All-In by Sierra Cartwright

Chapter Five

Zara wasn’t convinced she’d ever get accustomed to the speed of his private elevator. Once again, she bent her knees for stability when they arrived at his floor. No doubt the experience was heightened by the desire spiraling through her.

Lorenzo nodded to his man. “You’re off duty, Mario.”

“I’ll stay till the kid arrives to relieve me.” Then he inclined his head in her direction. “Evening, Ms. Davis.”

“Thank you, Mario.”

She followed Lorenzo into his apartment, and he shut the door behind them. Then he beckoned to her.

“May I have your hand?”

She frowned.

“Nothing nefarious. I want to program the apartment so you’re free to come and go as you please. Even the elevator will respond.”

“So you’re not keeping me prisoner ever again?”

“As long as you avoid men who need pummeling.” His face was expressionless, and she had no idea whether he was serious or not.

After placing her purse on the table, she extended her hand, and he pressed her fingertip against the pad on the wall.

“Hold still for about five seconds.”

A moment later, a green light above the sensor flashed, and a cultured, disembodied female voice filled the foyer. “Fingerprint accepted, Mr. Carrington.”

“Thank you, Sally.”

Stunned by the interaction, Zara asked, “Sally?”

“My whole-house computer. Designed by Julien Bonds, fueled by AI.”

“There’s nothing artificial about my intelligence, Mr. Carrington.”The disembodied voice held an offended note.

Zara smiled. “A computer that talks back? I like that.”

“I prefer the word assistant, ma’am.”

“Of course.” She grinned while Lorenzo sighed.

“Sally, please say hello to Ms. Davis.”

“I’m at your service.”

Sally enchanted her. “Thank you.” Then she frowned. “Am I supposed to thank a computer?”

“Not necessary.”

“Yes.”

“The programming is as glitchy as Bonds’s personality.” Lorenzo shook his head. “She responds better to positive interaction.”

Suppressing a grin, Zara glanced at him through her eyelashes. “Something we both have in common.”

“Touché.”

“Would you like a drink? I can prepare a martini, but it won’t compare to the one you just had.” He loosened his tie. “Or I may have another bottle of your favorite champagne.” He opened the top button on his shirt, then leveled a hard look at her. “However, for what I have in mind for you, I’d prefer you didn’t drink anymore.”

Swept up in him, she shivered. “In that case, no. Thank you.”

With purposeful intent, he walked toward her and captured her face between his palms, holding her steady while he ravaged her mouth.

When they were both breathless, he ended the kiss, and she grabbed hold of his wrists for support.

“We have a few things to discuss before I completely lose myself in you.”

Though she wanted nothing more than to surrender to the moment and think later, she nodded. At least one of them was using their brain.

He pivoted and put several feet of distance between them before turning to face her again. “I want to make love to you.”

Finally.She ached to touch him. “Me too.”

“I have condoms.”

“I’m on the pill.”

His eyes burned with intensity. “I will still use a condom if you want.”

“You’ve proven yourself to be an honorable man. If you tell me you don’t need one, I will believe you.”

“I promise, principessa, you are always safe with me.”

She nodded. “You mentioned that you have particular tastes.”

Patiently he waited for her to go on.

Everything inside her shimmered with awareness. “I have certain desires of my own.”

He grinned in a way that told her he suspected—or knew—that information already.

Still, she went on. “I attend BDSM play parties at Diana and Alcott’s home.”

“We are well suited.”

She’d never doubted that.

“What are your hard limits?”

Since this part was easy for her, she was able to pretend he was an ordinary man. “No extreme pain.”

“Canes?”

“A hard pass. I’m more into the sensuality, the psychological aspects of it—but no humiliation.”

“Understood. And a safe word?”

“I’m not terribly creative. Red for stop. Yellow for slow down.”

He continued to regard her. “And how about collars?”

“I’ve never worn one.” Because I’ve been waiting for you. “Until now.”

“In that case, I’m honored.” In an incredibly masculine move, he folded his arms behind him. “Is there anything you need me to be aware of?”

She tipped her head back to meet his gaze. In addition to being confounding and frustrating, he possessed a very dark side. As long as she lived, she’d never forget the way he’d handled Jeffrey. Maybe she was foolish, but… “I trust you.”

“I will do my best to deserve you.” Time stretched, and when she didn’t speak, he crossed to her. “I had a collar made for you. It’s on the nightstand in my bedroom. When you’re ready, please fetch it.”

Shock paralyzed her. Obviously he’d had no doubts that she’d submit to him. After a few seconds, she managed to gather her wits and left the room, climbing the staircase on shaky legs.

