A Conquest Like No Other (12 page)

Chapter
Fifteen

Nikki woke feeling contented and
sated. It helped that Viper had drawn her from her sleep before he left for
work that morning. With his tongue in her pussy and his fingers playing with
her nipples, he once again proved to her what a special lover he was. He had
brought her to orgasm before walking out of their quarters, himself unsated.
His focus was on her pleasure and her pleasure alone.

Stretching, she took a quick
glance at the clock on Viper’s side table. Acknowledging she had slept a little
longer than anticipated, she rushed out of bed to get ready for her lunch with
Gabby and Jewel before Jewel left for her holiday the next morning. As she
stood, muscles she didn’t realize existed made themselves known. With each step
she took, those muscles reminded her of the beautiful acts of love that she had
performed with Viper throughout the night.
B.O.B
was
now out of a job, she thought to herself, laughing with excitement.

 
Who the
hell’s Bob?
came Viper’s angry voice in her head.

Tatts?
she asked, silently, thinking of
her mate. To her surprise, he replied.

Yes,
mate. Now answer the question.
His
impatience could be clearly heard, but she had her own questions.

How
can I hear you when you’re several floors below me?

That’s
not the answer, Nikki. Tell me who Bob is!

Realizing she wasn’t going to get
her answers until Viper got his, she replied,
It’s not who, but what.
B.O.B
was my battery
operated boyfriend, Tatts.
She expected embarrassment to follow her
explanation. It didn’t, so she continued.
It
was my vibrator, so calm down, will you?

She was met with silence, which
led to even more questions. He had previously stated that he was unable to read
her mind, yet he was hearing her thoughts, talking to her through their mental
link. It was one that seemed to travel only one way.

Finally, he spoke to her again
. Sweetheart, I didn’t see anything like
that at your place. Was it in your room?

Yes,
in my bedside table,
she replied, finally feeling something from Viper and not liking it one bit. He
was angry.
Tatts, you’re scaring me. What
is it?

Sweetheart,
I’m sorry. I’m trying to protect you from my stronger darker thoughts and
emotions, but sometimes they’re just too strong, and they slip through my wall.

Why
are you angry? And what wall?
Not that she was really sure she wanted to hear the answer to the first
question.

I
don’t want you worrying, but I suspect Watson might have taken your
B.O.B
.

Relief swamped her.
Is that all? He’s welcome to it. I’ve found
something better, bigger and more pleasurable that puts
B.O.B
to shame,
she replied with a smile.

I’m
going to replace it,
he assured, his excitement flowing through their link.

What?
Are you planning on leaving me high and dry often?
she asked, frowning.

Only
when you deserve it, sweetheart.
His laugh echoed through her mind.
And in
those circumstances, not even your
B.O.B
will be able
to help you. I think having a
B.O.B
. around might be
useful.

For
what?

You’ll
see. Now where would you like to explore tonight?

In truth, she really didn’t care
where they went, as long as she was with Viper. But she knew he wanted to share
his world with her, and that included the hotel and casino.
Could we go down and have a flutter on the
roulette?
she asked before another, more worrying thought came to her.
Is it safe to go walking around the crowds?

Yes,
sweetheart, you’ll be perfectly safe,
he vowed.
So, the casino it is.

And
then you’re going to show me how to block you from my thoughts? I’m assuming
that’s what your wall is for, considering I haven’t heard anything from you
since leaving for work,
she pressed.
I still can’t believe we can
communicate when we’re floors away.

We
can communicate when we’re miles apart. No need for a phone now,
Viper replied. She could sense
his pleasure at the idea of their mental link. She also felt his confusion.
As for my wall, yes it has been blocking my
thoughts and feelings. The darkness that mars my world should never pollute
yours. You, on the other hand, have no reason to hide from me.

Some
things are meant to be private,
she explained.
Plus my friends don’t want
you to hear everything there is about them.

