Protecting it All (The Punishment Pit #6) - Livia Grant Page 0,1

my bed, Hannah, among other places."

"Again. Why me? You can hire anyone you'd like."

"My answer is the same. Don't waste our time repeating questions." The smile was gone from his face, replaced with a dominance that set her heart pounding and her core contracting with a warmth she hadn't felt in a very long time. Jake was a dangerous man. A wolf dressed in a designer suit. In her mind, Hannah knew he was exactly the kind of man she should avoid at all costs. Unfortunately, the rest of her body was attracted to him like a magnet.

Jake filled the silence, staring into her eyes in a way that felt like he was reaching in to grab her soul. "I want to take care of you, Hannah. Is that so terrible? You've worked so hard for so many years, but you have to be getting tired. Working so many jobs while going to school. Wouldn't it be nice to have some help financially? How about some help growing your career in business?" He paused to make sure she was listening before finishing. "Help exploring your submissive desires—the ones you try to deny exist?"

The pounding of her pulse echoed in her ears. She didn't trust herself to respond and Jake took advantage of her silence, reaching into the pocket of his suit jacket and coming out with a small, wrapped present that looked suspiciously like a jewelry box.

"Open it. It's only the first of many gifts I look forward to giving you while you are under my... care." The way he hesitated made her wonder what word he had wanted to use instead of care.

She slowly ripped the silver wrapping paper off, uncovering the name of an exclusive West Coast jeweler. She peeked inside before slamming the hinged box closed and dropping the velvet-lined container to the table as if it were burning her fingers. It was too much.

Jake sighed, reaching for the box and opening it wide to expose the four large sparkling diamonds inside. She had never seen such extravagant jewels in person before, let alone held them. She wasn't even sure what type of jewelry it was, but was pretty sure they were real diamonds. There were two small rings and two long posts. She only had her ears pierced once, so she couldn't wear them all together.

"Are they real?" Her voice sounded shaky.

It doesn't matter if they're real. You need to say no.

"Of course. Nothing but the best for you, Hannah."

"Why?"

His impatience at her questioning him shone in his eyes. His answer was clipped. "Because I can. Because I want you to wear them and think of me."

"But I only have my ears pierced. I can't even wear them all."

Jake's blue eyes danced with mischief, lightening the mood. He picked up one of the rings, holding it out for her to touch. Once she held it in her hand, he clarified. "This ring will be pierced through your left tit," he explained. "Its mate through your right nipple. I like to mark what's mine."

A gush of moisture escaped to her panties at his naughty promise. Her mind told her to jump up and run out of the restaurant, but her damn body sat frozen in her seat while she watched him pick up a curved post with the largest of all of the diamonds on it. He held it out to her and she silently took it from him. It felt heavy in her fingers.

"This diamond will pierce your belly button. It's the largest because it will be on display most often." He then lifted the smallest and only remaining diamond, holding it up for her inspection before leaning in to whisper intimately against her ear. "This one will pierce your clit hood and rub you throughout the day, keeping you on the edge so you're ready for me when I see you. I promise, it will bring us both great pleasure, Hannah."

She trembled so much, she dropped the nipple rings to the tabletop. Jake didn't seem to mind, reaching to pluck the expensive jewelry up and return it to the box it came in. He left the box open in front of her, not allowing her to shut it out.

The idea of being pierced for his pleasure was ludicrous. They barely knew each other. Her brain knew it, but her body was betraying her. It had been so long since she'd had anyone show any interest in her romantically. It felt good to be the center