Page 20 of Emperor of Corruption

“Well, I suppose that answers my next question—whether you’re interested in compensation for the time we spend together.”

I feel my cheeks heat. “I’m not a whore. I’m not a woman who’ll accept fineries in return for time spent with you and humiliating deeds endured; I’m not here because I want to be. I won’t take shit from you.”

Killian shrugs. “Alright. One less task for me. Do let me know if you change your mind.”

“I won’t.”

He tilts his head to the side. “You really aren’t after my money, are you? You wantnothingfrom me.”

“Again, I’m not into blood money. I’d rather earn my keep elsewhere, in a place where I’m respected by my peers and superiors.”

“That’s very noble.” Killian sounds bored. “Nobility doesn’t build empires or amass wealth. Savagery does.”

“A topic you’re an expert on.”

“Quite so. Now, back to the questions you rudely ignored—for future reference, I wouldn’t suggest ignoring me—what was the most challenging part of the night we spent together?”

“Wedidn’tspend a night together. You trapped me in a room, forced me to suck you off, and then hurt me.”

“You were somewhere you shouldn’t have been. I punished you accordingly. You should be grateful that you still have a job, Lyra. I was initially very tempted to ruin you.”

Youdidruin me—just not my work life.

“You didn’t answer the question,” he prompts.

“The greatest challenge was preventing myself from throwing up all over your pristine floor.”

Killian’s nose wrinkles. “Yes, that would have ruined the mood. Thank you for containing yourself. Have you always enjoyed pain with sex?”

“I don’t enjoy pain with anything.”

He watches me for a few moments. “Or you don’tthinkyou do. It’s okay to enjoy taboo activities, Lyra. Everyone has their kinks.”

I don’t respond to that, because I don’t want to think about what happened when Killian spanked me. I was humiliated, demeaned, reduced to nothing but a doll he could manhandle and abuse as he wished… and yet, when I showered that night, I realized that he wasn’t lying. Iwaswet.

In a different life I might’ve explored whether or not I have a masochistic streak. I don’t judge people who have kinks; everyone has their preferred flavors of sex. I only judge those who disregard consent,like the man in front of me.

“And what are yours?” I ask, hands tightening until my knuckles turn white. “What depravities will I be subject to?”

“None you won’t end up enjoying.”

“That’s a tall fucking order, considering I’ve repeatedly told you I’mnotinterested in you or attracted to you, and I don’t want to be here.”

“Youareattracted to me,” Killian says dismissively. “Whether or not you realize it is another matter.”

“And you consider yourself an authority on the subject of who I’m attracted to?”

“Yes. I know people, and I know women. Most of you are surprisingly inept at identifying your own desires.”

“But you can?”

“Yes.”

I shake my head. “You’re a complete narcissist.”

“I’m not narcissistic; I’m confident. There’s a difference.”

“Fine line between confidence and arrogance.”