The Stranger

Chapter 18 - Cassandra

He read my list intently, his brow furrowing and softening as he moved from item to item. Every so often, his eyes flicked up to meet mine, and I wondered if I'd done it right. Was I supposed to make this list for him? Or with him? Did I mess up?

"You forgot to cross anal sex," he said, his tone neutral, almost teasing.

"Maybe I didn't," I replied softly, unsure where this boldness was coming from. "Maybe I'd like to try it."

His lips curved into a slow, approving smile. "You've never done it before?"

"No," I said, my voice quieter. "Is that... okay?"

"It's more than okay. We'll ease into it."

That smile—knowing, possessive, yet tender—shot through me, settling low in my stomach. He returned to reading, his voice low and deliberate.

"Abrasion—no. Age play—no. Anal sex—yes. Anal plugs—yes."

My skin flushed under his gaze, and I shifted in my seat. Every word he read seemed to touch me like a caress. I felt exposed, raw, but utterly alive. The thought of him taking me—bending me over, filling me in ways I'd only imagined—made my mouth dry and my body ache.

"Spitting in your mouth—maybe," he read, then looked up, a single brow raised.

"What?" I asked, defensive.

"You know, when we kiss, we're already swapping saliva, right?"

"Yes, but that's different. It seems... weird. Opening my mouth just for you to spit in it."

"It's disgusting," he said, leaning forward, his voice dropping, "and so, so hot."

The intensity in his eyes ignited a tingle deep in my core.

"Choking—yes. Hair pulling—yes. Bondage—yes."

He folded the list neatly, setting it beside him, and reached for my hand. He kissed it softly, the tenderness almost undoing me.

"Cassandra, this list—thank you for doing this. You've made me proud."

Proud. The word resonated, filling me with a surge of something unfamiliar yet intoxicating. I'd never cared much about making anyone proud before. John hadn't cared about my choices, my needs. But Alex? His pride in me made me feel seen, valued.

"Let's talk about rough sex," he said, standing and guiding me to my feet. "How rough do you want it?"

I took a sip of the water he handed me, my pulse racing under his steady gaze. "I want to be used."

His eyes darkened, and the atmosphere between us shifted, growing heavier. "Do you remember your safe word?"

"Red, Sir," I whispered, my voice trembling with anticipation.

He stepped closer, his hand curling around my throat with firm possession. "Good girl."

My back hit the wall as his mouth crashed into mine, consuming me. His kiss was raw, commanding, and relentless. His tongue teased and conquered, leaving no part of me untouched. He bit my lower lip, tugging it until I moaned, then pulled back just enough to tilt my head with a sharp tug of my hair.

"You taste exquisite," he murmured against my neck before his hand slid between my legs.

I hated the jeans I'd chosen. They were too thick, a barrier between us when I wanted nothing but his hands on my skin.

He growled low in his throat, his lips brushing my ear. "You want me to fuck you like I hate you, don't you?"

"Yes, Sir," I breathed.

His grip tightened, and he dragged me to my knees, his cock already out. My lips parted instinctively.

"Do you want it?" he asked, his tone edged with challenge.

"Yes," I whispered, barely audible.

"Yes, what?" His fist tightened in my hair, yanking my head back.

"Yes, Sir." I said, still softly.

"Use your big girl words Cassandra"

"Yes, Sir. I want your cock in my mouth please."

"Good girl."

He thrust into my mouth, his pace relentless, his hands forming pigtail handles with my hair. I gagged but pushed through, the tears in my eyes only adding to the thrill of submission. His control over me was total, and I loved every second.

Drool dripped down my chin, soaking into my shirt and pooling on the floor. When he pulled out, my lips tingled, swollen and used.

"You're such a good little slut," he said, wiping my chin with his thumb before smearing it across my lips.

The word slut rolled off his tongue like a benediction, and I basked in it.

He turned me around and bent me over the edge of the massive sofa, my jeans and panties yanked down in one swift motion. The cool air hit my skin, followed by the rough, warm heat of his palm as he slapped my ass.

"You're going to take everything I give you, princess."

And I did. He took me hard and fast, his grunts and the wet sound of my arousal blending into a symphony of unbridled need. He slapped my ass again, the sting melting into pleasure so overwhelming I could hardly think.

When I came, it was with his name on my lips, the sound of his moans. Not long after that he took himself out of me came all over my back. His release marking my skin. He collapsed against me, his chest heaving, his lips pressing lazy kisses along my neck.

"Thank you, princess," he murmured, his voice soft in the aftermath.

I woke up later, naked in his bed, the scent of him still clinging to my skin. The sheets were clean, his scent faint but present.

"Alex?" I called out, sitting up and pulling the blanket around me.

"Good morning, sleeping beauty." He appeared from the kitchen, a cup of tea in each hand, dressed casually in a white T-shirt and grey sweatpants.

"You're wearing sweatpants?" I teased, accepting the tea.

He smirked. "What, you thought I'd be in a three-piece suit? Contrary to romanticised porn books, not all dominants are stern domineering assholes who are also billionaires and wear suits to sleep"

"Well, you were a stern asshole in a suit when we met."

"Touché." His smile faltered slightly. "It's a front, you know. I didn't want anyone to get in. There was no point. I am going back to Spain when my contract is over. But here you are, wrecking my perfectly structured walls."

"Are you sorry I did?"

"Not for a second."

My phone buzzed, breaking the moment. "I have to go. I promised Mum I'd visit this afternoon."

I got up, jumped in the shower thinking of the sad thought of Alex going back to Spain when his time in the London office is over.

He walked me to the hotel entrance, holding my hand until my Uber arrived.

"Listen Cassandra don't overthink what I said earlier about me leaving. Let's enjoy this while it lasts. It makes me happy, and I hope it makes you happy too," he said as he kissed me goodbye. "Let's just enjoy what we have."

I smiled. "I'm happy, Alex. Really."

The happy thoughts carried me all the way to the hospital—until I opened the door to my mother's room and froze.

Mum wasn't alone. There was a male figure sitting beside her, facing away from the door and towards her. The man turned to face me, his smile slow and familiar.

"Hi, Cassie," he said.

My breath caught.

"John?"