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But then, she’d come out on top. She’d manipulate me.

“You say you will, but we both know you’re a liar, Ophelia.” We’re face to face. Her toes are up in the air. Makes it easier for her to kick me, despite her promise to be good. “You can’t help being bad.”

I graze her cheeks, the gentle touch of my knuckles on her soft skin is delicious.

“A temptation.” Before I lose myself to her, I let my rage win over. I pull on the rope, lifting her another inch off the ground. “Your plan to ruin me won’t work.”

She gasps. The urge to get her on her knees and have her suck me is strong.

I’m fucking stronger.

“What are you talking about?” Her eyebrows rise. “What happened?”

Playing innocent. She does it exceptionally well. Even her gaze seems confused.

Lies.

From the moment we brought her down here, Ophelia has been plotting against me.

She won’t win. I won’t get attached to her. I won’t change for her.

I am not weak.

“Have any idea why you’re here?” If she can play mind games, so can I. “Know who the last woman I held captive was?”

“Do I look like I care?” She kicks me. Wants to spit on me. I can see it on her face. But after I licked it off my hand—fuck, it tasted good—she stops herself.

I cup her cheek. I wish I could cup her pussy. Sink my cock into her.

I have to break her first, to snap this hold she has over me.

Only then will I fuck her. I’ll do it until she’s as miserable as I am now.

My phone rings in my pocket. Whoever the fuck it is can try again later.

This is important. Crucial.

It’s everything.

“You’re here—” I start.

The phone goes back to ringing. Won’t stop.

“Your empire needs you,” she spits out. “Mr. Sadist Captor.”

She’s beautiful when she submits to me. She turns me right the fuck on when she fights. I grab her chin. Yank her face to mine.

“Owner, Ophelia.” I lean in, licking the corner of her mouth. Her soft cheek. “I’m your owner.”

“What happened? Why are you like this again? ‘I-I don’t want y?—”

I glower at her. She stops to think before lying to me and herself.

“Things haven’t been horrible between us. I’ve done everything you’ve asked me to. And you haven’t been—you’ve been rational. You haven’t beenthis.”

“Things haven’t been horrible.” Despite mimicking her, I know she’s right. I’d go as far as to say I’ve been enjoying myself. And therein lies the problem. “I told you there was a reason for your presence here. Exchanging orgasms? Your consent? That’s not it.”

“Consent. As if that’s ever been on the table.” She laughs, and it doesn’t reach her eyes. “Can properties consent to anything?”