Tales from Arondell: Sodom - Chapter 14

Chapter Fourteen

Nathanael Scarlett

I know why you're here, Dove. I swill my absinthe and stare into the flames. Watching her out the corner of my eye. My cigarette dangles neglected between my fingertips.

She huddles in her mother's blanket despite the blazing fire, frowning at the hot chocolate I made for her. Delicate fingers shake again as she raises the mug to her mouth, taking a tiny sip. Gods, I'd give anything to kiss those lips.

I swallow hard and puff on my cigarette. Fear, confusion and need saturates her skin like sweat, polluting her sweet musk. My hand trembles, flicking hot ash onto my trousers. It's the moment I've wanted for so long, but not like this. Not when only part of her wishes to be here. Not when she loves only Zaenack... My slave.

I sigh and run my palm over my scarred face. Well, Nate. You've got no one but yourself to blame. You did this to her. Can you expect anything more? Keeping my thoughts to myself – Bella is alarmed enough as it is – I finish my cigarette and crush the remains into my ashtray. I wanted this, now I get to reap what I sowed.

Beside me, Isabella stares absently into her mug. Gaia, I wish he'd hurry up and say something. Or do something. Maybe then... Tentative thoughts flit across her unguarded mind, bright and clear like a beacon. My heart skitters and slams into my ribs. I wet my lips. I may have done this, but her feelings for me genuine enough.

Maybe then... If he makes the first move, it'll be easier to accept...

Silly girl. I smirk and light another cigarette, inhaling sharply. Don't even go there. Ignoring the fire in my heart and the ache in my loins, I turn and face her. She needs to learn her place around me. “Is that so, Miss Darian?” I study her intently through hot, narrowed eyes. This is risky, yes. I could lose my only chance, despite my hold on her, and scare her away. But... Only beloved Lilleah ever played such games with me and got away with it.

“Mister Scarlett!” Isabella squeaks, nearly dropping her mug and covers her flushed face. “Get out of my head! That-That's private!”

“Not to me.” I drag on my cigarette and release a ribbon of smoke. “Until you learn to put up a wall around yourself, I will know everything you think and feel.” My eyes rake over her and settle upon her mouth again. So soft and wet, like the delicate lips between her legs. My cock thickens, tenting my trousers, but I don't care. She needs to see what she does to me. She needs to know how much I want her. “Everything you... Desire.” I lower my voice to a husky whisper.

My Dove gasps, her beautiful green eyes widening as she withdraws deeper into her blanket. But at least she hasn't run away from me. Yet. “You-You know?”

Oh, don't you dare play coy with me, Dove. I smirk around my cigarette. You've no idea what I'm capable of. But maybe she does? Truth is, there's a wild streak inside her, something longing for escape and hungry for danger. Unless I'm mistaken, I think she likes the idea that I might be the Black Shroud Beast.

“Of course I know.” I puff on my cigarette. My organ twitches, dampening my trousers. Easy boy. You'll get your turn soon enough. I shift position, stretching out on my side. Giving her a clear view of everything.

As expected, her gentle gaze roves all over me and settles upon my groin. Lascivious wench. “Question is, now that you've dressed up for me, what are you going to do about it Dove?”

“What did you-What did you call me?” She freezes, clutching her blanket and gaping at me. If her face was red before, now it looks like she might burst into flames. Well, it had to be said. “Only Zaenack may say such things-”

“If you truly objected, Dove,” I jab my cigarette at her and drag on it thoughtfully, “then why are you still here?” I raise my pierced eyebrow. I've got her now. Silly girl.

Her jaw drops and her mouth flaps uselessly, but she knows I'm right. It's stark and clear in her misty green eyes. Slowly she closes her mouth and stares at her trembling hands.

Time to get this show started and see how far she's willing to go. I muse. Finishing my cigarette, I butt it out and sit up again. “Show me, Dove,” I gesture at the blanket. “Show me what you're wearing for me.”

Isabella hesitates – no real surprise – and for a moment it looks like she's about to cry. Then, with shaking fingers she casts aside her frayed shield and opens her dressing gown.

Sweet Morpheus! My heart skips a beat and my breath catches in my throat. Her lovely pale breasts, capped with large ripe nipples, heave beneath the sheer white negligee. Her wavy red hair spills around her face and shoulders, enchanting me. Just like Lilli. I can't look away.

“Mister Scarlett?” Isabella rises on wobbly legs, allowing the soft folds of her nightgown to fall around her creamy thighs and naked hips.

Oh fuck me. I nearly swallow my tongue. Well, this changes the game a bit. Almost.

“Please, would you... Would you hold me?”

By Morpheus, yes! Anything for you, my Dove. I'm on my feet without a moment's hesitation, sweeping her up and carrying her to the alcove in the corner. I don't know who's more desperate: Her or me. Probably both. Her hands circle my neck and her legs wrap around my waist. Her warmth and sweetness envelops me.

Oh Gods. My knees start to buckle. I almost don't make it to the bed. Wicked wilful girl. She nuzzles my neck, her soft breath feathering my skin, making my heart sing and my soul ache like it hasn't in decades. No, longer. I hate to admit it, but not even Zae makes me feel this way. Like I've restored the piece of me that's been missing for so long.

I don't know how I manage it, but I fling the curtains open and lay Isabella down on the spare bed. Oh, how divine, how delectable she looks, her flesh so white against the dark silk and her hair like fire on the pillows. She smiles shyly and bites her lip, her gorgeous eyes sparkling in the low light.

I swallow hard and touch her cheek, caressing her soft lips with my thumb. My need for her stabs inside me. “Are you sure this is what you want, Dove?”

She nods. “Yes. Yes, please, Mister Scarlett.”

Oh my Dove. You've no idea what you do to me. Kneeling between her legs I take her into my arms again, and press my lips to hers. Pleasure, pain and a dozen other sensations erupt inside me, blinding me for a moment. I groan into her mouth.

My Gods... Tears sting my eyes and trickle down my pitted cheeks, my heart aching for all the things I want. All the things I miss. She tastes... So much like Lilleah. I haven't even driven my tongue inside her yet. Fuck, if it feels like this now, what will it be like if I do?

Much to my joy and surprise, Isabella's mouth strokes mine, her tongue flicking out to probe and taste me.

Heat and pleasure blooms in my belly and loins. I press into her, rolling my hips, bunching the fragile silk around her bottom as I deepen our kiss. Plundering everything she offers.

It doesn't matter any more that I've influenced her. Not when she said yes...

Continued in Chapter 15