Alpha’s Revenge Read online

  And if that meant using her physical attraction to his benefit...well, he was smart enough and bastard enough to do it. He needed her trust and, for a woman like Charity, that started with the physical. She’d been hurt before, and badly. He needed her to be able to trust him not to hurt her in that way.

  It had surprised him that she’d let him tied her hands to the pipe, considering he knew she’d been abused in some way. He’d expected her to balk, but not only had she let him, she’d enjoyed it, her passion real and unrestrained. He filed away everything he learned about her, what brought her pleasure, so he could use it in the future.

  He’d thought he’d have to work much harder to break down her barriers. But she’d given in with only a small struggle. He shoved aside the small suspicious voice that whispered it was too easy and thanked his lucky stars instead.

  He had her where he wanted her and now he was going to enjoy himself. Her first orgasm had hit her hard. He’d pushed her, wanting her to come with his first touch to her pussy. She hadn’t disappointed him.

  For once, Adrian was grateful for the extensive training he’d had. He knew every pressure point on the body and how much force to exert for maximum pain. He’d used most of them to kill. But the flip side of that coin was that he also knew every spot on the body that could bring pleasure. Little places, like behind the knees, inside the inner arm, the curve of the neck. There were so many hidden pleasure points and he’d found them all on Charity.

  He’d ignored his physical complaints as he’d touched her. Now that she’d come once, his cock was throbbing. The veins were prominent on the thick shaft, pumping blood to his erection. The head was deep purple, the slit seeping pre-cum. The sack between his legs was heavy with need. It would only take a thrust or two for him to come. Hell, he’d come if Charity so much as touched him. That was part of the reason he’d tied her hands over her head.

  The other reason was simply that he loved being in charge of her pleasure. Loved giving her everything she needed.

  He needed to taste her. Making a place for himself between her thighs, he pushed her legs up until her feet were flat on the floor. Holding her wide open, he indulged all his senses. Her folds were wet with her cream, she smelled hot and musky. He gritted his teeth to keep from covering her and slamming his cock into her heat.

  Taking a deep breath, he spread her lips and touched his tongue to her clit. The small bud was distended, the protective hood pushed aside. Charity let out a long, low moan, music to his ears, as he swirled his tongue over her. She tasted sweet and spicy. Like honey with a dash of cinnamon.

  “You taste so damn good.” He circled her opening with his tongue, loving the way her entire lower body clenched in anticipation. He’d felt strong, powerful many times in his life. With his physical strength and training it was a given. But with Charity spread beneath him accepting his touch, his domination, opening herself to him, he felt primal. He wanted her to scream with pleasure and know that he was the only man who could give this to her.

  A low growl rose from deep in his chest. No other man would ever get the opportunity to find out what a treasure she was. He’d kill any other man who touched her.

  Charity was his.

  He swiped his tongue over her outer folds before stabbing at her center. Her hips jerked beneath him, her breathing erratic as she shoved her pussy closer to his face. He wanted to laugh aloud. Satisfaction filled him as she gasped and writhed beneath him.

  He gathered some of her rich cream on his fingers and then rubbed them over her lips. She moaned and opened her mouth without him having to ask. It was one hell of a turn on. “Taste yourself.” He almost lost his mind when she took his index finger into her mouth. It was too easy to imagine it was his dick she was sucking on.

  He removed his finger and rubbed his thumb over her bottom lip. He had to get a hold of himself before he lost it. She had to come again before he took her. He focused his attention between her legs. He blew on her heated flesh and lapped at her clit. She rewarded him with a deep groan of pleasure.

  No doubt about it, Charity had been made for him. Her unfettered responses to his every touch were making him crazy with desire.

  Adrian’s shoulders bunched as he pressed the tip of his finger into her heated depths. Her entire body vibrated with tension. He could still smell her earlier fear, but it was now interlaced with the perfume of sexual desire. Her pupils dilated as he pushed his finger deeper.