The diamond-studded choker was nestled in a velvet-lined box. The stunning piece of jewelry stole her breath. It was beautiful enough to have been designed for royalty, and it was a fantasy come true.

Though she’d scened before, she’d never been with a man whose entire focus was on her pleasure.

Reverently she picked up the collar—her collar—then headed down the stairs.

He stood with his back to the window, feet planted shoulder-width apart. He’d discarded his tie and turned back his shirtsleeves.

She misstepped, then froze.

This was a new side of him—a Dominant one that made her reel.

Her blood heated, and her thought process slowed.

A pillow was at his feet, and she knew it was meant for her. He was very deliberate with the way he exerted his will, and it wove an inescapable spell around her.

He didn’t order her to come to him. Rather, he waited.

Uncertain of her actions in a way she hadn’t been at any other time in her life, she walked forward, feeding on the approval in his eyes.

She lowered herself to her knees, recognizing the next logical step, the only one she was capable of taking. Struggling to school her breathing, she lowered her head and offered the stunning piece to him.

“Exquisite. I’ve waited a lifetime for you, principessa.”

The same was true for her.

“Will you lift your hair for me?”

Her heart rate slowed. It was as if every part of her knew that this was right.

When she did as he asked, he crouched in front of her and compelled her to meet his gaze.

“You do know that I may never let you go?”

“Yes,” she whispered.

With a deft touch, he fastened the collar into place. Next, he gently moved her hands so that her hair fell over her shoulders and down her back.

“Perfect.” He stood. “Exactly as I imagined.”

Zara accepted the hand up that he offered.

“I want you naked. Would you like to remove your dress? Or would you prefer I do it for you?”

She almost answered but then caught herself. “Whichever you prefer, Lorenzo.”

“Perfect answer.” His pleasure, in his smile and his voice, electrified her.

In a deft, smooth move, he scooped up the hem of her dress and drew it upward. Because it was formfitting, she wiggled a little, helping him remove the garment.

He continued, pulling it up and off before draping it over the back of the couch.

Mostly naked, she fought an instinctive moment of embarrassment. From the moment they first met, he’d known she was blessed with curves, and he’d always seemed to approve.

“You’re even more beautiful than I imagined.”

His appreciation poured through her, giving her confidence.

“Please remove your bra.”

Because she was entering a more submissive mindset, her movements slowed. She fumbled with the clasp several times until it finally released. When she shrugged, the straps fell over her shoulders, and her breasts spilled from the lacy lingerie.

He inhaled sharply. “Your breasts are magnificent. Your nipples…dusky and already so hard. I could suck on them for hours. And I will.”

Nervous anticipation danced through her. Yes, please.

He extended his hand for her bra, and she offered it to him.

“Now your panties.”

She gulped hard before easing them over her hips and down her thighs.

“Principessa, you’ll be lucky if I ever allow you to wear clothes again.” He placed all her garments in the same pile. “I love the way your legs look in those shoes. Are you comfortable enough in them?”

She nodded.

“Good. In that case, I’d like you to walk to the pool area.”

Puzzled, but not questioning him, she moved through his apartment, hyperaware of the sway of her hips and his scrutiny.

“Keep going.”

Toward the room he hadn’t shown her.

When they arrived, he pressed his thumb to the pad on the wall. The door opened with a soft snick.

Once she entered his dungeon, she froze, rooted to the spot. The rest of his apartment was spectacular, and this was no exception.

The room boasted floor-to-ceiling windows. And because no buildings were nearby, they had complete privacy.

One wall was lined with glass doors, displaying every impact toy imaginable. A set of matching drawers—with chrome pull handles—held other equipment. Nipple clamps, plugs, cuffs, rope, vibrators, blindfolds, gags, even a few things she didn’t immediately recognize.

He had a small refrigerator as well as a countertop and sink.

But the focal point was a beautifully supple white leather swing that hung from the ceiling near the center of the room.

The room also contained a chrome St. Andrew’s cross and a red leather spanking bench.

“All for you, principessa.”

She took it all in—or tried to.

A massive television was mounted to a wall, and he also had a leather chair and an oversize loveseat.

“You never have to leave.” She faced him.

“My point exactly.” He folded his arms in a commanding manner. As always, lord of his domain. “Where shall we begin?”

No doubt he didn’t expect an answer. And yet she couldn’t resist. “Everywhere.”

“That’s the answer I wanted.” His footfalls loud on the tile, he crossed to her.

Drowning in anticipation, aware of her nudity, she held her breath.

He cupped her breasts, then lightly kneaded them.

Warmth and dampness swirled through her as he caressed a nipple between his thumb and forefinger.

