From the Ashes - A Forbidden Series Novella Read online

  It can’t be him. He left me.

  Alone and cold to fend for myself in the horror that followed.

  Once he pulls his fingers from my core, I turn to face him in time to see him lick my arousal from both digits. Our gazes lock and something shifts between us, a palpable force that knocks me breathless for a moment and as much as I want to ask him, I don’t. Fear overrides the need to know. An inexplicable, invisible connection seems to tether me to him. At that moment, there’s nothing I want more than to feel him inside me. “I want you.” The words tumble from my lips in a soft plea. I’ve never asked a man to fuck me. Never willingly begged a man to take me, but I’ve just done it.

  I lie back wanting to watch his face while he fucks me. Without a word, he shoves his briefs down thick, muscled thighs. His hard cock stands proudly, and I watch him rip the foil packet—I didn’t even notice him holding—and sheath himself.

  “Where would you like me, baby?” The question stills my heart and my belly flips with an unknown feeling. I’m not used to men being accommodating. I prefer them taking me without restraint. No emotions. Don’t fall. Don’t get hurt.

  “Wherever you’d like?” I respond quietly, still in awe of him. My gaze trails over his tanned, taut skin, trying to see through the tattoos that adorn his body, to find the man hidden beneath. To find him.

  He grips my hip with one hand and with the other he teases my entrance with the tip of his erection.

  “Are you ready for me?” he grits out, his tone filled with hunger, and I nod. That’s all he must need, because his hips slam into me and I’m suddenly filled beyond all imagination. My body quivers and my back arches off the bed. My heart thuds hard against my chest as he thrusts into me.

  The hold he has on my body tightens. I’ll be bruised, but I don’t care.

  He’s made me feel more like a woman than anyone else before and something inside me snaps.

  “Just fuck me,” I cry out, needing something harder, rougher, more volatile because he’s going to break through every fucking barrier I’ve built and do something no one else has done in a long time.

  He’s going to make me feel.

  He reaches down and grips my neck, squeezing just enough to make my heart race. My eyes flutter closed before I hear the buckle and await the pain. But there isn’t any. All he does is wrap the belt around my neck, pulling it like a leash as he bucks into me.

  The crown of his dick rubs against my sweet spot over and over again. “You’re so perfect, so fucking tight, firebird. You love it rough, don’t you?” I try to nod, but the belt is too tight. I’ve been choked before, but it’s never turned me on like it does now. My walls tighten around his thick shaft and I hear his feral growl. “Fucking beautiful, your tight cunt fits me like a glove.” His words are dirty, downright filthy, but they detonate me.

  An orgasm shatters through me and I cry out as my body spasms around him. His body shudders and I feel him thicken, joining me in bliss. It’s silent for a long while, and once another beat passes, I watch his mouth curl into a lazy smile. “Perfect, firebird,” he whispers, as he slips out of me.

  I feel empty without him inside me and when I peer up, I find him staring at me with too much emotion.

  “There’s an en-suite if you’d like to freshen up. I’ll tidy the room,” I offer. He stalls for a moment, and I wonder if he’s going to stand there all day. His mouth opens to say something, then closes again and he heads to the bathroom.

  Shutting my eyes, I take a deep breath.

  That was strange. Our connection.

  I’ve never wanted a man since the one who holds my heart. Yes, I’ve fucked loads of men. If you asked me how many, I couldn’t tell you, but this was different. It’s as if he’d struck a match, and I’m the wick that now burns. A live flame.

  As soon as I’m alone, I take a deep breath. There’s no way she recognized me, but there was something in the way she looked at me, as if her soul recognized mine, her heart saw right through and found mine, beating wildly to the same rhythm.

  Never did I think I’d see her again. Yet, here she is. I’ve just been inside her and her body still molds to mine like it was made to. As if we’re one. I stare into the mirror, my eyes glazed with hunger, need, and love. Love so fucking strong I don’t know how I’m going to go back out there and not tell her.

  She’s fucking beautiful. Perfect in every way. I knew she would be.

  The words tattooed on her ribs and the Phoenix on her hip are evidence that she remembers.

  I want her. I need her.

