A Death Wish (Texas Oil Book 4) Read online

  He licked, nipping her clit, his fingers moving at a savage pace. A single growl could be heard, and he buried his face into her cunt, slickening his nose and cheeks, his chin and mouth with her cream.

  Panting, she dropped her head, her legs shaking and knew she couldn’t hold back any longer. Biting her lower lip to keep from screaming, she let go, the orgasm riding up from her freshly painted toes into her cunt. Tossing her head back, she opened her eyes wide.

  Donny continued licking and sucking until she stopped shaking.

  She pushed him away and sighed, rubbing her mouth with the back of her hand and pushing down her skirt. “Fantastic. I can’t wait for you to fuck me.” She winked as she headed out of the alley, enjoying the way the cum trickled down the insides of her legs. Yes, she just might have to allow him to fuck her in the ass.

  As she walked to her car, she heard a noise and stiffened. Glancing to her right, she could swear she’d seen the dark car before. Parked on the other side of the street, she knew instinctively there was someone inside. They were waiting. Watching. She issued a harsh glare and shook her head. No one was going to fuck with her. No one.

  She had ways of dealing with assholes and she didn’t care what that meant. Offering a smile, she climbed inside, starting the engine. She had far too much playing to do.

  Snake stood outside of the office building, his arms folded. He’d watched the various people come and go, having learned as much as he could about her staff. The element of surprise he would put to good use. Besides, Senator Wallace hadn’t contacted Camden, allowing a meeting to be established. She no doubt preferred to come to them when she was good and ready. He had to smile at the thought.

  He checked his watch and headed for the building. From what he’d learned about her schedule, Katherine would be in the office, no doubt trying to figure out what to do next. He shoved his sunglasses into his pocket and walked inside, punching the floor for the elevator. Her law firm was on the top floor, her office neatly tucked in the back corner, with sweeping views of the city.

  The elevator made several stops, and no one paid him any attention. When he got off on her floor, he could see the double glass door, the gold embossed writing indicating he’d arrived. He walked inside and past the receptionist without a single comment.

  “Sir. Where are you going? Sir! You can’t just go back there.”

  His strides were long as he walked down the hall, passing by several all glass offices. No one cared who he was or where he was going. Even the pretty blonde receptionist would have sat back down at her desk, befuddled as to what she should do or who she should call. He rounded the corner and could see Katherine standing by the window, her arms folded. Stopping short, he allowed himself to admire her. Even in a professional charcoal colored suit, she exuded femininity, an alluring manner about her.

  Snickering, he walked to her door, opening and going inside without knocking.

  “What the hell?” Katherine turned, a vile look on her face until she recognized him.

  “Senator Wallace. I believe we should talk. Don’t you?” When she said nothing, he remained where he was, studying her impressive office, the mahogany desk and well adorned bookshelves. The woman had worked hard to achieve her status not only in her field of law, but in the traditionally white male conservative Congress.

  “You have the luxury of knowing my name. Now, tell me yours.” There was no hint of fear in her voice, but her eyes told a different story.

  Snake walked closer, holding out his hand. “Snake Driscoll. I work with Rush Enterprises, but I assume you already know that.”

  She took his hand and the moment they touched, her lower lip quivered, her stance getting taller.

  The electricity was incredible, giving his pulse a boost. He exhaled as the handshake lingered, his thumb absently moving back and forth. For a few seconds, they remained quiet, neither wanting to break the shared moment, the deep connection.

  Katherine swallowed and finally took her hand away, glancing at her palm before clenching her fist. “You should have called.”

  “It’s my understanding that Camden Dane tried, even suggesting a meeting. You ignored the request. I decided it was time for us to meet. Time is of the essence for you.” He cocked his head, waiting for any objection.

  There was none.

  “You’re right. The bill goes in front of the Congress in four weeks. You do your homework. Who are you, Snake Driscoll? You talk a good game, but I haven’t seen you before. Why don’t you tell me what you’re about?”

