Page 53 of Ravage

"They won't," Cassius cuts in, his tone brooking no argument, almost like they're discussing something I don't know about.

"She's strong," Lionel offers. "Took everything you gave her. Most break by now. Cry, beg for mercy, use safe words. She hasn't even whimpered."

"She's already broken," Cassius says. "The question is whether she's broken in the right ways."

They continue discussing me like I'm not there, like I'm an object to be evaluated.

A car they're considering purchasing.

My muscles scream from the position, but I don't complain.

This is a test. I know it. Feel it.

"Let her down," Cassius finally says. "Let's see how well she performs."

Lionel releases my restraints, and I nearly collapse, muscles cramping.

He steadies me for a moment, surprisingly gentle, then steps back.

I force myself to stand straight, to await orders.

"Strip."

My fingers shake as I reach for the zipper of the dress, pull it down slowly.

The fabric pools at my feet, leaving me in nothing but the collar and heels.

All my marks are visible now—bruises in various stages of healing, bites, the handprints on my hips like brands.

"Display yourself."

I assume the position he's taught me—hands behind my head, elbows wide, legs spread, chest out, chin up.

They walk around me, observing, and I fight the urge to cover myself.

"Touch yourself," Cassius orders. "Show them how wet you get just from being watched."

My hand moves between my legs, finding myself already soaked.

The humiliation of being evaluated, the pain from the stress position, his cold command—it all combines into desperate need.

I work my clit slowly, building the sensation while they watch.

"Edge yourself. Don't come."

I obey, bringing myself close over and over, stopping just before release.

My legs shake, breath coming in gasps, but I maintain the position.

Five times. Ten.

I lose count, lost in the cycle of build and denial.

"Enough." Cassius's voice cuts through my haze. "On your knees."

I drop immediately, grateful for the relief even as the hard floor hurts.

"Gentlemen, your verdict?"