There was a pause, soft and trembling at the edges.
“…I’ll see you soon,” she whispered.
“Everly.”
My voice cracked low, roughened by fury I didn’t want her to hear. “I am. I’m already halfway there. Just keep your phone close.”
She promised she would, and I hung up before the edge slipped.
If she tried to face her mother alone—after I told her explicitly not to—I’d need consequences.
Not something stupid like withholding affection.
We both knew I’d fold in ten seconds.
And she was pregnant, which eliminated… other options.
She needed protection, not a whipped arse.
But control?
Restraint?
Giving her exactly what she wanted and stopping just short of where she begged me for more?
Yes.
Oh, yes.
That would get her attention.
That would remind her whose instructions mattered.
A dark satisfaction curled low in my chest when I pictured her in heat, begging for more. There was one thing my little toy couldn't resist.
My cock.
If she disobeyed me, I wouldn’t raise my voice.
I wouldn’t argue.
I wouldn’t even look angry.
I’d simply deny her.
?? ?? ??
When the car rolled closer, I saw Eris standing in the doorway.
Relief hit me in a hard wave—she’d gotten past the double doors, but not the front entrance. In my panic, I hadn’t questioned Connie’s message, but it didn’t matter. I’d already contacted a security firm to assess the house.
Cameras. Additional alarms. Electric-sealed gates.
Or perhaps a bodyguard — female, obviously.
Eris started toward the car.
“Wait here, Lawrence,” I said, stepping out.