  “What I’m about?” He leaned over her desk, placing his fists on top of the wood. “I’m a man of action, Senator and I refuse to tolerate bullshit. I think that’s the first thing you need to realize.”

  She gave him a hard look, her eyes flashing. “And the second?”

  He couldn’t help but chuckle. “That I always get what I want. Always.” Standing to his full height, he noticed the tic on the corner of her mouth. “I know what I’m talking about. I’m an environmental engineer by trade, an oil rigger second. I care about the environment, perhaps more than you do. But I see both sides. That is something you have no understanding of.”

  “No understanding?” Scoffing, she rounded the corner of her desk, coming to within inches of him. “I’ve studied reports for years. I’ve been a part of actions taken by various scientific groups. My father is an oceanographer and has dealt with the likes of you.” She sucked in her breath, as if realizing her words were inflammatory.

  “But have you ever been in the trenches?”

  “The trenches?”

  “Yes, Senator. Have you ever seen an oil rig in action? Have you ever even been on an oilfield, talked to various riggers? Have you been stationed on an offshore rig, allowing you to see up close and personal exactly what goes on, the safety and environmental precautions? Have you?” Snake waited as she reeled back, her entire face furrowed. “I take that as a no.”

  Katherine exhaled and looked away, the same tick remaining. “No, I haven’t. I’ve never had the offer extended to me before.”

  “Then I’ll make that offer. Let’s call it a challenge.”

  “What are you suggesting?”

  “I’m suggesting that you spend a week with me, on an offshore rig so you have firsthand knowledge of what we do, the ins and outs of a crew. That’s what I’m suggesting.”

  She hesitated and looked directly into his eyes. “I’ll accept that challenge but only if you accept one of mine.”

  The stakes had gotten higher. He took a step closer until they were almost nose to nose then lowered his voice. “Go for it.”

  “I’ve heard rumors about Rush Enterprises and their future expansions. I understand a new offshore rig, much larger than any of the others, is on the table in future years. No matter what location they determine as feasible, the disruption to ocean life will be catastrophic.” She smiled coyly as if catching him in a moment of truth he wasn’t aware of.

  Snake lifted a single eyebrow. Formidable. Intelligent. Beautiful. Cunning. He was turned on as hell. “What do you propose?”

  “That you come with me, stay a week at a location of my choice so you can see the effects of what happens when oil rigs are positioned in the ocean, especially when the project goes south. When oil spills occur.” A smile crossed her face, a knowing as if she had him backed into a corner.

  He thought about the offer, the concepts involved and could only think about one thing. He wanted this woman. Bad. “Deal accepted. When do we leave?”

  “You’re doing what?” Cecilia stood with her jaw slack, her eyes twinkling with amusement.

  “I’m going to a resort with this Snake person,” Katherine answered as she tossed several items into her suitcase. “Well, more of a shack by the ocean.” She knew exactly where she wanted to take him. He didn’t ask, and she didn’t say.

  “You’re out of your mind.”

  She gave her friend a look and sighed. “He challenged me, so I smacked it
right back in his face.”

  “What about your first job?”

  “The law firm is being run by my distinctive colleague,” she muttered, going over her conversation with Frank and cringing. The man had laughed only seconds before chastising her ridiculous behavior, calling her actions childish.

  “I’m not talking about the law firm.”

  Katherine sucked in her breath. Yeah, missing the important sessions in Congress was going to give her a black mark, but this work was her life and very important to her. “Everything will be fine. I’ll only miss a couple of days.”

  “You’re walking on thin ice and you know it.”

  “Yeah, I get it. Snake shocked the hell out of me. I guess I panicked.” The behavior wasn’t like her. Not in the least. She always had control of every aspect of her life. Yet, the moment the man had left her office, swaggering out as if he owned the place, she’d been forced into the bathroom. Her soaking wet panties had been a reminder that she was far to attracted to the man.

