Page 85 of The Assignment: Room 3

I edge closer. “Take off your bra and panties,” Virgil demands.

I don’t even know what the other guy’s name is.

“Do as he asks.”

“What’s your name?” My voice comes out quiet as a mouse, and my heartbeat hammers in my chest. This feels different than when everyone’s eyes are on me up here—when I put on a show for Freya or Genevieve.

“Master Solomon. What is your safeword?”

“Emerald.”

“Do you consent to be punished with my belt?”

“Yes.”

“And if you take it like a good baby girl, do you want to be fucked by both of us?”

“Yes.” My eyes are cast to the floor. I can’t even look at him. At either of them.

“Then take your position across his lap, and I will administer five strikes of my belt. I won’t use the buckle.”

“Make it ten.” I need the pain. It’sallI want.

“Demanding little thing. As you wish, but use your safeword if necessary.”

“I…” I reach round to unclasp my bra and let it drop to the floor, hesitating as I move to my panties. I do this all the time up here, so why can’t I slip them off? Flex is downstairs with Jenna. He doesn’t want me. He said he did, but he lied. They always lie.

Hooking my fingers under the small scrap of black lace, I shrug out of them. Standing in nothing but my heels, I can’t breathe.

I can’t do this.

I don’t want to do this.

“Bring that fucking glorious ass over here.” I look around the room and realize I don’t recognize most of the faces. “What are you waiting for? Do as you’re told.”

I blink back the tears welling in my eyes. “I can’t… I don’t…”

“Are we doing this or not? Is this why you’re available tonight? You’re an insolent sub.”

“I need a minute.”

“Do as you’re fucking told.” His voice is a low, booming command, and I turn to see Flex unbuttoning his shirt before tugging it off and wrapping it around my shoulders. “Go to the private rooms on this floor. Number one is open.”

“Flex, what the fuck?” The Dom with the leather belt in his hand looks pissed. “She asked for it. What do you want with a slutty sub who doesn’t adhere to commands?”

“Pet,” his voice is full of dark authority. “Go. Now. I won’t tell you again.”

“Dumb whore,” Virgil says as he moves to stand toe-to-toe with Flex. He doesn’t get another word out before Flex lets a right hook fly, the sound of bone snapping as he makes contact with Virgil’s jaw.

“Get out of here, pet. I’ll be there in a moment.” He turns his attention to the Dominant— Solomon—balling his fists, ready to strike.

“What the hell, Flex? She doesn’t have a Dom. It’s no big deal.” He takes a blow to the stomach, dropping him to his knees.

“She’s mine!Be careful what you say next, boys.”

“We didn’t know.”

“Neither did I.” My voice is thick with unshed tears as I stand dumbstruck, his shirt wrapped tight around me.

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