Kieran (3 page)

Fat man shifted to his knees and crawled toward the doorway. Kieran marched along with him, tapping the end of the bat against the floor. He stomped his foot on the extortionist’s back and the guy sprawled out on the floor. Droplets of blood sprayed out from his mouth across the space in front of him. Kieran squatted to the side. He leaned
over  gazing
into the man’s scared eyes. “If I see any pictures of me or those connected to me in any way, shape or form, I will come for you. Get up.” He dropped the bat and wrapped his palms around the collar of the fella’s cheap jacket.

Rolls of damp flesh brushed his knuckles as he hefted the man up. The fella shuddered, and his legs went limp. He peered at Kieran through beady, bloodshot eyes.

Kieran freed a hand and reached for the camera. The strap caught around the guy’s neck and he stumbled forward to crash into the doorjamb. His head snapped back and the strip ripped. He slumped, his obese body filling the doorway. Kieran threw the camera aside and kicked the fella into the hallway. He reached for the man and heaved the guy up, walking the bastard back to the edge of the stairwell. “Come back and I will kill you. To hell with that; do me a favor and die now.” Kieran released the man and he went tumbling down the stairs.

“What the fuck is this? A man can’t even take a shit anymore without something popping off.” A deep tone with a slight Southern drawl drifted up to Kieran.

Kieran leaned over the railing and stared down at the only man associated with his
da’s
crew that had remained from his youth. A black man, Roscoe wasn’t part of Paddy’s inner circle but as his old man’s wealth grew he did use Roscoe to do the deeds he deemed less than important. Paddy O’Shea wasn’t a wasteful fucker. He found a use for everybody. Kieran pulled the handkerchief from his pocket and wiped it down his face “Clean that up for me. I have some business to attend to.”

“There is a bar full of customers out there. You don’t pay me enough for this bullshit.” Roscoe toed the overweight prone man sprawled across the lower steps. His salt-and-pepper afro surrounded a growing bald spot, which was apparent as he dropped his head. “I want a damn raise, Kieran.”

“Do I look like Paddy? Don’t I always take care of you?” Kieran yelled down. “Leave the fucker outside with the trash.”

“Actually…never mind… Dammit, just lifting fat boy will make my sciatica act up,” Roscoe mumbled. “Wait until you get arthritis and see how well you move. I should have moved somewhere warm years ago.”

He knew what Roscoe was trying to say. Even if Kieran favored his father there was no way in hell he acted like the bastard. “Are you done now?” He resembled his mother, dammit. His final memory of her wasn’t a good one but he still had a few pictures of her when she was happy.

“Does it matter?” Roscoe lifted his head and met Kieran’s gaze with an innocent look of his own.

“Not really.”

“Sometimes, you…arrogant snot…one day…you’re going to miss me when I’m gone.” Roscoe--or maybe it was the want-to-be extortionist--moaned as Roscoe moved him. Maybe the asshole wasn’t dead.

He stalked into the room. Rica was pulling the SIM card free of the camera. “I already called
Fionn
. He’ll take care of trash pickup. It’s not how I would have handled the situation, but hey. To each his own.” She shrugged.

“Take care of things without calling me then.” He picked up the bat and set it back in place. “Drop a little something extra in Roscoe’s envelope at payday.”

“Do you have a number in mind?” She tossed the camera in the trash and sighed. “You can go now since you corrected the problem. I got a bar full of customers to run.”

Derrica
was dismissing him? “Be generous. He has a bad back.” Kieran chuckled. He tilted his head to the side and stared at her. Rica was a handful. A slow smile lifted his lips as thoughts of her arrogance and attitude filled his mind. She needed reminding of her place in his life. He dragged the tips of his fingers along the surface of the desk as he stalked her way. “I know you missed me.” A long, deep sigh passed thro
ugh his lips. “After I eat that ass like a starving man with his last cracker will you be satisfied?”

“I don’t know. It’s been a long time since you put me to sleep.” She traced her bottom lip with the tip of her tongue. “I’m not complaining.” Rica eased around the corner of the desk toward the door. “Consider this a request to open our lines of communication.”

“Interesting, I wasn’t aware they were closed.”

“I’ve seen more of your brothers than you this month. Neglect can be the ruin of any relationship.” She batted her eyelashes innocently.

He planted his palms on the desk and leaned forward. “From the tips of your hair down to the soles of your feet, pretty girl, you’re mine. You will always be mine. Anybody from heaven above to hell below and everybody in between knows that. But I guess you need to be reminded why it’s not good to interrupt me when I’m busy.” He straightened and crossed his arms. “Get the silk rope and meet in our apartment upstairs. It’s time for your punishment.”

Derrica
slid her leg across the mattress and was yanked to a stop. She lifted her head from the pillow and gazed down her body. Her ankles were still tied. She sighed and sat up, reaching for her legs. Soft leather cuffs restricted her movements. Rica resisted the urge to thrash in place. Kieran should have released her before he left.

