Bad Habits: A Dark Anthology Read online

  His question hangs between us, burning my chest because I feel as if he’s about to refuse me. Will he not help me leave here? He doesn’t look like the type to not want to play a hero, and I’m giving him a chance to do just that.

  He’s waiting for me to respond, his dark eyebrows pinched together.

  I answer honestly, “I thought you enjoyed being a hero.”

  He chuckles. The sound travels through me, and I realize how much I like it. It’s low, rumbling. I bet it would vibrate through me if I was being held by him. I let the thought linger for far too long.

  “I’m no hero, little nun,” he says with a grin, interrupting my daydream. But there’s something in his eyes, a flickering of… pain maybe, that tells me otherwise. I’ve learned to read people. Since I was young, I’ve known how to pick out those who are good. And I have a feeling he is good.

  “What’s your name?” I question, changing the subject momentarily. If I can make him care, perhaps I can make him see that I’m worth saving. I rise from the bed before he has time to answer, stopping inches from where he’s sitting.

  “Kahn,” he tells me. “Yours?”

  “Maeve.”

  “Pretty name for a pretty nun,” he murmurs when I place my palms on his shoulders. The tension in his muscles is apparent under my fingertips. I want to ease his worry, but I don’t know if he’ll push me away. Most men welcome the attention, but I have a feeling that Kahn is different.

  “I’m not a nun.” Tipping my head to the side, I take in his features—sharp angular jaw, dark eyes that bore right through me. A nose that looks like it’s been broken a few times. Lowering my gaze, I allow it to fall to his lips. Full, dusky pink, the bottom one larger than the top. His neck is thick, with a prominent Adam’s apple.

  “Aren’t you?” he asks. “Because you seem to be a very good girl.” His hands land on my hips, and his touch seems to burn right through the material of my clothes. His fingers dig into my flesh, and he tugs me forward so I’m standing between his thick, muscled thighs.

  I shrug, biting down on my lower lip before I notice Kahn’s eyes dart to my mouth. I allow my tongue to swipe across my lips, wetting them in anticipation of him kissing me. Will he kiss me again?

  “You were the one who stole a kiss,” I tell him after a while. The sexual tension between us is like a spark, electric. He slowly bunches up the material of my skirt, and then once it’s high enough, he moves me so I’m straddling his thighs.

  “I did. Perhaps I wanted something else that night as well,” he murmurs, his voice husky, low and feral.

  “Oh?” This time, I smile because I know what he’s talking about, but men like when we act coy. They enjoy the playfulness of a woman. Kahn’s left hand trails up my spine before he grips my long dark hair and tugs it back. The bite of pain causes me to whimper.

  “That’s what I like to hear,” he growls, then his mouth lands on my neck. His teeth graze along my skin, earning him another moan. He stops for a moment before his tongue slides up the slender column to my chin where he bites down.

  “Fuck,” I whimper, unable to stop the word from falling from my mouth. Pleasure shoots through me, and even though I’ve been with Father Dominic so many times, this feels different. It’s as if Kahn’s surrounding me, every part of my body comes alive, sparking to life.

  “I want to fuck you, little nun,” he tells me. “I want to bend you over that altar and make you scream to God above as you soak my cock with your delicious juices.”

  I manage to meet Kahn’s dark eyes, and I notice how they seem almost black with desire. It’s as if there’s a demon living within him, and it’s taken over. My first instinct is to pray, but I don’t say a word.

  “I want to force my dick so deep inside you, that you’ll be clawing at the rosary in your hand while saying your Hail Marys. You’ll be so lost in pleasure, you’ll be moaning them out loud.”

  “Please, Kahn,” I whimper, and that’s all he needs to lift me up and set me on the desk. Violently, he spreads my legs, and rips the panties I’m wearing from my body. He doesn’t even look at me while he shoves his jeans down, then his tight boxer briefs.

  His cock juts out, thick, hard, and weeping with desire for me. I’m trembling, but I’ve never been so turned on before. Will he save me if I’m good for him?

