Page 42 of Pray for the Damned

“You’d want to do this more than once?” The words slip from between my lips without permission, earning me a cocky smirk.

“Waverly, if I thought you’d agree to it, I’d ask for every night for the rest of time. But I don’t think you’re there yet.”

If anyone else said that to me, I’d think they were joking. Because what an insane thing to say to someone you’ve just met. Except there’s not a hint of insincerity on Emmett’s face.

He doesn’t wait for me to find a response to his confession before he continues asking me questions. How do I feel about anal? Am I okay with him taking control? If my mouth is busy, how do I want to convey my need to stop?

Every question he asks leaves my cheeks a shade pinker than they were a moment ago, but he either doesn’t notice or doesn’t care because he doesn’t pause for even a second.

I take a long drink of the cocktail Abigail delivers for me, and I groan as the alcohol slips down my throat. A little liquid courage never hurt anyone, and right now, that’s exactly what I need. Courage.

The only thing I’ve ever been brave enough to do is run from my father’s home. Everything else has been survival. The choice between living and dying. Between being free and being someone’s prisoner for the rest of my life.

“Are you okay with handing me the control for tonight? You’ll always have your safe word, but will you allow me to dominate you?”

I’m nodding before he can finish the question, desperate to hand the decisions to someone else, even if it’s just for one night.

I’m tired of always being in control. I’m tired of having to make every choice. I’m just tired, and I crave what he’s offering more than I’ve ever allowed myself to admit.

He chuckles. “Good girl.”

Without missing a beat, he downs what’s left in his glass and slips out from the booth he’s occupied since he kissed me earlier. “Shall we?”

My breath stutters in my chest, but I finish what’s left of my martini and follow his head, taking his hand without hesitation.

I try to think of the last time I allowed someone else to lead me anywhere, but I come up empty. I’ve always done things like this under my own set of rules. But tonight, I’m throwing it all out the window.

Even if it’s just for the night, I want to know what it’s like to hand over control.

I just hope I don’t come to crave it.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

KADE

Watching my brother and the woman I’m obsessed with is a special kind of torture.

On the one hand, I’m at least assured that she’s safe.

Emmett would never hurt Waverly.

Well, not in a way she wouldn’t enjoy anyway, and I’m certain she would love any pain he dished out to her.

They’ve been negotiating their scene for the last twenty minutes, and our girl is as interested as she is terrified. I just wish I could watch them together. That’s usually more my twin’s thing, but I’d make an exception for this.

My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I’m forced to drag my eyes away from them and sigh when I see the name on the screen.

Impeccable timing as always.

I step further into the dark corner that has become my refuge and answer, bringing the phone to my ear.

“Dad,” I greet him. He’s the last person I want to deal with tonight while my brother gets his fill of the woman of ourdreams, but he’ll get suspicious if I don’t answer, and that might warrant a visit, which we can’t afford. Not now that our lives are becoming entwined with Waverly’s.

“How are things in New York?” His voice is distracted, as usual, and I imagine this is just one of many calls he has to make tonight.

“Fine. Nothing out of the ordinary to report. All payments for jobs have been made and are accounted for.”

“Good. And your brother?”

---