Liars and Tigers Page 6

  "I'm going to introduce you to something wonderful, but I need you to stay put. These are Florentine floggers," he showed her. "They have seventy-two falls each and are made of bison and deer hide. I'm about to show you how loud I like my music—in the house."

  He tied a soft rope to both of Misha's wrists, and secured the ends to the posters of the head and footboard of his bed, stretching her out horizontally across the mattress. He pushed a stool under her knees to allow her to kneel comfortably, and then slipped her shirt over her head to expose her back.

  "I'm not wearing a bra," Misha said. "Don't look!"

  "I am only interested in this lovely canvas right now." He ran his hands down the warm skin of her back and then up again. He pulled her pants down to her thighs, noticing four long, thick scars that ran horizontally across her right thigh.

  "How did you get these?" he asked, running his finger along the irregular edges.

  "I was sitting on a chain link fence and slipped."

  "I was guessing that they were claw marks."

  "If I had been mauled like that, I wouldn't have survived," Misha said. "Please don't look at them, they are ugly."

  "Is this why you won't wear a bathing suit?"

  "I'm very modest, that's all. I don't want anyone looking at my body. I have personal reasons."

  "Well, I think your body is perfect," Alex said. Lux Aeterna by the London Ensemble started to play, and he lowered the lights to enhance the mood. He dragged the falls of the flogger across her bare back, over her buttocks, and down the backs of her legs. Every inch of her exposed skin was caressed by the leather as he repeated the motion. "Now relax. Close your eyes."

  The music began to introduce a strong down beat, and he let a flogger fall across her shoulder blades. Misha tensed for a moment as her mind and body absorbed the new sensation.

  "Well?" Alex asked, running the flogger fingers gingerly across her flesh.

  "Mmm. More!" Misha exclaimed. He struck her again, letting the heavy leather splay open across the full span of her bottom. "That is incredible! It feels like a massage."

  "I'm going to work up to full force. Lift your foot if it's too much."

  Alex began to strike her in time to the music, alternating hard strokes with caressing ones, and gradually introducing the use of two floggers at once. The falls fell rapidly, moving over the exposed skin without pause, gradually turning it a bright pink. Misha moaned with delight as the whipping motion increased.

  "That is amazing," she purred.

  "This is called a pinwheel technique. Try to remember what you enjoy."

  "Can you strike harder?"

  "I certainly can," Alex said, circling the right flogger overhead and splatting it across her back. He moved the left hand flogger in a figure eight, continually striking different parts of her body, breaking the sensation up with occasional sharp swipes from overhead. As the music progressed, he initiated a Florentine rhythm using both hands.

  "Wow…" Misha stated, "What are you doing now?"

  "This is called Florentine flogging. I use two matched floggers and rotate my wrists so I can do a faster rhythm and more frequent strike. Add some music and it becomes ethereal."

  "I'll say," Misha purred, relaxing into the leather. "Please, don't ever stop."

  "This, my dear, is only the beginning," Alex promised. Without losing contact with her, he snatched up another flogger and ran it down her back to introduce her to the implement.

  "Oh, my…" Misha gasped, as the thick, leather 'roses' impacted her skin.

  "This is a rose flogger," Alex explained, landing the next blow across her shoulder blades. "It's really more of a cat-o-nine tails with leather roses on the ends. What do you think?"

  "It's deep and thuddy. It feels like you're getting into my muscles with the pads of your thumbs. Lovely."

  The music changed and Alex upped his game a bit, grabbing the Viper. Misha screeched as it bit into her bottom.

  "Too much?" Alex asked, striking her again.

  "Yes… no… maybe… fuck!" Misha arched her back. "I don't know if I want more or if I want less. It's so weird!"

  "Your body is awakening itself to the pleasure of pain. The Viper is a nasty little thing. It's a martinet with triangle shaped leather teeth on the tips. The fact that you are ambiguous about it tells me a lot. I'm going to use two of them. Tell me how it feels."

  "That smarts!"

  "Breathe through it," Alex coaxed, lightening his strokes slightly and running his hand over her, "take it in. Let me know when you want more."