  “Say your prayers, little nun,” Kahn orders, his voice thick with desire, his hooded gaze focused on my pussy. He fists his cock, stroking it a few times before he reaches for his pocket and pulls out his wallet. Inside, he finds a foil packet and rips it open with his teeth.

  I watch in awe as he sheaths himself. He doesn’t allow me to get ready for his onslaught, he forces himself into me, thrusting to the hilt, and in seconds, I’m filled more than I ever have been.

  My fingers grip the edge of the desk, and my head falls back, but he’s not having any of it. His one hand holds onto my neck, forcing me to watch him enter me, watch him fuck me. His hips move so fast, I can’t focus.

  My cunt pulses around him, needing more, wanting every moment of his passion, and craving everything he’s giving me. This is more than I’ve ever experienced, so much fucking more, that I can’t think straight. My mind is filled with images of him saving me, of him keeping me for himself.

  I want that.

  His cock thickens, spreading me open, painfully, but that only intensifies my need for release. I chase my orgasm as I reach for my clit, circling it, but Kahn slaps my hand away before delivering ten hard smacks to the sensitive bundle of nerves. His touch is like magic, and I cry out his name before he muffles my moans by slamming his hand over my mouth.

  “Can’t have them hearing you,” he chuckles as his hips thrust one last time and I feel him throb inside me. A low, pleasured growl vibrates in his chest, his smirk turning dark and sinful when he murmurs, “Fuck.”

  We stay there for a long moment, he doesn’t move, he doesn’t even pull out of me. I want to stay like this forever, but it makes no sense for me to feel this way about him. It’s only the second time I’ve ever met this man, yet here I am, giving him my body before I even know if he’ll keep me.

  Then, Kahn breaks the silence. “Time for us to talk, little nun.”

  Maeve

  For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory,

  Kahn is a gentleman. Nothing like he was moments ago when he was using my body. He helps me up and rights my clothes before zipping up his jeans.

  “I didn’t mean for that—”

  He interrupts me. “You didn’t come here to fuck me?”

  My heart clenches in my chest. He’s right. I did come here for him. I wanted him to… I don’t know. Shaking my head, I look him in the eye. “I wanted… all my life, I’ve learned that sex is a way to get what I want.”

  “So, you came here to offer me that tight cunt in exchange for your freedom?” he questions. His smirk is pure sin, wickedness shines in his eyes, and despite being angry, I can’t stop my thighs from squeezing together.

  “You know nothing about me,” I bite out, rising to my feet. I head for the door, but before I can open it, his hand slams against the wood, halting me.

  “Don’t.”

  “Don’t what?” My voice is strained. Blinking back tears, I try to focus on something other than Kahn’s body against my back.

  “Leave.” This time, he’s the one who sounds as if he’s holding back emotion. “Don’t leave.” The words are a whisper that feather along my cheek. His lips are so close to me, they scorch me without touching me.

  “You made it clear that—”

  “I was assessing your need,” he says. “I’m not here to collect pretty girls to save, but if you’re willing to work with me…”

  He doesn’t finish his sentence. He allows the promise to hang between us.

  Can I do this?

  “What is it you do?” I still don’t look at him because I don’t trust myself to turn around and not beg him to take me again. I don’t know why
this man has such an effect on me, but he’s torturing me without saying a thing.

  He laughs then, the sound light, carefree. “I work for God.”

  This time, I do turn, and I’m thrown by his beauty. The man is rugged, but he’s also utterly breathtaking. My lungs struggle to pull in air. He’s too close. The scent of leather and danger emanates from him, and I know if he wants to, he can so easily break me.

  But then again… I’m broken anyway.

  I nod. “Let’s talk.”

  It’s only human to fall into the trap of want and need. Your heart craves attention and your body aches for intimacy. A need to be close to another human being. Loneliness is the one thing that can kill without you even realizing it.

  Closing my eyes, I bow my head and clasp the rosary between my hands.

  A picture of innocence.

  The sanctity that should exist in this place doesn’t anymore. I’ve found my way out, agreed to the terms set out for me. Kahn made his promises, now he has to keep them.

