Chapter 11

1 AM, and Valerie still couldn’t close her eyes. It was way past her bedtime, and she needed her sleep to maintain a sharp mind tomorrow. But she lay on her bed, staring up at the ceiling, wondering if she’d been a bit harsh on Rick. If she were to be fair, he hadn’t actually done anything wrong, and in a way, he was right about some things - though she would never admit it. Never.

She sighed, turning restlessly on the already messed-up bed. If only she could go back in time and stop herself from encountering Rick in the first place, she wouldn’t be going through all this emotional stress.

After another hour of finding no solace in her bed, she threw off the covers and began pacing her bedroom in frustration. Should she release him? What was he doing right now in that basement? What if her guards had hurt him? Oh God. What had she done?

She grabbed her robe, then on second thoughts, abandoned it and made her way to the elevator. Her heart hammered against her chest as she punched the last button, taking her straight to the basement level. She told herself she was going to free him and end this nonsense, nothing more.

When the elevator slid open, she stepped out and headed straight for the maintenance room door. She opened it and was immediately met with darkness so thick she couldn’t see her hand in front of her face. Damn, she’d forgotten to bring her phone or a flashlight in her haste.

“Where’s the damn switch!” she muttered to herself, blindly running her hands along the wall.

After several frustrating moments, she gave up and decided to navigate down the stairs with only the handrail for guidance. She counted each step carefully - one, two, three - until she reached the final landing.

She stood perfectly still, trying to adjust her eyes to the darkness, but couldn't make out anything beyond vague shapes. The maintenance room was silent - too silent. Had Rick somehow escaped? Had her security moved him elsewhere?

Just as she was about to call for Rick, a strong arm encircled her waist from behind. Valerie jerked in fright, a gasp escaping her lips as she struggled to free herself. But then Rick’s deep voice stopped her. "Is the little Duchess frightened?"

Valerie stilled as Rick's voice against her neck sent a rush of electricity vibrating through her. She closed her eyes, savoring the feel of him behind her. This was the closest they'd ever been, and she completely loved it. She smiled, relaxing her body fully into his. She reached behind her and immediately grabbed his balls in her hand. Rick released her right away, almost flinging her across the room as he jumped back, "You pervert!" he growled through the darkness.

Valerie stumbled, managing to catch herself before falling, but then a loud laugh erupted from her, ringing across the room. She turned to face his direction, though she could only make out his silhouette.

"Oh, don't tell me you're still a virgin," she teased, "Aren't you too old for that?"

"And you're too desperate," Rick's voice cut through the darkness, cold and sharp. "Did you come down here to finish what you started? Have your security beat me into submission?"

Valerie's laughter died instantly. Her eyes were adjusting to the darkness now, and she could make out his silhouette - tall and rigid, like a statue carved from stone. How had he freed himself from the restraints? The question burned in her mind, but she wouldn't give him the satisfaction of asking it.

"I came to let you go," she said, trying to sound disinterested. "The joke's gone far enough."

"A joke?" His voice was dangerously soft. "Having me restrained and dragged down here was a joke to you?"

She could feel him moving closer, his presence making the already dark room feel darker and smaller.

"Don't be so dramatic," she replied, forcing her tone to be casual despite the quickening of her pulse. "If I wanted to hurt you, I would have. I was just teaching you a lesson about respect."

"Respect?" Rick was close enough now that she could feel his breath on her face. "You think fear is respect? That's Dominic Calder talking, not you."

Valerie flinched as if he'd struck her. "Don't you dare mention his name to me. You know nothing about…"

"I know enough." His hand shot out suddenly, gripping her wrist so firmly that she couldn’t pull away. "I know that the mighty Duchess likes to play games, likes to be in control, and likes to have her way with everything. You’re just too spoilt.”

The way he said the word “Spoilt” made her weak in the knees. She could feel the vibration of his voice way down to her pussy, and she found herself wondering what it’ll actually be like if he dips his mouth in there and sing her a lullaby. The darkness made the whole imagination so vivid that she became dizzy with want.

She looked in the direction where Rick’s hand held hers firmly, the warmth of his fingers making her tingle all over. Then she drew closer, standing so close to him that there was no space for air. "I suggest you let go of now that I’m asking nicely," she whispered.

"Why? Isn't this what you wanted?" His voice dropped lower, sending a shiver down her spine. "Isn't this why you had me brought down here? So you could have me for one night?"

She closed her eyes, letting his voice wash over her, “I won’t repeat myself again, Rick. Let go,” she said through ragged breath, her body now plastered against his. She could feel something warm poking her through her very thin and transparent nightwear, and she moved closer unconsciously, the need to feel him inside of her making her go crazy.

“And if I don’t?” Rick’s voice blew hot against her skin.

By now, Valerie was unconsciously rotating her hips around the now hardened rod poking at her thighs, “If you don’t, I’ll… I’ll… oh Rick” she moaned softly before wrenching her hand free from his grip and crashing her lips into his.

She hadn’t even established the kiss, when Rick immediately grabbed her now wet pussy in his hands and squeezed, Valerie almost crumbled to the floor at the feeling.