Punishing The Players (Spiritual Discipline Book 1) Read online

  Scooping her up in his arms, Josiah waited for Chase to get up off the sofa. But instead of sitting down with Katie on his lap, Josiah laid her back across the sofa and knelt at her side. Chase wasted no time claiming his prize. He pulled her hips toward the edge of the cushions and spread her legs. One of her feet ended up on the back of the sofa, the other over Chase’s shoulder.

  She made a distressed yelp and covered her face with her hands. It was much too late for modesty. Besides, Josiah had no intention of letting her hide from her own needs. She was a passionate woman, capable of immense pleasure. Already she’d expanded her horizons and Josiah was going to make damn sure their adventures had just begun. He dragged her hands away from her face and pinned them to the sofa above her head. “Look at me. Share your pleasure with me. I need to watch you come.”

  Her gaze focused on his, her face still deeply flushed from her recent orgasm. Rather than watch Chase arouse her, Josiah watched her reactions to what Chase was doing. Her amazing breasts quivered with each ragged breath, the nipples still tightly peaked. Her hands remained fisted even after he released her wrists. Her lips were parted and her tongue peeked out to wet them from time to time. She was desire personified, soft and responsive, sweetly surrendered to their mutual needs.

  Chase was a man on a mission. He devoured her with graceless urgency, sucking and licking everywhere. And she responded to his demand with equal eagerness. Her hips rocked and she brazenly rubbed her pussy against his mouth. She arched, arms overhead, utterly lost in the pleasure.

  Josiah watched it all through a haze of desire. He and Chase had shared women before. Chase was always more comfortable with male-male intimacies when a female was in the mix. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Josiah knelt behind Chase and ran his hands over Chase’s back and sides. Even through his clothes, Chase’s body felt remarkable, each ridge and ripple more intriguing than the last. Chase tensed for a fraction of a second, then went right back to his meal.

  Katie must have sensed the change in Chase. Her heavy-lidded gaze locked on Josiah so he made his actions obvious. Josiah knew everyone in the neighborhood presumed he and Chase were lovers and now Katie would know for sure.

  Reaching around Chase, Josiah unfastened Chase’s pants and tugged them down around his knees. His boxer briefs soon followed and Katie’s eyes widened. He understood the reaction without needing to see what she was looking at. Chase was hung like a horse, his cock both long and thick. Josiah reached around and grasped Chase’s shaft, working him with firm, steady strokes. Chase groaned, shuddered, then accepted the caress as Josiah knew he would. Josiah slid his hand up and down the length of Chase’s shaft, but his gaze caressed Katie. He saw curiosity and enjoyment in her expression as her gaze moved over their entwined bodies. A curious little Katie-cat to be sure.

  Suddenly Chase slid his hands under her hips, lifting her pussy to his mouth. Josiah couldn’t see exactly what he was doing, but it was driving Katie crazy. She gasped and moaned, her gaze unfocused and staring. Suspecting Chase was nearing release, Josiah reached around his lean hips and loosely covered the tip of his cock. Chase tensed and shook, groaning deep in his throat as he bathed Josiah’s hand with warm cum. Josiah savored the intimacy, not sure when he’d be allowed to enjoy it again.

  A sharp cry escaped Katie and her eyes squeezed shut. Josiah grabbed the rag he’d used on her leg and wiped off his hand. Chase continued to lick her, but his kiss was different now. He soothed her, gentled her, guiding her back down.

  When he finally raised his head, Chase looked pointedly at the bulge in the front of Josiah’s jeans. “It’s fine,” he whispered under his breath. This had been about Katie’s pleasure. He’d take care of himself after she’d gone.

  “No it’s not.” Chase righted his clothing, then turned around, facing Josiah. They were both on their knees flushed and breathless.

  Josiah looked at Katie, concerned that her reserve would return as soon as the lethargy wore off. She was sitting now, holding the front of her dress over her breasts. Her eyes were wide and watchful. “Don’t mind me.” She smiled, her lips kiss-swollen and deeply flushed. “I agree with Chase. It seems only fair.”

