As the night wore on, I fell back into my old routine, the comfort of the Roost like a hug from an old friend. I ended up talking to Jake, a biker who always flirted with me whenever he was around.

He looked me up and down, raising an eyebrow. “Where’s your biker gear, Psycho? You look...different.”

I smirked, leaning against the bar. “Guess I clean up nice, huh? But don’t get used to it. I prefer leather and lace.”

Jake chuckled, shaking his head. “Yeah, I like you better that way too. But you look good. Real good.”

It was late when Vince showed up. He walked in, scanning the room until his eyes landed on me. I could see the mix of surprise and annoyance in his expression.

“Time to go, Sybil,” he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I sighed, saying my goodbyes and following him out. Once outside, he turned to me, his eyes hard. “We need to talk. Now.”

I nodded, feeling a pang of guilt for enjoying my night at the Roost more than I should have. But I couldn’t deny that being back with my sisters had been a welcome break from the charade I was living with Vince. Now, it was time to face whatever consequences awaited me.

The moment we stepped outside, I could see the storm brewing in Vince's eyes. He was furious, and I understood I was in trouble. He turned to me, his jaw tight, and started to lay into me.

“What the hell were you thinking, Sybil?” he growled. “You were supposed to be at home. Do you have any idea how this makes me look?”

I crossed my arms, standing my ground. “I needed to see my sisters, Vince. I’m not some goddamn prisoner.”

His eyes flashed with anger. “It’s not about being a prisoner. It’s about appearances. You being here, dressed like this, makes people talk. It undermines everything we’re trying to do.”

I scoffed. “You mean everything you’re trying to do. I’m just playing my part.”

He stepped closer, his voice quiet and threatening. “You want to play your part? Fine. But there are consequences for not following the script. You need to be punished.”

How he said it sent a thrill through me. I knew exactly what he meant, and damn it, I couldn’t wait.

We drove back to his place in silence. My head rushed with anticipation, wondering what he had in store for me. When we arrived, he led me through the mansion to a part I hadn’t seen before. We entered a room dominated by a huge wooden X in the center.

“Strip,” he instructed me, his voice cold.

My heart thumped out of my chest as I complied. Fear and excitement washed over me all at once. I was puddy in this man’s hands. Once I was naked, he tied me to the X, the leather restraints biting into my wrists and ankles, and making me squirm. He stepped back, his eyes shooting over my body, and then he left the room without another word.

Time dragged on, the expectancy building with every passing minute. My body ached from the position, but my mind was on fire with thoughts of what he would do when he returned. Finally, the door opened, and he walked back in, his expression unreadable.

“Vince,” I said, my voice trembling with need. “What’s my safe word?”

He smirked, shaking his head. “There is none.” He gagged me, silencing any further protests. Then he picked up a paddle, running it lightly over my skin, teasing me with the sensation.

The first smack was a shock, the pain sharp and immediate. He didn’t hold back, each strike pushing me to my limits. Tears streamed down my face, but I couldn’t deny the pleasure mixed with the pain. I was addicted to the danger, and Vince knew exactly how to push my buttons.

When he finally stopped, I was a trembling mess, my body on fire. He kneeled in front of me, his hands gentle as he undid the restraints. He kissed the bruised skin, his touch heaven compared to the brutality of the paddle.

“Atta girl. You took that well,” he murmured, his lips brushing against my ear. “Now, it’s time for your reward.”

He moved between my legs, his mouth finding my most sensitive spot. The pleasure was overwhelming, and I cried out against the gag, my body arching into him. He brought me to the edge again and again, until I would normally beg for release, but I couldn’t say a damn word.

When he finally let me come, it was like an explosion, the intensity of my orgasm shaking me to my core. He removed the gag, his hands stroking my hair as I tried to catch my breath.

“You’re my bride, Sybil,” he whispered, his voice filled with a possessive hunger. “And you will learn to follow my rules.”

I looked up at him, my mind going crazy. I was falling hard for this man, and it scared the hell out of me. But for now, I was willing to play his game, to see where this wild ride would take us.

Chapter 13

The week at Vince's mansion felt like being trapped in a fancy-ass prison. During the day, I roamed through the damn place, trying not to lose my mind from the boredom. Each room was dripping with wealth, filled with art and furniture that screamed "don't touch." The mansion's grandeur was suffocating. Margo, the ever-watchful maid, kept her disapproving eyes on me, a constant reminder that I didn’t belong in this world.