Total pages in book: 40
Estimated words: 36965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 185(@200wpm)___ 148(@250wpm)___ 123(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36965 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 185(@200wpm)___ 148(@250wpm)___ 123(@300wpm)
She inhales a breath. “What do you want, Ezra?”
“You.”
Chapter 10
Briar
(Two Years Ago)
Once upon a time, if Ezra said the only thing he wanted was me, I would have soared into the clouds with nothing tethering me to the ground.
But that was a long time ago, and we’re not the people we were then. Because I understand that when Ezra says he wants me, there’s nothing pure about it. It’s not in a way that fosters love, devotion, and passion. What he means is ownership. The price he’s asking me to pay is high. Probably higher than I want to pay.
“I won’t belong to you,” I spit.
Ezra trails the back of his knuckles along my face before he grips my head and pulls me forward until our foreheads touch. “You’d rather belong to that geezer?”
“I won’t belong to him for long. He’s an old man who can’t live forever. But your request can’t be that I’ll be your prisoner instead of his. I told you three years ago that I refuse to belong to anyone, including you.”
Ezra steps away from me. He stalks across the room, looking out of the large bay window toward the forest where I lost my innocence to him. This room is where our fathers talked about the bargain that sealed my fate. A room that no longer holds the secret of our fathers. These walls tell the story of the corrupt things Ezra and his two best friends partake in.
I stare at my childhood best friend, taking in his broad shoulders, shaggy hair, and the ripped muscles along his bare back. He’s as handsome as ever, but where there was a hint of danger around him three years ago, now he’s drenched with the scent of sin.
Since his father passed a year ago, Ezra is now the master of the kingdom. The person who makes all the decisions. He no longer has to answer to anyone.
“Give us two years. After that, you’re free to go.”
“Us?”
“You told me once you’ll never belong to any man. I agree. One man will never be enough for you.” He lifts his hand, pointing at his two friends.
Malachi Richler bent over Ezra’s desk, moaning as Dariyus Baran fucks him in the ass. Never would have taken Malachi as a bottom, but I guess I can’t make assumptions about men I’ve barely spoken to. Then again, with the stories I’ve heard about Dariyus Baran, it would make sense that he’d be the one in control.
I should refuse his offer. God knows these three men don’t have an exemplary track record of being anything other than brutal, homicidal maniacs. My father talks about Ezra’s men. He says they have no tact and lack finesse. But I know those words are a facade to hide his fear because every time the name Dariyus Baran comes up, my father’s hands shake, something they rarely do.
Ezra steps toward me, and I fight the urge to run, not from fear but from the need to play. He keeps advancing, and I retreat until my back is pressed against the wall.
Ezra slams his hands beside my head, caging me in. He leans forward, and his gravelly voice makes me lose all reason as he whispers, “I don’t think it’s that hard of a deal to make, Fawn.”
His body presses flush against mine as he fists the hem of my skirt, lifting it slowly and exposing my skin to the cool air. My body bursts into goose flesh, and once again, I’m reminded of Ezra Walker's hold on me.
“We both know you want this, Fawn. Why fight it?” Ezra grazes his knuckle over my panties and presses against my clit.
“Because nothing is that simple with you, and you're not trustworthy.”
Ezra chuckles. “True. But desperate girls can’t be picky about the deals they make.” He leans in further, pushing his erect cock against my flesh. “And by how wet your little pussy is, I’d say you’re mighty desperate.”
Ezra doesn’t wait for me to answer. He tears at my dress like he did five years ago until I’m standing in my bra and panties in front of three sets of predatory eyes.
Ezra steps back, and his eyes roam over me hungrily. “Still got the sexiest body I’ve ever seen.”
A deep chuckle echoes from the other side of the room. Dariyus straightens and tucks his penis into his pants. The sides of his mouth turn up, and his dark green eyes crinkle. “I like a sexually liberated woman. Especially ones who liberate themselves from men who force modesty on them.”
I like his voice. It’s deep, soothing, and scary all at the same time. His faint Persian accent also does weird things to my lady bits. But I’m shocked that he’s spoken to me. I’m a deer caught in the headlights, unable to move.