Page 328 of Coal Hearts

“What’s her name?” I asked, appreciating her beauty but feeling no kick, no lust. I glanced back at Ily only to be sucker-punched in the goddamn stomach with both desire and connection.

The loneliness I’d felt this afternoon was quiet now she was near.

And I honestly didn’t know how to deal with that.

“Rachel.” Victor let his jewel go, snapping his fingers for another waiter to bring him a glass of the wine being circulated around the dining guests. “She’s a chemist. Or was.” He selected a glass from a tray offered by a demure server, then toasted me. “Now she’s my personal favourite, and I find her sharp intelligence extraordinary.”

“A chemist sounds interesting.”

“She apparently used to work for the government. A top-secret project where an aerosol drug created uncontrollable seizures. It became an invisible weapon, you see. To be used in war.”

I scowled. “What’s the point in war if you’re not actively involved in the fighting? It removes the gore and glory.”

“Precisely.” He nodded. “Tell me.” He glanced at Ily, meek and strangely obedient by my feet. “How was the rest of your afternoon? I’m assuming you made her help you with your little ‘problem’?”

My hand strayed to press against my cock. “I did.”

“And?”

“And...she blew my brains out.”

He laughed. “Excellent. I’m happy to hear you’re both settling in so well.”

A meal was placed in front of Victor; he didn’t thank the girl who delivered it.

Stabbing a crispy potato, he shoved it into his mouth and clapped his hands.

Immediately, a spotlight beamed, soft and gold on the black-draped podium at the head of the ballroom. Unlike the olden days, where a quartet would play or a singer would croon, two jewels stepped into the light and bowed.

A crack of thunder boomed.

“Another show?” I leaned toward Victor. “Do you put porn on every night?”

“Most nights.” He chewed and swallowed. “If you have any preferences, let me know. I’ll ensure a show is designed for your certain tastes.”

My stomach tightened as I dropped my eyes to Ily again.

The memory of sinking inside her when we’d been ordered to perform.

The savageness in which I’d taken her.

I wanted to do it again, only this time...I wouldn’t rush it. I’d use the toys on offer. Maybe warm her up with a whip.

My hand stung from swatting her this afternoon.

I’d almost convinced myself that I’d come as hard as I had because of what I’d done to her before she sucked me. But...I had a horrible suspicion that the moment her tongue licked me and her hand dove indecently between my legs, I was fucking putty in her hands.

Where had she learned to blow like that?

And why did I hate that she was so good?

Who taught her?

Rage poured through me.

She gave her ex a birthday blowjob.

Jesus Christ, if she’d given him what she gave me, how did the cunt ever let her go?