Taken, Lane L.V. [free novels to read .TXT] 📗

misdeeds. Hawthorn would skewer him in an instant, I’m sure of this, and notwithstanding that they were once friends.

He does not know any better, I surmise. Perhaps he was not disciplined enough as a child, which has led to his questionable life choices.

I’m here, after all, as a result of my own lack of discipline.

I groan softly and entirely against my will, for he is nibbling on my fingertips again as he emits that deep, rumbly purr.

The fluttering in my belly shifts lower, where it blooms into an achy throb.

“You do not care for rules either, Priya,” he says. Lifting his head, he meets my steady gaze. He is a fearsome Alpha, tall, broad, and incredibly powerful. He can maintain the half-shift with ease, and I know such skills must make him revered among his own kind. “You are a rebellious wench who needs an Alpha with a firm hand. I find I like that you shall keep me on my toes.”

His words have a mesmerizing quality. They distract me so I don’t notice what he is doing until I feel his fingers create an unbreakable shackle around my wrists where he has trapped them at the small of my back.

I wriggle. Raglan presses into me, pinning me between his hard body and the wood at the ship’s prow. The man seems intent upon driving me mad with lust, only to leave me hanging. “You are not immune to my charms, are you, Priya?” he asks in that velvety voice that I must admit has a powerful impact upon me.

I wriggle harder. He pins me harder. And taking my face within his warm hand, turns it to the side before lowering his lips to my throat. He kisses, sucks, then nips at the skin, working slowly upward until his lips meet the corner of my mouth.

I almost blurt out a request for discipline; that’s how far I am past hope. My lips part with a soft groan, allowing his tongue to tangle with mine. I would be consumed by him, if only he would ask.

Utterly lost, I have no course of action to defeat this man and the skilled attention of his lips.

I wrest my mouth from his, breathing heavily. “I’ve been very naughty,” I say and want to bite off my foolish tongue.

“Naughty?” He grins. “Are you asking for discipline, Priya? We both know you’ll be begging me to rut you before I do more than add a little color to your ass.”

My eyes search his. I’m without pride. “Please.” I think I might lose my mind if he does not ease this eternal ache.

The air around us charges like it does when he shifts, only he doesn’t shift. Without a word, he ducks and tosses me over his shoulder. My heart races, and I squeal with outrage. Our antics receive an enthusiastic cheer from the nearby crew. “Quieten down, wench,” Raglan says, landing a firm swat on my upturned ass. I beat his back with my small fists, fight, rail, and curse him with every foul word Belle has taught me. But inside, I’m laughing with joy, knowing I will soon get what I want.

Raglan

I’ve tried to wait until my place with Hawthorn is established; I really have. Alas, the lass has broken me, and I can think of nothing besides the pleasure of rutting her hot cunt. Striding for the cabin, we are greeted by whistles and good-natured catcalls from the men, who are all equally besotted with the willful sprite dangling over my shoulder. I’ve little doubt they are all thinking of their mates, wives, and lovers, and are looking forward to returning home where they might administer some long overdue loving discipline of their own.

As I near the steps leading down, I see Caden and Brook lounging against the wall to either side of the entrance. I have noticed that they often sense when they are needed for her discipline like they have become attuned to all things Priya.

Brook is grinning broadly. Even the more serious Caden is smirking.

“Finally,” Caden mutters as he pushes off from the wall.

“Keep your head down, lass,” I say, swatting her ass, for she is still fighting despite us all knowing she is lusty beyond measure and desperate for me to plow her.

With muttered curses, she behaves as we take the narrow stairs and corridor leading to the cabin. Without instruction, Brook seamlessly closes and bolts the door behind us. The lads are well-practiced at this business of sharing a mate. It is I who still has much to learn. Already, I find unexpected appeal in the situation, not least the memories of watching them rut her, although it has been a while since I had that torturous pleasure.

She stills, hoisted as she is over my shoulder. I let her drop, catching an arm under her ass when her face reaches eye level. With a cute little huff, she pushes wild, ringleted hair out of her face.

I’ve put my hands on her many times since we escaped the Blighten ship, but today and now feels different for this moment holds intent. Her lashes lower in a way that makes me think she is shy, and I tip her chin until she meets my eyes.

“Are you still naughty?” I ask, trying to coax her to smile.

Her face remains serious as she lifts a hand and gently traces the scar left by Edil’s blade. “I don’t want to be teased today, Raglan. I don’t care about feeling good. I don’t need Caden and Brook to rut me, although I love them with all my heart. Today I need to feel you inside, for it is the only way I will be complete.”

My thumb brushes across her stubborn little chin; she is so young compared to me and my savage journey through life. Yet, there is also a strength and maturity within her that transcends mere age. “I will not tease you today, lass.” My lips tug up. “But I make no