Page 29 of Dark Goodbye

“Yes, of course, but I also want you to mean it. You don’t mean any word that’s coming out of your lips, but soon, you will.”

Blood drains from my face as all sorts of scenarios flit through my head. “What does that mean?”

“Simply that you have a punishment coming, and hopefully, it will be a step in the right direction toward you actually feeling some remorse over your actions.”

Fuck. The punishment. With the length of time he spent away from the house, I was hoping he had forgotten all about it. “You have no right to punish me.”

“Don’t I?” His eyes narrow into slits as he eases the sling from around my neck.

My head swims as his scent takes on a darker, far more decadent smell. But I must resist. I have to. “Until your claiming mark is on my shoulder, you have no ownership over me. And even then…”

“And even then?” He shifts forward, filling the space between us.

“And then…”

“You already said that, little omega.”

The heat from his body scalds mine, forcing every thought to scatter like dust in a sandstorm. “I-I can’t think with you so close to me.”

“I’m not even touching you, Ladria, and yet your body responds to me, begging for me to ease that ache between your thighs. Tell me I’m lying.”

“I-. You-. But if you have the respirators in, there’s no way you can tell. You’re either lying or bluffing.”

Chuckling, he eases my arm into motion, putting me through the same paces as Mogen, only this time, it’s far more stifling. His hands are far too warm as they grip my upper arm and forearm. His spicy scent is far too exotic and alluring.

“Your eyes, my dearest, will always be your downfall. You cannot hide your body’s natural instincts, but I applaud your steadfast ability to hold firm to your convictions.”

Scrunching them shut, I let my head rest against the back of the bed as Davix slides his fingertips down my arm, massaging them into my sore muscles. A soft groan slips through my lips, but this time, I don’t even try to stop it. I don’t want to risk him pulling away, not when this feels so good.

“More of that later,” he murmurs, laying my injured wrist on my lap. “But now, I think it’s time we address your punishment and get that out of the way.”

“I have to go to the bathroom.” I stare up at him, putting on my best pleading expression. It worked once, why not a second time?

“Very well.” Reaching over, he undoes my other wrist and stands out of the way so I can maneuver my body off of the bed.

Once I walk a few feet, I turn to glance over my shoulder, noting just how close Davix is to me. “I-I got it. Thank you. I don’t need any assistance.”

“Oh, I know you don’t. I’m merely making sure you don’t get the urge to do something you shouldn’t while hidden away.”

“You’re joking.”

Davix crosses his arms and stares down at me. “Do I look like I’m joking?” Unfortunately for me, there’s nothing about him that looks at all humorous.

Taking my uninjured elbow in his grasp, he gingerly eases me into the bathroom and walks me over to the toilet. Thankfully, I’m in a gown and not pants. It decreases the need for his help. However, he still stands in front of me, hands planted on his hips.

“I’m fully capable of seeing to these needs. You don’t have to help me.”

“Must I repeat myself?”

“P-please.” The word stutters from my lips as I stare into his unflinching gaze.

“You can beg me all you want, but I will not allow you to harm yourself. Even if it’s by accident.”

“Can you at least turn around?” It’s my one last shot. The one last chance to keep some sort of dignity intact, and I have to take it. “Please. This is all too much.”

He leans down until his lips are just a hair's breadth away from mine and lingers there. Not talking. Not moving. Simply existing in time and space with me. The heat from his body washes over mine, making my head swim.

“Since you asked me so nicely.” Within the blink of an eye, he rises back up, pulling away from me.