Total pages in book: 161
Estimated words: 147673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 738(@200wpm)___ 591(@250wpm)___ 492(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147673 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 738(@200wpm)___ 591(@250wpm)___ 492(@300wpm)
Laurent rubbed his neck, uncomfortable with the way King spoke of his and Beast’s intimacy. It was a delight to be cherished, not a disposable event. And yet, it still gave Laurent a tingle of satisfaction to think that all the carnal pleasures they shared had Beast so elated King wasn’t able to drain any of his youthful vigor.
“I’m sure that things will ease in the matter, sir,” Laurent said, even though he hoped King would forever remain estranged from Beast’s life force, and end up shriveled like a prune. A man who abused his son so ruthlessly deserved no compassion. To think that even last night, during Beast’s celebratory party, King had found ways to bring Beast down, just to feast on his vitality.
King nodded and rubbed his face. “Okay. Continue, but don’t overdo it. I’m not gonna go vegan in order to survive until then, you hear me? Keep him just pleased enough. Be a little bit mean every day. It helps if you say something about him being a bother, or about the scars. This makes his mood drop, even if the actual words are innocent and can be excused, you get me?”
Laurent despised the advice with all his heart. “Absolutely, sir. I understand. Being close to him will allow me many opportunities. But please, you need to make sure you don’t reveal to anyone that you know of me and him. He might want to back out, and that would only make matters worse in terms of keeping him here.” Laurent’s whole chest hurt so much he wanted to retch. King was evil on par with Fane to torture his own son this way for years for no other reason but his own gain.
King licked his lips and nodded. “Fine. But I’ll be watching you. Better not get all sentimental over him.”
Laurent shook his head, and decided to reveal something about himself to ease King’s mind. “No, sir. I am here to obtain freedom, and I will do everything in my power to get that. The blood you saw on me that first night is testament to my conviction.” He hoped it sounded ominous enough to get King off his back.
King watched him for several moments before dragging himself back to his feet. “Good. Keep that in mind, because if you breach your contract and the devil doesn’t rip you apart, I will.” He blinked, touching the door with a contemplative expression on his face. “Oh, and on the eve of his birthday, I could fuck you and make sure he finds out. That would make him really lose it.” With that, King opened the door and walked out, leaving Laurent numb. What in all hells was that last suggestion? King hadn’t even asked if that was something Laurent wanted to partake in.
He didn’t.
He plopped down on the mattress but jutted back to his feet when he felt something sticky touch his hand. He never expected the feat asked of him by the demon to be an easy one. He’d anticipated he’d have to fight for his life, or walk through a world full of peril, but he could have never predicted the emotional turmoil that had already caused him so much grief.
He didn’t get the peace to clear his mind before venturing outside to find Beast, with King cursing loudly somewhere in the corridor. The carefree laughter that came next made all of Laurent’s skin explode with tangible memories of last night. He stood up immediately and approached the open door.
“Is that a new fashion statement?” asked Beast. “Gray can pull it off only because he’s twenty six. It doesn’t really compliment someone your age.”
Laurent looked out into the hallway to see King violently push at Beast’s chest. “Who are you to criticize anyone’s looks?” he hissed, but someone else’s laughter down the corridor seemed aimed at him anyway.
Laurent rushed out of the smelly chamber, eager to lead Beast away from King as fast as possible. “Ready,” he announced with a wide smile.
The blue eyes brightened, making Laurent’s whole body ache for touch, and Beast crooked his head to indicate the direction of the main exit. “Sorry, King, I’m taking Laurent to see the eye doctor. Maybe ask Nao what to do about your hair. There is probably some coconut oil and cinnamon treatment for it,” he said, walking a thin line between mockery and advice. Nao liked natural cosmetics, so he might have as well been serious.
King snarled like a wild animal and left the room, slamming the door behind him. As soon as he was gone, all the people in the room—with a notable exception of Gray—erupted with laughter and chatter. But Laurent and Beast wouldn’t be staying. Only when they were alone did Laurent remember what Beast had said.
“Eye doctor? Weren’t we going out for breakfast?”