Page 56 of Taken By Touch and Torment

We learned quickly that teasing, denial, and control were essential to Kole’s custom-tailored seduction. He wanted us to stoke his desire and then stomp all over him.

On a small dais ahead, a man was being hit with a flogger on a spanking bench, displayed for all to see.

“You wish that was you, don’t you, darling?” Rosalind said, her hand trailing Kole’s arm.

He gazed at her hungrily and nodded, his eyes wide.

“You wish it was you on display, humiliated in front of everyone. A succubus and a human overpowering you—a powerful vampire—and giving you everything that you deserve.” Rosalind stroked his chin, and I watched her in awe.

I pretended that I wasn’t totally out of my element, following her impeccable lead. I channeled what I enjoyed in the bedroom, and I did the exact opposite, playing the opposing force. I asked myself, what would Rune do?

Kole nodded. “Yes, Mistresses.”

The irony was glorious. This was my most bizarre game of chess yet.

But the prize of winning—nothing had ever compared.

Rune. Freedom.

Aunts cast us glares from the shadows. They hated Rosalind, and I thought they also hated that I, for once, was not having the absolute worst time of my life. But there was nothing they could do. I’d been made off limits while I served Kole on Durian’s behalf. I was untouchable, and gods did it feel good.

I winked at Aunt Carol, and she glared back, quickly stomping away. I would pay for that later.

Rosalind followed my gaze and laughed softly.

“Would you like more elixir, Kole?” I asked. Then, in a burst of confidence, I changed my tune. “I think you need more elixir. You’ve been working so hard.” I held his gaze, moving my foot to trail up his pants leg. I stopped just before his cock.

His eyes went wild, his chest rising and falling rapidly.

“And your Mistresses want you as vulnerable as possible for us tonight.” I made my voice richer, deeper—removing all the purity and submissiveness I usually donned with the born. “Who knows what we might do to you.”

He nodded enthusiastically. “Yes, Mistress.”

Rosalind watched me, a small smile on her lips. Her eyes burned with questions. “Stay put,” she commanded Kole. “Do not move. Do not speak. Do not even think until we return.”

We moved through the space together, the born nearly frothing at the mouth all around us. To say we were a force to be reckoned with was an understatement. Yet, in their eyes, I was merely an innocent human—only by Rosalind’s side because she was helping me service Kole.

Rosalind’s arm brushed mine, and I looked at her.

She picked up the pace, expertly guiding me through a labyrinth of bodies, sex and kink contraptions, and lounge areas before suddenly pushing through a door and into an empty room.

It was pitch black, and Rosalind yanked me inside quickly before shutting the door behind us. The scent of damp earth and stone was mostly covered by Rosalind’s perfume. The noise of the vampires drowning in debauchery faded to a hum, and the clearest sound in the room was our rapid breathing.

“Spill. Now.”

I faltered, pulling my arm out of her grip as I stood in the darkness with her. “I can’t.”

She was silent for two beats. “But you’ll freely take my help.”

I laughed bitterly before I could stop it, and Rosalind harshly shushed me.

“It’s the least you can do, Rosalind,” I whispered.

“You think I’m no better than them.”

I slowed my heart, trying to keep myself focused even when all I wanted to do was imagine I was submerged in Rune’s shadows instead. That I was safe again.

Rune still loved me…

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