  I have to decide if I should tell her the truth now, or wait. Show her that I do love her. She needs to know me, the real me.

  Opening the shower door, I turn on the taps and wait for it to heat up. My mind is running rampant, formulating a plan to win her back. Once I step inside, I allow the spray to cascade down my tense muscles.

  Sex is supposed to calm me, but it’s fucking wound me up and I’m ready to snap. Every nerve in my body is alight, sparking like a live wire. I wanted to fuck her without a barrier, to feel her heat on mine, skin on skin. Soon, I will take her and claim her as mine.

  I’ve waited too long for this—she’ll wear my mark and only mine.

  She’s by no means innocent, but I’m fucked because all I want to do is defile her.

  Gripping my dick, I stroke it. I’m rock solid and I’ve just come.

  The ache to fuck her again is strong as it courses through my body, tempting me like a drug shot directly into the vein that ignites my blood.

  “You need help with that?” Her soft, but confident tone has me turning to face the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen. She’s standing in the doorway of the shower, leaning against the wall, watching me with a smirk that makes me want to fuck those plump lips. Her body is still bare and I turn to face her fully.

  “You offering?” I chuckle. She shrugs and the action has her full tits bouncing. “Well, don’t just stand there. It’s not going to stroke itself,” I order, and she immediately obeys, stepping into the shower. I bite back a groan when the spray hits her beautiful body. Those curves are like a roadmap for my tongue and I’d happily get a speeding ticket licking them.

  “You’re insatiable,” she murmurs, dropping to her knees. She swirls her tongue over the tip of my dick, and I have to grip the wall to keep from coming too soon. Her gaze trails its way up my body, and when it finally reaches my eyes, the sparkle in those green orbs shimmer like jewels. She pulls her mouth off my dick and whispers, “I shouldn’t do this.”

  My brows crease in a frown, but before I can ask what she means, the goddess rises and turns with her back to me. Bending at the waist, she grips the tiles in front of her. With those incredible forest pools, she glances over her shoulder and purrs, “Please, fuck me again.”

  My body responds, hardening further. I grip her hips and slam into her so hard, I hear the breath whooshing from her lips. She’s incredibly wet and tight, making my cock thicken inside her hot body, aching to release and fill her. “Fuck, you’re amazing,” I grunt, and she whimpers in response. Her fingers claw at the wet, slippery tiles as I drive into her faster and deeper.

  My hips slap against her ass and I bury myself so fucking deep inside her, it’s as if we’re one person. Joined in a primal dance. “Oh God, please…” She moans louder with every thrust.

  Her curves set me on fire and her cunt clamps down on me. “Kael,” I hiss through my teeth. “Scream my fucking name.” My rough growl sets her off and her body quivers around me.

  “Kael, fuck, please.” Her words are a whimper, and I feel her orgasm closing in. Reaching around, I find her clit, pinching it hard between my index finger and thumb, sending her spiraling. “Oh fuck, Kael!” Her screams are primal, and my body locks as I shoot jet after jet of hot release inside her.

  As I come down from the intense high, my hands still hold onto her like she’s my lifeline. Which she is. I’ve lost her once, I’d rather die than lose her again. �
�Fucking hell, gorgeous. You aiming to kill me?” I question, chuckling as I slip out of her.

  I watch those long legs tremble as she straightens and turns to me. “Just making sure you’re happy with the service.” Her words are cold, withdrawn.

  Automated and robotic.

  I reach for her and whisper a response. “Hey, I—”

  She doesn’t meet my eyes but instead interrupts me. “You better finish up. You’ll need to return the key to the welcome desk. Take care.” Without another word, she steps out of the shower and leaves me speechless under the cooling spray.

  What the fuck?

  Staring at the blank canvas, I pick up my paintbrush and palette. My hand moves of it’s own accord. Inspiration blinks like a flickering light bulb as I start the painting. This contract is worth millions and I’ve been sitting here for two hours with one image in my mind. Her.

  Nothing could have prepared me for what she’s done to me. Seeing her beautiful face again has given me a new lease on life. If she knew who I was, she wouldn’t have given me a second glance. There was so much anger in her eyes, not directed at me, even though it should be, but just anger at life.

