Total pages in book: 25
Estimated words: 24242 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 24242 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 121(@200wpm)___ 97(@250wpm)___ 81(@300wpm)
“It’s my body,” I say, righteous defiance boiling to the surface. “You can’t stop me.”
Instead of angering him, my mock rebellion evokes a sorrowful slant to his kissable lips. “You’re right, I can’t stop you, but your loyalty to me will.”
He says nothing more as he turns toward the door of the library, cutting our session short. It shuts upon his exit with an anticlimactic click, and the last of my composure shatters. I sob into my hands, chest splintering from the onslaught of his hurt and disappointment.
Because I’m inconsolable in my grief, and at a loss to do anything about it.
Chapter Twelve
I feign a stomach bug for the next few days as explanation for my heartbroken, lifeless state of mind since things blew up between Liam and me.
But today my mood shifts as soon as the sun rises, because it’s my last day in the House of Taurus.
It also happens to be my keeper’s birthday.
Loren and I prepare a celebratory dinner featuring Mr. Bordeaux’s favorite dishes of creamy pesto shrimp and grilled zucchini.
My keeper’s mood is abnormally pleasant, and I’m a little perplexed by his willingness to be a decent human being tonight, going so far as to let me sit at the table and speak. He even gave us free rein on choosing the menu for the evening.
I’m in the kitchen loading the dishwasher when I sense his presence behind me. Turning to face him, I lower to my haunches and strike the pose.
“Did Loren tell you today is his birthday, too?”
“No, Mr. Bordeaux. He didn’t.”
“I’m not surprised.” He wanders to the dishwasher, and much to my astonishment, stacks the last two dessert bowls on the top rack. “He always puts the focus on me, even though this is his day too.”
That’s because Loren is selfless. Mr. Bordeaux could learn a thing or two from his manservant.
“This year, I have something special in mind for him.” Switching on the dishwasher, he trains his attention on me. “And you’re going to help me.”
“Whatever you need, Mr. Bordeaux.”
“You mean that, don’t you?” His fingers lift my chin, and it takes every ounce of willpower not to catch his gaze and try to find a reason for his oddly softened tone.
“Yes, Mr. Bordeaux.”
“I know your first instinct is to tell me what I want to hear, but I believe I can trust you.” His touch strengthens to a strong, unmovable grip on my jaw. “Look at me, Novalee.”
Inch by inch, I draw my gaze along the slope of his shoulder, the evening stubble on his jawline, the thin point of his nose, and finally…I meet his hazel eyes.
“Despite your occasional stumble, you’ve proven your obedience and, dare I say, loyalty.” He tilts his head. “I know you have a soft spot for Loren.”
“He’s been very kind to me.”
“Where I have not.”
I don’t answer because confirming his assessment won’t do either of us any good.
“You might not like what I have in mind tonight, but I expect you to cooperate for Loren’s sake.”
“I understand, Mr. Bordeaux.”
He rubs his thumb across my lip. “Tonight, you will address Loren as your master. If you fail to do so, you will lose a diamond, and I’ll be forced to schedule your punishment with Pax.” A beat goes by, in which he gives me a pointed look. “Am I correct in assuming you don’t want such a visit to the dungeon hanging over your head as you move on to the House of Gemini tomorrow?”
“You’re correct, Mr. Bordeaux. That’s not what I want.”
“Then we understand each other. Follow me.” He ushers me out of the kitchen, through the great room, and into his private quarters, and the sight beyond the door doesn’t fully register until I stall three feet inside my keeper’s bedroom. My breath stalls in my lungs.
Loren is kneeling.
In the pose.
And he’s completely naked.
The door shuts behind me, and Mr. Bordeaux gestures to a reclining lounge next to the king-sized bed. “Take a seat,” he tells me, nodding toward the chair.
I obey, but the unmoving sight of Loren tugs at my attention. He’s kneeling to the right of me, where Mr. Bordeaux approaches him with his unhurried, confident gait.
“Go ahead and stand,” he orders, voice too husky to be demanding.
Loren rises to his feet. He’s a couple inches shy of his master’s height, but no less imposing in his naked beauty.
Before I came to the island, I would have fallen over in mortification at witnessing such a display of unabashed nudity, but the men living inside the circular walls of the Zodiac Estate have thoroughly corrupted me in the last two months.
“Stand in front of Novalee. Show her what a gorgeous cock you have.”
There’s a hint of shyness in Loren’s mannerisms as he halts before me, hands at his back. His hard-on confronts me at eye-level, despite the reclined position of my body.