Page 21 of Betraying Family Vows

Then, I hear my mother's voice:

"Men are simple creatures, Athena. They think with their cocks. Make them want you and you can make them do anything."

It always worked before.

I take a slow breath and shift in the chair, adjusting my posture and arching my back slightly. I let the baggy shirt fall off one shoulder as I slide my legs slightly apart, giving him something to focus on after I get his attention.

His gaze flicks to the exposed skin, then away.

Nothing.

Not a lingering stare. No twitch. No flicker of interest.

He's just standing near the window now, looking out.

I lean forward slightly, letting the shirt gape at the neck.

Still nothing.

My confidence is turning to frustration.

Why isn't this working?

Any other man would've already been circling me, licking his lips, creating small talk. Something.

But Dimitri doesn't even blink.

"Are you going to stare out the window all night?" I snap, letting irritation lace my tone. "Or are you too afraid to face me now that you're not chained?"

No reaction.

I press harder but remind myself I'm trying to seduce him, not piss him off.

"You know," I say, softening my voice, "this could go a lot easier for both of us."

No response.

I clear my throat to get his attention while still leaning forward as much as the ropes allow. "Untie me, and I'll make it worth your while."

"No."

"You don't even know what I'm offering." I spread my legs as wide as I can. "I've been told I'm very talented."

Silence.

Motherfucker.

"What's wrong? Not man enough to handle me without the ropes?" I taunt, injecting honey into my voice.

"Maybe you're just a coward after all. Big bad Dimitri Kastaris. Hides behind ropes and knives."

His head tilts slightly.

Finally. Something.

I hate this more than if he'd hit me.

"Or maybe..." I say, voice dropping to something sultry, "you're just trying to prove you're stronger than your cock. Is that it? You cut my dress off and now you're afraid if you touch me again you'll lose control."