You
planning on hiding a lot from me, sweetheart?
She could feel his annoyance
through their link, but that mattered little to her.

Tatts,
let me assure you, you don’t want to know what I’m thinking about all the time.

That’s
where you’re wrong, mate
,
he replied before adding reluctantly,
However
if it’ll please you, I’ll teach you how to block your thoughts, but there will
be rules.

What
rules?
she
challenged halfheartedly, doubting Viper would be unreasonable. Not with her,
anyway.

You’ll
never hide your fear from me, even if you think it’s over something foolish. I
want to know. The same goes when you’re angry or in danger. Is that understood?

Yes.

There’s
one more rule, sweetheart,
he added, with obvious laughter in his voice.

What?
she asked
warily.

I
want to know when you’re being bad.
I just love the idea of spanking that
gorgeous ass of yours.

Heat flared across her face and
throughout her lower abdomen. The idea of experiencing Viper’s hand against her
backside had her nipples pebbling and pussy leaking. She had been worried about
Devil’s constant need to spank Gabby. But now she could concede that the idea
had merit. Only if Viper was the one delivering it. Her pleasure and safety
were his first priority. He would never do anything to hurt her. Of that she
was positive.

I
take it from your response that you agree with my terms?
She moaned her affirmative
response as her finger moved toward her clit.
Uh
uh
uh
! No coming
without my presence or say so.

Please,
Tatts! I need you.

I
know, sweetheart. But you have a lunch to go to, and I have work to do. But fear
not, my mate, I’ll give you what you need tonight. Just keep thinking about how
intense it will be when we come together,
he said, trying to ease her impatience. It didn’t
work, but still she removed her finger from her clit.
Now, I have left you a present in the bathroom. Wear it tonight, and
I’ll see you at my office around six. We can grab a snack before delving into
the land of probability and chance.

Excitement filled her.
Okay, Tatts. I’ll see you tonight.

Enjoy
your lunch and make sure you’re wearing a skirt for our date,
he said as a noise made itself
known in the background.
Look,
sweetheart, I have to go. My mobile’s ringing.

With that, he was gone. Silence
greeted her once again. Bouncing toward the shower, she went to get herself
cleaned up for her lunch date.

****

“Collins,” Viper said down the
phone, rubbing his hard-on that pressed against his zipper.

“Mr. Collins, Detective Morris
here. I’m calling in regards to Paul Watson.”

“Yes, Detective Morris. What have
you discovered?” Viper was hoping to hear that the man had been apprehended.
Though he didn’t hold that much faith in the police department.

“It seems Watson has got himself
into a little bit of trouble.”

“Please tell me that means you
have caught the bastard.” Viper leaned forward, resting his elbows onto his
desk.

“I’m afraid not. He’s in the
wind,” came the unsatisfactory response. “He hasn’t touched base with his
parole officer since getting out. And when we spoke to his mother, she’s more
than relieved that he hasn’t visited her. She’s scared of the man. It would
seem that he didn’t fail to hide his obsession with Nikki from his mother. She
fears he’s going to do something to Nikki.”

“I won’t allow that to happen,”
Viper growled vehemently. His hold on the phone tightened as his other hand
fisted, desperate to make contact with Watson’s face.

“I went to the hospital where she
works,” Detective Morris informed, pulling Viper from his dangerous thoughts.
“The guards now have a picture of Watson. But I understand she’s on leave at
the moment.”

“Yes, for another four days. Then
she’s on night shift,” Viper shared. “I’ll have a car take her to and from
work. Now that she’s in the pediatric ward, they actually have security
measures already put in place to protect the children. Not just anyone can walk
in off the street and enter that ward.”

“Okay, good. If there’s anything
I can do to offer further security let me know.”

“Thank you, I will do.”

“And Mr. Collins, if you see or
hear from Watson, don’t be a hero. Let us handle it.”

