Page 179 of Unmasked

I kept my voice light and averted my eyes.

“You’re joking. You don’t think I looked? You’re the best. Hell, even Vaughn knew that. He was so confident, he stole you from me and brainwashed you to run his own… place. It’s not a palace, but the responsibilities seem high-staked.”

“Oh, yes. Very much so.”

He wrapped his arm around my waist, easing me to the edge of the marble seat. My legs dropped open and he poured soap directly over my pussy. His arm held tighter around me as his fingers began rubbing the soap in.

“I want you to let me do this all the time.”

“Clean me?”

His hold eased back and he quickly stood, grabbing the detachable shower head and crouching back to spray it directly against me. He spun the top, changing the spray setting until it was a single, hard jet. My legs jumped at the pressure as he began to spray it over my clit.

“Clean… play…” His eyes lifted to mine. “Use.” Again, his stare lowered. His hand came forward and he used his thumb to ease me apart as he continued to tease my clit. Back and forth, he began going, from the sensitive nerves to my opening.

Fingers traced over me, nudging inside. I pushed my feet into the marble, trying my best not to try to squirm away or attack him.

“Please. Lawrence. I’m getting… weak.”

The side of his mouth pulled back, and his cock was already hard again as he stood.

“A little bit longer.” He pointed the spray over my hair, getting it wet and lathering it with shampoo. I let my head rest against the wall, flexing my jaw repeatedly as I felt myself grow stronger. Could I stand if I tried? Time was passing. I wasn’t sure how long it would be before all the effects would wear off, but at this rate, it wouldn’t be long.

“There we go. Our food should be ready. I can’t wait. I’m starving. I know you’ve got to be too.”

“You have no idea.”

Lawrence turned off the water, grabbing the towels. He quickly dried himself off, going over and grabbing a new pair of pajama pants to put back on. I let him come back in and dry me off. When he wrapped the towel around me and gently lifted me in his arms, I could have cried out from how much control I’d gained. And from the pain that was coming back. But I didn’t. I kept completely still, letting him take me into the bedroom. The main door was open, and two trays stood on portable tables, next to the bed. My eyes immediately zeroed in on the silverware.

“I can’t remember the last time I’ve been this hungry.” He sat me on the bed, reaching back to adjust the pillows. Just as I went to move, Dr. Ayden walked into the room. I didn’t think. I couldn’t as I saw my freedom leaving me. My mind was screaming. Anxiety had instinct taking over.

I dove for the tray, grabbing the knife and using every ounce of my strength to throw it at the doctor. The weapon cut through the air, piercing the side of his neck.

Blood sprayed out as Dr. Ayden spun and grabbed to the handle. King Lawrence’s eyes got big, not leaving the man as guards rushed toward him. I scrambled for the other knife, feeling weight crash into me as I fumbled to get a grasp.

“Oh, you’re good!” Elation filled King Lawrence’s tone. Awe had his big eyes filling even more with fascination but something else. Something he couldn’t hide from me. Deep within, there was fear. “Holy. Shit.” A crazed laugh left him as he forced me back into the cuffs. They latched around my wrists, and he was moving to my ankles just as fast. “You can kill. And creatively. Oh, Penelope, we’re going to have so much fun.” Fingers fisted in my hair, and his lips crushed into mine. He was shaking the smallest amount. “You wanted off the drugs. I guess you made that happen. But the cuffs… those are definitely staying on.” He turned to look at George.

“You weren’t exaggerating.”

The man’s glare pinned me with an uneasy look.

“No, Sire. You’re lucky it’s not you that’s dead right now. One more mistake like that, and it very well may be.”

He paused, seeming to battle something. “If Penelope wanted me dead, I would be. But she doesn’t, because she loves me. She just won’t admit it to herself yet.” He turned back to me. “But you will. You’re going to come to realize that although Vaughn had appeal, I’m the better choice.” His voice deepened, and I saw him trying to will it into my mind as he held eye contact.

“I am the better choice.

“You love me.

“You want me.

“And you’re going to choose me.

“You’re going to be my queen.”

I didn’t so much as look away.

“And if I refuse?”