  Encouraged by the heat of her gaze even more than her breathless words, Josiah moved his hands aside and let Chase unfasten his jeans. She watched every move they made, obviously fascinated by their actions. He was so turned on this should only take a minute, but he wanted it to last. He wanted to watch desire burn through her curiosity. He wanted her to join Chase, to feel both their hands on him, or better yet, both of their mouths.

  Chase exposed Josiah’s cock and used his pre-come to lubricate his palm. Then Chase was stroking him and Katie watched, her bottom lip caught between her teeth. She looked spellbound, captivated by the simple act. Josiah rocked his hips, fucking Chase’s fist as his need grew stronger. If a hand job turned her on, how much more would she like watching Chase swallow him whole?

  A vivid image accompanied the thought and Josiah careened out of control. He gasped and arched, thrusting against Chase’s hand. Chase grabbed the well-used washcloth and Josiah let go, coming in long shuddering spurts.

  Katie released her lip with a sigh, then dragged her gaze away. She pushed to her feet and drew the sides of her dress back onto her shoulders. She looked around, likely trying to locate her panties. With a shrug, she abandoned the search and picked up her sandals. Though outwardly decent, she still appeared a bit unsteady.

  Josiah quickly refastened his jeans and stood. “I’ll walk you home.”

  She smiled, not quite able to meet his gaze. “There’s no need. I live across the street.”

  “I insist.”

  Chase didn’t look pleased by the development. He tossed the washcloth onto the bathmat and stood as well. “I can take you if you’d be more comfortable.”

  “I don’t need an escort.”

  “You’re wounded and endorphin drunk,” Josiah stressed. “I’m walking you home.”

  “Fine.” She shook her head as fresh color blossomed on her cheeks. “But you’re not coming in, so if that’s what this is about. You might as well save yourself the embarrassment.”

  He seriously doubted that anything she did would have the power to embarrass him, but he just inclined his head and proffered his arm.

  She walked to Chase, sandals dangling from her fingers, and kissed him on the cheek. “Thanks for an unexpected evening. It was much more interesting than I thought it would be.”

  Chase laughed. “‘Unexpected’ and ‘interesting’? I’m going to have to try harder next time.”

  “Next time?” She flashed him a challenging smile. “Who said there’ll be a next time?”

  Not giving Chase an opportunity to respond, Josiah hurried her from the living room and out the front door. The night was cool and she shivered. “Did you have a wrap or a sweater?”

  “No, but my purse is still in your car and I’m not sure where my underwear ended up.”

  He hid a wolfish smile as he opened the car door for her. Chase was probably sitting on the couch right now with his face buried in her panties. It was highly unlikely she’d ever see the garment again. She retrieved the purse and stepped back as he closed the door.

  “Are you the reason Vanessa broke up with Chase?”

  The question surprised him, but it shouldn’t have. She was far more direct than her outward reserve had led him to believe. “Yes and no. I’m not nearly as important to Chase as Vanessa let herself believe, but her jealousy over what Chase and I share was part of the problem.”

  “What do you and Chase share? He told me you weren’t a couple. Are you roommates with occasional benefits?”

  “It happens when it happens.” He shrugged as he took her hand. “Is it important to define it?”

  She paused and faced him, her hand still surrounded by his. “I said almost the same thing to Chase. I told him I found labels frustrating because I don’t fit neatly into any one category.”


  Desire stole through his body like an intoxicating curl of smoke. How could one look from her guileless eyes stir so many feelings? He wanted to devour her, consume her, yet he felt incredibly protective, as if she needed to be sheltered from the ravening beast.

  “Which label was he trying to hang on you?” He had no doubt he already knew. He just wanted to hear her say it, hear her denying and explain why he was wrong about her nature.

  She started walking again, which took her gaze off his face. “He said you thought I was a submissive.”

  “I still do.” She pulled her hand out of his light grasp. “Why does that upset you? There’s no shame in needing to surrender control to find pleasure.”

