Page 50 of The Art of Obsession

I settle her on the bench next to me, rise from the pool, and depart from the water until I’m standing above her, dominating her with every iota of my energy. With careful regard, I lower my hand toward her, palm open, inviting but commanding her to obey. Her fingers tremble as she slides them along my hand.

I seize her in one heartbeat. A desperate gasp leaves her throat. With her body pressed to mine, I need all my control to keep from rutting her against the nearest wall.

So, I harden my jaw and say again, “Kneel.”

With the wide eyes of prey, my Little Quill shakes her head in a weak defiance.

Two roads diverged. I could earn her obedience. Drive her against the nearby marble pillar, drive her wild and out of her mind until she’s begging for release on her knees. But I need to take back my control, my reign over her.

She must understand who rules her, who rules everything. I’m not primarily here as her comfort. And she is not permitted to becometoocomfortable with me. A certain level of anger-laced fear is necessary to maintain this power exchange where I hold all the power over her.

“Kneel now, Everleigh,” I say through gritted teeth. “If I must bruise your knees and rattle your bones to get you there, rest assured, I will.”

She pinches those eyes, nostrils flared with fury. Slowly, she drags it out until she is on her knees before me, never breaking from my gaze, ever looking up like the little queen she is.

Cupping her chin, I nod my approval. “Good girl. Now…” I release her chin, take three steps back, then crook one demanding finger. “Crawl to me.”

“Wherever did you find her?”Dorian practically gushes, holding his bulging arms. “She’s a goddamn wet dream. The ultimate wet dream.”

The tension in me has stretched to the near-snapping point, and a possessive growl rises in me.

After Everleigh shed her pride and gifted me her vulnerability on a silver platter by crawling to me, I rewardedher accordingly. And my cock is still reeling from heat and hunger.

Tomorrow night is a lifetime away. Constant agony until I fuck her in every way a man can a woman—and treat her like my ultimate prey and prize.

Dorian jerks his chin to me, smiling wryly. “I don’t suppose my VIP pass comes with an introduction.”

“No,” I say through gritted teeth. “All her words, her skin, her flesh…they all belong tomealone.”

Soon, her heart and soul will, too.

“I’ll say this, Acheron, you sure know how to put on a show in every meaning of the word.” He trains his eyes on my antiquarian as she sleeps in the bed following my sedative injection. She requires as much rest as possible before our long night tomorrow.

It’s a show to him. A show to all of them. But it runs deeper, bleeds deeper for me. Because she’s carved herself inside of me for eternity.

Tomorrow, I will return the favor.

21

Admit it—you’re dressing up for him

Chapter Playlist:

“Way Down We Go” – KALEO

“Bring Me to Life” - Evanescence

EVERLEIGH

When I wakeup hours later according to the vintage German cuckoo clock in the corner, I yawn, drowsy and sluggish. The last thing I remember was a needle poke. God! With how much Acheron has stabbed me, it’s a wonder the drugs haven’t damaged my system. Then again, I’ve always had a high tolerance for medication. It’s why I could hear the echo of Cherry’s voice even after the antipsychotics. Nothing could possibly silence her.

Oh, I don’t know about that,she teases, stretching her arms as she lounges on a chaise.Acheron’s cock would certainly do the trick.

Ignoring her as best I can, I wander to the adjoining bathroom and observe the beauty products. Luxury. High-end.Extremelyexpensive. Nothing should surprise me. And just likeI didn’t refuse to eat last night, I explore. I try a serum and a masque, then turn on the shower to rinse my skin. The water scalds my body, but I don’t turn it down. The sting is grounding, a sharp contrast to the haze in my mind.

Most of the time, we women could hardly care how we look in the shower. It’s not like we turn into some sex goddesses. But with the type of environment, I take advantage. I lather myself, treat myself, inhaling the aroma of the rose oil—my favorite because he knows my favorite. I try the hair mask, which makes my dark hair feel like pure silk.

I shave my legs and….other areas.