me on the ass and I jolt from the impact. “Now make me proud.”
“Of course.” I let the words roll off my tongue as I maneuver around the coffee table and into open space to wait for Luca to join me.
He’s the one who looks at me with skepticism this time, his hazel eyes wary for brief moments before he leads me into the hall.
The first step away from prying eyes isn’t a relief. The solitude with this bulky predator is daunting but I’m determined. Focused. I’ll earn my way back into Luther’s good graces.
I won’t fail.
“Take the last door on the right.” He slows his approach, making me take the lead.
There’s no excitement in his tone. I’m surprised he’s not salivating at the opportunity to violate me. Usually, men get a sly swing in their step when they know their perverted fantasies are about to be fulfilled. They act differently. There’s an edge to them.
But not this man. He isn’t showing an ounce of enthusiasm.
His bliss is tightly bottled.
As we pass exquisite artwork hung along the walls and the long line of lights in the ceiling, he remains closed off. It isn’t until I reach the door and push it wide that he dares to touch me, his arm brushing my shoulder as he reaches inside to flick on the light.
It takes all my restraint not to bristle. Externally, anyway. On the inside I’m coiled tight, my mind primed and ready for me to strike.
“I still don’t want to touch you,” he snarls. “Just thought you’d prefer to see.”
I try to siphon as much information as possible from his actions. I attempt to hear the deceit in his tone, and still I get nothing.
I can’t grasp his intent.
I know he has a motive. It’s now common knowledge at least one other slave is here. But I continue to struggle with his faux kindness.
“Thank you,” I whisper. “The light is appreciated.”
I step inside, my spine tingling as I enter a room consumed with his scent. It reminds me of yesterday. Of his kind, lying eyes. Of his conniving deception.
When the door clicks shut behind me there’s no stopping my heart climbing into my throat. I can’t help thinking about the consequences of possible failure, not only from Luther, but this brutal man.
His hidden motives taunt me. The walls he’s built to hide his true self leave me with no insight of what’s to come if I don’t succeed.
“What did he do to you?” Luca walks around me, coming to stand like a bulky statue in front of me.
“Excuse me?”
“After we left you behind like fucking cowards,” he growls. “What did Luther do to you?”
I bristle, hating his renewed stance on this friendly facade. The building kindness is unsettling. “My punishment is being handed over to Luther’s son. And to you.”
His eyes narrow, then lower. His attention treks down my body, scouring every inch of me. And still I don’t witness his sexual interest. This man has an uncanny way of hiding his desire.
“You don’t seem scared.” His gaze slowly returns to mine. “Does that mean you’re open to trusting me?”
“Of course.” My response slips out too fast, the hint of sarcasm not helping my cause. He needs to think I’m his to break. A toy. A puppet.
He sighs. “I’m not going to hurt you, Penny. You can stay as far away from me as you want, but we need to talk.”
No. There’s no room for chatter. I don’t want him weaving his manipulation into my brain again.
“We’re not here to talk.” I shuffle closer, bridging the distance between us so there’s only a breath of space. I look up at him through my lashes and try my best to appear meek. “You heard Luther. I’m a gift.”
I’m not a viper coiled to attack. I’m an object. A slave.
Believe me, Satan.
He stiffens, his jaw twitching a fraction. His eyes narrow, the intensity of his stare making my heart skip a beat.
I wait for him to comply. To finally steal what’s right in front of him.
“You’re not a fucking gift,” he snarls. “You’re not a fucking slave. All that is over.”
A twinge of yearning plucks at my heartstrings before I quickly shut it down.
“Whatever you say,” I keep my voice meek, testing to see if he prefers weak and vulnerable to my usual strong and combative as I avert my gaze like a true submissive. “I’m yours to command. Just tell me what you need.”