Page 15 of Sweet Torture (Torture Games #1)

TWELVE

NAZ

I steer clear of Griffin in the days before the event. I was never good company after one of my episodes, and I don’t want to give him any ammunition to end this.

Astonishingly, even if he is the biggest brat I have ever encountered, I am enjoying it immensely trying to earn his surrender.

I get the feeling that there is still something that he isn’t being truthful about. Not that I can sit on that particular high horse. Therefore, I keep my distance until I am in the right headspace to make him beg for it.

Tonight, however, is the big event that I should have been preparing for mentally. It has been ages since I needed to socialize with strangers, and I dread the tedious small talk.

Griffin’s assistant phoned me with a quivering voice, requesting my dress size to have options sent to my home. But that would require me to give my address out to a stranger, and that sure as hell isn’t going to happen.

Besides, he is just trying to steal the power back from me, and that I won’t allow.

I have various gowns to choose from, and I am sure no one at this stupid Gala will even notice me, never mind recognize me.

I page through the dresses in my closet and decide on a Cerulean blue number.

Not only will the color make my eyes brighter, but the extremely high slit on the side will also teach Griffin a lesson.

Just to exacerbate the situation, I consider going commando under the dress. Then an idea pops into my head.

A wonderfully wicked and weird idea.

I grab my phone and send a cryptic message

Want to play with me tonight?

The answer is immediate.

Of course. What is the game?

I contemplate for a moment, getting all my dicks in a row, and then I let him have it.

Every person you introduce me to who asks what my profession is, I will give a different answer. If you ever show any emotion or break character, you will be punished. In my playhouse. Tonight.

The three dots talk longer than usual, and I grin in anticipation of his struggle .

What do I get if I win?

Me. In your penthouse. Anyway you like. Tonight.

Deal.

Remember your safe word. Use it anytime you feel uncomfortable.

I get nothing back, and I return to my beautification process.

This night just got a hell of a lot more interesting.

Griffin shows up in a town car. I exit my front door right on time and get to see the shudder that courses through him when he takes in my outfit.

He gives a slight bow as I draw near, before he politely opens the car door for me.

I fail to associate the even, measured man before me with the aggressive man I have sparred with on numerous occasions. But I guess we all wear masks at events like these.

He waits until we are both seated in the car before he says something.

“You look ravishing tonight,” he says with a twinkle in his eye.

I move my leg slightly to let the material expose more of my upper thigh, being careful not to expose too much.

“Does that mean I am acceptable to be on the arm of the great Griffin Maxwell?” My sass fills the confined space.

He snorts, and I see the gleam he beams to me before he says, “You’ll do,” and turns away to stare out the window.

His hand is comfortably resting on the seat between us, and I desperately want to weave my fingers through his.

But alas, that is not to be.

Our contract states that we will not demand any special treatment or demeaning advances in public, but his attitude has just released the witch. And if he thinks I can do magic with colors, he should see the singular spells I will be casting on his colleagues tonight.

We make the drive in silence, both staring out the windows at the passing scenery. I curb my enthusiastic yelp when I gaze at the luxurious splendor we are greeted with when the car comes to a stop.

“I will open the door for you.” His tone leaves no room for argument.

He exits the car and walks around to open my door with a flourish.

The smile he gives the crowd is radiant and charming.

It is miles removed from the obtuse man who was in the car just now.

That is why my decision was so easy to make.

It may be a work function, but it doesn’t keep me from poking the dragon.

When I take his hand and exit the car, I lean closer, pressing my breasts against his hard body and whisper in his ear, “Good thing this dress requires no underwear. ”

I smile brightly as cameras flash all around us. I refuse to glance his way just in case his face portrays that of a confused puppy.

I feel his arm reach around my waist and pull me closer to him before we take the first step down the red carpet.

He leans in, “Think you have got me beat, little vixen, but this is my territory. You better behave.”

I stop at the top step, lean into him before I kiss him viciously. My tongue licks his lower lip before I pull back. “Not anymore, little one. Now let’s go have some fun.”

I walk ahead of him leaving him with a view of my swaying ass to admire.

