Seduced in the Dark (The Dark Duet Book 2)

Caleb knew his weight was probably crushing Livvie, but he wasn’t quite ready to address this new and provocative situation. He supposed it was common for a person, especially a female person, to say incredulous things in the throes of passion, but he couldn’t actually say it had ever happened to him before. She had said she loved him. She’d said it during a very intense orgasm, but she’d said it just the same. Even now, he felt the heat and wetness of her tears against his shoulder. She wasn’t sobbing, or blubbering. In fact, the way she was caressing his thigh with her fingertips suggested she was quite content if not sated.

Wanting suddenly to put an end to his discomfort, stemming both from his own thoughts as well as the feeling of heat and stickiness, he moved to disengage himself from Livvie. She made a series of adjusting sounds as he peeled off of her, wiping the semen off of his lower abdomen with the edge of her nightgown. She scrunched her nose, as if it were the most disgusting thing she’d ever seen; he didn’t respond.

He didn’t like the feelings running through him. He replayed the incident in his mind, trying to find the exact moment in which he’d lost control and fallen under the spell of the woman who was supposed to be his captive. She couldn’t even move, yet it was impossible to ignore the hold she had over him with her big innocent eyes and pouty trembling mouth.

He pulled his boxers up and sat on the edge of the bed, trying to think of what to say. He heard her sigh contentedly just before the warmth of her cheek pressed against his back causing a mild tingle to spread through him. She wrapped her arms loosely around his waist.

“Please, don’t,” Livvie whispered softly against his back.

“Don’t, what?”

“Whenever something nice happens…between us…you’re mean after.” Livvie pressed herself against his back and held him tighter.

Caleb’s confusion was turning toward anger, but he knew she was right. His instinct was to lash out in an effort to get distance between him and Livvie. He’d called her a coward, threatened her with humiliation and violence, even fucked another woman in front of her to try and stop whatever was happening between them. None of it worked. Here they were in yet another emotionally compromising situation. It was exhausting.

“I love you!” Livvie’s words echoed through Caleb’s thoughts. He looked down at Livvie’s arms, the way she held him there. He realized it was a silent plea: “I could stay with you…be with you.” Caleb closed his eyes and let himself place his hand on her arm, holding her there in return.

“I can’t,” he replied, knowing his words were odd. Livvie had neither asked a question nor requested a response, but he just knew she would understand what he was trying to say.

“Why, Caleb? Why can’t you?” she whispered. Caleb swallowed thickly. She did understand. He’d known she would, but it affected him nonetheless.

Because none of this makes any fucking sense! He wanted to yell the words, but said, “I have to go.”

“No, you don’t, Caleb. You don’t have to go.” Her arms gripped him like a vise.

Caleb wanted to correct her, yet again, for using his name, but it felt ridiculous to do so at this point. Livvie was just too fucking stubborn. It didn’t matter what he said or did. Ultimately, there were simply some orders she would not obey. If there was any compromise on the issue, it was she didn’t do it in front of others.

“I need to take a shower,” he said in the hopes logic would prevail.

“I need to take one too,” she countered. “We could take one together? I need your help.”

Caleb laughed ruefully, “You don’t need my help. You hate my help.”

Livvie rubbed her cheek against Caleb’s back as she laughed. “All the more reason for you to help me. You love doing things when I ask you not to, it’s kinda your thing.”

“It is, isn’t it,” Caleb agreed.

“It is. Also…” she shifted uncomfortably, “there’s something I’ve been thinking about.” Caleb was begrudgingly intrigued by the hesitant, but excited tone of her voice.

“And what, exactly, might that be?” Caleb asked.

Livvie shifted her body until she was on her knees behind him and then pressed her naked breasts against his back to whisper in his ear. Caleb’s eyes widened ever so slightly and his heart picked up speed.

Over the last few months, Caleb had taken advantage during their sexual encounters, and though she’d always been incredibly wet when he touched her and she had several orgasms, he’d always suspected her heart had not been in it – and he hadn’t cared. Somehow, things were different now.

“Make love to me.”

He’d intended only to play the game they’d always played, the one featuring him as The Big Bad Wolf and her as frightened Little Red Riding Hood. He hadn’t been prepared for the kiss or….

“I love you!”