“As you wish, Detective. Though I
won’t not defend Nikki if he should come after her,” Viper warned, knowing he
would do more than defend his mate when he got his hands on the bastard. The
man would be sorry he had left the security of his jail cell.

“I understand that, Mr. Collins.
But no one knows what this man has planned, or what he’s capable of. He’s had
three years to plan his reintroduction to Nikki. I fear he’s become quite
unstable in his pursuit of her.”

“All the more reason for me to be
doing everything in my power to protect her,” Viper replied. “His obsession
with her is the most dangerous thing about the man, but it also makes him weak.
I have no doubt he will come after my girl, but let me tell you, he won’t get
near her if I can help it. I have all the entrances here at the hotel and
casino guarded, as well as the security team monitoring every camera. She’ll be
safe here. Her work, while having acceptable security, will be the problem.”

“Not if I add extra men on patrol
around the hospital while Nikki is working. If you have her timetable handy, I
will organize it,” the detective said.

Viper informed the man of the
pertinent dates and times, willing to take any help he was offered in the
protection of his mate. She was his everything, and he would do anything within
his power to protect her, including accepting help from the police. Once he
finished on the phone, he called Judge, relaying the information shared by the
detective. His friend vowed to step up the extra security details around the
building, especially in the casino for their date tonight.

Chapter
Sixteen

Walking back into the quarters
she now shared with Viper, Nikki conceded she needed another shower. She, Gabby
and Jewel had spent the afternoon by the pool, lazing in the sun, enjoying each
other’s company. As she made her way into the bathroom, she once again looked
at the so-called present Viper had left her. She had no idea what it was, or
its purpose, but according to Viper’s instructions she was to insert it into
her pussy before leaving to meet him. The item was so small and thin that she
wondered if she would even notice she had it in. Even with the butt plug Viper
had put in this morning. Her knowledge of sex toys was somewhat lacking,
though, so she would trust her mate’s choice and see where it might lead.
Hopefully to them both naked in bed.

With her body washed and her
pussy and legs shaved, she did as Viper had requested. As the tiny black
implement entered her body, she couldn’t help but liken it to inserting a
tampon. As soon as the hard smooth device slipped into her pussy, she realized
how easy it was going to be to forget about it. It truly was as nonintrusive as
it looked. Walking around the bedroom, she confirmed her earlier suspicion. Her
awareness of its presence revolved more around her knowledge of it rather than
any sensation. Once again she wondered what it did.

Instead of worrying any more
about it, she concentrated on getting herself ready. Looking through the
clothes Viper had managed to save from her place, she realized how limited her
choices were. To fulfill Viper’s other request of wearing a skirt, she had the
choice of two. The first was black leather that hugged her hips and stopped
just below her ass. It was part of a sexy corset-and-skirt ensemble that she
used to wear clubbing before the attack. Her other choice was a flowing gypsy
style that she didn’t think would be suitable for the casino.

She had a couple of dresses that
would suit the situation, but she suspected Viper specified a skirt to ensure
that she wore the leather one. Her nerves began to build. Could she find
comfort again in the outfit she had once loved to wear?

She felt something snap within
her. She was once again allowing Paul Watson power over her life. Memories
began to flow through her mind of a time long gone. It was a time before Paul
had entered her life. She had been a carefree young woman who loved the way
that particular outfit made her feel. Sensuous just wasn’t enough of a word to
describe it. Her heart was light and her body loved the attention she got. She
wanted that again, only this time, the only man’s attention she craved was
Viper’s.

With determination in her heart,
she set about getting dressed to impress the man who had helped her find her
way back to the true Nikki Greene. The one who had a love for life, sex and
fun. She desperately wanted to share that woman with Viper.