  Cecilia crossed her arms, a grin on her face. “He’s hot. I’ll give him that.”

  “He’s an asshole!” The truth gave her shivers. Snake was exciting, sexy as hell and had an attitude to match his bravado. And she hadn’t been able to stop thinking about him all night.

  “Uh-huh. I think you like this guy.”

  “I don’t know him.”

  “What’s there to know other than carnally?”

  Katherine zipped the suitcase and huffed. “I’m not fucking him.” But hell, if she didn’t want to. “I had him checked out.”

  “These contacts of yours are fascinating. Quick work. They don’t seem to interfere and even moi, your very best friend in the entire world, has no idea who they are.”

  “Not a ‘they’, just a ‘he’,” she said defiantly. If only her BFF had any idea how dangerous her contact really was.

  “Okay. Fine. So, who is Snake Driscoll?”

  “A man with a mission.”

  “Meaning?” Cecilia inched closer, the wry smile turning into one of a wicked nature.

  She yanked her suitcase onto the floor and brushed both hands through her hair. “He’s been an environmental engineer for several years. He used to work on oil rigs when he was a teenager and all through his training in the military. He’s unmarried and has no children. His bank account is surprisingly healthy. He enjoys a good bottle of scotch and…” Another shiver trickled down her back, moving straight into her pussy. There was also an interesting aspect regarding Snake’s life, two missing years unaccounted for during his youth. Did the man have secrets? Then again, didn’t they all?

  “And?”

  Katherine wasn’t entirely certain she wanted to say anything. Even Cecilia had no idea about her dark hungers, her almost desperate needs. “He enjoys female companionship.”

  “You mean the man is kinky, befitting for a woman of stature, Ms. Politician.” Cecilia laughed. “Oh, come on. Don’t have that look of horror on your face. I know you better than you know yourself. Use this trip as a method of tossing away that mask of steel you always wear.”

  “What do you think you know?” Laughing, she tossed a throw pillow in her friend’s direction. If anyone else found out about her particular brand of proclivities, she’d be the laughing stock of Washington, let alone the entire state of Texas.

  “Pour me a glass of wine and I’ll tell you.” Winking, she sauntered out of the room, whistling, tossing her head back and forth.

  She glanced at her watch. It was almost eight. Swallowing, she wasn’t certain what excuse to give Cecilia. This secret would be buried in her grave and walked toward her dresser, gazing at her pensive reflection. What had happened to her life? She’d been on the right path, the finest education, the right internships, an election that had been heralded as extraordinary. No? She was nothing but a whore.

  The thought chilling, she clenched her fists as she headed into the kitchen. “I’d love to commiserate over sexy men, but I have a few things to attend to before I leave tomorrow.”

  Cecilia planted both hands on the counter, lifting a single eyebrow. “Hot date?”

  “No! Nothing like that.”

  “And what about Mr. Hottie from last night?”

  “He was just… We just talked.” Katherine remained uncomfortable, a single bead of perspiration forming over her lip.

  Squinting, she remained quiet for a full ten seconds. “I don’t care who you date, fuck or have drinks with. You know that. Who the hell am I to judge? I’m just worried about you. The divorce has taken a significant toll.”

  “Stop worrying about me. I’m fine. The divorce will be final soon and I can get on with my life. I’m just getting a few things tonight, nothing clandestine.”

  Cecilia grabbed her purse, her lower lip pouting. “And you’ll be gone for how long?”

  “One week in the Cayman Islands and one week on some offshore rig. And I have to drive to Houston to catch the plane.”

  “Uh-huh. Well, should be interesting. Keep in touch or else.”

  Katherine smiled, her tension easing. “I’ll try. I’m not certain about internet reception.”

  “Oil rig. Dirty. Sweaty. Beefy. Men. I love it. If you need a helper, just let me know.” Patting her friend on the arm, Cecilia stopped before she left the kitchen. “Just take care of yourself. You deserve a break.”

