pillows situated above her head and tucked it beneath her ribs. Snaring another, he lifted her and shoved a second pillow under her hips. The plump mound thrust her forward so that only her forehead and knees touched the mattress. Taylor’s cheeks colored with shame as he parted her thighs and she realized the position not only gave her body added support, but left her spread open, exposed and vulnerable before him.

 

“Mm. Now isn’t this a beautiful sight?” he asked, both hands spanning her ass. His fingers clamped down in a forceful squeeze. “Have you thought about what I said?”

 

Her cheeks burned hotter as she nodded her head. “Yes, Sebastian.”

 

“Is this still what you want, Taylor? Once I start, there’ll be no turning back.”

 

“I know,” she whispered.

 

His husky laugh rolled through the room and he splayed a hand against the small of her back, roughly holding her in place. “I sincerely hope for your sake that is true.”

 

She jerked with an unexpected jolt of pleasure as his fingers probed along her sex. Pressing down, he ground the sensitive bud against her pelvic bone. Her eyes drifted shut. It had been so long since she’d had his body. His touch was a soothing balm to her soul. She craved it, needed it as desperately as the desert yearned for the cooling kiss of rain. Within seconds, her breathing hitched and the promise of release loomed just out of reach. Unable to help herself, she rocked against his ministrations with a throaty moan, no longer caring how brazen or forward it seemed.

 

Sebastian’s hand stilled. Trailing up, he pushed two fingers deep inside her with a low growl. Her head spun as he pumped the long digits into her body, rocking it with a series of slow, forceful thrusts. Moaning, she buried her face in the mattress and twisted the sheets. Time and again, he brought her to the brink, only to hold back in the most cruel and delicious of ways. The world hung suspended. All that existed was the ragged sound of their breath and the all-consuming fever of his touch. She shivered as he leaned over, his desire voiced in a sinister rumble. His fist anchored in her hair and jerked her head back. His breath came scorching hot against her ear.

 

“Do you still want me to rein you back in?”

 

Fire exploded across her skin as he cracked his hand down on her upturned ass. Startled, she jerked in his grasp with a pleading yelp.

 

“Answer me, Taylor,” he warned. 

 

Another stinging blow followed. The heat spiraled through her skin and flooded her body with a tingling warmth that rendered her speechless. Her insides throbbed, aching with unfulfilled need. She arched her back and swayed, begging him in a silent plea.

 

“So defiant,” Sebastian whispered. “Since you don’t want to listen, maybe these will remind you how to behave.”

 

Her short, staccato cries filled the room as he brought his hand down again and again. It hurt. It burned. The brand of his palm sank deep but, somehow, it was what she needed. There was comfort in the pain. It offered distraction from what felt like insurmountable stress and worry, but more importantly, it offered release. Letting go, she let the heat wind through her senses and sobbed against the mattress. 

 

“Have you had enough, Taylor? Do we have an understanding now?”

 

“Yes,” she whimpered, trying to catch her breath between sniffles.

 

Sebastian leaned closer, his fingertips kneading and caressing her stinging skin. “Remember this, darling. No matter what, I will always give you what you need.”

 

Oblivious to her muffled whimpers, he angled her hips up with a sharp yank. The thick length of his cock probed between her thighs, slicking the way. She stiffened as he pulled back. Bracing herself, she waited for him to enter her in a brutal claim. Instead, he impaled her slowly. The sinewy muscles in his body trembled and strained against her and his groan filled her ears as Sebastian eased himself inside her. Taylor’s eyes drifted shut. The heat, the incredible feel of his body stretching hers and filling her beyond capacity was pure bliss. She tried to rock into him, but he stilled her efforts with growl and held tight. Another stinging blow from his hand brought her upright on her knees.

 

“You asked for me to take control, sunshine,” he rasped, winding a fist in her hair. “Now you’re trying to take it back. Which is it?”

 

He eased back then stabbed deep. The unyielding hold on her hair forced her body to arch even harder onto his. Once again, he pushed as far as he could go and held position. The pressure drew a low rumble from his throat. She whimpered as he buried himself to the hilt and ground forward. Her breath came in a ragged pant. 

 

“Seb…please…”

 

 “You’re still trying. Quit trying to manipulate the situation and let it go,” he warned. “Stop begging me.”

