Page 43 of Ashes
“Can’t you just... um, take over?”
“It’s not that easy. His men are loyal to him. They’d do anything for him. And I still prefer to have my freedom. It’s a lot of responsibility to take care of everything and a lot of work. I don’t know yet if I’m ready. I want to do it right.”
I place my hand over his, and the mask on his face cracks a little. When his gaze meets mine, I’m looking at the real him.
Someone who’s capable of feeling a lot of things.
Someone human.
“I’m going to bring some makeup,” I say. “I’ll cover your bruises, and then we can go to the club.”
“Sounds like a good plan.” His fingers briefly intertwine with mine before he lets me go.
I have no idea what the hell we’re doing here, but I like it.
I like it a little too much.
***
ONCE WE’RE AT THE CLUB, I dread pulling out an envelope from the box.
Victor has to be in pain, even if he doesn’t show it, and I’ve already seen people do things I’m not too fond of.
As I watch a man attach nipple clamps to a woman’s breasts, I wince and have an urge to cover my chest.
The clamps may not seem like a big thing, but my skin crawls at the idea of something like that pinching my nipples.
When the man with the box approaches, I steel myself and take a deep breath.
I pull out an envelope.
You choose.
That’s all it says.
My eyebrows lift up.
Wow, really?
I show it to Victor, and a smile spreads across his lips.
He leans toward me. “Let me do something for you.”
I watch him for a few moments.
Is that a good idea?
My stomach is already clenching with anticipation, and it’s actually a good feeling.
I decide to trust him, so I give him a nod.
“Lie back,” he says. “And spread your legs.”
I obey.
A shudder of delight rushes through me as he shifts closer, resting his hands on my knees. He traces his fingers up and down my thighs, and I can already feel the heat building inside me.
Why does his touch feel so damn good?
