Page 60 of Gilded Locks

“Hold it tight. It should feel like I’m inside your pussy. Grip it so it feels like fucking. Hard and fast. Don’t stop until your fingers are dripping.”

It was hard to concentrate with him pinching her nipples, but she managed to do as he commanded. He was thick and long, and every few strokes she could feel him pulse under her touch.

“Good, printessa. Keep going. Get used to serving us, and we will spoil you rotten.” He flexed his hips, fucking himself into her hand. “Every day, I want you drenched with desire. I want you to keep your word as much as I keep mine. You’ll learn to trust my promises, rely on them. Do you trust me yet?”

She risked disappointing him with honesty. “No.”

“No?” Shock widened in his eyes.

Had he expected to sway her so easily. She pushed him on purpose, hoping to burst the safety bubble that gave the impression he was somehow her protector. She needed to shatter the illusion to not just punish him, but punish herself for being so gullible when she knew better.

“Deep down, you’re no different than Stone or Hunter.”

Fury flashed in his eyes and he released her nipples. She screamed as blood rushed into the tips.

He fisted her hair, yanking her head back as he growled in her face, “Is that what you think?”

Tears pricked her eyes, but she didn’t cower. “Yes!”

He shoved her legs apart and penetrated her in one hard thrust. “If I’m as awful as Stone, why are you’re soaked?” He ground his pelvis against hers, and she shoved at his shoulders. “Nyet.” He forced her arms to her side. “I demand truth between us.”

Seething, she mocked, “Nyet.”

He chuckled. “You are a little brat, printsessa. So spoiled to think you can bite the hand that feeds you. Maybe leave a souvenir for you.” He rocked his hips. “And then, when you fall in love with that little souvenir, we’ll finally let you leave. But not with my child.”

It was the cruel side of him she suspected, but she took no joy in revealing it. “You’re a bastard.”

“Because you wanted me to be. I showed you kindness, and you poisoned my compassion with your own distrust.”

A tear seeped from the corner of her eye and he caught her jaw, forcing her to meet his stare.

“What is it about kindness that scares you? Do you like this cruel side of me? Does it take away the sense of blame?”

She was done playing games with him. She just wanted this to end. “No.”

“That’s right. Because the blame is in your head. Not once did I shame you for your actions, but that voice in your head never stops, does it?”

“No.”

“I know how to quiet it, but you won’t let me. Trust, printessa. That’s what it takes to silence our demons.”

She shut her eyes, hating how exposed he made her feel. How ashamed of the things she felt for these men, and the pleasure she took from their punishments. “I don’t know how to trust.”

“Because someone betrayed you.” He lifted her jaw. “Open your eyes. Who do you see?”

Her lips pressed tight, and his grip tightened in warning. “Ash.”

“That’s right. Ash. Not Stone. Not Hunter. Not anyone from your past. Don’t ever compare me to another man again. Do you understand me?”

She blinked rapidly as more tears started to flow. “Yes.”

He released her face and pulled out of her. “An unnecessary remark when we were having a perfectly nice time together.” He repositioned her, with her arms at her side and her legs pressing together as they were. “Now, let me keep my word.” He bent forward and softly suckled her nipple, soothing away the pain he’d caused.

This time, there was no urgency, no authority. They came together in passion, her urge to ease her confused mind and his need to sooth away any pain he’d caused. She reached for him without a command, and stroked him through long, drugging kisses.

“You taste like salty tears, printessa.”

His mouth trailed lower, scattering delicate kisses over her throat. He sucked and licked her breasts as she stroked him to completion. And when her fingers were dripping and her belly was wet with his release, he didn’t stop.