  He flattened his tongue against her clit and rubbed. Charity gasped and her eyes rolled up as her eyelids fluttered shut. Her face was flushed, her body slick. He teased the folds of her pussy before sliding two fingers into her tight channel. Her eyes flew open and her lips parted on a silent cry.

  “Come for me.” He worked her hard, using teeth, tongue, lips and fingers to push her higher. Control was slipping away. He needed time. Time to get her used to him, to prepare her body so when he took her she’d feel nothing but pleasure. The last thing he wanted to do was physically hurt her.

  Adrian beat back the anger that coursed through him and concentrated only on Charity. He watched her carefully as he used his fingers to fuck her, adjusting his rhythm and the depth of penetration to give her maximum pleasure. He knew the second she was going over the edge. She gave a soft cry and her legs straightened, her back bowed off the pallet. Her body convulsed and she began to shake.

  He could wait no longer.

  He slipped his fingers from her and lifted her hips, draping her legs over his thighs. Fitting his cock head to her opening, he pushed. Her inner muscles were still convulsing from her orgasm and he ground his jaw together to keep from coming before he got all the way inside. He surged forward, gaining another two inches. She was tight and swollen.

  He rotated his hips, working his way deeper. “Take all of me,” he ground out. Sweat beaded his brow. He had to get inside her. His balls were heavy and tight as he pulled back and pushed forward, sinking deeper into her heat.

  Charity moaned, squeezing her inner muscles around him. It was too much. Adrian threw back his head and came. Hot pulses of semen jetted into her. He shoved himself against her, still not quite all the way there.

  God, he had to get all of his cock into her. Even as he came, he kept working his shaft deeper. The tension in his chest eased as he fitted the last inch of his erection inside her welcoming heat. It was even better than the first time he’d fucked her. There was more of a bond, an even greater sense of connection between them. Being this close stilled the restlessness inside him, made him feel as though he belonged with someone, to someone. It was a foreign sensation, but one that he craved. He hadn’t realized how his life had been lacking until Charity had walked into it.

  He didn’t know what he’d do if she knowingly betrayed him.

  Adrian bowed his head and sucked in a deep breath. Her skin was pale and slick, her nipples standing up like bright red berries, just waiting to be sampled. He frowned as he noted that her wrists were red from where she’d tugged against her bonds. Reaching up, he untied her. The change of position plunged his cock deeper, wringing a moan out of both of them.

  Carefully, he lowered her arms to her side, rubbing her shoulders to release any tension and prevent sore muscles. She smiled up at him, a sleepy, sated smile. He was still as hard as a rock inside her. Pulling back slightly, he surged forward. Her eyes widened and her mouth dropped open.

  “But you just...” The rest of her words were lost on a gasp as he gave another thrust.

  “It wasn’t enough.” He realized the truth of his words. He could fuck her three times a day for the rest of his life and it wouldn’t be enough. His balls were still tight and heavy, his cock still hard and ready.

  He captured her breasts with his hands and massaged the plump swells of flesh, paying particular attention to the tight nubs that tipped them. Charity licked her lips and slid he
r hands up his shoulders. “Again?”

  He nodded, knowing how he wanted to take her this time. “Again.”

  Charity wasn’t quite certain she’d survive Adrian’s lovemaking. Her body was sore and stiff. Well used. But she also felt relaxed, sated and strangely content. She couldn’t believe that Adrian had tied her up, and she’d not only let him, but she’d enjoyed it. The sensation of being helpless, but not in a bad way, was a revelation. Adrian had given her nothing but pleasure.

  She’d never trust another man enough to let him tie her hands. He’d enjoyed having her at his mercy. Adrian was so dominant, so in control. She should have run screaming in fear from him. Instead, she’d given herself into his care and had been well rewarded.

