Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 52247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 52247 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 261(@200wpm)___ 209(@250wpm)___ 174(@300wpm)
“Someday.” He moves from me, taking his place on the throne. A king in his kingdom. His natural habitat. “Are you ready to begin your training?”
Am I? I turn in place, taking extra time to examine the wall of implements. The Wall of Pain. In training, I’ve seen worse, felt worse, but this is different. Private. Sensual. There’s only the two of us here. Lucius, rolling up his shirtsleeves to expose deliciously strong forearms. Me, with my nipples tenting my romper top and my pussy pulsing.
I’m not scared of the way Lucius might hurt me. I’m scared I might like it.
Lucius snaps his fingers and I’m over beside him in a flash. Kneeling, head bowed, arms boxed behind my back.
“Playtime’s over,” he tells me. “When we’re here, you’ll obey my commands or be punished. No excuses, no exceptions. You will call me sir at all times, unless I’ve ordered you not to speak. Understand? You may speak.”
I swallow. “Yes, sir.”
“I might wish for you to strip, or crawl. You will obey immediately or suffer the consequences. And, pet, you won’t like the consequences. Do you have any questions?”
“What are the consequences?” I ask, adding, “Sir?”
His dark eyes twinkle at me. He’s enjoying this...scene, game, whatever it is. “Disobey and find out.”
My eyes flick to the Wall of Pain. He leans forward and captures my chin, drawing me back. “Obey me and I’ll reward you. You will love the rewards. You had a taste of them last night.”
Yep. I’ll never forget those orgasms. I want more.
“In one month, I will present you to my kingdom. A king’s consort. Everyone will covet you. You’ll perform for them, and earn your freedom.”
“And this,” he reaches to the side table and opens a drawer, draws out a box. A heavy silver collar lies on a black velvet cushion. Lucius picks it up and diamonds wink at me. “A collar fit for a queen. I intend to train you for my use, and mine alone. You will kneel for no one...but me.”
Interesting. Xavier’s intel said nothing about him being this possessive with a submissive.
I open my mouth and wait for the incline of his head giving me permission to speak. “And after the party...sir?”
“You’ll free to come and go as you please. You’re free to go back to your pack, if you wish. The price of your freedom is your ultimate submission, but after that, you can take the collar and go.”
I rock back on my heels. He intends to train me, make me want him. I’m a prop in his show of power. If he can get me to do as he commands …
“And if I want to stay?”
“There will always be a place for you here. At my side.”
“As your submissive? Or for you to pass around as you please?”
“Our arrangement has a natural end, but I would continue to take care of you. You would work here. You would only submit to vampires you choose.”
I tilt my head as if considering it. He thinks he’s going to break down my defenses. I’m going to break down his--and the minute he turns his back, I’ll turn on him. Everything is going according to plan.
“All right,” I say. “I’m ready.”
He sweeps a hand out and indicates the Wall of Pain. “Choose.”
I straighten. Stare at him and heave a breath before getting to my feet. The rows of implements blur as I get close. I grab the one closest to me, a strip of leather with an angled tip attached to a long handle. When I return to Lucius, I kneel and offer it to him, head bowed. The choreography of high protocol makes things easier, especially when I’m steeling myself for a long night.
Lucius takes the whip and sets it aside before gathering me close.
“Frightened?”
I dip my head.
“Don’t be. I won’t harm you.” His large hands trespass over my body, kneading my shoulders until I melt, finding my resistance, breaking it down. His touch feels good. I both love and hate how I respond to him.
“I don’t know if I can do this,” I blurt.
“You don’t have to do anything. Just be.”
“When we’re in a scene, I am aware of everything about you--every movement, every flinch, every quiver. Your role is to be aware of me. I will be your world. My words, your god.” His large hands cup my face and tip my head back to meet his eyes. “Give yourself to me, Selene. I won’t ever let you fall.”
Lucius
My pet squirms on my lap, too on edge to sit still. She’s both nervous and curious, a refreshing combination. I set her on her knees on the floor and fasten the collar around her neck. “High protocol,” I tell her and she nods, instantly bowing her head. Her gasp makes me grasp her chin. “What is it, pet?”