  "I'm good," Misha announced, several seconds later.

  "Let's try this one," Alex said, running the material across her back. "It's a mop flogger. I have two different ones. This one has suede strands that are looped so there are no free ends, and this one," he traded implements, smiling as Misha groaned, "is heavy rope covered with rabbit fur. It's very nice, but also can pack quite a punch."

  "Go for it," she murmured. "Oh!"

  Alex flung the rabbit/rope flogger between her shoulder blades, watching as she lifted her torso partially off the bed, then he followed with the lighter suede flogger. Her movements suggested that she was becoming aroused very quickly.

  "How are you doing?"

  "You are making me fucking horny, Alex! Harder!"

  "Let me change to something less sensual," he said, picking up a ball-chain flogger. "This is metal and is made of the ball chain that we use for hanging dog tags. It's not for hard use," he explained, running the chilling metal over her warm flesh. "It's a good cool down. I'll do a light pinwheel with it."

  Misha wriggled as the icy metal kissed the backs of her knees and thighs, across her bottom and up her back to the shoulder blades. He ran it back down, allowed the flails to trickle over her body.

  "It almost feels like drops of cold water," Misha proclaimed, burying her face in the mattress. "It's sooo nice."

  "Just one more thing and we are done for the night," Alex said, adjusting his uncomfortable erection. "This will help you come down. Just a little bit of coconut and almond oil."

  Alex slid the oil over her back, buttocks, and down her legs, rubbing and caressing gently. He made certain not to make any sexual advances, honoring her request to remain chaste. His hands tingled against the velvety texture of her skin, and he focused on her pleasure to ensure she would return for more.

  "Must you stop?" Misha whined as he untied her hands.

  Alex climbed onto the bed next to her unmoving body. "This was your first time. I don't want to overwhelm you."

  "When can we do this again?" she asked, lazily lifting her head to smile.

  "Whenever you are a good girl and in the mood," he chuckled. "There is much more to the experience than this, but you need to be worked up to it. It also helps if you are naked."

  "I don't want to be naked," Misha pouted.

  "I know, you told me. May I ask why?"

  "I'm very modest, that's all."

  "Have you ever, well, slept with anyone?" Alex asked carefully.

  "No."

  Chapter 7

  "I can't believe how fast they are growing," Misha said, watching as the two large puppies wrestled with their six-week-old adopted brother. Rodin was remarkably gentle with his little claws, almost instinctively knowing he could hurt his litter mates. The puppies weren't as controlled, biting and pulling at his tail and eyes, yapping noisily when they received a loud hiss from his snarling little mouth. Kena watched her litter carefully, making sure the play was not out of control. She panted heavily and rose to walk over to the swimming pool where she settled onto the wide, second step.

  "You think he'll go in?" Alex asked, watching the tiger follow her. Rodin laid his belly on the edge of the stairs and dipped his foot into the cool water. His tail twitched as he licked his wet paw.

  "I don't know. Bengals love the water, but he's still so small," Misha shrugged, filming the events. "I'm hoping that this video of how he is adapting to life with his su
rrogate litter is really going to help raise awareness."

  "Even I have to admit that his interaction with Kena and the puppies is absolutely adorable, and will also be a great tool for raising funds for the reserve and more research. I've contacted several supporters who are anxious to see this. One even said that we might be able to make it into a documentary."

  "I don't care about that stuff. I just want people to know what these animals are really like, and how they adapt to changes."

  "Always my little scientist," Alex chuckled, ignoring the sharp look she gave him.

  "I'm not your anything. Except a roommate and employee."

  "You don't think we've become friends during these last six weeks? I've rather enjoyed the time we have spent together, especially as light play partners. You've been enjoying that, haven't you?"

  "Well, yeah," Misha blushed slightly. "I know I'm frustrating you, though. I can tell."

  "You're not frustrating me. Yes, I would like to take you a little further than flogging, but I promised not to push you until you were ready. That is your call."

  "It's because I'm a virgin, isn't it?"

  "Partly, yes. I will never impose myself upon you physically."

