Total pages in book: 107
Estimated words: 100086 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 100086 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 500(@200wpm)___ 400(@250wpm)___ 334(@300wpm)
A scowl passes over Corvus’s features. “I just paid for your life. A million, and some interest, and I’m not letting that go to waste when you decide it’s time to run.”
A slimy feeling settles in my stomach. “I’m not a pet to be bought and kept. If this is how you see me, you might as well grab a crossbow yourself and be done with it.” A bluff, since I don’t actually want to die, but just because I’m a gambler, doesn’t mean I’m a good one. I’m too angry to care about consequences.
Corvus cocks his head. “No. You’re an investment. I saved you, because the dicking was good, so you better keep that up,” he said, clipping his words as the muscles in his neck twitch.
His words shouldn't hurt as much as they do. Sure, I pride myself on being a good lover. Lord knows that’s one of the few things I’m good at, but to have it thrown in my face like that? As if it’s the only use I can have to him?
I stare into his eyes imagining all the ways in which I can make him flush and squirm. But that’s what he wants, so my feelings become a tangle of snakes in my gut. I shouldn’t want him to like me, I shouldn’t care, but I don’t just have the hots for him, I’m eager for his attention and approval. Like when I had a crush on Anthony Lambeth back in high school and would do anything for him to give me the time of day. Like Corvus, he was rich, handsome, and an asshole. A combination I apparently find hard to resist.
“Let me get this straight. You’re saying you’ll keep me here and pull me out when you want sex? Like I’m some fuck machine on your command?”
Corvus places his hands on the cracked leather of the armrests and squeezes them. “No need to be so dramatic. Within days, you will be moved to a large room with its own ensuite. You will be fed, have access to gym equipment, and any entertainment you might want. Considering that without me, you would be in a giant pot for defleshing, I think you got the best possible outcome out of it all.”
“A glorified prison,” I snarl. “Is this for life or just until my dick stops working?” I drill holes into his skull with my gaze as I extend my arm out for a better gauge of how far I can reach. Call me an idiot, but I kinda thought we’d have a good time when he called me his fiancé, not whatever this is.
Corvus shrugs. “It is a prison. But if you prove yourself, and I decide you can be trusted, we can rethink this arrangement at a later date.”
Since I can’t reach him with my hands, I’ll try with my words. “You don’t want to do this. I’ll forget the tazing, and give you a chance to start this over. You were so hot, moaning my name last night. You think I’m going anywhere when your lips and ass are on the table?”
For the first time since we left the van der Horn mansion, I see Corvus’s mask slip. His lips open, and his eyes relax as he looks at me, leaning forward, as if he longs for my hand in his hair.
Too bad it doesn’t last.
“Don’t talk to me like that,” Corvus snaps, shooting to his feet and rushing toward the cage. He stops beyond my reach. “You’re not in charge here! And you will obey!”
I squint at him and spread my arms. I can’t even do that without hitting the bars. “Or what? You’ll send me back? And what will you tell your family then, huh? Until you let me out, this dick is closed!” He could probably tempt me into forgetting that, but he doesn’t need to know how much he pushes my buttons.
Corvus shuts his eyes, exhales, and finally looks my way again, his wall of composure back in place. “Suit yourself. We’ll see how long you last,” he says and points to the floor on the side of my cage, at a wooden tray piled high with snacks. There is also a large bottle of water, and a big thermal cup. “Enjoy.”
My mouth waters at the selection, yet I’m tempted to kick the tray just to show him what I think of him. One deep breath later I slump to a pillow on the floor, still tired and aching. I won’t be eating until he leaves the room. I have at least that much dignity.
When Corvus walks out, all that’s left behind is his addictive smell. I could eat the fucker alive even now.
Chapter 9
Corvus
This has been the most bizarre day in my entire life.
Mother’s called me three times, insisting I give her my ‘fiancé’s’ number (which I do not). Damen, Aspen, and a few others from my generation of Van der Horns sent over rude memes suggesting I’ve holed up with my lover instead of spending time with family. Even Remo, who wasn’t present to witness the whole fiasco sent me a message.