Page 30 of Tower

He didn’t react to her proposition. The dance continued, and he held her close as they made their way around the floor. The crowd had thinned once Peter began their waltz.

“If you spend the next few weeks with me, behaving, doing as you’re told, and giving over to me, when your mother returns home, I’ll let her know where you are. When she comes for you, we will decide what will happen then.”

The song ended and with the last note, Azalea stopped dancing.

“What do you mean, give over to you?”

“I mean give me everything. Power, control, your submission. Give me all of you and when your mother returns, we’ll decide what to do.”

“I still don’t understand why you won’t just let me go. I don’t understand why you took me in the first place. Can you at least give me that?” She searched his features, looking for a small beam of light. Something for her to latch onto that he wasn’t a monster.

“I can’t, no. I can give you my word you will be safe. I will never harm you—even when I hurt you.”

They stood while dancers filled the floor, surrounding them. The band struck up a fast-paced song.

“When she returns. You promise?”

“I swear it.” He held her hands and gave them both a squeeze, his stare boring into hers.

She swept her gaze over the alcoves overlooking the dance floor. The moving artwork of submission and dominance. Another couple was taking the main stage followed by two uniformed staff members rolling a spanking bench into place.

Everything she’d come to this club to see, to feel, to learn about, he was offering to her. And in the end, she could have complete freedom. From him, from her mother. She’d figure out the hows later.

“Okay. I agree.” She pulled free of his grip and thrust her hand out to him. A business agreement began with a handshake. She knew that much.

He looked at her offering and chuckled, taking it between both of his.

“Let’s get home, then.” He turned her and escorted her toward the exit.

“What’s on the upper floors of this building?” she asked once they were in the back hall headed toward the garage. Staircases went upward into darkness, and she’d seen an elevator.

“The girls who get work privileges here are also able to rent the rooms on three of the floors to do business. We provide security for them, so it’s safer for them to stay here than to go to a motel down the street or out to some asshole’s car.” Peter grabbed her coat from one of his men and helped her into it.

“The three floors above those are going to be mine once construction is complete. I didn’t want to hold off on the club while my private rooms were being finished,” he continued to explain as he took her to the garage where he’d parked his car.

Azalea thanked the man holding her door open as she climbed into the passenger seat.

She had more questions for him, but when he took his spot behind the wheel and turned the music on, she figured he didn’t want to play twenty questions.

And she didn’t want to jeopardize the gift he was giving her. Hope. In a few weeks, she would be free.

Chapter 10

Peter escorted Azalea up the steps to the house with his hand on her back, wishing her coat wasn’t barring him from feeling her skin. He hadn’t taken much time to pick a dress for her; he’d simply grabbed a black dress from Ellie’s closet, positive she’d forgive him the intrusion.

But to see it on Azalea, the way it flowed over her gentle curves, highlighted her generous breasts, and showcased the muscles in her back when she moved—Ellie would have to buy herself a new dress when she got home.

The front door opened as they approached. Daniel stood with his hand out, gripping a cell phone, and a quick glance at Azalea on Peter’s arm.

“What’s wrong?” Peter asked, stepping through the door and helping Azalea with her coat. She remained silent, taking in the foyer, and he realized she hadn’t been given a proper tour of the house. The way her eyes widened at the artwork and architecture of the narrow area made him want to show her Ellie’s art gallery. His cousin’s wife had a gift with the paintbrush.

“Aubree,” Daniel said, shoving his phone into his back pocket. “I was just heading out. She went to Sampson’s tonight, looking for a shift. When Sarah reminded her she was off duty for the time being, she threw a fucking fit.”

Peter sighed. He’d forgotten all about Aubree. When was the last time he’d forgotten about delivering a punishment to one of the girls? Had it ever happened?

“I should have dealt with her by now.” Peter glanced at Azalea. She seemed focused on a painting, but he knew her better. She was listening to every word.

“I told Sarah to keep her there, give her something to do, and I’d pick her up,” Daniel explained.

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