She twisted around to gaze at the headboard. Her lover must have been a Boy Scout in a previous life. There was no way she could pry the knots free even if she could reach them. She tapped her fingers on the bed. A shiver rippled along her spine as thoughts of the night before flitted through her mind. She kicked her legs in annoyance and the cords whipped.

“I told you this was your punishment.” Kieran entered the room. Steam billowed from the mug he carried. She stared at him. Shirtless, all his tattoos were exposed. Vibrant and realistic, they told his story. He hadn’t shaved, and a day’s growth covered his jaw and top lip. Plaid pajama bottoms hung low on slim hips. He stopped at the foot of the bed. “I took the morning off.”

“Really now?” Naked, she leaned back on her elbows. He wanted to play--she would give as
good
as she got. She held his stare and spread her legs. “Are you ill?”

His gaze quickly dipped, “I heard you loud and clear yesterday, pretty girl. You wanted time, you got it.” He pressed his lips to the cup.

“How long do you plan on keeping me tied up?”

“As long as I want.” Kieran stalked to the side of the bed and set his beverage down on the nightstand. He sat and turned to face her. “Can you take it?”

She could handle anything he dished out. “I’m not giving in.”

“You’ve said that before.” He skimmed his knuckles up her arm. She didn’t like the gleam in his eyes. Kieran tweaked her nipple. “Let’s see how long it takes to make you scream this morning.”

Her heartbeat sped up and her breath hitched. This was their game and sweet heaven above how she missed playing with him. She’d never trusted a man like she trusted Kieran. He could make her body sing and she would feel the effects of his loving for days. She’d been attracted to Kieran from their initial meeting when he called out in a half-full courtroom that he’d represent her in her court case. He’d ambled down the aisle as if he was taking a stroll in the park then demanded a continuance.

In his suit with his hair slicked back, he gave the impression of an established trial attorney. He’d accomplished something none of her other lawyers had even tried to do given the evidence against her. Kieran got her off with probation. When she was released from county lock-up he was waiting for her. He brought her to the bar, dropped the keys in her hand and told her she had an apartment upstairs.

She took what he offered and never looked back. It didn’t take long to figure out Kieran wasn’t what he seemed. With his brothers, sipping Irish whiskey and playing cards, he ran his crew with an iron fist. If he wanted someone dead, folks disappeared. He might joke with his siblings but she’d never witnessed any true show of affection with anyone else. From the moment she accepted the keys to Irish, she was part of his crew, and before long she was issuing orders on his behalf.

A faint buzz drew her from her memories. She glanced over at Kieran to see past the width of his back. “What are you up to?”

He peered over his shoulder at her. “Blindfold?”

“Seriously?” Excitement skidded along her nerves.

“Safe word.” He shrugged.

“On the tip of my tongue, lover boy.” She giggled. Anyone else would have been lost in their conversation but she understood him to the point she could finish his sentences.

He rose and sunk his fingers into the waistband of his sleepers. “We haven’t gotten started yet. Close your eyes.”

Trust, and mutual understanding. That’s what their relationship was based on. They both had their demons, and they respected them enough to leave them be. She shut her lids.

One at a time her restraints tautened, stretching her arms and legs and partially lifting her up. She gripped the smooth cord and swallowed. The mattress dipped on her side.

Kieran traced the shell of her ear with his tongue. “Ten minutes.”

Rica turned her head in the direction of his voice. “Go for it.”

“When I win?” He cupped her jaw, stroking her cheek with his thumb.

“You already have me--what more do you want?” She was going to lose but damn if she would admit it out loud.

“True.”

Kieran trailed his tongue down her throat and along her collarbone. She yanked on her bindings. The urge to comb her fingers through his hair was overwhelming. Her buds tightened into erect points and her clit throbbed.

Caressing one breast he sucked the rigid tip of the other between his lips, rolling it across his tongue. She squirmed, the sheets rumpled around her body. The light buzzing sound retuned.

Kieran slid the vibrator over her ribcage. She slid to the side to escape the vibrations coursing along her side. He replaced the little device with his mouth, dropping minute kisses down her torso. She kept her eyes tightly shut. The sensations of his tongue on her skin bombarded her body. He moved lower, hardened muscles touching her thighs as he eased between her legs.

The sound of his deep chuckle made her smile. It was rare to hear his laugh. Her knees rubbed his shoulders.

“Keep moving and all the toys I laid next to you will end up on the floor.” His breath warmed the inside of her calf.

“If I could see I would know where to move,” Rica groused.

“Say the word and I’ll stop.” He kissed her knee.

She pressed her lips together to hold back her retort. He would have some ridiculous task she’d have to complete when she lost but damn if she would give in easily. She’d put up with the fat journalist greasy hands on her skin to get Kieran there. “Time is running out and I haven’t yelled yet.”

Kieran didn’t respond to her taunt. Cool air flowed over her moist folds as he spread her nether lips apart. She inhaled deeply, willing her heart to slow down.