As she pulled the cool material
over her bare backside her whole body tingled with excitement. With the zipper
now pulled up, Nikki allowed herself a couple of minutes to familiarize herself
with the skirt. Staring in the full-length mirror, she was once again reminded
why she had fallen in love with it in the first place. The pleated ruffles on
the lower half of it were so cute. Testing her movement, she bent over, only to
quickly stand back up again. Bending over while she was in public was not an
option in this skirt, especially since she still had no underwear, apart from
the pair she had been wearing on her last day at work and Viper had hidden them
somewhere.

Moving over to her drawers, she
pulled out the corset, her eyes absorbing every detail as if it were the first
time she had seen it. The plum-colored material shone in the light. Though it
took nothing from the matte gold scrolls that adorned the separate panels. As
she pulled it around her naked torso, she was reminded of the zip up the front,
making it easy to put on.
And even easier to take off
, she thought as
her mind wandered back to her amazing lover.

Forcing herself to hurry, Nikki
pulled on her stilettos. She rushed out of the quarters before her hormones
threw that night’s date completely out the window by having her call Viper back
to bed. Nikki was thankful for the private lift that led straight to the floor
Viper’s office was on. She had lost some of her nerve walking out of the
quarters. Her clothing had left her feeling a little overexposed. But still she
continued on her path, refusing to allow a few butterflies to ruin her night.
It was well worth it when she arrived at the office.

Viper was discussing something
with Judge and Chaos when she entered. All conversation stopped at her
presence. The moment Viper’s gaze landed on her, everyone else seemed to
disappear. Nothing else mattered except this man. His eyes shining with appreciation
left goose bumps in their wake as they took in her body. The other two men
started to move, pulling her attention away from Viper. With a nod, typical of
the ever-silent Chaos, he exited, closely followed by Judge. Though he was
never quiet. The mountain lion shifter offered her a wolf whistle as he pulled
the office door closed behind him.

“Sweetheart, you look stunning,”
Viper complimented as he came around his desk. “I’m not sure we should go out
tonight.”

“Do you think it’s too much? That
everyone will be looking at me?” she asked, again unsure of herself.

“Let them look! As long as they
don’t touch, and they understand that you’re coming home with me tonight and
every other night, they can look all they want,” he replied, pulling her into
his arms. “I’m just not sure I’ll be able to keep my hands to myself, that’s
all.”

“Who said you had to keep your
hands to yourself?” she asked, rubbing her body against his. She was so hot and
horny she would happily go back to their quarters and fall into bed with him.
And she told him so.

“No, come on. Dinner will be here
soon. Chaos is going to prepare a stir-fry for you.”

“Then can we go to bed?”

“No, unfortunately not. It’s my
understanding that Gabby and Devil are heading down to the casino to meet us.”

“Gabby mentioned it at lunch,”
Nikki replied. “You don’t mind, do you?”

“Not at all. As long as I have
you all to myself later.”

“And by later, I’m hoping you
mean not too much later.”

“No,” Viper assured, laughing.
“Now tell me, did you follow my other instructions?”

It took her a few seconds to
figure out what he was talking about. She wore a skirt as he had ordered. What
else could he have asked her to do? Then she remembered the small,
inconspicuous item that sat in her pussy.

With a nod, she asked, “What is
it?”

“Oh, sweetheart, you do please
me,” Viper said, chuckling. “As for what it is, you’ll just have to wait to
find out.”

Pouting, she held his gaze. The
enjoyment swimming in his eyes told her that her attempt at sulking was less
than convincing. Instead of continuing, she reminded him of another promise.
“Fine, but now it’s your turn. You promised to show me how to block my
thoughts.”

“Are you sure that’s what you
want to do right now?” he asked, lowering the zip on the front of her corset.

Stepping out of his arms and
zipping herself up again, she reprimanded, “Oh no, buddy! You have your
secrets, and I have mine.” Her hands ran over her upper body as she walked away
with an extra swing in her hips.

“You do realize you’re killing me
here?” Viper responded, following her.

Turning and taking advantage of
his close proximity, she walked her fingers up his covered chest and replied,
“Tatts, as a medical professional, I can almost guarantee blue balls is not
deadly. A mate whose every thought is pilfered from her head, on the other
hand, is not so forgiving.”