  A break. What she deserved she could never have.

  Katherine stood outside the battered steel door, trying to calm her nerves. She was right on time, but he’d known she would be. As the sole owner of the building, the man had the luxury of extreme privacy. There were no nosy neighbors, no roommates or girlfriends. In fact, the entire block was desolate, the only other buildings occupied were a few businesses that operated only in the day. This was his kingdom, a place where anything and everything he desired could occur.

  Dear God, the man was a monster.

  This was going to be the last time, no matter what kind of favor or information she needed. She’d figure out another way. Her left leg was quivering, shaking enough the heel of her stiletto was tapping against the cement floor.

  Dressed in a black trench coat and nothing else, as required, she cringed given her nipples remained sensitive as they scraped against the stiff material. Excitement mixed with utter anxiety, leaving her throat parched, her blood pressure skyrocketing. There was no other way. What information she hadn’t told Cecilia was the kind worth this type of payment.

  She tapped twice and stood with her head down, another demand he’d made early on. Respect. He required complete respect. To him, she was nothing but a piece of flesh, a toy that helped him escape, fueling his sadistic hungers.

  He opened the door, remaining quiet and allowed her in.

  Katherine noticed the rocks glass in his hand, heard the gothic music coming from his expensive stereo system. There would be no offer of a drink, no conversation leading to a romantic moment. This wasn’t about passion. This wasn’t about love.

  This was entirely about pain.

  She untied the belt holding her coat together as she passed through his living room, heading to the space he called a dungeon. Placing her coat on the chair outside the door, she carefully positioned her shoes underneath, exactly in the middle. Everything was precise, just the way he’d explained during their first session. Any infraction would result in an elongated event, anguish becoming torture.

  The single light highlighting the chains hanging from the ceiling were the indication of the apparatus selected. And he had several. Pieces chosen with punishment in mind. She knew enough about the man to realize he could have anything or anyone he desired. Rich. Good looking. Powerful. He was a man to be feared by friends and enemies alike.

  He had also been her awakening.

  As she stood with her back to the door, her hands by her sides, she thought about her reasons for allowing this to occur in the first place. Yes, he provided valuable data, but the initial invitation had been one she h
adn’t wanted to refuse. Release. Exhaling, she began to control her breathing, the only method she had to control her adrenaline, the rush of fear that remained the entire time. She’d been his student, learning so much over the past few months.

  He’d never told her he was proud of her behavior or actions. He’d never complimented her on her hair or makeup. He merely took what he wanted.

  She could hear his heavy footsteps coming into the room, could tell he was finishing up his drink, taking his time. When he was ready, he moved in her direction, taking her right arm and lifting, placing her wrist into a steel manacle. He followed with her left and walked around her in a complete circle. As if satisfied, he moved toward the back wall, turning a metal wheel, a crank.

  The chains above her head rattled, clanging together, creating an echo in the area around her. She was shaking, every part of her twitching as she waited, knowing what was about to occur and preparing herself for the time spent. She could see a metal bar lying on a table close by, the two ends secured to another set of steel clamps.

  Every action was controlled, methodical as he slid his hand down the length of the bar before holding the piece in the dim light.

  Katherine did her best not to look, to remain with her head lowered but she was fascinated by the tools, the manner in which he used them.

  He walked slowly in her direction, his fingertips brushing along her waist and hips, her buttocks and the tops of her thighs. When he stood behind her, he raked a single nail down her spine to the crack of her ass then slid the metal bar down along her back and in between her legs. Moving the bar back and forth, he grunted once, perhaps the only sound he’d make during the time spent together.

  She swallowed as he positioned the bar between her feet, clamping both ankles, spreading her wide open. There was no way to escape. She wasn’t surprised she was aroused, her cunt wet, the scent stronger than normal. Her nipples remained hard, her skin covered in goosebumps. Her reaction was almost always the same.