Page 26 of Delivered to the Devil

“Why the fresh sheets?”

“Gabor likes things clean.” I procure a clean pair of slacks and new boxers from my duffle bag and put them on.

“So, he’s a neat freak?”

I shrug.I guess he is.

“Where is the other man?” she asks.

“He left. No need for him to stay once the cleanup is done.”

“So, he gets to clean the room—you clean the girl?” she asks in a poor attempt at brightening the mood, but her smile doesn’t reach her eyes.

I nod. Once, I used to do it myself. I’m the only one smart and controlled enough to form them like he wants them. But things go more smoothly with two sets of hands, and Gabor prefers things to be quick and efficient. So I bring Kadri along. Like a puppet on a leash. He’s not very competent at anything, but you don’t need much brain to change a few sheets and tie up a kicking woman.

“Do you ever switch?” Rebecca asks, shuddering as she says the words, probably imagining how it would be to have Kadri holding her while we wait.

“No.” I take a seat in her crimson wing-back chair, clenching my jaw at the thought of Kadri putting his hands on her more than necessary.

Maybe I should stop bringing him along?

I shove the thought away. This girl is getting to me more than good is. It’s enough that I feel this strange protective urge toward her; I’m not gonna let it get in the way of doing my job.

“Sleep,” I tell her with an edge that shoves the next question off her tongue.

She watches me for a moment, a last sliver of fight flickering in her as she tries to reciprocate my stare—or maybe she’s just feeling the same pull as I am. Within a minute, her eyelids grow heavy, and she blinks a few times before they fall shut.

I wait for a while, watching her breathe heavily, before I lean my head against the wing and drift off myself.

CHAPTER 13

“Beautiful Lie”

by 30 Seconds to Mars

Rebecca

When I wake late in the morning, Janos is still in my crimson armchair, watching me with the same unnerving intent as when I fell asleep. I wonder if he’s been there all night—if he has even closed his eyes. He surely must have because he looks wide awake and well-rested. Alert like a soldier on watch.

The silky sheets feel heavenly against my skin, but it’s difficult to appreciate them, knowing where they come from. But maybe I should indulge myself—accept them as some warped consolation prize and allow myself to enjoy the small things that are still worth enjoying.

I turn around to escape Janos’s watchful eyes, pretending I’m alone and the sheets are a gift from a good friend.

Janos lets me rest for a while longer. He’s so quiet I almost forget about him, and I startle when he gets up from the chair. The peace dissolves as I hear him rummage in his duffle bag at the dining table, and the snapping of a latex glove sends cold shivers down my spine. I have no idea what’s coming, but that sound is a bad omen. I want to turn and see what he’s doing, but I don’t dare face whatever horror comes next. Whatever it is, Iknow I can’t stop it, so I might as well enjoy blissful ignorance as long as it lasts.

“Get on your stomach,” Janos says as he climbs onto the bed. When I remain still, he shoves the covers aside and moves me into position. Heat seeps into my skin as he presses his bare hand against my back. I know his touch is meant to keep me in place, yet the feeling soothes me. Even knowing I shouldn’t, I soak up the sensation, taking whatever small comfort I can get.

And as I thought, I don’t get much.

The warped peace breaks as a gloved hand slides between my ass cheeks. I don’t know what’s worse, the probing touch or the impersonal barrier of the latex glove. I feel like an animal up for assessment, and when something cold drips onto my asshole, horror seizes me.

“No, what are you doing?” I squeal as I scramble to pull away, but the latex-clad hand grips my hip, holding me in place.

Not that! Anything but that!I want to scream the words, but they’re stuck in my throat.

A warm hand settles on my other hip, gentle and firm, skin on skin. “Do you want me to tie you up?” Janos asks.

It’s a genuine question, and his calm tone is so remote from the cruel act he’s about to force upon me that I go still.

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