The inside of the ballroom is even more spectacular. Crystal chandeliers adorn every table, and distinguished guests mingle while flashes of light reflect off sparkling diamonds everywhere.

When Griffin eventually catches up, I nudge him in the direction of the passing waiter with a tray loaded with champagne glasses of fine crystal. He hands me a glass, and after my first sip, I inhale deeply, gathering my courage to face all these sharks in an ocean of fake flattery.

I lean into him. “Do you have any friends I shouldn’t offend?”

“I have no friends. And everyone here is inconsequential to me. A means to an end,” he answers.

I try to decipher if he is telling the truth, but his eyes are void of emotion. “Then what are we doing here? You hinted that this was important to you,” I ask instead.

His arm snakes around my middle, and from his devious tone, I know I am not going to like what he says next.

“You know the blonde you found lounging on my desk? This is her father’s event.

He is one of my customers, and I thought it would be advantageous to our business dealings to show my support. ”

My blood is boiling, and I feel like throwing the glass of champagne in his face. He holds me closer as if anticipating that I would turn on my heel and run. “So, I told you to get rid of her, and you bring me to her party, to do what? Parade me in front of her?”

He calmly takes another sip of his own champagne, and my feet itch to run.

“No. I didn’t want to come with her. But I would have, if you declined.”

He is staring at the crowd, so I assume he can’t see the thunder on my face, but this isn’t over. Far from it. I wanted to have some innocent fun, but this means war. Brutal, unequivocal war, and there will only be one victor.

It takes all my strength to compose myself and smile sweetly up at him. “This is not going to end well for you, little one. I wanted to take it easy, but the gloves are off now.”

Lazily, he peruses the crowd before he pins me down with an unnerving stare. “Try your best, vixen. ”

I huff, but the first opportunity presents itself shortly afterwards. We are approached by an older gentleman and none other than the blonde from the desk.

I should have hit her with the door that day. Maybe she would have broken a leg.

“Griffin, I thought that was you. And with such a lovely lady on your arm. Good evening, Miss. My name is Zander Carter, and welcome to my event.

He reminds me of a ringmaster in a circus, complete with the flourish bow, arms waving around, and ridiculous outfit.

“Good evening, Mr. Carter. This is all so overwhelming. You must be very proud of the outcome. It is truly mesmerizing.” I play coy and extend my hand graciously to the odious little man.

Normally, I wouldn’t give him a second glance because he reeks of vanity. But tonight, he will be my puppet. Beside him, the girl from the desk is feigning disinterest. It is enough to make my blood boil.

“And who is this enchanting lady?” I sweetly inquire.

She is enrobed in yards of tulle and sequins and looks like a poor imitation of a Christmas tree. At least she fits in with her father’s idea of fashion.

She has the audacity to huff and fold her arms over her chest. It makes no difference whatsoever to me. She is merely a blip on my radar and one I intend to demolish.

“We met in Griffin’s office.”

She pulls her lips into a pout, and I feel exhilaration course through me. “Pardon me, it must have escaped me. I was so preoccupied with work these last few days that I sometimes neglect to retain information.” I point to the men, “You two know what I’m talking about.”

Griffin wants to chuckle but keeps it under wraps when he sees me watching him closely.

“Griffin, where have you been hiding this goddess? What is your name, little lady, and what work do you do?”

Bingo.

As nonchalantly as possible, I fire my first round.

“Oh, I am Naz, and I work as an accredited penile realignment officer.”

I wait for the confusion to flood their faces before I continue, all while ignoring Griffin next to me.

“It is such a rewarding vocation. Nothing compares to the knowledge that you are keeping men in line, and they won’t be able to stray from their true direction. And the badge makes it very official.”

Time to see if I caught my prey. I cast a look over my shoulder, but Griffin’s face is fixed in stone.

The two people in front of me are another case. The girl is still trying to figure out the big words, and her father is turning blood red from the neck up.

Time to go in search of a new victim.

“If you will excuse us, Griffin promised to show me around before we need to take our seats. I look forward to conversing with you again.”

Delighting in the mayhem I leave behind, I grab Griffin’s arm and pull him in any direction.

“You know that was our host?”