After she’d been injured, he’d treated her like spun glass. He’d been careful not to injure her further, or cause her unnecessary pain. Unfortunately, it had also allowed her to work herself into more than his thoughts. For the first time since his life had descended into this dark place, something akin to caring for another person found a place to thrive inside him.

It seemed a lifetime had passed since Caleb had been made to submit to the will of another: It had nearly killed him the last time. Still, her hold on him…was far more than physical. “Kitten?” he said.

“Yes?” Livvie said hesitantly.

“I came on you,” Caleb said through a laugh.

Livvie laughed, “Yep.” She kissed Caleb’s neck. “I’m pretty sticky, too.”

“Shower?”

“Absolutely,” Livvie said.

Caleb walked into the bathroom and stared at first the shower and then the bath. Either would serve their purpose, but each had its own appeal. The shower had a bench, and the glass enclosure trapped steam to keep them comfortable when not under the direct spray. Caleb had a vision of pressing Livvie up against the glass. It left him light headed for a moment.

“The shower or the tub?” asked Livvie.

“I was just asking myself the same. I suppose it’s up to you. This is your fantasy after all,” Caleb grinned and turned to watch Livvie blush.

She playfully slapped him on the chest. “Yeah, right! I’m sure you’re just gonna hate it.” She smiled brightly, but then seemed to doubt herself.

“What’s wrong?” Caleb asked.

“Nothing. It’s just…” she bit at her bottom lip then started picking at it with her fingernails.

Caleb pulled her hand away from her mouth. “It’s just, what? Change your mind?” He was at once relieved and annoyed.

She shook her head slightly. “No, it’s just…I’ve never done this before.” She looked down at her feet, up at him, then back down.

Caleb wanted to help her out, he really did. He wanted to let her know it didn’t matter. Anything she deigned to do to him, or with him, would be perfect. But frankly, watching her squirm was too much fun to pass up.

“Never done what before?” he asked and went toward the shower to turn it on. This could get messy. The shower was perfect for messy.

Livvie rolled her eyes in exasperation, “You know what.”

“Kitten,” he said as the sound of running water echoed around the room, “If you can’t say it, how do you expect to do it?” Livvie blushed and Caleb smiled.

“Don’t make fun of me, Caleb. I don’t like to be made fun of,” she said and covered her breasts. Caleb didn’t like that so much.

He stepped closer, building his own arousal by taking Livvie in with his eyes. She was beautiful. She’d healed almost completely and Caleb couldn’t help but feel…grateful. There would be no scars for Livvie. At least, not on the outside.

The thought of Livvie’s mental scars brought him up short. He’d been having dreams lately, old memories bombarding him in the middle of the night. When he’d first been rescued they had been an almost nightly occurrence, but after a year or two with Rafiq they had stopped. The stronger he’d become, the more sure of himself and his destiny, the more peaceful his sleep. He hated to speculate on why the dreams would return now and why so many of them involved Rafiq.

Caleb stood in front of Livvie and pulled her head to his chest. “I wasn’t making fun, but Kitten…we shouldn’t do this.” Caleb was surprised to have Livvie squirm out of his arms and push him back. He stumbled back a step, but quickly set himself to rights.

Livvie glared at him, “No. We’re doing this. You’re going to take off those shorts and get in the shower,” she pointed, “and I’m going to…to….”

Caleb crossed his arms and watched in smug amusement as Livvie struggled to get the words out and blushed something furious in the process. “To suck my dick.”

“Yes! That!” Livvie said seriously.

Caleb laughed, “Not until you say it. In fact, not until you beg me.”

Livvie’s eyes held a spark of outrage. “You want me, to beg you, to let me suck your dick? That’s…that’s…you’re a pig.”

Caleb straightened. “No, I’m your Master.” Some of the color seemed to drain from Livvie’s face. “Did you forget? Does allowing you to use my name when we’re alone make it any less true?”

“Of course not, Caleb. I’m sorry.”

Caleb wasn’t angry, a little unsettled maybe, but not angry. He reasoned that perhaps returning to some sort of normalcy would get them past their awkwardness. “You can call me by my name when we’re alone, I’ve come to expect it, but it doesn’t mean you’re allowed to forget who and what I am to you. Understand?” He pushed an errant lock of raven hair behind her ear. It had gotten so much longer. Beautiful.

“Yes, Caleb,” she whispered and inclined her head into his hand. Slowly, her eyes focused on his, her pupils growing larger. “Please, Caleb, let me suck your dick.”