“Okay, okay, I get the picture.”
Viper held his hands up in surrender. It was probably a first for the dominant
man, and it spoke to Nikki of his true feelings for her. “Mind blocking now,
worshiping this glorious body later. But first, a kiss!”

She didn’t have time to protest
before he brought her body hard up against his. His lips came down onto hers,
and she was lost to everything that wasn’t Viper. Everything ceased to exist
outside of this man as his lips massaged hers, coaxing them open. Though they
needed very little encouragement. As soon as his tongue thrust into her mouth,
her own latched onto it, circling it, reacquainting itself with this man’s
taste.

Her pussy throbbed, pulsing,
grasping for its mate that it sensed nearby. The orgasm that came to life as
soon as she had entered the office, shot to the forefront, demanding to be
released. But instead of the interlude ending with her screaming in exquisite
wonder, her mate had other ideas. As Viper pulled his lips away from hers with
a moan, she made an attempt to follow.

“Sweetheart, Chaos is nearing
with our dinner,” he said as he stepped away from her, his discomfort hard to
ignore. “Let’s eat, gamble and then fuck, in that order.”

Viper’s body now moving away from
hers allowed her a chance to think of something other than getting down and
dirty with the man. She was reminded of his promise. “And a lesson on wall
building while we eat.”

“That is your stipulation. I have
one of my own.” Raising her eyebrows, Nikki waited for Viper’s next words. “A
limit of ten bets, sweetheart.”

Frowning, she asked, “Is that a
restriction set by the state because you’re the owner of the casino?”

The office door opened and Chaos
pushed in a trolley. If it weren’t for the gorgeous aromas wafting from the
cart, Nikki would have found the image in front of her hilarious. Chaos, a man
with the physique of a body builder who towered over everyone, was bent almost
in half pushing the tiny, delicate trolley held together by thin pieces of
metal that looked ready to snap just from the giant’s presence.

“It smells delicious, brother,”
Viper said, patting Chaos on the back. “Thank you, I’ll ensure that the trolley
is returned.”

With yet another silent nod the
giant man took his leave once again. Nikki went to work exploring what the
trolley had to offer. As promised, a chicken stir-fry filled a large bowl to
the point of overflowing. Sneaking a piece of chicken, Nikki couldn’t help but
moan as the meat all but dissolved in her mouth. That was as far as her eyes
and stomach would allow her to go. Her body demanded food and it had no
interest in what lay below the other covers. It wanted the heavenly stir-fry
that Chaos had cooked especially for her.

Picking up the bowl, she headed
toward the sofa, knowing Viper followed closely behind her. They ate in
companionable silence, enjoying Chaos’s delicious creations. Only when her bowl
was empty did Viper speak.

“Now as for your question, no,
sweetheart, it has nothing to do with restrictions placed on casino owners, but
more to do with my own ones.”

“What are they?” she asked
between mouthfuls.

“That is the maximum amount of
time that I’m willing to share you with others,” came his orgasm-inciting
reply.

More of her juices escaped only
to be caught by her compressed thighs. She tightened them in an attempt to
stave off her orgasm. She wanted to experience what Viper had promised. A
climax so intense, rewarded by her patience. Her efforts didn’t go unnoticed by
Viper.

He leaned across to her, kissed
her gently on the lips and whispered, “Good girl.”

After several deep breaths, she
felt it was safe enough to start with her lesson. Viper, however, had other
ideas.

As he taught her to block her
thoughts, as well as his thoughts, he took great pleasure in sending her
sexually provocative images. It gave her the incentive to succeed at imagining
the wall around her mind that would hold any thought she wished captive. With
the wall safely in place Nikki left to head to the casino, confident in the
knowledge that she had blocked Viper’s creative imagery, giving him no power
over her still-simmering orgasm. How wrong she was!