I knew without a doubt that it was. I never forced her and knew damn well she wanted me just as badly as I wanted her. Her attraction was written all her face and body. I tied her up, but would never have taken her if she had been unwilling. She may have fought how she felt for me, but she never fought me.
Thinking of Stella, picturing her tied to the bed had me walking down the hall to her room. Since the moment I had brought her here, seeing her restrained was my favorite. I would have left her tied up all the time if I had thought it would have gained her cooperation. I loved any woman tied up, but Stella brought out a beast in me that I didn't know existed. I knew I was fucked up, more violent than one should be, but she brought out a stronger monster.
I pulled open the bedroom door and found her on the bed. Her arms were spread, tied to the headboard. Her dark hair covered half of her face while she slept. A thin sheet covered most of her body, the rest peaking though to tease me. My restraint was being tested, but I was never one to hold back.
Walking to the foot of her bed, I noticed her chest rising and falling quickly. Little pants passed her wet lips. In her tank top, I could see the sweat glistening on her chest. One bare leg stretched out, snaking out from under the sheet. I could see her pale skin up to her hip to her thin panties. I clenched my fists thinking about Tony holding her down like this and tying her up.
I stepped closer to her, running a finger up her exposed leg. A moan escaped her lips, even with her eyes closed. She was dreaming but not one her usual nightmares. Her back subtly lifted off the mattress, and I noticed how flushed her cheeks were. Who was she dreaming about? Who was making her moan when she could imagine anyone she wanted?
Stella moaned again and pulled on the ropes holding her wrists. Her breathing was labored and coming faster. I knew that sound, she was close and I instantly hardened at the sound. I wondered briefly if she would come while I watched her. Was I about to watch her fall her apart? In a moment of weakness, I ran my hand slowly but lightly over her stomach, pulling some of the sheet away. Her body arched into my touch and she whimpered.
I should leave this room. This was supposed to be one place she had a little sense of privacy. I promised I would keep away and never touch her again. Stella was my poison and greatest battle. Watching her while her body climbed higher and higher wouldn't be right. I wouldn't be able to walk away if I stayed any longer.
When did I ever do the right thing? History proved one thing; this girl was my weakness.
XXI
Stella
Every part of me was hot. I could feel myself melting, or evaporating; I couldn't tell which anymore. My skin tingled and buzzed with sensation. I was hot. Too hot but not from a fever this time. I was burning and my breathing was hard. I needed relief but I couldn't move. I was powerless against him, I always was. My nipples brushed the thin sheet, shooting bursts of pleasure through my body. I could feel the wetness pooling between my legs. The bed was damp under me and I rubbed my thighs together to relieve the building pressure.
It wasn't enough. It was never enough. I was so close, dangling over the edge but unable to fall over. I was chasing that burst of ecstasy. My surroundings were hazy but I sensed him. I could feel his touch and smell his cologne. I couldn't see him but I could feel what he was doing to my body. He was playing me like I was his instrument. My body begged for more as the waves of electricity rolled through me.
I was so close, I could feel myself rocking on the brink. I could hear my own panting as I gasped for air and begged for release. I tugged at the ropes and felt the pain biting into the raw skin. The pain intensified my awareness and a moan rumbled from my chest. Almost there. So close.
I arched my back and prepared to be dragged under, but it didn't happen. I felt the sweat collecting on my skin, and I was dripping between my legs. I was almost there as my dream started to dissolve. I whined and willed myself to stay asleep just a little longer. Just a few more seconds and I would be done. Please.
Reality trickled slowly in. I felt him before I even opened my eyes. I was shaking and panting when I forced my eyelids open. Atlas was leaning against the dresser at the foot of the bed. His sleeves were rolled up to show the muscles flexing in his arms that were crossed against his chest. His eyes were darker than I'd ever seen them and my skin tingled.
"Atlas," I gasped, my heart pounding louder.
"Close, weren't you?" he asked, his voice low but smooth. Just the sound sent goosebumps over my skin. So low and deep, promising the darkest of pleasure and pain.
He stepped forward, calm and composed compared to my buzz and trembling. Steady and controlled, he walked over to the side of bed. I clenched my thighs together, my need only growing more now that I was awake. I pulled and struggled against the rope, wanting my hands free. The need to run was intense, but I wasn't sure which direction I would run toward.
"Who were you dreaming about, Little Star?" Atlas asked, leaning over me.
"No one," I panted.
"Don't lie to me," he said, trailing one finger up my bare leg. He stopped and squeezed my knee, waiting for my answer.
"Please," I begged. I needed him to leave, or stay. I wasn't sure anymore.
"Please what?" Atlas whispered, his lips close to my ear. "You want to come?"
I bit down on my bottom lip to keep from telling him the truth. A dark smile spread on Atlas's face and I realized I didn't need to tell him the truth. He knew. The sheet was quickly torn away, leaving me exposed and cooling my overheated skin. I gasped as the cool air touched my skin, feeling like a caress with my senses heightened.
"You want to know my first mistake?" Atlas asked me as he took in the sight of my body.
"Yes," I whispered, unaware he made many mistakes.
"Tying you up when you first got here. I could almost forget how badly I wanted you in that club until I saw you like this," he said, sweeping his hand over me.
I pulled against the ropes again and watched as his dark eyes flared. He liked it. Atlas started to unbutton his shirt and I squirmed under his intense stare.
"My second mistake was kissing you in the bathroom," he continued as he worked the buttons free.
Everywhere he looked, I could feel it, like it was a physical touch. My tank top was riding up, exposing my stomach and my breast felt heavy under the thin material. I needed to be touched, and soon.
"The third mistake was fucking you because that is all I can fucking think about since then."
He glared down at me with dark eyes. The intensity of his words and his look made me desperate.
"Who were you dreaming about?" Atlas asked again as he rounded back to the foot of the bed. He waited with one knee propped on the mattress like he would pounce at any moment. My body was begging for him. I arched my back and squirmed, trying to get closer.