Caleb was definitely light headed. Hearing her say dirty things turned him on to point of physical ache. He cleared his throat, “Get in the shower, Kitten.”

Her hand reached for him and boldly wrapped around his dick. Caleb hissed and pushed her toward the shower, pinning her against the warm glass.

“I’m not going to repeat myself,” Caleb said. Livvie gripped Caleb’s cock even harder and he moaned above her head, rocking his hips into her hand. This was a side of her Caleb hadn’t seen, not sexually. He liked it.

“You’re so hard,” she groaned and writhed against him.

“Take it out,” Caleb urged and the longing in his voice was a shock. He ran his hands into her hair, loving the feel of her warm breath against his wrist. He looked into the liquid black pool of her eyes; she was so innocent, so striking. He licked his lips, hungrily preparing his assault upon his prey, bowing his head down toward her mouth. She pulled back, their eyes meeting in an awkward, sensuous moment. Her eyes continued to look at his as she slid down onto her knees.

Caleb let out a hushed moan as her shaky fingers curled along the inside of the waistband of his shorts. He tilted his head back wanting to relish every moment of her soft fingers on his skin. He rocked forward as his shorts slid down and finally her fingers made contact with his rigid flesh, freeing him. It seemed nothing else existed, nothing, but Livvie. She reached out carefully and wrapped her hand around his hot length. Though she squeezed him, her fingers barely touched.

Unable to resist, he rocked forward touching it to her lips, “You’re such a brat. I told you to get in the show–” He couldn’t get out the rest because Livvie’s tongue swept across the tip of his cock. He watched, stunned, as Livvie pulled away and his precome left a slick trail on her bottom lip. Her kitten tongue darted out to collect it.

Livvie swallowed, “You taste good.”

Caleb took in a breath that rattled in his chest. “You taste better,” he said and ran his thumb across her plump, pink lip. He couldn’t wait to get back in her mouth and watch those sexy fucking lips sliding up and down his cock. He groaned when she opened her mouth and sucked his thumb into her mouth.

“Kitten. Get in the fucking shower. Now.”

Livvie gave his thumb one last loving lick, “Yes, Caleb.” She stood slowly and opened the shower door. Steam drifted out, already dusting her body with beads of moisture.

Caleb hurried her along, eager to touch her, to be touched by her. He shut the shower door behind him and a moment later snatched her up and pinned her to the wall with his body. Warm water cascaded from the showerhead above them as he lifted her legs around his waist and held her in place while they kissed.

Livvie moaned into his mouth, her hands gripping his shoulders and pulling him even closer. Her legs squeezed him, pressing her untried pussy against Caleb’s stomach in a frantic plea for his attentions.

Caleb’s hands roamed her slick body, cupping her ass and digging his fingers into her firm and pliable flesh. Reluctant to move on, but eager to enjoy the rest of her, he slid his hand up to her left breasts, his thumb and index finger finding her pebbled nipple and rolling it as his hips gyrated. His cock, hard and leaking, bumped against her ass and Caleb curved his body, seeking the warm cleft between her cheeks.

“Oh. God.” Livvie moaned. She joined in Caleb’s rhythm, loosening her arms so her ass met Caleb’s slippery cock.

“Fuck!” Caleb shouted, squeezing Livvie until she whimpered.

“Caleb, my ribs,” she said softly and without halting her movements against him.

“Sorry.” Caleb lessened his hold slightly. Only enough to stop hurting her.

“What’s happening?” Livvie moaned and rocked against him, “I thought I was going to suck your dick.”

Caleb’s cock throbbed and leapt between Livvie’s ass cheeks. If he waited any longer, he was going to demand to get in her ass. The thought was enough to get more sounds out of him, but damn it, he wanted a blowjob. Abruptly, he set Livvie on her feet and gave her a moment to gain her balance before he put his hand on her shoulder and urged her to her knees in front of him.

“You are. Right now,” he said.

There was no discussion, no hesitation, and Caleb’s chest seemed to expand with pride as Livvie licked her lips and put her mouth on him. Caleb’s knees buckled slightly and he could not resist thrusting into her mouth, forcing her to regain her balance. He grunted low, as if he didn’t want her to hear, thrusting as much as he could without holding her head in his hands and having his way.

