Page 56 of Coal Hearts

I gasped as his hand suddenly dropped from my hair and cupped my breast. “You’re in heat, my pet. I can see that fire as plain as day in your eyes.”

“Don’t touch me.” I tripped backward, but Victor’s fingernails sank into my feminine flesh, making me wince and freeze.

Henri went rigid, his eyes darkening.

“I’m glad to see your body is already betraying you,” Victor murmured. “Soon, you won’t remember a time when you weren’t in a permanent state of arousal. I’m told it’s far more addictive than any drug.” He grinned and ran his thumb over my nipple. All the awful lust Henri conjured died a quick, icy death. “You’ll do whatever it takes to be filled. And lucky for you, there will be many cocks to ease that empty, clenching desperation.”

“You’re sick.” I swatted at his hand.

“I’m hard. But I find anticipation the best type of foreplay.” Victor’s vise-like grip let go.

I darted away.

I didn’t look behind me. I should’ve looked behind me. I slammed like an idiot into Roland’s awaiting arms.

“Hi.” His large belly bent me backward as his arms snapped tight around me. His hands clamped onto both my breasts, squeezing painfully. “My turn for a squeeze.”

I flinched.

Henri shifted toward us, his knuckles white around the box. “Roland—”

“Nice handful. Natural. What colour are your nipples I wonder?” Roland kissed my cheek, holding me tight as I struggled.

“Let go of me!”

“You heard her,” Henri snarled. “She’s mine.”

“Now, now, Henri, possessiveness will not do in Joyero. You have first right, but she’s for everyone to enjoy.” Victor’s voice hardened. “All my guests understand this. There are no favourites or singular jewels. You come to play with all my gems, not just one.”

My eyes locked with Henri’s.

We were strangers.

Utterly unknown yet disturbingly drawn to one another.

I feared him just as much as I feared these other men, but I couldn’t deny I already looked to him for safety.

As twisted as that was.

As messed up and ill-advised, I trusted him to use me but not break me.

You’re still just as stupid as you were in the club.

Henri’s face twisted with fury as Roland ran his disgusting tongue up my neck and bit my ear.

I cringed. “Fuck you.”

“I wonder how long that fighting spirit will last,” Roland breathed. “I hope I’m the one to finally break it.”

“I suggest you get your motherfucking hands off her, Olivan, or I’ll do it for you,” Henri growled.

Victor sighed heavily and shook his head. “What did I just say, Ward?” Marching toward Henri, he stole the box back and clucked his tongue. “I won’t put up with caveman shit in my home.” Brushing past Henri, Victor glanced at Roland holding me. “Don’t let her go.”

“I don’t plan on it.” Roland rocked his pelvis into my ass, making my entire body crawl. His erection dug uncomfortably against my tailbone. Shivers broke out down my spine.

Henri balled his hands.

He bristled and seethed but didn’t move as Victor stopped before me and cracked open the box.