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“Your room is upstairs.” I place my hand on her lower back and guide her upstairs.
I like how the warmth of her skin feels against my palm. I also like that she doesn’t flinch from my touch, even though if she was wise, and knew what was in store for her, she would.
When we’re halfway up the stairs, I see how her eyes peer downstairs to the double doors leading outside, with an alarm system next to it. She then scans each ceiling corner, no doubt looking for cameras. I’d actually be very disappointed in her if she wasn’t assessing her surroundings.
“You can try,” I say, pressing firmly on her back. “I have security outside too.” When we make the landing, I add, “Just know that there will be a punishment waiting when you’re caught. Life is all about choices, but there are consequences for making poor ones.”
When we reach her room, I open the door and allow her to enter first. She has one of the best views in the house overlooking the ocean. It’s the first thing you see when you walk inside since the water-facing wall is nothing but floor to ceiling windows. I’m lucky enough to have waterfront property in Bishop’s Landing, and her room really highlights the location. Like the rest of the house, her room is completely white other than the artwork on the walls which are a mix of reds and oranges. The abstract art resembles being in a flower garden if you look close enough and allow your imagination to take over.
Lyriope’s breath hitches and she shivers as the coolness of the vacant room kisses our skin. “Is this my room?”
“Unless you prefer being naked in the wine cellar,” I say as I enter all the way in and reach for the white cashmere throw that is on the edge of the bed and wrap it around her.
She inhales sharply at my close proximity, and I inhale the scent of fear in the air. Her wide eyes and the way her body tenses tell me she’s surprised by my act. My fingertip lingers on her neck, and I do consider throwing her on the bed and fucking her right then and there. But I also love being the cat that plays with the mouse.
And I’ve just begun to play.
She takes two large steps away from me. “How many times do we have to have sex before my debt is paid?” she asks, taking another step further. She draws her mouth into a straight line and bites her lip. “Is that what you want from me now?”
I laugh. “There’s no amount of sex that can pay off the debt you owe me. It will take far more than that.” I take a wolfish step toward her and observe her trembling body just waiting for the claiming. “Although taking that virginity of yours will be worth every single penny I paid to the Russians, I’m not going to rush my reward either.” I make my way to the door and add, “Sex alone won’t pay off the debt.”
“Then what? What do I have to do?”
I shrug. “I’m not sure yet. But I’m going to have fun thinking of all the ways.”
“Nick—”
“I’ll have Diane come up and dress you for dinner,” I interrupt.
“Dinner?” she asks. “What time is it? What day?” She clings to the blanket and wraps it tighter around herself.
“Time passes when we’re having fun.”
“Nick… please let me leave. I know I owe you money. I know my life’s in danger—”
“Yes, in danger,” I cut in. “I’m keeping you safe.”
“I don’t feel safe.”
I laugh at her honesty. I can’t say I blame her one bit, but regardless. “Did you feel safe living penniless in your car? Did you feel safe owing money to the Sidorovs?”
“Safer than I do now.”
“Stop,” I say firmly. “I’ve respected you a great deal for your honesty. You don’t lie, and I don’t want you to start now. You didn’t like the life you were living, and you didn’t feel safe in the slightest or you wouldn’t have shown up at Wonderland. There’s a reason you came to me, and it’s more than just curiosity.”
She nods slightly and licks her lips. “I pictured something different in my head. I thought you’d be… I thought I’d feel different than I do now. Now… I’m scared. And that is not a lie. I don’t think I’ll ever feel safe again.”
“Give it time.” I lean up against my cane. “I told you that I’ll treat you like a queen. And I will just as long as you act like my servant.” I smile at her. “Serve me, and I’ll protect you.”
“Serve you?” Her upper lip twitches, and I know she’s holding back a string of curse words, not that I blame her for that either. Not everyone is a natural submissive. That will make her training even more sweet.
