Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 134663 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 673(@200wpm)___ 539(@250wpm)___ 449(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 134663 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 673(@200wpm)___ 539(@250wpm)___ 449(@300wpm)
“Why haven’t you fucked me?”
He pulls back, his face hovering a mere inch away from mine. “You sound disappointed.”
“Here on this table. Me screaming for you to stop. Wouldn’t that be the biggest fuck you to Perry?”
“I’m many things, Rose, but I am not a rapist.”
“Oh, would that be a step too far into animal territory?”
His quick hand grabs my jaw, squeezing it firmly, and his eyes cloud, darkening, a thunderstorm rolling through their depths. I’ve touched a nerve. “We’ll find out if you continue to push me.”
He doesn’t mean that. A veil of bricks just fell into place, a protective shield. “I don’t want you to rape me,” I murmur, unable to stop my mind from casting back to the most hideous moments in my life. I unwittingly flinch, looking away so he loses his hold, but my jaw is quickly reclaimed, and my face is pulled back.
His eyes jump to mine, suddenly unsure. And he stares at me, deeply, trying to read what’s in my eyes. Has he clicked? Read me? Figured it out?
Black drops my face and puts distance between us, his jaw tight as he throws back his wine, looking across to Perry. He raises his glass, pulling an evil smile from nowhere as he toasts the air between them. The mask is back in place. “Lovely evening for it,” Black calls, putting his arm around me again and tugging me close. “Enjoy your meal, Adams. I know I will.”
* * *
It’s hell. Pure, painful, burning hell. Acting has always been a natural ability since my life depended on it. Hiding my feelings and true emotions came instinctively. Holding up that front in the presence of Danny Black doesn’t come so naturally. It’s an effort, and it’s wearing me down bit by bit. I endure him sporadically feeding me throughout our appetizers and main course. I hold my breath countless times when he touches my leg. And I cling to my wine glass like it’s a life jacket when his touch slips between my thighs, stroking over my begging core.
Black doesn’t miss any of it, at one point peeling my fingers from my glass and smiling. At another point, he squeezes my hand in an odd move to reassure me.
Perry watches it all. I know it, can feel his eyes on me throughout the entire performance, and Danny Black relishes every second. I’m eating everything being put in my mouth by him, swallowing hard each time, praying my twisting stomach doesn’t revolt and send it back up.
By the time he’s cleared my plate and placed the fork neatly to the side, I’m full, exhausted, and feeling infuriatingly emotional. While Danny’s had an amazing time, apparently, I feel like I’ve been dragged through erotic hell. I’m silently begging him to take me back to his room so I can sleep off these alien feelings and wake feeling my usual self.
“I enjoy feeding you,” Black says quietly, resting his hand on mine gently.
I look into his eyes and quickly dart them away, wishing the hardness back. They’re currently soft. “Why are you being nice?”
“Because the best fuck you to Adams is him watching you fall deeper and deeper under my spell. And it seems I don’t have to work too hard to achieve that.” He drops his napkin on the empty plate and slides his palm onto my neck, tugging me forward until his exhale of breath supplies my inhale. “If I kissed you now, would you fight me?”
I breathe in shakily, unsure of his motive. “Will you kill me if I do?”
He smiles a little. “No.” Then he slowly drops his mouth to mine and simply rests our lips together. My shakes are instant. And so are his. He doesn’t move, doesn’t try to gain access to my mouth. He’s testing me. I’m not fighting. I really don’t know what to do. Perry is only a few feet away. I’m supposed to be finding this kiss the most disgusting thing ever, but, in truth, it’s the most consuming ever. Just our lips touching. His lips. Soft lips on a hard face. My tongue is aching with the effort it’s taking me to hold it back. I desperately want to advance our touching lips, but when he moans, I’m snapped from my weak moment.
I pull back, flustered, and he smiles.
“Now, I’ve made my point.” He takes my hand and helps me to my wobbly feet, and I glance up, across the restaurant.
And freeze.
It’s dark, but I would know his menacing face anywhere.
Nox.
And as quick as he’s there, he’s gone. I come over freezing cold, scanning the space frantically for him. Oh my God. He’s here. He’s seen I’m with Black. He’s seen the spectacle that was our dinner.
I’m pulled two paces before Black brings us to a stop at Perry’s table. His arm slides around my waist and pulls me close. I keep my eyes down, afraid I’ll reveal my desire, and not just to Perry. I’m not stupid enough to know that if I can’t see Nox, it doesn’t mean he can’t see me. I can feel his evil presence lingering, can hear his threats whirling through my mind.