Page 59 of Diamond Kisses

He flicked a look at the guard, his eyes narrowed and questioning.

What had he whispered?

Was that another guard on our side?

Does he know about Christmas?

What thehellis going on?

I breathed hard as Victor said, “I know you think I have double standards when it comes to what you can and cannot do with my precious jewels. I’m protective of them, but only so you can enjoy many years of companionship. However, with Henri…well.” He chuckled. “I’m not so protective. And so, consider this my treat for you and yet another level of ownership for him.” He grinned. “We’re getting close, my dear friends. Close to owning everything that he holds dear. I’m inviting you to help me break his last remaining pieces.”

I couldn’t breathe as Victor pulled out the same brown whip he’d used on me from his back waistband. Smoothing down his navy blazer, he grinned at the crowd and cracked the whip. “Each of you has my permission to whip him as hard as you like. Draw blood. Shred his back. Do whatever you fancy.” He smirked. “The only rule is five strikes per Master. And don’t molest him. That’s my job. I’ll go first.”

I swallowed my scream as Victor wrenched his arm back.

Sent the whip singing.

And struck.

Chapter Ten

………………………….

Henri

FUNNY HOW PAIN COULD SWITCH from agonising to numbing. How ice cold could become boiling hot. How shock could hide a broken bone.

I’d heard of such phenomena.

Heard how mothers had the sudden strength to throw cars off their children and soldiers carried their comrades through a battlefield with a broken leg.

I’d endured a lot on this island, but I hadn’t been pushed to those extremes.

Not until now.

Now…I had an inkling.

The slightest awakening of just how far I would go if given thetiniestchance of winning.

Nothing would stop me.

Nothingcouldstop me.

Not a broken bone.

Not a broken soul.

Because the only thing I needed to burn this fucking place to the ground was a heart that kept on beating. A heart that watched every lash and sent me her love even though I wished she’d close her eyes.

I grunted as Victor reopened my back with his lashes.

My scarred skin split wide as he whipped me. Hot blood rivered down my back and trickled over my bare ass. He wasn’t gentle nor was he unhinged. He whipped me just enough to ensure I trembled and panted—driving me to that point where my legs threatened to give out before he finished.

But then it was over.

And he patted my sweaty, bloody shoulder and whispered how I would get a reward if I managed to stay coherent.

He left.

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