do you want?”
“My wish is to be taken by you.”
“Are you hoping that will work in your favor?”
I looked away, considering how to answer his question. Damien was Yale-smart, and street-smart, too. He’d know I was lying if I denied it.
“This room,” I whispered. “It’s like a womb.”
His sternness softened for a beat. “Scared?”
I leaped to my feet and hurried over to the bed, reaching for one of the chains lying there and slipping my wrist through the metal cuff. “This is what I want.”
“That’s not what I asked.”
“I thought wearing this—” My free hand reached for the pendant— “might get your attention. Persuade you to help me and my family. But now I find myself not caring about any of it.”
“Tell me who the necklace came from.”
“I promised not to say.”
“Madeline Rhodes?” He studied me carefully.
If I said yes, I’d be breaking a confidence.
“There’s a serial number on it.” He arched a brow. “Each necklace is worth thousands of dollars because of the diamonds. All I have to do is look at it under a magnifier.”
This felt like a mind game.
“I gave my word.”
“I’ll give you exactly what you’re asking for,” he said quietly. “Break that promise to whomever gave the necklace to you, and I will do everything in my power to have your father’s position realized.”
I’d always been the good girl. The one sent across an ocean to be forged into a valuable asset to be used later. For the first time, I wanted to do something for me. Have my own experience that felt sacred and not waste another second pleasing others. I felt no animosity toward my family. This was about me needing to breathe and have my own life.
“Answer,” he said.
Climbing onto the bed, I reached for the other chain and slid my wrist through it, lying flat on the duvet and spreading my legs, showing off my soaking wet pussy and not caring—giving in to whatever happened next as my head sunk into the satin pillow.
“Full transparency,” he said, his tone turning kind. “I just spoke with Madeline.”
My head snapped up.
“I know she gave you the pendant.”
“I want to earn the right to wear it.”
“I’m impressed you didn’t give her name to me, Pandora—especially considering the stakes. This pleases me.”
“You can trust me.”
“I believe you.”
I felt a rush of relief.
He gripped the left bedpost and leaned in. “I’m going to film what I do to you. How do you feel about that?”
“To show someone?”
“Perhaps, but more for my own enjoyment.”
“Like a sex tape?”
“I’m going to be taking a virgin. I want to document it for my collection.”
I threw a nod toward the high table and the objects that rested on top. “Will you use those?”
“First, a conundrum.”
“A puzzle?”
“You’re not going to like it.”
“I’m listening.”
“Stay, and you will never get what you want for your father from me. Leave now, and I will do everything in my power to see his ambition realized.”
These were mind games.
“I don’t understand.”
“Be here because you want to be. I don’t need a martyr in my life. I want a submissive to dominate. Someone to fuck wherever and whenever I like. A woman who will give herself completely to me. A woman I can cherish.”
If I stay…
Upon the wall hung paddles, whips and chains—and more instruments that looked like they could inflict a lot of pain…
He clicked his fingers to get my attention. “You will obey me in all things. You’re a spoiled brat, Pandora. It’s going to be a tall order.”
“I’m here, aren’t I? Tied to your bed.”
“You’re not tied to it yet. But once I clamp those handcuffs, you’re staying. You’re going to be gagged. Am I making myself clear?”
“I can stay?”
“Are you sure you want to? Staying means that potentially your family’s aspirations are over. It’s a lot to consider. I can give you some time to think about it.” He gestured his willingness to leave.
With my chest heaving, I tried to decide if I was willing to throw away everything I’d been trained for—a life dedicated to being my family’s commodity. Now, instead of saving a dynasty, I was considering his offer.
If I stayed, I’d be his.
With all this pendant had achieved, it felt sacred to me now, resting delicately against my throat as I lay back on the bed. Damien snapped each of the metal cuffs closed—after he’d stretched my limbs wide and positioned me spread-eagled on the satin bed cover.
I tried to control my breathing, tried to keep my mind from spinning. Tension