Stealing Beauty (Stolen 1)

He released me, his hands going to his belt. He was going to get undressed, too. He was going to fuck me, no matter what he’d said about not violating me.

But he didn’t take off his jeans. Once he’d pulled his belt free, he sat on the edge of the bed.

“Look at me,” he rumbled, his voice dropping even deeper than usual.

My gaze lifted, and I found myself captured in his glittering stare.

He patted his knee. “Come here.”

I hesitated, not understanding what he wanted from me. If he expected me to kneel before him and suck his cock, why had he pulled my pants down? Why had he only removed his belt?

“Now, conejita.” The endearment held the edge of a warning growl.

I closed the short distance between us, moving awkwardly with my jeans hobbling me. When I reached him, I allowed my familiar numbness to settle over me. I dropped to my knees, my eyes falling to his crotch. His erection was thick and long, straining against his pants.

He caught my hand before I could reach his zipper.

“What are you doing?” he demanded, his voice rough with desire.

I stared up at him again, remaining carefully cocooned in my numb state. I didn’t bother to reply to his question. It was very obvious what I was doing; I was doing what he wanted me to do.

His jaw ticked, his eyes sparking with something like anger.

I didn’t shrink away, even though I anticipated violence. I simply watched him, waiting for pain and humiliation.

A low curse dropped from his lips. His hands closed around my waist, and he lifted me up into his lap. He held me close, cradling me against his chest like I was something fragile and precious.

His stubble-covered cheek rasped against my forehead as he nuzzled my hair. “Conejita,” he said on a strained whisper. “You’re safe with me.”

“But you want to hurt me.” The words were small and strangely high-pitched.

His arms tensed around me, pulling me closer. “You’re safe,” he said again. He didn’t refute my accusation.Chapter 9ValentinaAt some point, I drifted off to sleep, lulled into relaxation by Adrián’s gentle fingers running over my hair as he cuddled me close. When he held me like this, I couldn’t help falling into the tempting sense of safety he promised. I hadn’t felt safe in years, and even the illusion of it was too enticing to resist.

Hours later, I finally stirred, my body strangely heavy. It wasn’t lethargy that weighed me down; it was Adrián’s strong arm draped over me, hooked around my waist to pin me against him.

“How are you feeling?” His warm breath ruffled my hair, and he tugged me impossibly closer. I became aware of the fact that he’d pulled my jeans back up, returning my modesty. I could feel the hard rod of his erection pressing into my ass, but the pants provided a barrier between us.

He didn’t intend to use me, even though he was clearly aroused.

I let out a little relieved sigh. “I’m fine,” I answered, the bland reassurance automatic.

I took a moment to assess my mental and physical state. My skin was slightly sticky from the humid heat, but I wasn’t uncomfortable. And the confused fog that had sapped my mind since I’d been attacked in the jungle had finally lifted. I was no longer trapped in the horrors of my past, my memories of abuse at Hugo’s hands.

“I’m okay,” I said, actually meaning it. The verbal affirmation was calm and clear. I felt stronger than I had in a long time, even though I was small and vulnerable in Adrián’s corded arms.

You’re safe with me. Despite my knowledge that Adrián wanted to deny my freedom, I realized that he believed his fierce declaration. In his own twisted way, he would protect me. He’d proven that much when he’d slaughtered the men who’d hurt me. He wouldn’t allow anyone to take me from him.

I still planned to escape, but for now, I’d accept his possessive protection. As long as I stayed close to him, he’d keep me safe. From everyone but him.

I didn’t doubt that he still intended to punish me for trying to run, but now, I was reassured that he didn’t intend to force me sexually. His erect cock indicated that he wanted me, but he hadn’t used my body to sate his own desires.

As I reasoned through his strange actions, my stomach rumbled.

“You need to eat,” he murmured, rubbing his cheek against my hair. He took a deep breath, inhaling my scent. This intimacy tugged at my memories and my heart. Without thinking, I turned my face into the pillow, baring my neck for his kiss, his teeth.

He pulled away abruptly, pushing off the bed and getting to his feet. I blinked up at him, momentarily stunned by the sudden loss of his touch.