 

She squirmed, cursing his cruelty under her breath. Sebastian caressed the raised pink lines spanning her ass with a chiding tsk.

 

“You know how I feel about that kind of language, darling. Keep pushing me and I will show you just how cruel I can be.”

 

Any response she might have had died as he eased back and slid forward with a slow swirl of his hips. The room spun. Colors loomed, breaking in fragments before her eyes. All that mattered was the slow, deep rhythm of his thrusts. She danced on the precipice for what felt like hours. Each time she came too close, he changed pace and angle, leaving her bereft. Sebastian consumed every part of her. His body became a battering ram that brought the most delicious torment and chased all coherent thought away.

 

Then, the world broke. Release hit so hard and so fast, she couldn’t catch her breath. Winded, Taylor twisted beneath the onslaught, her body shuddering around him. Sebastian faltered for a moment, then resumed driving into her with a determined pace. Unable to escape, Taylor cried out and collapsed against the bed when another orgasm hit. Sweat slicked her skin and puddled beneath her on the sheets as he continued rocking into her, forcing her to take everything he had to give.

 

Sebastian’s grip tightened. Wresting her back up on her knees, he slammed into her with a possessive snarl. His hips pumped faster, driving his cock harder and deeper, until his lean body trembled against her and the savage growl building in his throat gave way to a strangled cry. Taylor blinked against the cloudy haze gathered before her eyes. The rest of the world still felt so inconsequential, so distant—far away. All she could focus on was the powerful twitch of his body and the fading throb of hers as he came deep inside her.

 

A few seconds later, Sebastian dropped down beside her with a contented sigh. Drawing her off the mound of pillows, he pulled her against his side into the crook of his shoulder. His skin glistened in the dying remnants of sunlight spilling through the windows and his curls were a golden, sweat-soaked mess. All traces of hardness evaporated with his lazy smile and a sparkle ignited in his striking green eyes. Kissing her temple, he rubbed slow circles against her back until the gentle tremors wracking her started to fade. Still searching her face, Sebastian ran a questioning finger over her ribs.

 

“Too much?” he asked.

 

“No,” Taylor whispered, nuzzling closer against his chest. “It was perfect.”

 

His husky laughter flooded the room as he scrubbed a still unsteady hand across the top of his head. “Good.”

 

The silence between them was comforting. Taking her hand, he kissed each one of her fingertips. 

 

“I should punish you again,” he murmured. “This time in earnest.”

 

Confused, Taylor propped herself up on her elbow and searched his eyes. “Why?”

 

“Because. Now I have to take another shower.”

 

“No one asked you to perform like a marathon runner in bed,” she retorted.

 

Sebastian’s throaty laughter filled the room. Rolling on top of her, he captured her face between his hands. “That definitely sounded like a complaint.”

 

“I’m a little sore,” she admitted.

 

“Mm. Poor baby. I just wanted to make sure you were satisfied.” A languid smile dangled from his lips while he circled the outline of her breast, leaving a wave of gooseflesh in his wake. “Was I successful in those endeavors, or should I try again?”

 

“My God, Sebastian. I swear I might cry if you touch me again.”

 

His prideful smirk offered no apologies. “Yes you will, darling,” he whispered before nibbling softly on her bottom lip. “You’ll cry with pleasure and scream my name. Both of which I love to hear.”

 

“You are such a brute,” she accused, fighting to hide her smile.

 

“That I am, Taylor. You would do well to remember that.”

 

“If it’s any consolation, I don’t think I will be forgetting anytime soon.”

 

Laughing, he rolled off her. “Quit flattering me. You already got what you wanted. Now get up and come grab a shower with me. I told Josh and Monique we’d join them for dinner at six.”

 

Just like that, her heart sank. She tried not to let her reluctance show. Dinner parties had never been kind to them. Peeling herself off the damp mattress, she avoided Sebastian’s inquisitive stare and brushed past him. She tried to remind herself that it was just Josh and Monique. They’d shared meals together numerous times in the past and somehow managed to escape the encounters happy and unscathed. Maybe, with any luck at all, tonight would be the same. Still, that reassurance did nothing to silence the fearful voice whispering in her head. History had a nasty tendency of repeating itself.