THE TAKING OF CLARA 2(8)

“What do you mean?” He took her hand and laid a kiss to her knuckles.

“I mean, you’re a wealthy man. I don’t care about that. I’m not after your money or anything. What do I have to bring? My father is a gambler. He loses money faster than he’s ever earned it. I’ve got nothing to give to you. Nothing of any value.”

She stopped speaking to gaze down at her now cold omelet.

“You give me you, Clara,” he said. “Money means shit to me. I don’t care about that. I only care about you.”

He leaned over and took her lips in a searing kiss. She melted against him. The fight inside her dying the moment his lips touched hers. He took possession of her mouth as quickly as he took possession of her soul. Her heart ached for him. She moaned against his lips loving the feel of the rasp of his stubble.

“Now eat your food.” He let go of her hair to grab her hand. Matthew kept hold of her hand as they ate. When they were finished she felt his gaze on her while she cleaned away the dishes.

His attention always left her breathless. When they were working in the office and he took the time to see her, he’d leave her a nervous wreck. She wondered how she’d be able to work knowing everything she knew about him.

“Do you think I should look for another job?” she asked.

“What?” Matthew moved to stand behind her.

She turned, wrapped her arms around his neck and pressed her body against him. “How can I work for you when all I want to do is fuck you?” she asked.

“Your language is appalling.”

“I’ve been taught by the best.”

Matthew sank his fingers into her hair. He grabbed the length using the strands to pull her close. Pressing a kiss to her lips, he stared into her eyes.

“You’re not working for anyone else. I like watching you. You work for me or no-one. Do you understand?” he asked. “I’d prefer you to stay at home, or by my side.”

“You can’t force me not to work.”

“I can force you to do whatever the hell I like. No work unless you work for me. Got it?”

Part of her wanted to shout at him. The unfairness of his decision drove her insane. Instead, she smiled then pressed her body against his. She was starting to see the power in her response to him. Matthew desired her above everything else. He loved, desired and she knew he’d protect her.

“You’ve got dirty thoughts. I’ve also noticed you’re getting bolder in your demands.”

“I want you. I can’t help it.”

“Good, I need to hear you voice your thoughts, Sub. I’ve got so many plans for you.”

“Why do you keep calling me sub? I don’t get it.”

He pushed the hair off her neck then ran his finger along her lip. “You’re not ready to know.”

“I’m ready, Matthew. Please, no more hiding. I promise. This is not about the contract. I’m yours for the taking. There is nowhere else I want to be. I’m yours.”

She felt in desperate need to be owned. Clara didn’t understand her own feelings. She’d been told many times how important her role was. A woman in the world needed to show her strength in the working world. Clara held no desire to be like others. The thought of Matthew taking care of her filled her with joy.

“You don’t know what you mean,” he said.

“I know what I’m doing. I’m not stupid, Matthew. I’m your woman. There is never going to be another man like you. I’m ready for whatever you want me to do.”

She took his hand and pressed it against her breast. “I’m yours in heart, mind, body and soul. There is nothing I wouldn’t do for you.”

She closed her eyes as he ran a thumb over her nipple. Intense pleasure coiled inside her, starting in her clit and ending at her nipples.

“You’re so responsive.”

“Please, tell me.”

He let out a sigh staring at her, contemplating his next move.

“I call you sub because the term is short for submissive. You’re a submissive woman, Clara.”

Licking her lips, she stared at him waiting. There was more he wanted to say. She saw the evidence in his gaze as he looked her over.

“This is a lot harder than I anticipated.”

Kissing his hand, she smiled up at him. The trust she felt for him consumed every part of her. Matthew, in his own way, had proven to her he’d never hurt her. Her best interests were the only things that concerned him. “I trust you. Tell me the truth.”

He stroked her cheek. The nervousness on display appealed to her. In that one moment, Matthew appeared more human to her than not in his weakness. What scared him?

Most of the time he always looked so in control and dangerous.