Page 34 of Arseni

Satan’s pervy nephew.

I keep my mouth shut.He deserves no words, no further acknowledgement of his twisted game.I promised myself when he left, I wouldn’t play it anymore.I’d take what he forced on me, but I would no longer give him pieces of myself to laugh about.I shouldn’t have even told him about my stalker.I should’ve known he wouldn’t care.Known it would be just another thing to deprive me of, because my freedom and dignity aren’t enough.

“I brought you a present.”My stomach pangs at the idea of food, too intensely not to look.But he didn’t bring food.A pair of cuffs dangle from Arseni’s fingertips.

When I focus my glare on him, he laughs.

“It’s so you can go outside, silly girl.Wouldn’t you like some fresh air?”

I can’t help it.I perk up.

My eyes draw to the chain around my ankle.The only thing stopping me from trying to escape.

When I meet Arseni’s gaze again, he smiles knowingly.Even so, he pulls out a key, presumably for the chain.

“Well?”he asks.“Would you?”

Fuck you.

You’re a psychopath.

I’m not playing your games.

I look away while biting my cheek.Whatever he has planned for me, it isn’t for my benefit.I should say no.Just to spite him.

But the chain…

When Arseni stands, I shift my knees, my teeth grinding to hold my words prisoner.

“Suit yourself.”He starts to walk away until, with my eyes closed in resignation, I call to him.

“Yes,” I force out.

I open my eyes as he turns.“What?”

“Yes, I’d like some fresh air.”

“That sounds like a command, not a request overflowing with gratitude.Try again.”

I glare at him just so he knows I see through this.I see the carrot he’s dangling for me, just begging me to reach for it only so he can snatch it back.

“Could I please go outside?”

He tilts his head side to side while strolling toward me.“Better, but still not good enough.Try again.”

Could you please kill yourself?Pretty, pretty please?

“I don’t know what more you want me to say.You’re the one who came down here to offer me something, and you want me to … what?Beg?I’m through begging you, Arseni.I know you get off on it.”

He stops in front of the bed, his lips twitching.“Are you still bent out of shape over that whole money thing?If I’d known it meant that much to you, I would’ve gladly helped you out.”

I look away when my eyes sting and swear to myself that I won’t fall for this.

He won’t help me.No more asking.

Arseni crouches in front of me and takes my jaw to turn me toward him.I try to make myself look uninterested.Strong.He makes me feel so weak.

“I want you to ask me really,reallynicely to take that chain off your ankle.If you can do that, I’ll be nice to you for the rest of the night.Promise.”