Page 35 of Savage Don

He has a minty scent that I don’t think I’d noticed before. It’s pleasantly harsh, almost like a smelling salt that helps me wake up from one nightmare, only to push me directly into another one.

“For whatever I please. Now, come with me. I’ll put your mind at ease, and wash all of that filth off of you.”

With a surprising tenderness, he leads me away from the bed. Still, his words keep me from relaxing any further. Filth. For as dirty as I might be, I have a feeling shit is about to get a whole lot dirtier.

Passing by the door Ray came in through, we head to another set at the far end of the spacious bedroom. The décor of the place is surprisingly tasteful, if not a little empty. The modern style leaves a lot of warmth to be desired, but maybe my opinion is skewed. I’ve lived in the same old mansion for my entire life. It’s halls are tight and claustrophobic, but there’s a charm to it that has invaded my definition of home.

This place is fancy, in a futuristic way, but it has none of that archaic charm.

But I’m not about to complain. Especially when I see where I’m being led.

Kicking open these new set of doors, Ray introduces me to the bathroom. A sprawling white room with heated tiles and a glass-framed shower the size of some small apartments.

“Wow…” I mumble, unable to help myself.

The wealth I grew up around was different than this. My family had old money. This, by all accounts, is new money. Brand new money.

It makes me wonder what Ray’s story really is.

How did he become so rich and powerful?

“I’m glad you like it,” Ray says, slipping his hand out from behind my back. Surprisingly, I’m able to keep upright. “This is where we’ll see if you’re truly ready to uphold your end of our agreement.”

My gut churns a little as the novelty of this place wears off and the reality of my situation sinks in. I think about what I’ve promised to do, and what I could lose if I don’t do it, and my chest grows heavy with dread.

Hell, I’m probably going to lose a lot even if I do go through with this.

I’ve seen the lust in Ray’s eyes. I’ve seen the bulging desire throbbing beneath his pants. I might be naïve, but I’m not stupid.

One way or another, I’m going to have to give myself to this handsome stranger. It’s what he wants in return for his help.

But what do I want?

Well, a nice hot shower would be a good start.

“Am I allowed to use that big shower, master?” I ask, my tone full of sarcasm.

Still, I instantly know it was a mistake to use that word. Master. It lights an extra layer of fire in Ray’s sharp gaze.

“Master… I like that,” Ray smiles, his powerful gaze wandering up and down my body.

I’m still wearing the dusty rose-colored cable-knit sweater and black leggings that I wore to school last night. It’s nothing sexy, and it’s long enough that it covers my ass and the top part of my thighs. Still, Ray stares at me like he has x-ray vision. Like he can see through my outfit.

Or, at least, like he desperately wants to see what’s underneath.

“Is that a yes to the shower?” I ask, tapping my knees together. My legs still feel cold and weak, but there’s a warmth spreading out from where Ray touched me, and it’s meeting in my core.

“That was the plan all along,” Ray smirks. “We both need to shower.”

With that, he crosses his arms and grabs the bottom of his black turtleneck. With one swift motion, he pulls it up over his head and tosses it to the bathroom floor.

The sight of his exposed torso takes my breath away.

Every inch of the man is sculpted to perfection. His powerful chest puffs out, strong and proud as he begins to unbutton his belt. His long thick arms flex, showing off every little muscle. His washboard abs look as hard as rock beneath the bathroom lights. And all of it is covered in gothic tattoos.

But I don’t get the opportunity to study them. Because when Ray’s pants drops around his ankles, the breath he had just stolen from me is shoved back down my throat.

Oh my god…