Page 52 of A King So Savage

“Your faith is admirable. Misplaced but admirable.” Kingston untangled his hand from her hair and leaned a hip against his desk. “You better go to your room now.”

Ava seemed surprised by his abrupt willingness to allow her to escape. “Bored with me already?” she asked flippantly.

“On the contrary, lamb.” Taking a drag of his cigar, he scrutinized her through the haze of smoke. “I want to throw you on my desk and reacquaint myself with your taste. But I’ve work to do and you’re a terrible distraction.”

Ava’s lips tightened. “I’m happy to go. Ecstatic, in fact. But I’ve no idea how to get to my room from here. Call for one of my guards or take me there yourself.”

“Being a brat doesn’t work on me,” Kingston calmly replied to the subtle taunt in her challenge.

“Meaning what?”

“Meaning I won’t give you what you want.”

“What I want?” Ava seemed genuinely confused, then snarled, “Tell me what it is you think I want other than my freedom.”

“Oh, Ava. You are so damn transparent and yet so innocent when it comes to how these things truly work. What do you want? I’ll enlighten you. You seek punishment. Attention.Myattention, to be precise. I know we just left there, but shall we revisit the cell for an impromptu demonstration?”

There was that spark in her eyes again. The one that made Kingston’s pulse beat double-time with irrational, possessive hunger. He was quickly becoming addicted to that look of reluctant curiosity mixed with fear she displayed whenever he mentioned punishment.

Her defiant stance did not weaken, but Ava shook her head in response to his question.

“I’d like to go to my room.” She gritted out between clenched teeth, “Please, sir.”

“That’s what I thought.” With a smirk, he pressed the button on the phone that would summon Paulie. “I’ve matters to attend to this evening, so you will remain in your room overnight during my absence. I shall return in two days, and you will join me for dinner. You’ll find a black cocktail dress in the closet of your new quarters. Wear it.”

“Am I permitted to wear shoes?” A thread of sarcasm wove through the question as she glanced down at her bare feet.

Kingston grinned. “Of course. I expect to see you in a pair of stilettos, dressed to kill.”

“If only I could be so lucky,” she threw back with a smirk to rival his own.

ChapterSeventeen

Ruin and salvation

Aren’t enough for me.

Ava spentthe next two nights tossing and turning in the lushly appointed but cold and sterile bedroom. At any moment, she expected Kingston to come strolling through the locked doors, but he never did.

During the day, she explored more of the estate grounds as Jack trailed her steps. Late September was a delight in the mountains, with crisp, clear weather and the beauty of the changing leaves all around.

Had it been under different circumstances, Ava would have enjoyed it immensely. But the dark cloud of captivity and possible servitude to the cruelty of an unknown man tempered any pleasure she took in the beauty of her surroundings.

Before she knew it, the evening of Kingston’s return had come and she reluctantly prepared herself for dinner.

It was a surreal experience, dressing for the enjoyment and pleasure of a kidnapper. Ava had come to a grim realization during her brief time alone. If there was any hope of escaping this nightmare, she must either flee at the first opportunity—which didn’t seem possible—or she must convince Kingston to let her go.

Appeasement meant information. Compliance resulted in greater freedom. And any connection she created between the two of them might result in a personal attachment.

An attachment that could be exploited.

Could she possibly manipulate her jailer into experiencing something for her other than lust? Ava wasn’t sure, but every avenue must be explored, even if submitting to the will of the cold, heartless Kingston Winter was the only option.

Checking her reflection, Ava shuddered. The image reflected in the full-length mirror might as well have been someone else. The dress she wore was a black cocktail number and was far from demure. The hemline hit about mid-thigh and the bodice had a low scoop neck. It fit as if made specifically for her body, highlighting her breasts and curves. Even she had to admit she looked amazing in it.

Black lace over thin, nude material created the illusion she wore nothing beneath the lace. Cap sleeves dipped off her shoulders, and the back of the dress plunged nearly to her waist, the material hugging her shoulder blades. There was no appropriate bra included in the dresser drawer full of lingerie—all in her size—so Ava was uncomfortably bare beneath the dress. Bare with the exception of a thin, very skimpy, black lace thong.

Ava’s lips tightened as she considered the garments Kingston provided her. All of the choices for underwear were of the thong variety with expensive labels. It was as though she wore nothing at all under the dress. A purposeful move on Kingston’s part and honestly not unexpected.

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