  “It makes me powerless.”

  He lightly grasped her upper arm, halting her steps again. “Did you feel powerless just now?”

  Her gaze darted toward his then away. “No. I felt...free.”

  “Have you ever been with a dominant lover?”

  “You mean other than just now?” Her lips trembled, then pressed together as if she were fighting back a smile.

  “How much do you know about power exchange, or sexual punishment?”

  Her luminous gaze flew to his and locked. “You’re a sadist?”

  He tensed at the disgust in her voice. “I thought you didn’t like labels.”

  “I don’t, and I’m sorry. I knew you had a dark side, but I...”

  “Didn’t realize how dark?”

  Suddenly she shivered and her dreamy smile returned. Apparently, the idea that he was a sadist wasn’t entirely off-putting to her.

  “You don’t approve of the label?” Her voice was steadier now, more conversational.

  “It’s not accurate. A true sadist can’t get off unless they inflict pain. As you just saw, I have no problem coming when only pleasure is involved.”

  “But you do enjoy p-punishing your lovers?”

  He pulled her closer and leaned down to whisper in her ear, “Keep it up, Katie-cat, and you’re going to find out.”

  “You’re right. It’s none of my business.” She slowly twisted out of his grasp and headed for home.

  Allowing her to sulk until they reached the other side of the street, he debated what to say. She was right. There was no need to complicate the situation with labels, but he was disturbed by the shame she attached to surrender. He’d barely begun to earn her trust. It made more sense to postpone a deeper conversation until their foundation was stronger.

  “Tell me this doesn’t change what we talked about. I still want to be your friend.”

  “Why?” She stepped up onto her front porch, putting their faces on a level.

  “Why do I want to be your friend?” He didn’t have to fake a confused expression. Her reaction made no sense.

  “You’ve lived across the street from me for five years. Why the sudden interest?”

  He stepped closer and she stepped back. “I’ve always been interested in you. I just thought you were too nice to enjoy my attention.”

  She laughed. “You don’t think I’m ‘nice’ anymore?”

  Moving onto the porch with her, he urged her back against the front door. “I think you’re sweet, too smart for your own good, and utterly adorable. But I finally saw beyond the purity of your features and your innocent eyes.” He caged her with his arms, leaning in close without actually touching her. “You’re hungry for darker pleasures. You’re ready to play with the fire, and I want to make sure you don’t get burned.”

  “What does that have to do with friendship?”

  He chuckled. There was the too-smart-for-her-own-good part kicking in. “To abandon yourself to the sorts of pleasures I think you’re craving you have to trust your partner.”

  “Or partners?” Challenge rang through the question though she glanced away.

  “Or partners,” he agreed. “You can’t trust someone you don’t know, so I want to get to know you better. I want you to be comfortable with me.”

  Her gaze finally returned to his and he was shocked by the annoyance he found there. “So the only reason you want to spend time with me is so I’ll feel more comfortable when we have sex.”

  “That’s not what I said.”

  She eased her purse up, forcing him back and quickly found her keys. “Despite my behavior tonight, I’m not in the market for a lover or lovers.” She pivoted to the side and jammed the key in the lock. “If that’s your true motivation for wanting to ‘make friends’ with me, don’t waste your time.”

  He grasped the handle, keeping the door closed and preventing her escape. “I won’t deny wanting you. That would be dishonest, but it’s not the only reason I want to spend time with you.”

  “I’m deadly serious about this. If your primary goal is more of what happened tonight, I’ll frustrate the hell out of you.”

  Didn’t she realize how dominant men responded to challenge? Apparently not, because she was waving a red flag in his face. “I’m willing to risk it. Have lunch with me tomorrow.”

  She stared at him for a long, silent moment. Her face was shadowed yet her eyes gleamed. “That was an order not a question.”

  He chuckled, amused by her stubbornness. “Habit. Will you please have lunch with me tomorrow? You still have Saturdays off, don’t you?”

