Page 753 of Coal Hearts

Not another game.

Please, no—

If they shot Henri with paintballs again...

A rumble of intrigue crept around the ballroom as each man opened the box and pulled out a whip.

My heart leapt into my throat.

I glanced at Henri.

He hadn’t moved from Victor’s table. Kneeling beside Rachel who sat in a chair, huddled and hating everything. Her dark blue silk dressing gown gaped over her ample cleavage as she wrapped her arms around herself.

Henri didn’t move. Didn’t look at me. He kept his gaze firmly, safely, on the floor.

“Friends,” Victor preened, fanning his arms and bowing his head like a mad duke. “I’m aware you’ve all become a little testy with the fact that I’ve been busy training my new jewel with methods that are...unavailable to you.”

For God’s sake.

Was there nothing this man didn’t see?

So he had seen the Masters’ snide glances and whispers. Had he seen the jewels scurrying about too? Was all of this yet another game to him, waiting to see who would bumble right into his latest sticky trap?

Fear prickled down my spine. Goosebumps erupted across my arms.

Striding toward Henri, Victor ordered, “On the stage, my pet. Quickly now. You wouldn’t want me to put Ily in your place, would you?”

Without a word, Henri climbed to his feet and walked naked up the steps to the pole where he’d hung that first morning.

“Chain him, if you please.” Victor smiled at a guard and looked back at the crowd.

I couldn’t take my eyes off Henri as he obediently raised his cuffed wrists so the guard could attach them to the hook above. Turning him to face the pole, the guard whispered something in his ear before marching back to his place on the edge of the stage.

Henri’s already flayed back rippled with tension.

He flicked a look at the guard, his eyes narrowed and questioning.

What had he whispered?

Was that another guard on our side?

Does he know about Christmas?

What the hell is going on?

I breathed hard as Victor said, “I know you think I have double standards when it comes to what you can and cannot do with my precious jewels. I’m protective of them, but only so you can enjoy many years of companionship. However, with Henri...well.” He chuckled. “I’m not so protective. And so, consider this my treat for you and yet another level of ownership for him.” He grinned. “We’re getting close, my dear friends. Close to owning everything that he holds dear. I’m inviting you to help me break his last remaining pieces.”

I couldn’t breathe as Victor pulled out the same brown whip he’d used on me from his back waistband. Smoothing down his navy blazer, he grinned at the crowd and cracked the whip. “Each of you has my permission to whip him as hard as you like. Draw blood. Shred his back. Do whatever you fancy.” He smirked. “The only rule is five strikes per Master. And don’t molest him. That’s my job. I’ll go first.”

I swallowed my scream as Victor wrenched his arm back.

Sent the whip singing.

And struck.

Chapter Ten

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