Total pages in book: 72
Estimated words: 70931 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 70931 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 355(@200wpm)___ 284(@250wpm)___ 236(@300wpm)
“So you aren’t trying to get a spanking because you like it,” I say nice and loud for everyone to hear.
Drawing in a breath, she releases it slowly before she responds. “You said you were going to punish me. And I won’t even pretend I haven’t earned it. But don’t forget, Lyam. I know what you like, too.”
And just like that, I’m hard as fuck.
She fucking does.
I need to get her alone, and now.
“That doesn’t fucking matter,” I say to her, but we both know it’s a lie. Jesus, making love to Cosette was the pinnacle of damn near everything I’ve ever done. Even though she’s being terse with me now, I know. That’s not her personality. I’ve never met a woman so eager to please in all my life. Her anger and contempt only mask her fear.
I grind my teeth together, because I can’t think about our time together… the passion… everything we did…
Contrary to popular opinion, I’ve only been with a few women. But everyone, literally everyone, pales in comparison to Cosette.
God, Cosette. Why did you have to betray us? I can’t ever love a woman I can’t trust.
“Ow,” she protests. I didn’t even realize I was holding her as tightly as I am.
I loosen my grip.
Some members of my staff stand in the shadows, watching. They know I expect them to be unobtrusive but ready to do whatever I ask at a moment’s notice.
“The room’s ready?”
“Of course, sir. I assumed you meant the one near yours? And I assumed you meant one for someone kept under guard. Thayer filled me in.”
I nod as we walk down the hallway toward the bedrooms. I watch her out of the corner of my eye. She’s pretending she isn’t observing every single damn thing along the way.
“Well,” she says almost begrudgingly. “I shouldn’t be surprised you live in the lap of luxury.”
There was a time that I imagined bringing her here, only in my imagination, the circumstances were very, very different.
“I like to work hard and play hard.”
“Right. And you need a place large enough to accommodate your monstrous physique?”
I press my lips together. I won’t be taunted. “Remember what I said about sarcasm.”
Still, I can’t help but smirk at her comment. She isn’t wrong. When I work, I’m laser-focused. When I come home, I like my surroundings luxurious and spacious. I spend good money on shit that will last.
“Surely you didn’t pick this all out yourself?” she asks, gesturing toward the furnished rooms. “Either you hired someone, or you’ve got a hidden talent for interior decorating.”
“I don’t give a shit about whatever decorating. I told someone what I wanted, paid them good money to do it, and they delivered.”
I’ve got the most up-to-date electronics and comfortable, well-made furniture that will last, but most importantly, the large bay windows look out over the Louvre. At night, the city twinkles, as if it were a movie set.
My bedroom’s decorated in simple, muted tones to help me relax, with leather and wood accents, and a king-sized bed I’m told is designed for the best night’s sleep.
Not that I ever sleep.
But we aren’t going to my bedroom.
Occasionally, my brothers or mother come to visit, so I made sure this home had a guest room. I know how I am. I know if Cosette’s anywhere near me, I’ll soften. Before I know it, she’ll be in my bed.
And that’s not why we’re here.
“Ground rules,” I tell her. “You know why you’re here. You’ll stay in the guest room unless I give you permission to leave.”
“Mhm,” she says, her lips pursed.
Still trying to pretend she isn’t afraid.
“I was thinking I was tired and could put off your interrogation until the morning, but now I’m thinking it might be smart to start this off on the right foot.”
She grits her teeth but doesn’t fully hide the fear in her eyes. She swallows.
“Right.”
My pulse begins to quicken. I love dominating anyone, but dominating Cosette’s a particular delicacy.
She’s your prisoner.
I can’t let myself forget even for a second why she’s here.
Why I am.
It won’t be like punishing a man.
No.
The beauty of knowing her so intimately is that I know exactly how to push her buttons.
“Lyam,” she begins. “I’m very tired, and so are you.”
It isn’t like her to try to talk her way out of something. She’s way too brave for that. So it surprises me she’s trying this angle.
“There will be plenty of time for sleeping later.”
She purses her lips and walks beside me with her head held high, but her lower lip trembles.
It would be a lie to say I don’t look forward to part of this. I’m not dead.
She’s gorgeous and brilliant, even if she is our enemy now.
I know what she looks like when she comes. I know that when she softens her heart and gentles her spirit, she’s irresistible.