  There is nothing holy about this place.

  Not anymore.

  I hear whispers along the corridors. I’m not alone. Never alone. I feel eyes on me. I don’t turn to Dominic. Instead, I focus on my prayers. The lies I told to get myself in here are now the truths that will free me. I promised to be a good girl, I promised to uphold the vows and my prayers. But I broke those a long time ago.

  Father Dominic kneels beside me, his eyes burning into me. “Fucking the newbies isn’t a good idea, Maeve.” His voice is cold, detached, nothing like the man who always enjoyed my body and took pleasure in it.

  “What do you know?”

  “I was merely ambling by when I heard your cries of pleasure,” he tells me. “I’ve heard them many times before. Recognition struck, and I waited for you to leave his room before I came here to find you.”

  “It has nothing to do with you.”

  “It has everything to do with me.” His response has me turning my head, prayers forgotten. “I know things about him, things that would make you change your mind about spreading your legs for him.”

  “Fuck you.”

  Dominic chuckles. “You already did that. I wish I could’ve watched you take his dick. Your cunt is always so beautifully tight. Did he stretch you like I do?”

  My grip on the beads tightens, my knuckles turning white while the palm of my hand stings from the bite of pain.

  “Did you say your prayers like a good little nun while he rammed his dick inside you?”

  “You’re vile.” I study my hands, not wanting to look at him.

  “You didn’t say that while you were screaming for God all those times that I made you come. Perhaps you’d like us both to fill you up, just like the whore you are.” He leans in, before whispering, “Does your cunt get wet when you think about us gaping your tight holes?”

  The moment he finishes his question, I hear the click of a gun echo around the stillness of the church. I don’t move. I can’t. Fear holds me still. The barrel of black steel comes into view then, pointed at Dominic’s head.

  “I don’t take kindly to assholes who enjoy hurting women,” Kahn’s voice is ice, sending a trickle of anxiety down my spine. “Now, get the fuck up, and look at me.” His order is focused on the priest before him. I wonder how he even knew Father Dominic would be here.

  “Was her pussy that good?” Dominic chuckles, pushing to his feet and facing Kahn. They’re glaring at each other, and the air in the church shifts from calm and serene to volatile, drenched in danger.

  “Tell me about the deal. I need to know where the girls go,” Kahn questions, causing me to frown in confusion. All he said was he’s working for an agency to make sure criminals pay for their sins. But he didn’t mention any girls.

  Dominic laughs, the sound is far from amused. Instead, he sounds manic, as if he’s been keeping secrets that nobody will ever find out.

  “Kill me, and you’ll never know,” he taunts Kahn who immediately slams the butt of his weapon against Dominic’s cheek. Blood slowly trickles from the thin cut against his cheekbone. “Your boss doesn’t seem to know how to give up.”

  “And you don’t seem to realize that I’ll happily spend months torturing you,” Kahn responds.

  “What are you talking about?” I don’t make a move to near the men, but I have to ask. I’m fearful for what Kahn will do, but I’m not sure I even know Dominic well enough to be on his side about anything.

  Yes, we’ve fucked.

  But there’s nothing more between us.

  “Torture doesn’t scare me, but if you want to know where the girls go, you should contact your friend in Colombia,” Dominic speaks slowly.

  “Cordero?”

  “No, Cordero doesn’t even know about what’s going on down there. He’s nothing compared to Da Rosa,” Dominic says. “He runs the show, and he’s the one I answer to. But you should be warned, if you even attempt to go near him, he’ll ensure you take your final breath.”

  “He can fucking try.” Kahn smirks, confidence etched on his handsome face. “I don’t cower to assholes like that.”

  Before Dominic can say another word, a bullet leaves the chamber and hits him square between the eyes. His body slumps backward, falling against the altar. My mouth falls open to scream, but I find nothing leaving my mouth.

  Kahn turns to me, a smile on his face. “You ready to go?”

  “Now?”

  He nods. “No time like the present.”

  The bell sounds loud as it rings high in the tower, making me jump in surprise, pulling me from my stupor. Time for us to either leave or stay and get found with a dead body.

