Page 78 of Hero Worship

His smile in the mirror was sharp as a blade. "Since when have I ever made the safe choice?"

"Never." I tightened my grip, watching him wince. Letting myself enjoy his submission the way my father would have. "That is what makes you such perfect gallery material."

"Hey." He turned in my arms, and for a moment I saw a flash of concern in his eyes. He could see how deep I was letting myself sink into this role. "I trust you. Even like this."

The weight of that trust should have anchored me to my true self. Instead, I let it feed the monster I was becoming. Let myself imagine preserving that trust forever, keeping him exactly as he was in this moment. Perfect. Mine. Eternal.

"We should go." Xavier's voice barely penetrated the haze of possession I had wrapped around myself. "It’s time."

The world blurred atthe edges as our car purred through Paris streets, streetlights bleeding into rivers of gold that made my head swim. The Xanax and Adderall cocktail Xavier had calibrated turned everything liquid and sharp at the same time, like watching reality through cut crystal. My heart fluttered too fast in my chest while my limbs felt weighted with lead. The perfect combination of alertness and artificial submission.

My phone buzzed in my clutch. Another message from Xavier, monitoring everything from our hotel room through his network of cameras and hijacked security feeds. I let it go unanswered.We were beyond the point where his careful analysis could help. Beyond the point where anything could help except maintaining our performance perfectly.

Across from me, Ash radiated contained violence in his suit, transformed completely. When his eyes met mine in the dim car interior, I saw none of the warmth I had grown to crave. This was the collector Roche would recognize.

"Two minutes out," he said, his voice carrying that cultured cruelty that made my stomach clench. "How are you doing?"

“Peachy,” I murmured, and let my head fall back.

“Xander.” There was a sharp edge to his voice that I didn’t like.

I sighed and cracked open an eye. “I’m fine. Still in control. Just…loose.”

He turned his head, looking out the window. “Good. Keep it that way.”

I nodded, though the movement made reality slide sideways for a moment. The white silk of my dress whispered against my skin as I shifted. I’d taken just enough Xanax and Adderall to get the maximum effect without losing any real function. Well, mostly. The lights kept doing interesting things when I moved my head too fast.

The car slowed to a crawl, tires crunching on gravel. My stomach lurched as we came to a stop, the sudden stillness making my head spin. I blinked rapidly, trying to focus on the looming mansion before us. Roche's private residence was a monstrosity of gleaming white stone and glittering windows, like a palace dropped into the heart of Paris.

Ash's hand found mine. "Ready?"

I nodded, swallowing hard as the car door opened. The cool night air hit me like a slap, making me shiver in my thin dress. Ash emerged first. He turned, offering his hand with a possessive smile that didn't reach his eyes.

I took it, willing my limbs to cooperate as I slid out of the car. The gravel shifted treacherously under my heels, and I stumbled slightly. Ash's arm snaked around my waist, steadying me with a grip that was sure to leave bruises.

"Careful, pet," he purred, loud enough for the approaching security to hear. "We wouldn't want you to fall and mar that pretty skin."

I giggled, the sound high and unnatural to my own ears. "Sorry, sir," I murmured, letting my body sway against his. "I'll be good."

Ash's fingers dug into my hip, a silent warning. Tension thrummed through him, barely contained beneath his polished exterior. We both knew how precarious this moment was. One wrong move and everything would unravel.

As we approached the grand entrance, I let my gaze drift unfocused, playing up the drugged submission. Two hulking security guards flanked the doors, their eyes scanning us with clinical detachment. I fought the urge to shrink away, instead leaning more heavily into Ash's side.

"Mx. Roche is expecting you, Monsieur Verity," one of the guards rumbled, his accent thick.

Ash inclined his head slightly. "Excellent."

One of the guards spoke quietly into his earpiece, then nodded. "This way, sir."

My stomach clenched at the implications, but I kept my face carefully blank. This was the role I had to play. I was just a beautiful, empty-headed toy, existing solely for others' pleasure. The thought made bile rise in my throat.

We were ushered inside, the opulence of the foyer momentarily overwhelming my drug-addled senses.

Marble floors gleamed beneath our feet, reflecting the warm glow of crystal chandeliers overhead. The air was thick with the scent of expensive cologne and freshly cut flowers. Somewherein the depths of the mansion, I could hear the faint strains of music, something dark and haunting.

Ash's grip on my waist tightened as we followed the guard down a long hallway lined with priceless artwork. I let my gaze wander, playing up the wide-eyed innocence of a drugged pet. Inside, my heart was hammering against my ribs. Every step brought us closer to Roche, closer to the moment when our carefully constructed facade would be put to the ultimate test.

We were led to a set of ornate double doors. The guard knocked once, then stepped aside as they swung open silently.

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