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Her.

The queen of all my existence.

And I don’t even know her name.

The black sack over my head whips off, leaving me squinting in fluorescent light.

“Clothes off,” she says.

A hasty glance around tells me I’m in some sort of communal shower, like a sports locker room or barracks baths. And we’re alone.

“Is this another test?”

“Only if you try my patience.”

The effect of her proximity is even more potent than it was three months ago. I’m riled up. Turned on. Pissed off.

So I raise my chin challengingly.

They’ve already done the worst they could do. And I know she could have me killed in a heartbeat if she wanted to. That kind of finality really puts things in perspective.

I’m confident. Death doesn’t scare me.

“It’s really nice to see you again.”

“I would agree. You’re even prettier than before.”

“You mean the scars? Not the makeover I wanted.” My face is almost unrecognizable in the mirror across from me, behind her.

“You look like you want to fight me. Like you want to attack me.”

“I don’t know what I want to do more, stab you or kiss you. You threw me in a fucking prison hell.”

“And you defied everyone’s expectations, Shakal.”

“And what, now I am one of your plebs. I’ve been at this game way too fucking long.

There’s gotta be more to this.”

“Indeed. Pyotr will explain all soon. For the time being, you will have duties. Job. A place to live.”

“Gee, thanks.”

“You should. I chose you. You are mine.” The way she says it makes my dick throb, even though I know she means that I am her pick for initiation into the brotherhood. “Now, get clean.”

“Okay…I guess I’ll just…” I start stripping off my filthy clothes, dropping each piece of fabric to the ground, never breaking her gaze.

A tiny smirk plays on those perfectly round and plump lips.

“Care to join me?” I grit out as I move toward the spout. It’s rusty and old. Feels kinda comforting in a way. Rugged.

“I take hot showers in the main house.”

Her taunt makes my belly clench as I unbutton my pants, sliding them down and kicking them off. The boxers are last and she bites her lip as she traces down my body with her eyes.

Fuck me.

But seriously. I’ve been in jail for three months.