Page 25 of A Debt of Darkness

“Don’t choose the hard way. You won’t like it.”

Henry’s tone is condescending and he’s so damn confident it’s arrogant. He has the nerve to tap his fingers on the chair’s back, completely at ease, and the slightest curl of his mouth suggests he’s enjoying my distress.

“Shall we talk about this over lunch?”

I send him a look that says he can fuck right off, and my stomach grumbles. His subtle smile turns into a full-blownsmirk, and he drums his fingers harder.

“Ask me nicely, Ivy, and I’ll feed you.”

“Fuck. Off.”

“Language.” He leans forward. “I don’t like foul-mouthed pets. Unless it’s my come making their mouths unclean.”

A shudder moves through me, hitting my core and making my clit throb. It’s disgusting, but I’m aroused and I’ve never felt like this. I loathe the man sitting in front of me, but he’s turned me on, despite my disgust and confusion.

My head’s spinning and I’m trying to process everything he’s said and my reaction to it. Henry’s watching as my mind spins, trying to convince itself it didn’t hear what it’s sure it just did.

“Pet?”

His expression doesn’t change, but his muscles tense, his weight shifts and his fingers dig into the armchair. Henry’s excited and I’m guessing by more than my distress.

“You’ll learn to accept your role, Ivy. I’ll provide for your every need and, in return, you’ll provide for mine.”

I shake my head. “No fucking way.”

“Language, pet.”

My heart races, and my stomach knots, churning at the thought of being treated this way.

“We don’t like being called pet, do we?” he says. “We will work on that.”

We will when hell freezes over.

“Is there a name you prefer, Ivy?”

I shake my head.

Like a goddamn idiot.

I’m participating in this. Engaging with him. It’stantamount to an acceptance of some of this and Henry smiles, taking the small victory and making it damn clear he’s aware of what I’ve given away.

“Kitten is too placid. We’ll find something that appeals to us both. But it won’t change our dynamic, Ivy.” There’s no ambiguity. No room for doubt. None of this morning’s softness and I almost miss it. “I didn’t fuck you last night because you weren’t ready. I won’t until you are. Until you’re begging for my cock.”

I snort and he’s amused. It’s dangerous.

“You doubt me. You shouldn’t. Test your Master and you’ll discover how far I’m prepared to go. I don’t want to, but I will. Don’t force my hand.”

My thoughts spiral again as I force myself to sit impassively, trying not to give anything away.

“Let me be clear, Ivy. You’re my pet and I’m your Master. Your every need is dependent on me. Your happiness, your pleasure, and your pain. Your living arrangements, your attire, and your food.” He moves towards the door and I’m relieved he’s leaving. “I will never ask for more than you can give me. Never risk your safety. I will protect you, care for you and cherish you.”

I catch a breath as panic threatens to break through my cool façade. Henry’s seen a crack in my calm exterior, but he doesn’t need to know the extent of his effect on me.

“Did you want food, pet?”

“No.”

He knows I’m hungry and he’s making a point. So am I. This is how we’ll fight this out. It’s the first battle in what is going to be a long war. He’s planning to wear me down, but he’s in for one hell of a shock.

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