“Where’s my pearl, pretty girl?” Kieran circled her clit with his thumb.

She shuddered; her cuffs pulled when she moved. He stroked the tiny bundle of nerves and her breath came out in pants. Moist warmth covered her nub as he sucked it between his lips. She arched up as he wrapped his tongue around her clitoris. Rica bit the inside of her cheek.

A series of clicks as Kieran set the mini vibrator to the next-to-highest setting. He slid the device along her labia. She jerked, rolling her hips. He pressed the rabbit into her pussy, tracing her cream-coated folds. Rica moaned, her muscles tensing as she tried to close her thighs. Kieran continued his assault on her slit, flicking his tongue back and forth.

He laid an arm across her stomach and inched the mini vibrator into her passage. A low, guttural moan escaped her. She pumped her pelvis.

“Open your eyes.” Kieran rose up on his knees.

She lifted her lids and stared up at Kieran. His erection curved up.

He reached behind him and yanked at the rope. “You lose.” He wiped the corners of his mouth.

Rica opened her mouth. Words failed her; she couldn’t think beyond the apparatus lodged in her channel.

He patted the sheets around her and lifted a clear bottle. Kieran gripped her ankle and lifted her leg, setting it on his shoulder. She trembled as little tremors rocked her body. He held the slim container upside down and squeezed the contents. Wet goo slid down her ass. Kieran poured more into his palm and coated his rod. He rubbed the head of his dick along the seam of her butt cheeks and pressed it against her pucker. Her biceps strained as she pulled herself up. Goose bumps rose up on her skin. Squirts of more liquid splattered over her backside. Kieran rubbed her rear end before giving her a smack. He urged his cock past the tight ring of muscles of her asshole. Her blunt-tipped nails dug into her palm. A little at a time he coaxed his rod into her rosette. She dropped her head back as bright lines zig-zagged across her vision. A thin sheen of sweat coated her face and neck.

She rolled her hips, thrusting back. “Please.” The one word was a sob.

He kissed the inside of her ankle and drove forward, sliding his rod into her cavern.

The sense of fullness filled her belly. Combined with the constant undulation in her core, she couldn’t catch a breath. “
Ohhh
shit.” The pulsation intensified.

Kieran pulled back, plunged deeper. He leaned over, flexing his pelvis. “All mine,
Derrica
.” He gritted his teeth and moved faster.

Currents unfurled, jumping along her nerves. Her wails rent the air. She closed her eyes and colorful dots flashed on the backs of her lids. Pressure built along her spine. Her orgasm sent her spiraling; she opened her eyes and the room was spinning. Words she hadn’t realized she was speaking fell through her lips.

Harsh grunts and another powerful thrust. Kieran went still and fell on his side.

“Baby, the vibrator…please.” Small releases made her jerk.

He rose up on his elbow and reached around her, slowly pulling the device from her sheath. After dropping it beside her, he sat up and yanked the rope securing her other leg. His dick slipped from her ass and for a brief moment emptiness filled her.

“I want to hold you.” She tugged on the cord.

Kieran undid the soft shackles. He lifted her hand and kissed her the center of her palm.

She rolled over on her belly and met his stare. “What time are you leaving?” Rica glanced at the window. Bright light illuminated the room.

“Trying to get rid of me already?” He gathered her up against his chest.

“You stayed away too long.” She was whining and hated sounding like a nagging spouse.

He cocked a brow. “You haven’t needed anything. I have a few deals that I need to close. It might be a while before you see me again.”

“That’s why you took the time off.” She should be used to this. Kieran was married to his family’s business. A heavy sigh escaped her. She scooted across the bed. Sheets stuck to her ass and pulled free of the mattress corners.

“You are a priority.” He grabbed her wrist.

“A low one, I know. Do what you have to do, Kieran.” She stood. “I’m going to take a shower.” Rica stepped into the bathroom and walked over to the sink. Clutching the sides she gazed at her image in the mirror.

Their situation hadn’t changed in five years. She ran Irish and made sure the money was clean. Her apartment was his other home since he maintained a brownstone a few blocks away from his law firm. For three years running he was voted one of the city’s most eligible bachelors. She knew better than anyone how hard he worked to create the good-guy image he portrayed. There was always someone lurking, like the journalist from last night who wanted to destroy his illusion.

Kieran was playing a dangerous game, but he was doing it for his brothers and there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his siblings. The only reason he’d become an attorney was so he could defend them if they got caught in their underhanded dealings. She pushed off the sink. It wasn’t like she was going anywhere. Staying with Kieran was her choice, and she’d made her mind up that no matter the circumstance, she was going to stand by him.

Rica slid the door to the side and reached in, turning on the water. Heated spray fell from the ceiling of the stall like rain. Suddenly she was shoved through the small opening. Kieran stood blocking her exit. “Hey.”

“You’re more important than you think,” he murmured. “Time for your next lesson.” Kieran shoved her against the tiled wall.

“Watch the
hai
-”