  I’ve seen her happy. Those beautiful eyes that used to shimmer and glisten have been dimmed over the years. Five long years. It’s been too long.

  My heart has beat for hers, and now that I’ve felt her again, there’s no chance she’ll get rid of me. Sitting back, I take in the crimson paint, which represents her hair, those long wavy locks that I want to wrap around my fist while I drive into her again and again.

  The soft orange shades in between the dark red remind me of the sun shining down on her. Even though I’ve never spent time with her outdoors, I can picture her perfectly.

  Smooth, creamy skin, plump pink lips, deep green eyes.

  A Goddess.

  A firebird.

  A Phoenix.

  The paintbrush sweeps along the white material as I allow her to take over my mind. Memories flood me like a fountain overflowing. For the first time in years, I feel happy. It’s an emotion I’ve lived without for so long, it startles me.

  I’ll go back tomorrow. Every fucking day if I have to. I want her. She’ll be mine again. This time there’s nothing standing in our way.

  I promised you once I’d find you, firebird. Now that I have. I’ll bind you to me so you’ll never be on your own again. All I can do is hope and pray she forgives me. If not, I’ll have to prove myself, which I’ll do happily. I’ll do anything she asks of me.

  Watch out, Phoenix, I’m coming for you.

  Pushing open the door to our apartment, I notice it’s dark. Dakota must be asleep. She finished work early, whereas I had a private dance scheduled. When I walked out of the Raven Room it was as if I left my heart there and I don’t know why.

  There was something about Kael I wanted more of. More of how he made me feel. Heading straight to my bedroom, I flop on the bed and stare at the black ceiling with my mind reeling.

  Kael. I murmur his name, over and over again. The familiarity of him was so intense. Feeling him inside me was different, clients fuck us girls all the time, but with him, I ached for it. Begged for it.

  As much as I wanted to ask him, to see if my suspicions were right, I didn’t. I chickened out. It couldn’t possibly be him. I walked into the shower hoping to tempt him, to make sure he returns to the club, but nothing in life is certain.

  Nothing would make him want more than just a quick, hassle-free fuck. Rolling over, I pull the sheet up over me and allow my eyes to flutter closed as dreams envelop me in their rigid claws.

  “You’ll fucking obey me, toy.” His voice booms in the small room. I’d hoped I’d get a reprieve from him today, but sadly, I’m not that lucky. I drop to my knees on the black carpet and keep my eyes trained to the floor. The metal leash he always carries gets clipped to the collar around my neck. “Come.” On all fours, I follow him, crawling like the pet I am. After the first year, I got a new Master to please. He’s more violent, different from the one who trained me when I first arrived.

  As we weave our way through the mansion, I know where we’re headed. The music from the party room echoes down the hallway and as we near it, I can hear the men’s voices over the deep thumping bass.

  He’s having a party again. Tonight, I’ll be used until I pass out, maybe even after. I never remember how I get to my bed after these parties, but I always do. And without a doubt, I won’t be able to walk for a few days.

  “Well, what do we have here?” A deep rumble cuts through my thoughts and a hand, rough and calloused, reaches for my chin, tugging it up harshly. “She’s a pretty one,” he says to my owner, but stares at me.

  “She’s well trained,” my Master says proudly, and I shiver. His voice is slurred, and I realize he’s drunk already. “Come on, pet. Up on the table.” He tugs the leash, pulling me toward the low mahogany table in the center of the room. I climb up with ease and sit back on my heels, waiting for my next command. The stranger who called me pretty crouches beside the table and meets my gaze. He’s got kind blue eyes. I say kind, but what I really mean is that he’s not scary. Not like my Sir.

  “Do you like to play, little toy?” he asks, his tone laced with lust. All men talk to me like that.

  I’m just a pet. A toy to play with.

  “Yes, Sir,” I mumble. He reaches out and tugs at the clasp of my bra, unhooking it with one hand. The straps fall to my front, and when the material drops from my body, I hear the loud hiss from the others. I don’t know how many there are, but I would guess the usual six.