  Charity bit her bottom lip to keep from groaning as he stroked her breasts, plucking at her nipples. His cock was still locked inside her, pulsing like a heartbeat. She felt restless, the familiar heat building within. As unbelievable as it seemed, she wanted him again. And he wanted her.

  She dug her nails into his sweat-slicked shoulders, loving the way the heavy muscles rippled beneath her palms. He was an incredibly beautiful man. A prime example of physical perfection. His shoulders were impossibly wide, his chest banded with muscle. She splayed her hands over his torso, stroking every inch that she could reach.

  He groaned and captured one of her hands, bringing it to his lips. “You touch me and I’m ready to come.”

  A surge of pride went through her. For the first time in her life, she felt the power of being a woman. It was strange, but she liked it. A lot. It made her feel more of an equal in this unusual relationship of theirs.

  They were virtually strangers, yet she felt closer to Adrian than she ever had to anyone in her life. She knew him in a way she couldn’t fully describe. He had honor. He’d fought for justice and equality for years, putting himself in harm’s way. His people were devoted to him, believed in him. Charity trusted him.

  She had no idea how long she’d be with him, but she wanted whatever time she could get. Life was short and uncertain. In spite of the danger surrounding them, she was happy. She wanted to hoard as much of the sensation as she could. The future would take care of itself.

  Adrian started to pull out of her. She wrapped her legs around him, trying to lock him inside her. He laughed as he leaned down and dropped a quick, hard kiss on her lips. She could taste herself on him, the combination of his mouth and her cream. She licked her lips, savoring the flavor, and he groaned.

  He unlocked her ankles and pulled out. She cried out at the loss. Adrian flipped her onto her stomach, wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her up onto her knees. She braced her hands against the floor to keep steady. Adrian was already between her legs, fitting his cock back into her sheath. Where she was so wet from the combination of her orgasm and his, he slid in easily.

  She arched against him as he forged his way into her, loving the sensation of being filled by him.

  “Your pussy fits me like a glove.” His voice was low and dark, his words making her blush even as they aroused her. She’d never met a man who talked like he did. He was gritty and real, comfortable with his sexuality.

  One of his arms banded around her waist, his fingers dipping low until he was touching her mound. “Your sweet little bud is just begging for my touch.” His voice was hypnotic. She felt the brush of his finger against her clit and moaned. “That’s it,” he encouraged, stroking her clit. “I love the little sounds of pleasure you make. It’s like music.”

  He shifted his hand, bringing it back to her ass. He cupped both mounds in his palms and squeezed. “I love your ass.”

  She shivered as he continued to explore her body. Her arms trembled with the effort to keep herself upright. She was so close to release.

  Adrian had introduced her to a side of herself she hadn’t even known existed. She’d always disliked sex and now she couldn’t seem to get enough. But it wasn’t just sex. It was the man who made all the difference. She knew it would never be like this with anyone other than Adrian.

  Adrian swore, wrapped his hands around her waist and began to fuck her. His hips hammered against hers, flesh slapping against flesh. His balls smacked against her mound with every thrust, brushing her clit.

  The suddenness and intensity of her orgasm took her by surprise. Charity released a cry of surprise as it struck. It started between her legs and spread out to her entire body, consuming her completely. Everything around her disappeared in the heat and power of her release.

  Her hands skidded on the blanket as Adrian continued to thrust hard and fast. Her upper body was flat to the floor while he held her lower half up where he wanted her. He powered into her, his cock stretching her, filling her. He seemed to grow larger, hotter every time he tunneled deep.

  He roared and she felt his hot seed spill inside her as he came. He didn’t stop, but kept fucking her until he couldn’t stay upright any longer. They collapsed in a heap onto the pallet. Adrian pulled out at the last second and shifted his weight to one side so he didn’t squash her.

  No part of her body seemed functional. She was breathing, which was a good thing, but other than that, she was boneless. She felt hot and sticky, her muscles sore and tender. He’d done things to her that no other man had ever done, dark, exciting things that bordered on painful, but had ultimately been pleasurable.