Her mouth was warm and caressingly tender despite her obvious inexperience. She held him in her hands, licking the head of his cock slowly, and then putting it in her mouth. Caleb fought every impulse to force himself deeper. He wanted her to do it on her own.

“Mmm,” she moaned.

Caleb echoed her sounds, loving the vibration of her mouth against his dick. He wanted more. More. More. More. Her touch and her mouth were all over the place in their intention. Pain and pleasure mingled every time she accidentally grazed him with her teeth, but then caressed the spot with her tongue.

“Deeper, Livvie. Please, deeper,” he found himself saying. He couldn’t think straight and didn’t realize what he’d said.

Livvie whimpered as she endeavored to take him deeper, her mouth stretching over his shaft. Teeth scraped him, but he didn’t care, he knew it would be impossible to get even half of it into her mouth.

Caleb refused to take control. He was getting off on the fact this was her fantasy and not his own. He wondered how long she’d wanted to do suck him off and lamented the time wasted. Livvie went deep and Caleb felt her throat contract around the head of his cock before she pulled away to take air into her lungs.

Caleb clenched his hands into fists at his sides, determined to let her breathe before he demanded to be let back into her warm, wet mouth. He sighed when she rested one hand against his thigh for balance and with the other, held his cock in place as she took him back in.

She increased her pace, keeping her eyes closed and focusing on her rhythm. It was almost more than Caleb could stand. Unable to resist, he reached down for his cock and wrapped his hand around hers, guiding it up and down with the rhythm of her mouth.

She slowed, and Caleb fought not to thrust. Harder. Faster. Deeper. Caleb held her hand firmly, moving it up and down the length of him. With his other hand he caressed her face, coaxing her mouth to continue its maddening suckling, relieved when it began anew. Caleb removed his hand, letting Livvie have her way once more. His hand was covered in Livvie’s saliva, much like his cock.

Livvie mewled and moaned around his cock, sucking him deeper as her lust grew and her instincts took over. Her hand pumped him and she moved her lips with growing speed and firm pressure over the tip of his cock.

Caleb was nearing his crisis, his body tense as a drawn bow. He breathed heavily and his hands kneaded Livvie’s shoulders, encouraging her. Suddenly, he grabbed fists of her hair and pulled his cock out of her wet mouth.

“Open your mouth,” he demanded.

Livvie was powerless as he pushed himself almost violently back into her mouth and pumped only a few times before coming long and hard into Livvie’s mouth. She moaned, but her hands pushed against his thighs.

Caleb couldn’t stop himself, couldn’t help the way he held her still, emptying himself. He felt her trying to swallow the salty fluid overwhelming her mouth, but there was too much. It trickled down her chin and down her neck. Caleb growled from deep in his throat and his knees gave way under him until he straddled her. He kissed her over and over, sucking on her lips and searching for her tongue. His taste in her mouth felt like a claim, a brand.

“God,” he whispered to no one at all, kissing her neck.

Livvie panted hard into Caleb’s ear, gripping him close and returning his fervent kisses. She grabbed Caleb’s hand and pressed his fingers to her clit, whimpering for attention.

“Only fair,” Caleb whispered. He circled her clit hard and fast with his fingertips, and within seconds, he felt the hot rush of Livvie’s juices rushing out of her pussy, as she came apart in his arms for the second time.

“Oh, oh, oh,” she moaned against his ear, “I love you. Oh, god, I love you.”

Caleb was too sated to care she’d said it again.

Slowly, the world began to come into focus and Caleb peeled himself away from Livvie to help her onto her shaky feet. Their eyes met briefly before Livvie turned her face toward the spray of water over head. Caleb felt a twinge of anger as he watched her rinse her mouth out, but realized it had to be done. He tried not to take it personally.

She’d given him so much, opened herself so fully and exposed a part of her Caleb had never seen or touched in another human being. He felt he should offer something in return. He longed to offer something in return and unable to think of anything else, he said, “I was almost beaten to death when I was a teenager.” Livvie jolted to attention, her gaze fixed on Caleb. He reached for the soap and began to lather it in his hands, before he turned Livvie toward the wall and began soaping her skin.

“I was younger than you. I know that much. A man named, Narweh, used a bullwhip on me. There was a lot of blood. The beating left scars, but I would have died if…if Rafiq hadn’t saved my life.” Caleb cleared his throat and focused on soaping.