  “So polite. Let’s see how much that mouth can take.” He rises, leaving me with a view of his shoes. They’re shiny and black and remind me of the ones my father used to wear to work. The clink of a belt buckle alerts me that I’m about to be taken and it won’t be nice. “Eyes up.” Lifting my gaze, I watch as he unzips his expensive slacks and drops them to his knees.

  The thick ridge of his erection protrudes in my face and I realize he wasn’t wearing underwear. His big hand fists his shaft, taking the tip and running it over my lips. “Open your pretty little mouth, kitten.” I obey, like I was taught to do, and he slips the crown of his dick in my warm, inviting, wet mouth. “Fuck.” He grunts in satisfaction. “Suck it like you do those lollipops you girls like so much.” My cheeks cave in as I swallow him, sucking harder. His groan is evidence that I’ve been trained well.

  He grips my head, fisting my long, red hair in thick fingers, and plunges himself deep down my throat. My gag reflex kicks in and I choke on the tip as it hits me painfully. Spit drips from my chin and my eyes tear up. “Eyes up.” Dragging my watery gaze up to him, I find a dark smirk on his lips.

  As he continues fucking my face, I feel hands on me, ripping my panties from my curvy frame and groping my flesh. The man before me grunts and his body locks and jets of release fill my mouth. When he finally pulls himself from between my swollen lips, I’m dragged to the floor, and made to straddle a man with a mask on his face. I’m impaled on his thick cock and his hips rock up toward me as he fucks me bareback.

  Just when I think I can’t take anymore, another man nudges my tight, puckered entrance. Teasing it. I hear and feel the spit on my ass, and before the pain sears me, I retreat into my mind. The darkness I hold on to envelops me as I attempt to keep myself sane. As I try to grasp my soul and shield it from the filth and darkness, I pray for escape, beg for mercy, and plead for a reprieve.

  “Just a toy, that’s all you’re good for. All you’ll ever be.”

  Jolting upright from the nightmare, I glance around and realize I’m not there, I’m home. Safe. The images sit heavily in my mind, like a weight bearing down on me. I need to get out. To breathe. The air in my room is stifling.

  I swing my legs over the bed and make my way in to the kitchen. The sun is coming up and I stifle a groan. I’m not ready for another day. I’d prefer to sleep in, but I know I’ll get no rest. “Good morning, sunshine!�
� Dakota’s sweet, melodic voice comes from my right as she enters the kitchen. I glance at her happy face and sigh.

  “Babe, do you have to be so chirpy in the morning?” I grumble playfully, and she smiles at my grumpy pout shaking her head. I swear the girl has a neverending supply of energy. Rounding the island, she grabs two mugs and proceeds to make us two steaming mugs of coffee.

  “Here, drink this and lighten up, you’re teaching me that damn pole today.” She winks lightheartedly, her big hazel eyes filled with mischief.

  “What’s his name?” I quip, watching her cheeks pink and I realize there’s a guy involved. Whenever she has a little plan formulating in that intelligent brain of hers she gets this look and I know I’m going to be involved somehow.

  “What makes you think it’s got anything to do with a guy?” She pops her hip, pinning me with a playful glare. Sipping my coffee, I savor the taste before answering her.

  “Dakota, there’s something all sparkly in those caramel gems and I’m not stupid. What is his name?” Rolling her eyes, she let’s a giggle fall from her pouty lips.

  “Well…” She drags the word out slowly and I know something’s about to shock me. “It’s just, you sort of know him.” She snickers before drinking her own milky coffee. Narrowing my eyes, I watch another deep crimson blush appear on her cheeks.

  “Mmhmm, I knew it. And who is this man I sort of know?” I tip my head to the side in question.

  “Axel,”—she sighs dramatically—“Sky, he’s a God. That body, that accent, those lips that I want on every inch of my skin, and a smirk that makes me want to drop my panties instantly. I’ve been crushing for a little while now and…well… I want to make a move, but I don’t want to go up to him, I want to play the naughty kitten. I’m going to drive him crazy because the way those blue orbs were piercing me from across the room last night, I know he wants to devour me.” Her lips purse playfully as she reminisces about the man who I consider a friend.