  Adrian’s hand landed on her butt and he squeezed. She gave a small snort of laughter and turned her head so she could look at him. His hair was damp, a piece of it plastered to his forehead. He looked relaxed. His lips were parted and his blue eyes twinkled.

  “Don’t even think about it,” she warned.

  He chuckled. “The spirit is willing, but the flesh is worn out.” He splayed his hand over her lower back before moving it up and down in a soothing caress. She gave a sigh of contentment as he rubbed his fingers over her spine.

  The caress changed. So subtly at first, she didn’t notice. She froze, her sense of satisfaction disintegrating, replaced by growing tension. Adrian sat up and stared at her. She could feel his gaze boring down on her as he touched the myriad faded scars that ran up and down the length of her back.

  They’d been there for so long, she’d all but forgotten them. In the heat of passion, Adrian hadn’t noticed them. But now that the passion had faded, he’d found them. Like the mark on her face, they weren’t her fault, but that didn’t make her feel any less ashamed of them.

  “Who?” The single word was cool. Clipped.

  She sighed and rolled over onto her side, tugging a thin blanket over her. “The General doesn’t like defiance of any kind.”

  Adrian’s lips thinned and his eyes narrowed. “Your father beat you.”

  Charity really didn’t want to talk about this. Talk about spoiling the mood. She dragged her fingers through her tangled hair and drew her knees up tight to her chest. “Yes.”

  “Did your husband?” Every line of his body was rigid as he waited for her reply.

  She had no idea why this was so important to him. It was over and done with and nothing anyone could do would change it. “No.” Adrian’s gaze flickered to her face. She covered the scar on her left cheek with her palm. “He didn’t beat me, but he did hit me once. He was in a rage and I fell and hit my face. He was more verbally abusive.” She shrugged, not wanting to remember the shouting, the accusation, or the pain.

  Adrian swore and gathered her into his arms. Leaning back against the wall, he held her to his chest. She could feel the rapid beat of his heart against her arm as she nestled closer. “I don’t need your pity. It happened. I survived. It’s over.” She glanced up at him. “I don’t imagine that your life’s been easy either.”

  He didn’t answer. He cupped the back of her head with his hand and urged her to lean against him. Sighing, she did. In spite of the sleep she’d gotten, she wa
s still tired. But there was so much to do before tomorrow night.

  Fear snaked down her spine. She was willingly going back inside the Gate, where her father’s reach was unending. He’d kill her if he caught her. There was absolutely no doubt in her mind. Knowing that, she wanted to celebrate life.

  She caught Adrian’s face between her two hands, pulled him down to her and kissed him. There would be time for talking later.

  An hour later, Adrian watched Charity as she slept. Propped up on one arm, he tucked a lock of curly hair behind her ear with his free hand. Even though his body was sated, a deep, dark fury welled inside him.

  His own life hadn’t been easy. Neither had the lives of most of the people he knew. But that didn’t seem to matter. Charity had grown up inside the Gate. She should have had an ideal childhood, filled with pleasant memories. Instead, she’d been in as much of a prison as he had. Her every thought and action directed by the General.

  Was she still acting on his behalf?

  No. He wouldn’t believe that. Couldn’t believe that. In spite of her life, there was a sense of innocence, of honesty, about Charity that tugged at him. She was the reason he was fighting. Her and hundreds like her. For the ragged children and the worn women and exhausted men who all dug and clawed for their very existence in this world.

  In spite of the hardships, many of them still found joy in the simplest of things. It was what kept him going. But the end of the game was at hand. Either he would defeat the General and bring down the Gate or he’d die. There was no going back.

  He touched Charity’s cheek, marveling at her soft skin. He only wished he’d found her sooner. They’d barely had any time together. He didn’t like the idea of her coming with him, of getting in the middle of this fight. But, he supposed, she had no choice. None of them did. The lines had been drawn, the sides chosen.