Livvie tried to turn and face him, but Caleb wouldn’t allow it. He simply moved her body in the direction he wanted and continued to wash her.

Her deadened voice broke the silence, “Why would someone do that to you?”

“I was….” He couldn’t tell her. He couldn’t tell her about the person he’d been, or the things he’d done. She was the one person who deserved to know, but he refused to say. “I was too weak to defend myself. Instead, I went back later and killed him.” He chuckled, lost in thought. “With the gun you pulled on me, in fact.”

Livvie was tense under his hands, her shoulders knotted. “Is that…? Is that the reason you feel like you owe Rafiq? Because he saved your life?”

Caleb’s hands inadvertently clenched and Livvie hissed in pain. He immediately let her go and reached for more soap. “Sorry,” he mumbled.

Livvie didn’t face him. She simply stared at the wall. “What about me, Caleb? Don’t you think you owe me anything?”

Caleb regretted having said anything at all. What had he been thinking to say anything so personal? And to Livvie of all people – whom he planned to subjugate for his own ends to repay a twelve year debt? It was reckless and stupid beyond anything he’d done so far.

“No,” he said. It felt like a lie. It was a lie. He owed her plenty. He’d been naïve to think he’d ever be free of his debt. He’d always owe someone. “But if you ever want your revenge against me, you let me know.”

Livvie said nothing for several minutes before she turned to look at Caleb, “I don’t want revenge, Caleb. I don’t want to end up like you, letting some fucking vendetta run my life. I just want my freedom. I want to be free, Caleb. Not someone’s whore…not even yours.”

Caleb’s throat felt like it was on fire as he acknowledged the sincerity in Livvie’s words. This had been her game the entire time. He’d known it, reminded himself repeatedly, even begrudgingly respected her attempts – but he’d still fallen for it. He deserved every bit of what he was getting. He knew it and didn’t care.

He stepped forward, prodding Kitten out of the way and rinsed his body beneath the cooling spray of the water. He could feel Kitten’s stare on his body, but refused to acknowledge her. Once he was done rinsing, he opened the glass shower door, grabbed a towel and headed for the bedroom.

“You’re leaving!” Kitten cried, busting out of the shower and gripping his arm.

Caleb pushed her away somewhat forcefully and continued into the bedroom. “I have a lot of things to do today. You’ve taken up too much of my time lately as it is,” he said coldly. For a moment he looked about the room for his pants, then realized he hadn’t come in wearing any because he’d come to address her late-night ranting some time after he’d gone to bed. He glanced at her face and saw the hurt in her eyes, tears stood at the ready. She swallowed hard to keep them at bay as her hands covered her breasts.

“You’re going to go now, after everything? I thought…” her voice trailed off, teetering somewhere between anger and hurt. Something twisted inside Caleb’s stomach at the sight of her. He wanted to kiss her and tell her things that would make her stop crying; but then just the thought he’d considered such a thing solidified his anger and resolve.

“You thought what? You thought offering me a little pussy was going to make some kind of a difference? You thought you’d suck my dick and I’d just give you whatever the fuck you wanted?!”

His words cut her deeply, as he intended. He wanted to make sure there was absolutely no confusion. He walked toward her and tilted her chin upward and she instinctively recoiled, trying to get away from his hand. He gripped her harder, holding her in place.

“I did think it was really cute when you said you loved me though.” He visibly saw her shoulders slump then and her eyes closed slowly. He let her face go and without hysterics she walked toward the bed and put her head down onto her pillow and crawled into a ball.

For a few moments, he waited for her to retaliate, but she said nothing. He walked calmly toward the door, opened it, and walked through without a glance in her direction. He closed the door behind him gently, and awkwardly wondered why he suddenly felt hollow. Wrapped in nothing but a towel, he made his way toward his room.

Once inside his room, Caleb stood for a moment, staring into nothingness as water dripped off of him. Livvie had said she loved him and he’d made her feel stupid. Something in his gut twisted at the thought and at the memory of her tears. He often thought she looked beautiful when she cried, because she was nervous, or afraid, or embarrassed, but these weren’t the same; he’d really hurt her. She’d hurt, him, too. Caleb couldn’t change who he was.

He hadn’t thought about Rafiq in a very long time. He’d been too busy playing house with Livvie. Too busy to think about the debt he owed and why he owed it. It was probably the reason Rafiq had been in his dreams as of late. It was his subconscious’ way of reminding him not to lose focus. He’d ignored it. He couldn’t do it anymore.

