Page 4 of Einar (The Brigands of Ruk #2)

Chapter Four

ROWAN

Later that day. Early evening.

The smile I have fixed on my face is as fake as they come. Nothing like knowing the living hell you’re willingly walking into but tonight is different. The end is in sight. A quiet, heavy sigh escapes me.

But .

One must keep up appearances. Or that’s what Robert has drilled into my skull over the years. I’ve never become accustomed to the type of clothing I’m expected to wear to functions such as this.

The black gown is made of a sheer fabric, to the point it’s completely see through. Although , this is one of the few pieces I own that actually has fabric. There are cutouts around both of my breasts, fully showcasing the hooped nipple piercings and delicate silver chain that trails down to the piercing at my navel. That part is “covered” with material that is meant to tease a man’s eyes as to what that chain might be connected to. Not that these pricks don’t already know where that is.

The hem is so short it barely extends past the curve of my ass cheeks, ensuring easy access to their wandering hands. I can’t imagine I look all that appealing tonight. Not with two black eyes, a slightly crooked nose and two busted up lips. These are in addition to the multitude of bruises that were already scattered across my skin.

Smoothly , I open the door, instantly noticing Robert and Mark seated in two of the larger chairs in the center of the room, two empty glasses sitting on the ornate coffee table in front of them. Robert’s slight nod to the empty glasses is my cue. Mark , as usual, is the first to arrive. He never misses an opportunity to fuck his best friend’s wife. I loathe him just as much as Robert , his smirk as I approach them to retrieve their glasses makes my skin crawl.

It is truly unfortunate that he is just as good looking as Robert , but with green eyes and blonde hair. Such a beautiful exterior hides a truly hideous interior of these predators, men that can only get it up while injuring another. I’ve had enough of handsome men using me as nothing more than a fuck toy.

Robert and Mark are having a discussion about the next presidential election and who they are going to support as a candidate while I make their drinks. In this room, the private den/parlor, I am whatever Robert tells me to be. Regardless of whether I want to be or not. Such an opulent room for the type of activities that often occur here. Red and gold brocade walls with cream door jambs complement the rich red patterned carpet and dark masculine wooden furniture. It screams sin, unfortunately for me, that’s appropriate. A golden chandelier hangs from the center of the room, casting shadows in the corners where strategically placed pieces of furniture reside.

Clenching the crystal glasses in my hands, I stride over to the full bar built into the wall across the room. They would pick the chairs on the opposite side of the room, just to make me walk back and forth with my tits and ass hanging out but compared to the other atrocities I’ve suffered in this room, it’s a minor inconvenience. As I open the decanter, the stench of scotch makes me wrinkle my nose. I despise Scotch . The scent, the taste, even the appearance of it in a glass. All the schmucks that come here only ever drink Scotch when they’re in this room, as if the high dollar liquor somehow elevates what they do to me.

I don’t dare dawdle. If Robert thinks I’m deliberately delaying any of the festivities, he won’t hesitate to make my sessions with the others last twice as long. Pouring two glasses takes less time than I want it to. Gently , yet resolutely, I set both glasses on the sterling silver serving tray, turn gracefully on my four-inch stiletto Louboutin heels, and saunter back over to where Robert and Mark are sitting.

Per Robert’s instructions, his guests are to always be served first, so with this in mind I approach Mark first. As I reach them, I bend at the waist, offering Mark his drink while flashing my bare pussy at Robert , and then repeat the motion as I give Robert his drink. I jolt as a harsh crack lands against the exposed curve of my ass, the heat from the strike blooming across my fair skin.

“ Your wife has the most beautiful, freckled skin. It always blooms so prettily for me.”

His leering comment makes me cringe internally. I’m nothing but a piece of meat to Mark .

“ Yes , she is a rather lovely creature, is she not?” His lifeless brown eyes bore into me, ensuring that my facial expression hasn’t changed from what he expects. I maneuver myself to stand at his side, waiting for my next instruction. If my smile dips or I act anything less than grateful, and elated to be here, he will call more than the regular two or three guests and make me service every single one of them. Well versed in this game, my smile doesn’t falter. I have a goal, and I am going to achieve my goal or, literally die trying.

I checked my phone just before I left the bedroom and Ruby’s location showed that she was only about an hour away. That was a little less than half an hour ago. I just have to make it until Robert leaves for the evening, and then I can give Mark the slip. I no sooner have that thought than Robert’s phone dings with an incoming text message. He pauses for a moment, reads the screen, and then looks over at Mark . “ I need to go to my office. There is something there that needs my attention.”

My eyelid twitches as Mark snickers.

Ah .

So , Robert is having an affair. No wonder I haven’t had to suffer his attentions in that particular manner recently. Robert isn’t old per se, but he is in his late fifties. His stamina isn’t what it once used to be. Which is completely fine with me. More than fine if the truth must be told. I refocus on the conversation going on around me as Robert and Mark both stand and shake hands.

“ I shouldn’t be more than an hour, possibly two, Mark . Feel free to enjoy yourself. Rowan will satisfy your every need. Won’t you, Rowan ?”

The implied threat in his words is blatant.

“ Yes , husband. It will be as you say.”

My meekly uttered words must pacify him, and I watch as Robert confidently strides out the door, slamming it shut behind him. The crash of the door makes me flinch, which causes Mark to snicker. I brace myself as Mark turns his full attention to me.

“ Hello , pet. Let’s have some fun, shall we?”