Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 148397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 742(@200wpm)___ 594(@250wpm)___ 495(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 742(@200wpm)___ 594(@250wpm)___ 495(@300wpm)
He was.
The internal double doors leading to yet another dayroom suddenly sprang wide and in he walked, summoned by my thoughts.
“Ah!” Victor opened his arms, a black and silver bag dangling from his left hand and a familiar leather leash in his right. Rachel trailed docilely behind him, her collar clipped to her beaming, well-rested Master. “There you are! Why did you run off, my dear Henri? Was it something I said? You’re missing the canapés and entertainment.”
I flicked a look at Ily.
Her face turned unreadable; eyes narrowed.
I searched her gaze for that spark of fire that always singed me. I wished I could rewind time and actually give her an answer when she asked me to play along with her. I wished I could make her feel anything but hate.
I didn’t want Victor in the same room as her, but I was tired. So motherfucking tired of swimming against this black undertow and it took every effort. All my self-control to swallow down the misery and mayhem and step back into my expected role.
“Vic. Sorry, I…I needed to reprimand Il—”
I cut myself off.
I hadn’t said her name since she’d told me what it meant.
I still couldn’t say it.
Had Victor watched the camera feed while he’d been away? Would he watch them now like some bad daytime soap opera? I wasn’t stupid enough to think he wouldn’t check on me. A month with no chaperone? He’d be curious, and I already knew he’d find me lacking.
“Come. Sit, sit.” He moved to the second settee facing the one Ily sat on.
Narrowing his eyes at her sitting on the couch instead of on the floor, he grinned slyly. “I wasn’t aware you’d had a promotion, Ily sweetling.” He cocked his head. “Tell me, are you still defying your Master, or did he give you permission to perch on my furniture?”
Marching back to her, I sat down, planted my hand on her thigh, and forced a grin. “I sat her there. It’s, eh…easier access.”
“Oh, yes. I see what you mean.” Victor patted the tan leather beside him and smiled at Rachel. “Come here, my little incubator. Henri is right. I’ll be able to touch you better with you beside me, and…I suppose you will require certain concessions, seeing as you’re currently cooking my heir.”
“Yes, Sir V. Thank you.” Rachel shot Ily a look as she sat elegantly beside Victor. Folding her hands primly in her lap, she cupped her lower belly. The see-through white teddy she wore couldn’t hide the faintest shadow of her bump.
Victor undid the button of his blazer and groaned. “Mon dieu, it’s good to be home.” With a yawn, he cupped Rachel’s breast and ran a thumb over her nipple. It pebbled instantly.
He sighed with a happy smirk. “Have you missed me as much as I’ve missed you, my darling?”
Rachel blushed and fluttered her eyelashes, seduction all over her. “Every day has been miserable without you, Sir V. I’m so glad you’ve come home to me.”
With a sharp twist of his fingers, Victor pinched her breast until she flinched. “You’re putting it on a little thick, my pet.” Grabbing her chin, he whispered loud enough for all of us to hear. “I’m aware you have days where you genuinely care for me. Once, I would’ve sworn you loved me, but…you can’t hide the truth in your eyes, and that truth will one day get you killed.”
Keeping her lashes lowered, she licked her lips. “Yes, Sir V. I’m sorry. And…and you’re right that I do have feelings for you. I…I’m grateful you let me live.”
“Yes, well…there’s always tomorrow to change my mind, isn’t there.” He kissed her cheek, then let her go. Kicking out his long legs, he smiled in my direction. “So tell me, Henri. Have you enjoyed having my home all to yourself? Have you been a good boy? Haven’t killed anyone or gone behind my back with yet more secrets?”
My pulse skipped. “Nope.” I reclined against the soft leather. “I’ve been impeccably well behaved.”
“And Ilyana?” Victor looked at her, a glint appearing in his blue eyes. “Have you behaved yourself?”
Without looking at Victor, she shot Rachel a smile and didn’t reply.
She bristled with defiance.
Yearning snarled through my blood.
Merde, I’d missed this part of her.
I’d forgotten how hard her strength made me.
My palm twitched.
The thought of punishing her all while begging her to continue being rebellious…
Fuck, you’re twisted.
Clearing my throat, I said, “She’s not much of a talker these days, I’m afraid.”
“Oh?” His eyes skated to Ily. “Why is that? Have you finally made headway on those obedience trainings? How far along have you gotten with her discipline?”
The urge to lie came thick.
But he’d see the truth on the cameras.
“To be honest, I’ve been rather busy. I’ve been writing a lot, and time tends to slip away when I’m in that zone, you know?”