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He reached between our sweaty, slick flesh and pressed, his big fingers unerring, the pressure a seductive insistence, until my thighs trembled and I dug my nails into his massive arms. And only then did he pour his hot, wicked lust into me.

Afterwards, I was heading back to the house with a handkerchief full of savory tea leaves, when I passed by the house where the concubines were staying. Eli and another man I didn’t recognize were taking Norah. I wanted to avert my eyes, my gut sinking.

Abel had her mouth and Eli her asshole, and her eyes met mine, the tears leaking out of them.

I felt tears blurring my vision, too, and the bile rose in my throat. I wanted to run away but Eli had met my eyes and suddenly I couldn’t move.

If it wasn’t for Rhyder, this would have been me.

Eli released in her asshole, his eyes still glued to mine.

He spat on the ground when he was done.

Abel pulled out of her, then the men passed a leaf back and forth as Norah was still on her hands and knees throwing up on the ground.

Eli pissed on the ground, not bothering to turn away from Norah to do it, the yellow drops splashing up on her face.

I felt like the lowest coward to just walk past her, but what else could I do?

Generosity’s eyes were on me as I reached the house. My stomach upended, and I turned quickly to throw up into the spare bushes.

I had barely wiped my mouth when she was on me, grabbing my chin, nails digging into my face.

“That should be you,” she said. “That’s all you’re good for anymore, Temperance. Licking up piss from the ground. And when Rhyder gets bored of you, I’ll make sure that’s what you get.”



















Chapter 17

Ifelt fear like asticky raw heat all over my skin.

“He shouldn’t have to be burdened with a useless cunt like you,” Generosity hissed.

Anger flared through me, anger I knew better than to indulge in, but I couldn’t help replying to her instead of standing submissively with my head down as I ought to have.

“Don’t push Rhyder,” I whispered, my throat feeling dry. “You don’t know what he’s capable of.”

“I’m not his Helpmeet,” Generosity said contemptuously. “Only my husband is permitted to punish me. But you are a whore under my control andIcan punishyouhow I like.”