Page 28 of Brutal Prince

“Same girl. He just wants the two of you more practiced.”

“Which means?”

“What do you think it means? Keep having relations with her, until your performance is worthy of a medal.”

It grated me that he basically said that I’m shit at sex, well, I was that night. I’d admit it. In my defense, it was an unusual situation and I hated deceiving Gretta. “Yeah, I’m not keen on anymore jobs. Besides, I don’t think she’d come near me after I screwed her over in room 23.”

“If she is convinced, will you take on another job?”

I sighed. I just wasn’t into the whole thing anymore, however, I did promise to protect her. Having sex with Gretta wasn’t big enough pull, even though I liked her a lot. But I’m a guy who kept his word even to my own detriment.

“Fine,” I answered unenthused. “I wanna be paid well for it.”

“Oh…you will,” as he walked away he added, “One must always keep the monster fed.”

Who exactly the monster was remained a mystery? The client or the ringleader of the filth. Or maybe he was referring to me.

FOURTEEN

Gretta

I was led into the dimly lit chamber by some guy dressed head to toe in black. I hadn’t told my protectors, Ollie and Darryn, that I was summoned because I wanted to meet Dom face to face. Or face to mask as it might be. I was told to take a seat in the front row and face the front.

My head was spinning. This was the first time I’d stepped inside the chamber and could almost feel the sordid, sexist filth slither over my bones. Even though the décor was underwhelming, I felt creeped out when I ran my eyes over the Snake and Chalice symbol on the wall behind the stage. It’s the same symbol that adorns the face of the four original buildings on University Square – Benedictine Athenaeum, Edgar Allen Poe Library, the art gallery and main admin building. It’s funny how when you see something every day, it loses its meaning and power. Yet, here the symbol is revered like the crucifix, suddenly regaining strength.

Quiet footsteps bled out behind me and I glanced to my right where the security guard stood. His eyes were glued on my face, making sure I didn’t turn around. I think he was one of the guards who bookended Dom when he was considering me for a job.

The footsteps came to a halt behind me and I shuddered in anticipation. He took the seat directly behind and I suppressed an eye roll. What was the point in all the secrecy? I already knew who he was.

“Did you receive the gift?” he breathed against the back of my neck.

Playing dumb, “What gift is that?” I’m guessing he was referring to the bullet, but who knew. Speaking cryptically gave him a thrill.

“You always had a beautiful neck, Cattus,” he whispered.

I breathed through the brick of irritation forming in my stomach. “Why have you brought me here?”

“No reason.”

I felt his finger press against the spot below my hairline and my skin prickled from heat.

I glanced to the security guard to see if he was watching and his eyes were smiling evilly. Who were these men that enjoyed being Dom’s puppets?

“I hear you have a new name?”

He grunted, moving his finger downwards, slowly and torturously.

“Dom. Short for Dominus, I hear,” I continued, totally keeping my cool externally. Internally, I was dying.

“You were always a good girl.” His voice was silky smooth with that usual spike of arrogance, which came from being who he was. “Did everything I asked without complaint.”

“I was a kid…” infatuated by you.

His finger continued to scroll downwards, until it came to the top of my spine. I imagined him leaving his mark, a pink line of burned skin. He brushed my tee shirt down to reveal my bare shoulder and kissed it twice. I shut my eyes tight holding back a sigh. It annoyed me that after all this time he still had this effect on me.

Play the game, Gretta. Remember, you’re just playing a role in some fucked up stage show.

“I need you, Cattus,” kissing my shoulder again. “Will you bow down for me one more time?”

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