Page 687 of Coal Hearts

And we had no choice but to play.

Unclipping my leash with shaking fingers, I went to join the others.

Henri snatched my wrist.

Jerking me against him, he hissed, “Faint or do something. Anything so I have an excuse to get you out of—”

“Henri,” Victor barked. “Let Ilyana join her fellow jewels.”

Henri’s gaze locked on mine. Please, Ily...

I fake swooned.

My knees buckled. I pressed the back of my hand to my forehead and—

A guard caught me. “She’s light-headed, Sir. Should I take her to Dr Belford?”

Henri didn’t breathe.

The club grew terrifyingly quiet.

And then Victor chuckled, his voice amplified with a microphone. “Know what I think? I think she’s trying to get out of it. No matter. It’s jewel’s choice, after all. Did everyone hear that? Including the new ones?” Victor beamed. “If you prefer a Master or have certain kinks you know a Master can fulfil, then I suggest you give your chosen one your orgasm. If you can hold off coming from another’s attempt, then do so as long as you want. Or...enjoy a night of pleasure. Your choice. That’s part of the fun. Now, Richard, please stand Ilyana beside Peter.” Holding up a finger, Victor added, “I almost forgot. My Rachel will not be involved into tonight’s activities. Proceed.”

Henri swayed toward me as the guard scooped my legs out from under me and carried me onto the dance floor.

I didn’t struggle.

There’d be no point.

My eyes locked with Peter’s as the guard crossed the small space and dumped me onto my feet next to him.

“Hi.” He gave me a quick smile.

“Hi.” I couldn’t stop my trembling.

His fingers twitched by his side as if he was about to take my hand. He stopped himself, whispering under his breath, “Out of all the games, this one is the only one you don’t have to worry about.” He flicked Henri a look.

He stood frozen and stony eyed, watching our every move.

“He won’t like it, though.”

“W-What do they do?” I whispered.

“Everything.” Peter shrugged. “They’ll try to make the jewel they want to play with come as fast as they can.” He sighed. “It’s damn hard holding on to that climax, jaanu, especially when you’ve been fucked for months and denied the slimmest sensation of pleasure.”

“So if someone comes, this is all over?”

“Yep.”

“I’m first!” A Master stepped onto the dance floor.

“Fuck off you are.” The Masters pushed and shoved like children.

Immediately, a line formed.

Masters elbowed and kicked each other, fighting for a favourable position.

I kept my eyes on Henri as he stalked forward and merely glowered at some of the men in front of him.