  "Oh, baloney!" Misha laughed. "You always use your physical presence to impose."

  "I can't help being a bull in a china shop," Alex shrugged, with a smile. "On the other hand, you haven't tried to beat me up recently either, and I have found that very pleasant."

  "Well, you haven't been a total ass lately. It makes you tolerable to be around. Don't push your luck though," Misha snipped at his boyish smile. "Do you think flashing that dimple will make me succumb to your charms, Mr. Hodges?"

  "One can only hope, Miss Miller. Do you swim? I've never seen you even stick your toe in the water."

  "Yes, I can swim. I just prefer not to."

  "Well, one of these days I'm going to get you into that pool and see how a wet cat reacts to cold water," Alex teased.

  "Try it, and you'll get scratched. I don't do pools, and I don't do bathing suits. I've told you I am extremely modest and don't like to expose myself."

  Alex raised his eyebrow at her statement. It dawned on him that she had very little in the way of a wardrobe, so perhaps it wasn't just her absurd modesty, but the fact that she didn't own a bathing suit.

  "I need a new suit anyway," he mentioned, picking at the navy blue trunks he wore. "This one is just plain ugly. Maybe we can hit the store later. Come with me and help me pick one out, and I'll buy you a new one too."

  "I'm not wearing a bathing suit, Alex. Ever. You know why now. End of story."

  "You don't have to…"

  Misha rolled her eyes. "I'm not skinny dipping either. What is it with men? You are like a dog with a bone. Let it go, please, I am not comfortable with anyone looking at my body."

  "One day you might meet someone and…"

  "When that happens then he, and only he, can see me naked. Oh, look! Rodin is getting brave."

  Alex chuckled as Misha successfully changed the subject. He could be patient if he wished to be, and he knew that this girl was well worth the wait. She was like her rescued cats, skittish and gun-shy, and needed a lot of time and patience to help her learn to trust. He wished he knew more about her, and the reason why she was so defensive. Jack knew most of it, but refused to share her story with him. Alex sighed. One day, she would open up and share her heart.

  Together, they watched the cub inch his way into the pool, first resting his front paws on the step with his back end remaining dry. Gingerly, he introduced his left rear paw to the water, paused, and then brought his right foot down to the step.

  "I don't think Kena's too happy about her kitty," Misha giggled, as the dog rumbled a warning growl. Rodin ignored her, walking across the steps and crawling over the mastiff's back. In one smooth motion, he was in the pool. Kena jumped to her feet, barking frantically at the splashing cub.

  "I'll get him," Alex sighed.

  "He's fine. Bengals are made for the water. Let him learn how to swim," Misha reassured him.

  Alex just shook his head and dove into the pool, making sure he drenched Misha in the process. Rodin followed him as he swam laps, and then crawled into his arms when he stood in the shallow end. The tiger cub purred loudly, licking the water off his chin with a rough tongue.

  "You're getting too big to carry for much longer, kitty," Alex said, cradling the cub affectionately before handing him over to a very wet and annoyed Misha. "I think he's hit the fifteen pound mark. I'm just glad he hasn't decided to make my fingers part of his diet. Those little piranha teeth are sharp as hell."

  "I can't believe you got me wet, you jerk."

  "You needed some cooling off," he said, wiping his face with a towel. He watched as Misha flipped the cub onto his back and rubbed the furry tummy. "You know you won't be able to do that for much longer, honey."

  "Yeah, I know. I gotta enjoy it while I can, right?"

  Alex watched her, his heart aching. She needed to remember the cub was not a pet and would have to be introduced to a habitat as soon as he was old enough to fend for himself. Right now, though, Alex did not have the heart to break Misha's delight. His new roommate was quite a challenge to get to know, surprising him on occasion with a few tidbits of information about herself, which he was quick to jump onto. Like her weakness for dark chocolate covered macadamia nuts, and that her favorite plant was an Ocotillo. The day after she shared these things, she came home to find a box of Hawaiian candy on her bed and a blooming Ocotillo plant in the corner of her room, next to the window. She had no idea that he had driven clear out to the desert to find the perfect plant for her, or that he had picked out the pot and planted it himself.