As he watched her, he pulled on the hardened nub, elongating it. For support she grabbed hold of him.

He shook his head. “I want you helpless.”

Lorenzo captured her hands and imprisoned them behind her. She moaned both from pleasure and in protest, and she longed to touch him.

“This moment is mine.”

He tugged upward, forcing her onto her tiptoes, mad with desire. He tightened his grip on her nipple, leaving her breathless, unable to think, as he took what he wanted, but giving her oh so much more in return.

Delirious, she tipped back her head and closed her eyes, offering more.

Greedily he took it, releasing her nipple to relentlessly squeeze her breast. “Lorenzo, I can’t…”

When she was convinced she couldn’t take it one moment longer, he slowly released her.

Her reprieve was short lived as he immediately moved on to her other breast. This time, he lowered his head to draw her nipple into his mouth. He used his teeth, biting with exquisite tenderness, making her scream his name.

“I’ve never heard anything as sweet.”

He slid his hand between her thighs. Responding to his unspoken command, she spread her legs.

His touch demanding, inflaming, he stroked between her folds, teasing her clit, making her wet. Caught up in the moment, she moved in unison with him. Within a minute, she was on the edge of an orgasm.

“There’s nothing I desire more than to have you shatter in my arms.”

“Yes.”

“But I want you to hold on a bit longer. Can you do that for me?

Frantically she shook her head. She knew he expected her obedience, but she had waited, fantasized, for so many years. “Lorenzo, please.”

“Don’t make me stop, principessa. Don’t make me punish your neediness.” His words were a serrated knife edge wrapped in silk.

Relentlessly he drove her forward, sliding one of his fingers inside her damp channel. “So ready. Tight.”

He changed the angle to find her G-spot while he pressed his thumb hard against her clitoris.

“My God, Lorenzo. I’m going to come.”

He bent his head. “Open your mouth for me.”

As if she had any choice. Zara surrendered. Everything she had, everything she was, she offered to him.

He’d kissed her before, but never like this, with emotion and promise.

Time stretched, morphed, as she swirled into bliss, and suddenly she didn’t know where he ended and she began.

Even though he’d ordered her not to orgasm, he relentlessly drove her to the precipice. His grip on her wrists intensified, every bit as unyielding as handcuffs would have been.

Her back was arched, and her body aflame. Lorenzo deepened the kiss as he exerted more pressure on her pleasure spots.

A million pinpricks of light filled her vision as an orgasm overtook her. She screamed, and her whole body shook.

But as always, Lorenzo was there, holding her, supporting her, providing what she needed.

Without her being aware of it, he somehow ended the kiss.

By slow measures, her breathing returned to normal, and she blinked and met his gaze. He wore a satisfied grin, and one of his eyebrows was raised as he looked at her. “You’re spectacular.”

“That was the best orgasm I’ve ever had.”

“Your responses are so honest, pleasing.” He kissed her forehead. “But you came without my permission.”

Mutinously she set her chin. “That’s not fair. You didn’t give me a choice.”

“Hmm.” His voice contained no sympathy. “Still, there’s a price to pay for your disobedience.”

Her heart plummeted as devilment danced in his dark, merciless eyes.

Still holding her captive, he licked her essence from his fingertips. Then he released her wrists. “Come with me.”

Her stilettos tapped on the tile floor, keeping rhythm with her thumping heart as she followed him to the closet where he stored his impact toys.

“Tonight, as it’s your first time, I’ll allow you to select which implement we use.”

She glanced at him, searching his features.

“Pain, mixed with pleasure. I’d like you to select how I mark you.”

Arousal crashed into her.

She was turning over her body to him, and soon, it would bear the proof of his Domination.

Her mouth dried, both from a touch of fear and the heady knowledge that they’d reached a turning point they could never go back from.

She surveyed the implements and considered the tiny bites they’d leave behind. She loved surrendering to a flogging. When her stress level was high, a paddling or tawsing could soothe her.

For a moment, she considered the single tail. But she wanted to experience his touch everywhere.

Finally, after surveying all the tantalizing possibilities, she turned back toward him.

“Decision made?”

She nodded. “I’d like you to use your hands.”

He folded his arms across his chest. “Interesting choice.”

“It’s the intimacy.” She swallowed, then offered honesty she’d never given anyone else. “I want you to own me.”

“So brave.”

“Foolish?”

“Yes. Perhaps.”

She’d expected his reassurance. That he hadn’t offered it ignited a flare of anticipation inside her. With him she was bolder than she had been with any other person. It was as if he unlocked all the fire she’d been keeping pent-up inside, just for him.

“Come with me, principessa.”