Total pages in book: 116
Estimated words: 108721 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 362(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 108721 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 544(@200wpm)___ 435(@250wpm)___ 362(@300wpm)
“Are you my property, El...Little Prey?”
I inhale sharply as awareness arcs between us. For the first time, he understands the ugliness of that name; he realizes that’s what Yanov and my father always called me. Gratitude spears through me that he's calling me something else. I’m not sure he'll continue with the nickname after tonight, but right now I appreciate the tiny gesture.
My tongue feels heavy in my mouth, but I force the word out. “Yes.”
Cocking his head to the side, he eyes me curiously, and there's something soft in his eyes, even as his shoulders are set tight and rigid. “Are you sure? Because this asshole doesn’t seem to believe me. I think he needs a visual since his ears aren’t working all that well.”
I swear I hear someone snort, maybe in laughter, maybe in derision—I don’t know. I’m trapped in this dark trance that Sebastian put me in, and strangely I don’t want to leave.
“What do you want me to do?” I ask.
When he speaks, his voice is soft, coaxing. “Be a good girl and crawl over to the red chair. I’ll be following you.”
The connection between us flickers out when his fingers slip from my chin. For one moment, I hesitate, wondering if there is another way out of all of this, but as soon as I consider the idea, I shove it away. I don’t know what I’m doing. I need to let Sebastian lead to get us the fuck out of this situation and to save myself.
Ugh. I hate myself a little bit more right now for how much I need him.
I do as he instructs and crawl across the floor, trying not to look as awkward as I feel.
I’ve almost reached the chair when I hear a loud, booming voice behind me.
“If you're going to put on a show, at least make it good…” It’s the other guy, the one with the S-name, chiming in. I grit my teeth and try to forget that he’s still here, that Yanov is here. That I’ve put us in this horrible situation by simply existing.
The chair is now in front of me, so I sit back on my knees but keep my gaze on the floor. I can feel the heat of embarrassment blooming in my cheeks. It's a matter of survival. I understand that, but I can’t explain how much shame I feel being watched as I crawl across the floor.
Sebastian slips into the seat in front of me, and I look up from the floor dragging my gaze over his legs, until I finally reach his face. Our gazes collide, and I swear my entire body lights up. Every cell becomes electrified. What is wrong with me? I should not be reacting like this to him. I should be terrified. Shaking like a leaf in a thunderstorm, but no, I want to lean into his darkness, to let him corrupt and taint me.
I notice two shot glasses cradled in his hands. He takes one and tips it back into his mouth, swallowing the clear liquid like it’s water. I try not to notice the way his lips shape to the rim of the glass or how sexy he is when he isn’t being a complete asshole.
“Get on with it,” Yanov interrupts.
I flinch at the sound of his voice and breathe deeper, trying to keep myself calm. Just having him near me makes my skin crawl.
“Shut the fuck up,” Sebastian snarls and slams the shot glass onto the wooden end table beside him.
“You’re dragging this out because you know she doesn’t belong to you, pup. If she were mine, she’d have already put my cock in her mouth. Just admit it and stop wasting my time.”
No. No. I don’t belong to him. I stare into Sebastian’s eyes, hoping those words resonate, that he can see them.
“I’m not dragging it out. It’s not my fault you have no patience. I think you’re jealous that she is mine, and if that’s the case, then maybe you shouldn’t stick around for what happens next.” Sebastian’s hard gaze moves from Yanov, who I’m certain is standing behind me somewhere, to me. I try my best to forget Yanov’s here but that’s pretty difficult when he starts talking.
“Keep your eyes on me,” Sebastian commands, and I nod, staring only at him, trying to forget where I am and who else is here. It’s terrifying how my body reacts to him, like there is this imaginary rope tethering us to one another. My core clenches in anticipation, desire swirling low in my belly.”Open your mouth, Little Prey.”
I don’t question him. I simply open my mouth and stare up at him, waiting for his next instruction. I have no other option but to put my trust in him. He’s my dark angel, swooping in to save the day. I swear I see the side of his lip lift in the ghost of a smile, but when I blink, it’s gone.