Page 34 of A King So Savage

Kingston’s jaw clenched. He did not care for this version of Ava. In fact, he preferred his prisoner’s tendency toward feistiness intertwined with her fear. This defeated attitude was something he didn’t like at all.

“Ava,” he said softly, setting down the bundle he carried.

“Sir Jailer,” she responded in a flat voice while cradling her wrist in her lap. The metal splint was gone, but somehow, she appeared even more frail without it.

His brow furrowed with annoyance.

“Come to me.”

Her chin tilted in a show of rebellion as she ignored the command.

Kingston cursed beneath his breath, then approached as if he possessed all the time in the world. Grabbing her by the arm, he hauled her up onto her feet.

She sagged against him, eyes blazing with undisguised hatred.

“Do not provoke me, Ava. Unless you wish to spend God knows how long in here alone.”

“What difference does it make? Either here or in another cell, I am still your prisoner.”

“Yes. My prisoner.” He tugged her closer and swept the hair away from her face, tucking the strands behind her delicate ears. “And I’m giving you a choice, lamb.”

“Your choices are never to my benefit. You realize this, right?”

“Regardless, I’m giving you one now. Either stay here in this cell with your disobedience for company or take my offer.”

“What offer?” Ava’s voice was tight with suspicion.

“I will give you freedom in certain areas of The Den. With a guard, of course.”

Ava’s lips tightened. “Guard? Who would be given the task? Your brother?”

Kingston shook his head. “No. I cannot trust him with you. Even with his healthy fear of me, he would take what he wants and damn the consequences. When I am not with you, Paulie or Jack will accompany you everywhere you go. Until Carson makes a decision, this is the only offer I’ll give you.”

“And what must I give up in exchange for such generosity?” Ava snarled like a feral little cat. “There’s certainly a price to pay. What will it be? Another blowjob with an audience? Or perhaps this time you will fuck me on your damn conference table and give everyone a turn after you’ve had your fill.”

Kingston gave her a little shake, growling with frustration at the harsh accusation. “I’ll slice the throat of any man who touches you, Ava.”

“Then I expect a short list of applicants lining up to purchase me,” she snapped in return.

“You will not be required to do anything for this taste of freedom other than obey me,” he bit out. “Be a good girl and you’ll get out of this cell. If you’d rather not accept my generosity, then you shall remain here indefinitely.”

“Your generosity comes with strings,” Ava replied stonily. “I don’t trust you not to strangle me with them.”

“Of course, you don’t trust me. Why should you?”

Ava glared at him, unaware that Kingston was beginning to truly relish these interactions.

It’d been so long since he’d been with a woman who did not immediately follow his every command. And while he certainly preferred his women submissive, Ava’s defiance was an alluring departure from the mundane.

“I did not come just to offer you this opportunity for liberation.”

“Then why did you come?”

“To help you shave.”

“Shave?” Ava shook her head in disbelief. “I don’t care if the hair on my legs is long enough to braid. I’m not prettying myself up for you. Or anyone else.”

Kingston grinned, truly amused by her sweet innocence. “I’m not talking about shaving your legs, lamb.” His gaze drifted down her body, lingering at the juncture of her thighs.

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