Page 78 of Prized Possession

I look over at Scott and see that he means every single word. His eyes have darkened, and his lips are pressed into a tight line. Instead of looking dangerous, like Marcus does, he just looks like an angry little man who is trying to exert power over me, and whilst I may be scared shitless, there’s a very small part of me that’s trying to fight back.

I try to channel all the confidence Marcus has been trying to instil in me, and as I lean closer to Scott, I imitate Marcus as best I can. “If you even think about putting your tiny cock anywhere near my mouth, I’ll bite it off.”

For just a fraction of a second, his eyes widen in shock, and that little part of me that’s been silenced for so long does a leap of joy, but then his expression darkens, his nostrils flaring as rage takes over.

“Why you little bitch?—”

Just as his grip on my leg becomes too painful, my father puts his spoon down loudly, clinking it against the China as he speaks to the room. “Well, that was lovely. Did everyone enjoy their soup?”

As mutters of approval flood around the table, I take the opportunity that’s presented itself. “Yes, Dad, it was really delicious. May I be excused just for a moment, so I can use the restroom?”

I hate the fact I’m a grown woman asking for permission to use the bathroom, but my family has strict rules, and nobody gets up from the table before my dad without his permission.

My mother, sounding like I’m disappointing her once again, chimes in. “Really, Chloe. Disrupting dinner like this isn’t appropriate.”

It takes every ounce of willpower not to roll my eyes at her, particularly when Scott joins in to support her. “Your mother is right, Chloe. It’s rude to leave the table in the middle of dinner. I’m sure you can wait.”

The edge to his tone makes it clear he doesn’t want me to argue with him. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Marcus getting twitchy, looking like he’s about to intervene.

That’s when I see Miles reach over to place a hand on his arm, before he leans closer to him, no doubt telling his friend to calm down. I’m grateful for Miles’ help, as Marcus would only make this situation worse.

I need to say something, and quickly. Then I remember the one trump card all women can play when they’re being controlled by men. “If I could wait, I would. Without going into details that aren’t appropriate dinner conversation, I’m simply going to say that I need to be excused due to women’s issues.”

The room, made up predominantly of men, goes silent for a moment. Those magic words had more of an effect than I was expecting, as Scott quickly removes his hand from my thigh.

I almost laugh at the absurdity that a grown man is worried he might accidentally touch menstrual blood. But, hey…the plan works better than I could’ve imagined, and I fight to hold back a smile.

My father clears his throat, sounding uncomfortable. “Of course, you may be excused, darling.”

I give him a grateful smile as I stand, smoothing down my skirt as I push the chair back so I can get around it, grabbing my bag as I do.

As I’m about to turn around, I give Marcus a cheeky wink that only he can see, loving the way he tries to hide his smile as I walk out of the room.

I practically sprint to the nearest bathroom, locking the door behind me as I pull out my phone. There’s a message already waiting for me from Marcus, and I don’t hesitate to read it.

MARCUS

Good girl, you followed my instructions well. Now, tell me, was that cum-stain hurting you? What was he doing?

CHLOE

As he leaned in to speak to me, he put his hand on my upper thigh, which is when I started to freak out. When he got annoyed with me, his grip tightened, and his nails dug in a lot. I think it’ll bruise, but he hasn’t drawn blood.

There’s a pause, and I can see Marcus has read my message, but he’s not typing anything. I’ve not heard a gunshot, or any kind of commotion, so I’m assuming he’s just trying to pull himself together before replies.

MARCUS

Anything else?

CHLOE

No. Just stuff he said, that’s all.

MARCUS

Like what?

CHLOE

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