Page 10

CHAPTER TEN

From his place at the dining table, Viktor watched his new toy. He’d already finished his dinner but he didn’t move from his seat, choosing to observe Gabriel instead.

Gabriel appeared calm as he sat on the sofa. Not once did he attempt to get out of his seat or cuss at him for keeping him here against his will. His quiet and submissive nature was alluring, and Viktor knew Gabriel was smarter than he’d initially assumed of him.

Viktor got up and put his bowl away before thanking Sasha for his meal with a single nod. He then walked to the living room and switched off the TV. Gabriel looked up at him then glanced away just as quickly, and his eyes seemed to be on something in the distance.

He grabbed Gabriel’s ankle and removed the cuff, setting it on the floor by the sofa. “Get up,” Viktor said. “We’re going to bed.”

Gabriel stood on shaky legs, limping as Viktor guided him with an arm around his waist out of the living room and down the hall toward the back of the house. Viktor opened the closed door and stepped inside the master bedroom before letting go of Gabriel and turning on the light.

Dark brows drawn, Gabriel glanced around the simple bedroom. It only had the bare necessities, since Viktor saw no purpose in having too many things crowding his space. Here there was a large bed with side tables and lamps upon them, a dresser, and a wardrobe, and attached to the room was a connecting bathroom.

“From now on you’ll be sleeping here,” Viktor said.

Gabriel’s frown seemed to deepen as he looked at him.

“Don’t look at me like that, toy. It’s better in here than in the basement.” Viktor glanced at Gabriel’s chest. “Take off your shirt and get into bed.”

Gabriel let out a breath, then limped to the bed and sat down. He slipped off his T-shirt before placing it on the edge of the mattress, then looked at Viktor from beneath his eyelashes like he was waiting for another command. The boy was a puzzle to Viktor. He didn’t know what was going through Gabriel’s mind, and that made him more intriguing.

“What’s the matter?” Viktor asked.

Gabriel remained silent as he continued to watch him. He then shrugged and looked at the floor. “I don’t know.”

“Tell me,” Viktor said.

Gabriel hesitated. After a moment he said, “Is this it? You’re going to fuck me now?”

“No,” Viktor said. “Get in the bed and go to sleep.”

Keeping his head down, Gabriel stood and turned his back to Viktor. He pulled open the covers and got in underneath, where he lay on his side facing away from him. At this angle, Viktor couldn’t see his face or tell what he was feeling, and their brief interaction increased Viktor’s curiosity. Why did Gabriel seem so eager to be fucked by him? If Gabriel thought he could get Viktor to use him in that way and then grow bored and let him go, he was mistaken. Viktor would have the boy when he desired him. For now, he left the bedroom and shut the door behind him. He went down the hall and found Sasha in the living room, sitting on the sofa.

“Bring in more guards around the property. If Gabriel tries to leave, they stop him.”

Sasha stood. “Does this mean he’ll be free to move around the house?”

“Yes,” Viktor said. “Except for the office. Watch him when I’m not around.”

“I will,” Sasha said.

Viktor nodded before he walked to his office and shut the door behind him.

Gabriel continued to lie in the large bed, his heart beating fast. Even on this more comfortable mattress, his body was still tense.

Why hadn’t Viktor cuffed him to the bed before leaving? He didn’t remember hearing the door lock either. Was this a test or a game? Gabriel sighed and turned onto his back, waiting for Viktor to return.

The bedroom was dark and silent, and Gabriel felt like he’d been in here for close to an hour now. As much as he wanted to get up and find a way out of the house, he stayed in bed, knowing there was no use in trying to escape now. It was late, he was tired, and he suspected Viktor would be nearby to stop him if he attempted it.

Closing his eyes, Gabriel’s muscles began to relax, and he felt himself drifting.