  “I do and I will, but only if we go to a restaurant. I’m not going to be alone with you again.”

  He ran the backs of his fingers down the side of her face. “Don’t trust yourself to be alone with me? I’ll be on my best behavior.”

  “It’s a restaurant or nothing.”

  “Fine. I’ll pick you up at 12:30, dress casually.” He leaned down to kiss her, but she rotated the handle and hurried inside.

  KATIE CLOSED THE DOOR and pressed her back against the cool wood. What the hell had she gotten herself into? Her skin still tingled and she couldn’t rid her mind of the overwhelming sensations they’d unleashed inside her.

  “I am such a slut,” she whispered under her breath as she locked the front door, then rushed upstairs and closed herself in her bedroom. She shed the dress and donned an oversized sleep shirt. Then she dug a fresh pair of panties out of her dresser and pulled them on. As if changing her cloths could erase what she’d allowed them to do. No. She’d always tried to be honest with herself, so she wouldn’t hide behind denials now. She hadn’t just “allowed” them to do anything. She’d encouraged them, and actively participated in the hedonistic activities.

  If her mother were still alive, she’d be horrified. Her mother had been a proper Southern lady. She baked pies from scratch and went to church every Sunday morning. She’d been kind and loving and faultlessly reserved. The perfect homemaker and loyal wife. Her only flaw had been being attracted to her exact opposite.

  Katie had gotten her wild streak from her fathers. Both of the men in her mother’s life had been consummate bad boys, known for their hot tempers and rebellious ways. Katie had seen pictures of her mother’s first husband, Katie’s biological father, but she didn’t remember him. He’d been killed in a boating accident when she was three. Her stepfather, the man she considered her real father, was still alive and raising hell in Tennessee.

  So maybe Katie’s attraction to sexually aggressive men wasn’t all that surprising. Despite her stepfather’s affinity for trouble, he’d doted on and provided for his wife and adopted daughter. Katie had seen firsthand that a passionate nature—and a tendency to rebel against conformity—didn’t compromise a man’s ability to be a good husband and father.

  And of course, there was her grandmother, the quintessential free spirit—in this world and the next. Gran refused to be bound by society’s rules or her family’s expectations. She’d encouraged Katie to follow her heart, even when the path her heart chose was unconventional.

  Katie pulled back the covers, turned off the lights, and crawled into bed. Still, she was much too troubled to fall sleep. Over and over she’d featured Chase and Josiah in her fantasies, but never once had
she actually thought she’d experience the things she dreamed about.

  They were just playing with her! She could not allow herself to forget she meant nothing to either of them. But it was damn hard to remember when their hands and mouths made her feel as if she were the most important woman in the world.

  She’d expected Fyn to be waiting for her so they could refine their strategy. More than that, she just needed someone to help her untangle her knotted-up feelings.

  “I haven’t forgotten about you,” Fyn assured, his voice announcing his impending arrival. He flashed into sight and sat down on the side of her bed. “I hung around to see what they’d have to say when Josiah returned.”

  “Good idea. What’d they say?”

  “I’m not sure I should tell you.”

  “Oh come on.” Katie sat up and stuffed a pillow behind her back. Fyn was backlit by moonlight, so his expression was mostly lost in shadow. “You’re supposed to be on my side.”

  “I am on your side, which is why I hesitate.” He ran one of his hands through his shaggy hair, reestablishing its careless style. “Chase wanted to call off the bet. He thinks Josiah is falling for you.”

  Her heart gave a traitorous leap at the possibility. “And what do you think?” How could she punish Josiah if she fell under his spell?

  “I think you’re trying to catch your balance on a very slippery slope.”

  She sighed. “That’s poetic, but what does it mean? Should I let them off the hook? Did Josiah agree to end the competition?”

  “He seemed as if he’d agree, but then he...reconsidered.”

  Again, she wasn’t quite sure what to do with the information. “What made him change his mind?”

  “I’m not sure.”

  “Weren’t you reading his mind? And if not, why not?”