Page 18 of Pride: Kneel Before None

Examining her face, the splash of color across her cheeks was expected, but it was the timid uncertainty in her oceanic hues that gave me pause. Not only was there hesitation, but avoidance in those enchanting eyes that I yearned to bring pleasure-induced tears to. The look was akin to a spooked animal corralled into a corner with no available escape route.

Eve bit her lower lip, not coyly but in a way that suggested genuine apprehension. Glancing down the length of her body, she had her legs pressed together, crossed at the ankles. Not the way one clenched their thighs when trying to alleviate a deep and aching desire. No. She looked uncomfortable in her own damn skin, and I couldn’t imagine why. The magnificent-looking creature that she was should have been preening under my worshipful affections.

As I abandoned the laces of her dress, I used a finger to lift her chin so she was forced to look directly into my eyes. “What is going on in my Little Spade’s head, hm?”

“Nothing.” It was a quick dismissal of my question. Her hands roughly tugged her dress back into place with aggressive movements, yanking on the threads to tighten the laces I had loosened moments ago.

Cocking a brow, I silently questioned the defensive response.

Then her frustration came to the forefront. “Nothing, because I can’t read you.” The admission seemed to pain her. Pride could be such a cruel mistress.

I tutted at the obvious deflection.

My gaze narrowed on her. All of this behavior seemed familiar but unexpected from her.

A thought crossed my mind.

No, she can’t be…

The thought was laughable, ironic perhaps. Or maybe it was just the realm’s beautiful karma bestowing an even greater gift on me for my outstanding patience.

A roguish smirk quirked at my lips as I decided to test my theory. I trailed a single finger down the center of her body, my eyes never leaving her face as I soaked in every microexpression. The lower my touch went, the tighter her breaths got. After I reached the bottom of her dress, my hand ventured between her thighs. I had just barely made contact with skin when her hand defensively shoved mine away while she jerked back against the wall I had her up against.

“You don’t deserve to put your hands on me,” she snapped at me with a holier-than-thou attitude.

Raising both hands in a placating gesture of surrender, I let out a quiet huff of amusement, allowing her this small victory. If she wanted to push me away, I’d let her—for now.

“And when was the last time a man met your lofty expectations in that regard?” I posed with a slight tilt of my head.

The entertainment value of seeing her roll her eyes in response sent a satisfying thrill through me. The lack of any verbal denial was damning.

Leaning forward, my mouth came to her ear. With mock tenderness, I pressed a feather-light kiss right below it and whispered against her pale skin. “My Little Spade isn’t a virgin, is she?”

She scrunched up her freckled nose, and her hands defensively shoved against my chest. Her words came out through gritted teeth. “None of your fucking business.”

Holy fuck, she is. Blessed-fucking-be.

I rocked back on my heels, letting her push me away enough to create space between our bodies. However, I couldn’t suppress the massive fucking smile on my face. This was too good to be true. Not only had my obsession finally come to me, but I was going to be her first and only. She didn’t know just how fucking lucky she was that her body was going to only ever know my cock. Eve’s cunt would only weep for me, it would submit to my beck and call, and only I would have the unholy right to ruin it.

The glory of this revelation was dampened by the realization I’d need to change my approach with my Little Spade. I wanted to savor her body when I finally ravaged it. Pressing in on my thoughts were the other matters requiring my attention downstairs, leaving me unable to fully appreciate the moment when I drew first blood with my cock as it stretched out her virgin pussy.

“Well sweetheart, I hate to break it to you, but everything about your body is my business now. Make no mistake, I’ll have you begging me to fuck every hole you’ve got. Once that happens? You won’t ever stop asking for all the ways I can make you scream yourself raw.”

She scoffed out a laugh, high pitched and clipped short. “Don’t flatter yourself.” Her arms crossed in front of her chest protectively.

It was adorable how she stood there scowling at me. Meanwhile, all I wanted to do was pull my dick out and show her how desperate she made me. Let her see all of me as I throbbed and leaked from the tip just at the thought of being inside her. I doubted she’d be scowling then.

Instead I increased the distance between us, one measured step at a time, giving her a generous amount of room to breathe. “I have a few business matters to take care of,” including my fucking erection now that there would be no relief found buried balls deep in her body tonight.

“When I return, we can discuss all the ways you’re going to help me.” Left unsaid: with my business needs and eventually with my dick.

“How bold of you to think I’m going to wait for you to come back here.” My Little Spade perked up a brow, looking at me like I was some sort of idiotic trickster demon with a rubber duck fascination.

The ace of spades slipped from my sleeve into its familiar place between my fingers. I held it up for her to see. “You’re not getting out of here without this,” I casually informed her with a grin.

“Get comfortable, Eve. You’ll be staying here for a while.” I winked for good measure.

When she reached out to snatch the playing card from my fingers, it disappeared from sight in less time than the blink of an eye.