Page 235 of Coal Hearts

His skin already held the remnants of a Master cutting him.

His face gaunt.

Eyes broken.

He couldn’t look away from Ily even as he crawled on hands and knees to Victor and waited patiently while Victor shimmied on the chair and yanked down his navy pyjama bottoms. A small part of myself that used to know what jealousy felt like, what covetousness and resentfulness burned like, watched the well-trained slave as he reared up on his knees and fisted Victor’s thick erection.

To think I cared that he was aware of Ily.

So what?

He’s nothing.

Victor gave him a doting look, running his hands through Peter’s dark brown hair. “I’m so glad you’re back to behaving, Peter darling. Please don’t disappoint me like that again. It hurt.”

“I won’t, Sir V.”

Victor shuddered as Peter gave him a hand-job, his gaze still pinned on my trophy strapped to the cross.

Ily breathed shallow and quick; her entire attention locked on Peter.

There was that connection again.

Some sort of bond that had no fucking right to exist.

My chest swelled with possession.

Ily studied him with despair and pity.

But Peter watched her with respect and hope.

Hope?

Fuck.

I saw through all his training.

I arrowed straight to the truth he couldn’t hide.

He wasn’t just aware of her; he wanted her.

This obedient, broken little slave had enough audacity to want what was mine.

“If you ever touch her, I’ll make you wish you were dead,” I hissed, jerking his gaze to mine. “I see what you feel. I see you wanting.”

Victor stilled and grabbed Peter’s chin. “Is this true? You? Out of all my jewels? You would be stupid enough to lust after what isn’t yours?”

Peter dropped his eyes. “She’s new, Sir V. I’m merely concerned her mind will break if you play with her too long.”

“That’s not your concern now, is it?”

“No, Sir V.”

“Your only concern is how to please me.” Victor’s voice turned to acid. “So...please me.”

“Yes, Sir V.” With a final snatched look at Ily, Peter leaned forward and deep-throated his Master’s cock.

Ily let out a savage little scream.