  I rise, my knees hurting from kneeling on the cold tiles. Glancing up, I find Kahn staring at me. Chocolate brown eyes, dark in the shadows, almost black from the darkness that I know consumes him.

  “I’m ready.” I nod, following behind him as we make our way toward the back door which leads out of the church and into the offices. Once there, we race toward the exit.

  It doesn’t take long for us to reach the fence. I’m about to tell him there’s no way out when I notice a man on the other side. He’s already cut through the thick metal, giving us just enough space to crawl through.

  “Kahn,” the stranger says, slapping him on the back in a show of friendship.

  “Amir, I had to kill the priest,” Kahn tells him, but the stranger, Amir, doesn’t seem fazed.

  “Let’s go.”

  Kahn’s strong arms wrap around my frame, and he lifts me into the truck as if I am merely a feather.

  I’m his.

  I can never be anyone else’s.

  “Lie down, and don’t come up until I tell you to,” Kahn instructs me before shoving the door closed. He slides into the passenger seat, Amir behind the steering wheel.

  I obey.

  Closing my eyes, I grip the beads that are still in my hand, and I pray once more. I have a feeling it will be the last time I do.

  Kahn knows some of the things I’ve done, yet he’s taking me with him. He’s seen the darkness that dwells in my soul. The moment he slid into my body, I know he saw it, and he devoured it like a starving man.

  He devoured my sickness and fed me his.

  I always thought I’d end up in Hell for all that I’ve done.

  But now, I’m on my way to Heaven.

  Kahn

  Thy Kingdom come;

  For ever and ever. Amen

  It’s been a week. A long fucking week, and I still haven’t found any more information on what’s happening with Da Rosa. As soon as the plane touches down, I’m at the door, watching the attendant tug it open. Once the hot air hits me, I’m down the steps, closing the distance toward the car that’s sitting not far from where we landed.

  Frustration burns in my veins when I make it to the waiting car. “Where the fuck is Cordero?” I bite out. Blood. All I see is crimson when I reach the vehicle and realize that the man I was meant to meet isn’t even here
.

  “Mr. Cordero had to be rushed back home, the compound is on lock down,” one of the men in a black suit rumbles when I turn my angry glare on him.

  “What the fuck do you mean?”

  “Da Rosa attacked the moment we arrived. Someone knows you’re looking into him, and they’re not happy. We got Mr. Cordero back to the house, but we lost two men.”

  Maeve is behind me in the next second, I feel her calmness, but it doesn’t abate my need to kill. “Take me to the compound,” I order, slipping into the backseat of the Mercedes SUV. I’m anxious. I never wanted Maeve to get involved in all this bullshit, but she insisted on following me here.

  Working for Heaven wasn’t in the cards for her, but it was the only way I could give her the freedom she needed. I still haven’t told her everything, but even so, she’s here, beside me.

  If it weren’t for me, she’d still be locked up with that asshole, Dominic Da Rosa. I only found out it was his brother that we were looking for when I got back to the mansion.

  As we weave through the traffic, I take note of the houses on either side, making a mental note where we’re going, how long it takes to get there, and when we pull up to the compound, I’m still lost in thought.

  “I’m with you all the way,” she murmurs, sliding her hand in mine, lacing our fingers together.

  “I know, little nun,” I smile down at her, but happiness is the last thing I feel. I know Victor, I’ve known him for going on ten years, and I know he won’t deny me help if I ask for it.

  Pushing open the car door, I exit the vehicle, tugging my girl along with me. My heavy black boots crunch along the gravel as I make my way to the door. It swings open before I have time to knock. The man who steps out is none other than, Victor Cordero. King of Colombia.

  “Victor,” I offer my hand which he accepts. “Where is he?”

  “Da Rosa has fled,” he tells me, shaking his head in… what? guilt? Fuck that. “I have a team leaving on my private jet this afternoon, they’re tracking the plane, and it seems they’re headed to Europe.” This information makes my body tense, every muscle rigid with fear that I may never see my sister again.