Page 9 of Maxim

My eyes flick to Olena as I say the words. She wouldn’t meet that criteria. It makes me question my words, but it’s the coverwe put in place for us. The man would likely already know all of this. It’s what we had spread around prior to my arrival.

“I will have some brought in for your next visit.”

My eyes find their way back to his. He didn’t miss me looking at his daughter. I can only hope he thinks it’s because of the innocence comment I made. She is as innocent as they come.

“I would appreciate it. Would you like a contribution to show my interest?” I ask, knowing this is customary.

“Fifty k should be enough.” He stands, so I stand with him.

“I’ll have it sent over via a courier of your choice tomorrow.”

“Great. See you soon.”

As I’m shaking his hand, a high-pitched scream comes from behind us.

My body reacts before my mind catches up. I’m over at Olena’s side in an instant as her guard pulls the man back from her.

Olena is on the floor, so I pull her to stand, but she resists me.

“Stand up. Now,” I bark at her.

She looks up at me, stunned by my tone. She does as I ask, though, standing.

Then I hear the laugh.

Looking over at her father, I realize I fucked up. I showed a card I didn’t want him to see.

“The innocent ones. I see it now. The dom in you. Yeah, I got something for you. Olena, go with Szymon.”

“I did it out of respect for you, sir. She is your daughter,” I tell him.

He nods. “Of course you did. Doesn’t hurt that she’s gorgeous. She’s got a nice ass like her mother did, but her tits are much smaller. She still has her virtue, though. Not sure she would defy you much, but hey, she is innocent.”

He chuckles as he pats me on the back before walking away with his guard.

I stand there wondering what the fuck I just did.

Father propels me forward as he squeezes the back of my neck right at the base of my skull so tight I see stars. I know that come morning, I’ll have bruises. I’ll have to cover them up so the kids don’t ask questions.

“Leave us,” he hisses to the guards as he pushes me forward into his office.

“Kneel,” he barks once the door is closed, and instinctively I do as he says.

I knew I should have just done what he asked, but when I heard him say he wanted to lend Danyra to a business associate, I stepped in. I refused to let him take her to be raped by some pedophile. I knew taking the attention off of her would mean that it would land on me.

I’ll accept my punishment willingly.

With my head bowed, I watch as he moves to stand in front of me. His dress shoes click on the floor like a countdown to what’s to come. I can’t help but tense as I wait for him to strike.

I close my eyes in anticipation, but it never comes.

“Do I treat you well, Olena?” he says, catching me off guard.

“Yes, Father,” I lie.

I don’t know what game he’s playing, but I’ll play along. As long as I please him, he will take it easy on me, right?

“Then why must you disobey?”