The night before, he’d had a dream about speaking with Rafiq about the murder of his mother and sister. Caleb had been in Rafiq’s study, learning the English alphabet and the sound each letter made. He’d been proud to discover he could use the sounds of the letters to make sense of words. They had begun to look less like a collection of squiggly lines and slowly, but surely, he could read some words without sounding them out.

Rafiq had been teaching him English and Spanish at the same time, because they used the same letters. It had been confusing at first, because they didn’t make the same sounds, but Caleb was learning. The Arabic and Urdu were much harder to read, but easier to speak because he’d grown up with them. His Russian was a mess on both counts, but Rafiq insisted he learn it.

Caleb knew he had to learn the Russian because it was Vladek’s native tongue. Caleb had become hungry for information about Vladek after Narweh’s death, but Rafiq often refused to give too much detail when it came to the murders of this mother and sister.

Somewhere in his mind, Caleb knew the incident was painful for Rafiq, but as Caleb didn’t have a mother or any siblings he knew of, it was difficult to wrap his mind around Rafiq’s emotions. With the exception of Rafiq’s thirst for revenge, which Caleb understood empirically, he often wondered what Rafiq was dealing with emotionally.

Rafiq had given him a long speech about family, loyalty, duty and honor. He said he had had responsibilities to his father and to his country.

“I expect obedience, Caleb. I expect your loyalty. Anyone who betrays me will only do it once. Do you understand?” Rafiq had said ominously.

“Yes, Rafiq, I understand,” Caleb had replied.

Caleb finally returned from his far off thoughts and began to dry off and dress. It was going to be a shitty day. That much, was obvious.

A knock on the door drew his attention. He answered and Celia immediately cast her eyes downward and held a deep curtsy.

“¿Qué quieres?” he asked more harshly than he intended.

Celia stood slowly, eyeing him with confusion, but then explained her master, Felipe, had requested an audience with him.

Caleb reluctantly agreed to come down stairs after he was fully dressed. He also reminded her to please feed Kitten. He wouldn’t be returning to her room for the day and he didn’t want her starved. Celia nodded, gave him what he interpreted to be a judgmental look and walked away. Caleb slammed the door behind her.

Caleb dressed quickly, but not because he was in any particular hurry. Afterward, he descended the stairs and met Celia at the bottom. He noted the stern expression and instinctively knew it had to do with the state in which he’d left Kitten. However, he had better things to do than indulge the scorn of someone else’s fuck toy.

“Take me to him,” he said.

Celia eyed him with open disdain, but still dipped her head in acknowledgment and led the way to Felipe’s library. It was the same room in which he’d first encountered Rafiq, and for a moment, he had to wonder if it was truly, Felipe, who would greet him when he entered. He squared his shoulders and prepared himself mentally for any eventuality.

Celia knocked on the library door and waited for Felipe’s recognition before she glared at Caleb one final time and walked away in a huff.

Fuck you, too.

“Come in, Señor Caleb. Let us have a conversation,” Felipe said jovially. Whatever was up Celia’s ass, Felipe didn’t seem to share it. “May I offer you a scotch?” Caleb entered the library and took the beverage Felipe offered.

“Gracias,” Caleb said and took a seat in a reading chair near one of the book shelves. He refused to sit across from Felipe’s desk.

“De nada,” Felipe replied and joined Caleb by the books.

Caleb got comfortable in his seat and sipped from his scotch. It was perhaps too early to be drinking, but he reasoned it had already been a long day. He was eager to get this conversation with Felipe over with and find more interesting diversions for the day. “Forgive me, Felipe, but why am I here?” Caleb got to the point.

Felipe smiled and sipped from his glass. “I only want to talk. You and your slave have been here for quite some time and we have shared very few conversations.”

Caleb sighed, but tried to keep it respectful, “What did you want to discuss?”

Felipe leaned back. “So serious, my friend. How are things progressing with the girl?” Felipe asked. He was too casual for Caleb’s taste.

“Fine.”

“Only, fine?” Felipe seemed incredulous.

Caleb’s face warmed with a building anger. “Felipe, I realize you’re a friend of Rafiq’s, but I fail to see how the girl is any of your business. As you’ve said, we’ve been here for a while, why the sudden interest?”