  Misha's freshness brought out parts of Alex that were new and unique, and he found himself looking forward to the daily time alone with her. They'd started jogging together every morning, and regularly sharing meals after taking turns feeding the 'children'. They'd had four additional flogging 'play' sessions together, and Misha was becoming more verbal in what she liked. Alex was coming to truly respect the solemn woman, despite her tendency to be incredibly tenacious and pig-headed. He admired the ways in which she could handle herself in precarious situations, and how she showed remarkable resourcefulness when faced with obstacles. He also loved to hear her giggle like a little girl. That alone was a rare treat and it left him feeling happy, young, and carefree.

  He had discovered that wine helped Misha release some of her fears. Over a bottle of wine several nights before, Misha had drunkenly disclosed information about her childhood and the origin of her avid distrust in people, along with the reason for her unusual modesty. She told him, downing another short glass of Cabernet, that she had been severely neglected by parents with a major gambling addiction. She'd been raised by a miserly, uber-religious spinster in a foster home in Pahrump, Nevada, and had not seen her parents since the day they abandoned her in front of a casino.

  With a sad sigh, Misha had finished her wine and said that she had been knobby kneed, clumsy, and, in her opinion, ugly as a warthog. Her ugliness made her a loner, and she started spending more time in the wilderness and away from people. She appeared to be surprised when Alex quickly interrupted to make a point to tell her that she no longer fit that description. He was sincere when he told her that she was lovelier than any sunset he had seen, and just as unique and special. His comment that people were fools if they couldn't see her beauty had pleased her greatly. Enough to ask more about his past.

  Alex talked about his time in the service, his miserable marriage to a socialite who wanted him as a bank account and arm candy, and that he had used the money left to him by his grandfather to build the refuge. That act alone sent his ex-wife into a frenzy, but he had boldly informed her that since she had no claim to the funds, it was his to do with as he pleased. He shared that his mother had passed ten years prior, and that he was very close to his father, Senator Hodges (ret) who lived up near Malib
u.

  To his dismay, Alex discovered that he was starting to fall in love with his little Tiger, and with those feelings came a sense of desire to have her completely. But she kept him at arm's distance, and never allowed herself to express anything other than friendship to him.

  "Are you listening?" Misha was asking, jarring Alex back to the present.

  "I'm sorry, lost in thought."

  "About what?"

  "Nothing is particular," he lied, "just wondering if I need to get another fridge to hold the meat that fat little thing will need."

  "That makes no sense. I bring home his rations from the reserve. There is no reason to spend the money and get another unit."

  "Maybe I need another freezer for venison."

  "That's ridiculous. You don't hunt animals. What's gotten into you?" Misha asked, as she dried Rodin with an old towel. The cub grabbed it with his teeth and started growling as he tugged on the material. Misha tugged back, and the game began in earnest. Soon, the two puppies were joining in, and she was forced to relinquish her hold before those same little teeth mistook her hand for the now shredded rag.

  When Alex didn't answer, Misha changed the subject again. "I'm going to miss those pups when they're gone. Are you sure you have to sell them?"

  "I promised them to a reputable breeder, hon. He shows mastiffs and studded Kena. Sorry."

  "At least we have Rodin. He's so happy."

  Alex didn't miss the word 'we'. He touched her hand. "Yes, but are you?"

  "Am I what?"

  "Are you happy?" He looked at her with warmth in his eyes.

  She pulled her hand away. "I have nothing to complain about."

  "But are you happy?" he asked again. She didn't answer. Alex sighed. Does she even know how to be happy? "I got you a present. It's a belated Welcome gift. Kena thought of it."

  "Why did you do that?" Misha asked sharply, taken aback.

  Alex studied her for a moment. "Hasn't anyone ever given you a present? Just because? Oh My Lord, are you serious?" he asked, as she shook her head. "Well, my sweet Tiger, that will be changing. I hope you like it. And no arguing. Kena did a lot of thinking to come up with this idea."