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Her throat contracts around me as she tries to pull back, but my hand in her hair holds her firmly in place.

“No running now.” My voice drops lower, rougher. “We both know you’ve wanted this—wanted me—for longer than you’re ready to admit.”

I rock my hips forward, establishing a rhythm that forces her to adapt or choke.

The pleasure builds at the base of my spine as I watch her swallow my cock. Her reluctance transforms into acceptance that makes my blood roar in my veins. I quicken my pace, my grip tightening in her hair as I chase the crescendo building within me.

“That’s it,” I growl, feeling her throat constrict around me. “Take what I give you.”

Her eyes water as she struggles to accommodate me, but she no longer fights. That knowledge—that I’ve broken through another layer of her resistance—pushes me closer to the edge.

“You’re going to swallow every drop,” I command, my voice rough with need. “Every. Fucking. Drop.”

The sight of her, naked, kneeling, taking me—combined with the wet heat of her mouth sends me over the edge. I hold her head firmly in place as I come, ensuring she has no choice but to swallow. The wave crashes through me, white-hot, as I empty myself down her throat.

“Good girl,” I pant as the aftershocks ripple through me. “Such a good girl for me.”

I release my grip on her hair, allowing her to pull back and gasp for air. Tears stream down her flushed cheeks, her lips swollen and red. She’s never looked more beautiful.

I tuck myself away, crouching to her level, cupping her face. Her body trembles beneath my touch—exhaustion, fear, and confusion all warring within her.

“You think we’re done?” I ask, my thumb wiping a tear from her cheek. “This was just the warm-up, angel.”

I stand and pull her to her feet, her naked body unsteady against mine.

“I’ve designed twelve levels for us, Kira. Twelve ways to break you down and build you into what you’re meant to be.”

I press my lips to her ear, feeling her shudder.

“By the time we reach the final level, you’ll beg to be mine.”

I pull the syringe from my pocket, uncapping it with practiced ease. She’s still breathing hard, tears and defiance mingling on her beautiful face. So strong, my Kira. So perfect. But now she needs rest. We both do.

“Shh, angel. Time for a little break.”

Before she can process what’s happening, I drive the needle into her thigh, depressing the plunger smoothly. Her eyes widen in shock, then slowly glaze over as the sedative floods her system. The fight drains from her body like water from a bathtub, and I catch her before she crumples to the concrete.

“There we go. Let me take care of you.”

Her weight in my arms feels right. I cradle her against my chest, one arm supporting her shoulders, the other beneath her knees. Her head lolls against my shoulder, breath warm against my neck. Mine. Finally fucking mine.

The maze that seemed necessary earlier now feels like an obstacle keeping me from safely tucking her away. I take the staff corridor back to her room—my specially designed mirror of her apartment bedroom.

“You did well today,” I murmur as I carry her, even though she can’t hear me. “Fighting back, showing that spirit. But we both know where this ends.”

Her naked body feels small in my arms. Fragile. Something precious I need to protect from the world—and from herself. The drugs will keep her under for at least four hours.

“I’ve mapped it all out. Every step. Every tear.”

I lay her gently on the bed, arranging her limbs in a comfortable position before securing the restraints. Can’t have her waking up and hurting herself. The soft cuffs encircle her wrists, tethering her to the bed.

“By the time we finish our games, you’ll understand. You’ll see that I’m the only one who truly knows you. The only one who can give you what you need.”

I brush hair from her forehead, marveling at how peaceful she looks. How right.

“You’re already mine. Your body knows it. Your mind will catch up.”

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