“Are you sure?” He found the zipper to her skirt and lowered it. “A lovely flush just spread across your shoulders and you’re breathing really fast.”
“I’m afraid.”
He pulled her up off the desktop and turned her around then pushed the loosened skirt down her legs. She was naked except for her high-heeled boots, hands bound behind her back, and he paused to enjoy the display. Her nipples tingled and heat flooded her sex. Why had she denied herself these pleasures for so long? Yes, she was playing a role, but even the pretense was intoxicating.
“It’s not fear I see in your eyes. It’s hunger.”
How the hell would he know? He was staring at her boobs. She wiggled, making her breasts sway. His gaze narrowed and he licked his lips.
Then he picked her up and set her on the desktop again. “We’re back where we started.”
“Except I’m naked and my hands are tied.”
“The point is,” he pinched her nipple until she gasped, “you have a decision to make. You can obey my commands or I’ll summon two of my men and we’ll teach you how to be obedient.”
Could she maintain the illusion while three men overwhelmed her senses? She only hesitated because her levels were so low. No matter how much she wanted to indulge herself, the risk was too great. She would let Nate think he’d won this round. She’d carefully feed while obeying his every command. Then, when her strength returned, she’d do something outrageous to piss him off. He’d have no choice but to call his guards.
Leaning back, she steadied herself against the desktop as she drew her knees up then out. His gaze slid down along her body as her legs opened and she found the edge of the desk with her heels.
“Good choice.” He moved between her wide-spread legs and pushed his fingers deep inside her passage. “Let’s make sure you’re good and ready so I don’t hurt you—too much.”
Chapter Eight
Sunlight bathed the cloudless sky, promising a hot, dry summer day. Jake and Heather strolled along the raised walkway that stretched on for over a mile into the distance. The entire sanctuary felt open, expansive and free, nothing like a traditional zoo. Spacious habitats lined each side of the walkway, providing rescued carnivores with plenty of room to roam, relax and play. The raised walkways offered breathtaking views of the majestic animals while ensuring that they remained safely segregated from the steady stream of visitors.
“This place is much bigger than I realized.” Heather paused, staring out over one of the wolf habitats. “I thought it was a retirement home for circus cats.”
Jake chuckled. “It started out that way thirty-some years ago but Erin’s a crusader. Saving captive animals has become her purpose in life.”
“When she’s not guarding the history of the Therian nation, starting a revolution or resurrecting the Omni Prime?” She looked up at him with eyes every bit as blue as the summer sky. “Where does she find the time?”
“Kyle has taken over leadership of the rebels and Devon is gradually taking over management of the sanctuary. Erin is still actively involved in both but she trusts her children enough to step back.”
“What a novel concept.” Heather made a dismissive sound and shifted her gaze back to the wolves.
Jake tensed. She’d been sort of prickly all morning. “Do we need to talk about last night?”
“What about it?” She casually moved off down the walkway, trailing her fingers along the upper railing.
“You’re obviously upset.” He lengthened his stride and easily caught up to her. “Are you angry because we had sex or because I tried to instigate a mind link?”
“I’m not angry.”
“Grumpy. Sullen. What should I call this change in your mood?” He caught her wrist and stopped her escape. “Talk to me.”
“I don’t regret sleeping with you.” She looked at him without pulling her hand away. “I do regret—”
“There you are!” Devon waved as she rushed up to meet them. “I’ve been looking all over for you two.”
Erin had warned them that three school tours were scheduled back-to-back, so Jake had brought Heather to the sanctuary before the official day began. “We’re hiding in plain sight,” he told Devon with a smile.
“I know Heather has an appointment with Dr. Garran in a little while, but I’d like you to take a look at one of my tiger females.” She motioned for them to follow her without waiting for his consent.
“This place is amazing.” Heather fell in step beside him as they retraced their path along the walkway. They passed bears, lions, tigers and more wolves. “I had no idea it was this big or that you accepted so many different types of animals.”