Page 172 of Intense
“There’s a lot to learn about the family you married into, Stephanie.”
I know to get her to open up, I have to sacrifice some of my own truths. My fingers trail along her collarbones before I reach for the collar above. The leather fits perfectly around her neck. I buckle it tight enough to keep her aware of its pressure.
“Keep the blindfold on until I tell you otherwise. There are rules in Decadence that must be followed. Do you understand?”
Her mouth opens and closes. The air in the room chills.
“Y-yes. I understand, sir.”
That’s a kick to the gut. She could have been so perfect for me. A killer, just like me. A woman who craves pain alongside her pleasure.
Yet, here we are, on the brink of losing everything.
“I have some paperwork for you to fill out shortly. Take a seat while you wait.”
I guide her to the metal chair, tipping her chin up so I can look at her.
My chest aches.
What will I do if she’s working with The Preacher?
Am I really that much of a monster?
I have to be to protect my family. That always comes first. My brothers, my niece and nephews, the damn unhinged twins. They mean more than what my heart wants to crave.
I step back slowly.
“Will you be long?” she asks, a flicker of fear in her voice.
A grin tugs at my mouth.
Good.
Fear will spark the truth.
I don’t answer. I just walk away from her, feeling the ache in my chest with each step.
As soon as I leave the room, I take a deep breath and head to the control center, calling Drago’s cell as I do.
“Finn. How can I help?”
I close the door to the office and sit behind the desk.
“Well, I’ll need you to email me over a blank contract of the Decadence Trials. I will need to adjust some of the wording accordingly. I need it now if possible?”
He clears his throat.
“Now? I thought the Trials were delayed?”
“They were. But I’m starting them today, with one contestant.”
I can picture the confusion on his face. So I clear it up for him.
“My wife, Drago. She’s chained up in Room One. And she’s about to experience a new version of the Trials to give me my answers.”
“Finn…” There is a warning in his tone.
“Yes?”