“Kitten,” Felipe said through an obnoxiously saccharine smile, “The girl’s name is ‘Kitten’ is it not?”

“Yes,” Caleb said through gritted teeth.

“Well, Caleb,” Felipe’s expression suddenly turned sinister, “Kitten is your business, but Celia is mine and seeing as you’ve involved yourself in my business, I don’t see my questions as an intrusion in yours.”

Caleb had expected this sooner. “What do you want, Felipe?”

“Well, to be quite honest Caleb, you’ve overstepped yourself and done my house a great dishonor. My purpose here is to let you make it right.” Fire spread through Caleb’s body and anger flashed in his eyes.

“To what dishonor, are you referring?”

“You know the one,” Felipe said. Malice edged his tone.

“I did nothing out of the ordinary, and I had no idea you were so enamored with your property. You obviously don’t feel as strongly about your horses. I believe I rode one of them once as well.” Caleb was purposely smug.

Felipe’s entire body tensed with rage, but he smiled nonetheless, “You should be careful, Caleb,” Felipe said calmly, “I’m a very dangerous man in some circles and I happen to know a great many things about a great many people. Including you.”

“Watch yourself,” Caleb said through clenched teeth.

“I’ve been watching, Caleb. I’ve been watching you. And, Kitten,” Felipe said. Suddenly, he was the smug one. “I wonder what Rafiq would think if he saw what you’ve been up to.”

“What the hell are you talking about,” Caleb growled.

“Cameras, Caleb. A man like me, in the business I’m in, I can trust no one. And so, I watch. Everyone,” Felipe said and smiled.

Caleb’s heart hammered fiercely in his chest, but he did his best to remain calm. He thought about what had happened between him and Kitten since they had arrived. He thought of all the things he’d confessed to her, believing they were alone. It was enough to have him seething with rage and thrumming with anxiety. “What do you want, Felipe?”

Felipe shook his head, “I really didn’t want it to go this way, Caleb. Truthfully, I wish you no ill will. I only wanted to talk. You’re the one who made this nasty.”

Caleb tried his hand at feigning remorse, “My apologies. I’ve had a bad morning.”

Felipe smiled, “Yes, I know. However, I plan to keep what I know to myself. I only wish for you to grant me a favor.”

Caleb’s jaw hurt from how hard he was grinding his teeth, “What favor?”

“I’m having a party tomorrow night. I would love it if you and Kitten would attend,” Felipe said cordially.

“That’s it? You want us to attend?” Caleb didn’t buy it.

Felipe quirked an eyebrow. “Well…seeing as you’ve made use of my Celia, I was hoping I could borrow yours for the evening.”

“She isn’t mine and you know she’s a virgin,” Caleb said.

“Yes, but I also know she has other talents that don’t require her to be…” he pretended to struggle for a word, “compromised.”

Caleb wanted nothing more than to grab Felipe by the throat and choke the life out of him in a slow and satisfying fashion, but he knew it would only make matters worse. “I want whatever you have and your assurances Rafiq will hear nothing on the matter.”

Felipe smiled and nodded. “Of course, Caleb. I know you care for the girl. Rafiq won’t like it, but I understand. She’s quite…intriguing.”

“Yes,” Caleb ground out.

“She loves you,” Felipe said.

Caleb side swept those words. “Will Rafiq be at the party? He’s been difficult to get in touch with lately,” he said instead.

“Hmm,” Felipe said, “these things are always so unfortunate, when they happen.”

Caleb watched the other man very carefully. “What are you getting at, Felipe?”

“Rafiq’s been pulling away from you.” His expression was amazed when Caleb didn’t respond. “Are you so involved with your plaything that you haven’t you noticed?”

Caleb set his drink down. He didn’t believe it. The mere implication was untenable. “The auction is in a little over two weeks, he’s been preoccupied. I know he’ll be here any day. I’m asking you if he’ll be at the party tomorrow night.”

“Yes,” Felipe said ominously. “I believe he will. Don’t you think it would be a perfect opportunity to showcase all the progress you’ve made with the girl?”

“Yes,” Caleb whispered. His thoughts were upstairs with Kitten and his chest felt simultaneously empty and too full. Their time was coming to an end.

No, it’s already over. Let her go, Caleb.

Caleb stood and left the room. He’d had enough bullshit confrontations for one day.