Page 274 of Lessons in Cruelty

“I won’t, boy,” he drawls.

I flinch when he drags a knuckle over my jawline, again as creases appear at the corner of his dark eyes.

“But you will.”

I bite back a groan as the promise sends a dark thrill through my body, straight to my cock.

He’s going to make me hurt her.

To break her the way she broke me.

How the fuck he can know how desperately I want it is beyond me.

But I can’t deny it. Not anymore.

Haven’s going to learn that running away from me has consequences.

She’s going to learn that I’ve been gentle with her since she’s been back, and that ends tonight.

Chapter 7

Haven

My fingers dig into the carpet as my body bobs back and forth, dancing to the rhythm of the roaring, crackling flames. The fire paints warm orange light over my eyelids, my lips, my cheeks, my neck.

So fucking glorious.

So fucking luxurious.

I’m melting into the floor, into his world, becoming part of his space, his property.

The air stirs, bringing me a hint of Bastian’s scent.

Bourbon. Rain-soaked earth.

A scent that’s going to haunt my dreams forever, whether this ends in pleasure or pain. God, let it be both.

There’s a faint clink beside me, then another.

Clink.

Such an insidious sound.

I should’ve opened my eyes, but it’s already too late.

Clink.

Clink…clink, clink-clink-clink-clink-clink-clink

The collar around my throat snaps tight, and on instinct, I grab it. I tilt my head back, gaping at Bastian, my gaze sliding to where he has the chain wrapped around his fist.

“Up!” He tugs hard, the collar hitting me just below my chin, its chain digging into the flesh spun tight over my jawbone. I snatch the metal links, trying to pull back, but he’s stronger, and it hurts too much to resist.

The first real reminder that I’m not his guest anymore.

I’m his captive.

I stand, wavering on my feet.