Page 42 of Madness

“The guards and staff live in a guest house on the property.” That made sense. “Also, I instructed everyone to stay out while you’re here.”

“What? Why?” I stared up at him. He was so tall and broad that he made me feel small. It was like he was a shield from the world.

“We wouldn’t want them to hear your screams.” His hand on my low back felt like a brand as he whispered in my ear. “Those are only for me.”

He led me to the stairs. I swallowed loudly. I guess we were going to get right to it. This was what I was here for. I’d sold my body, and it was time to pay up. Each breath I took felt harder, like I couldn’t fill my lungs.

Instead of continuing down the hall where I assumed his bedroom was, we stopped outside the guest room I’d used before. Maybe he didn’t take women back to his room. He turned, so I was facing him. His eyes tracked up and down my outfit, frowning slightly. Good. He knew I wasn’t dressing to impress him.

“There’s an outfit for you to change into.” He said and indicated the door.

“What?” I looked around like I’d find the answer in the air around me. I know I’d never done this before, but making me change seemed strange. I guess I really wouldn’t know.

“What you’re wearing isn’t appropriate for dinner?”

“Dinner?” My head was spinning; I was so confused. “I thought we… That you brought me here to….”

Maddox grabbed my hips and pulled me tight to his body. His hard muscles pressing into me everywhere. I closed my eyes, trying to pretend I didn’t like it. But I couldn’t help it.

He was designed to make women fall at their feet. I could feel his hard chest and defined abs through his dress shirt. His strong fingers dug into my hips. And his blue eyes filled with desire as he looked at me.

“I believe I said I wanted you to keep me company.” His lips brushed the shell of my ear as he whispered. His hot breath made me shiver. “What did you think, little dove, that I was going to fuck you? Or is that what you want me to do?”

I shook my head even as my panties dampened. I was so wet I was surprised it wasn’t dripping down my thighs. My mind wanted to fight him, but my body was already giving in. Willing to take him inside me.

“Change. We can talk more over dinner.” He turned me to face the door. I took one step forward before a sharp sting burned my ass. Maddox slapped me and then grabbed my flesh, rubbing the pain into my body. His lips brushed my neck. “More, later if you’re a good little slut.”

My pussy clenched as I rushed forward, opening the door and slamming it shut behind me. I was so out of my league. What made me think I could do this? That I could become a toy to a man like him and stay alive.

I glanced at the room around me. It was the same as I remembered. Beautifully decorated in soft grays, a king-size bed, two nightstands, a dress with a mirror, and doors that led to a bathroom and walk-in closet. I walked as slowly as possible as if that would delay the inevitable, to the guest bed where a dress was laid out.

It was black lace with sheer long sleeves. A nude underlayer gave the illusion I was naked under the dress. It had a modest V neckline and hit mid-thigh. There were also black wedge high heels with lace over the top and a buckle securing them at the ankle. But my throat dried up when I saw what else was on the bed.

There was a black lace bra and matching thong. I decided quickly there was no getting out of this. This was what I’d signed up for. I stripped off my clothes, including my undergarments, and put on the clothes Maddox had laid out for me. Everything fit perfectly, like it had been tailored made for my body.

The dress was surprisingly modest. It wasn’t far off from the things I usually wore while working. It shocked me. I’d thought he’d make me wear nothing or something more revealing. He basically owned me at this point.

My gut churned at the thought, but I pushed it away. It was done. There was no going back. I could only go forward.

When I exited the room again, Maddox was waiting for me, leaning against the wrought iron banister that overlooked the foyer. He wasn’t wearing a suit jacket today, and the sleeves of his black dress shirt were rolled up, revealing his thick forearms. One leg was casually crossed over the other. A curl fell on his forehead, making his blue eyes seem brighter. Fuck, he shouldn’t look good to me. I should hate him.

His gaze tracked me up and down. I tried to ignore the heat that crept across my skin, making me blush. I stood still, not wanting to give away his effect on me. I held my breath as I waited for him to say something. Did I look okay? Was it what he expected?

“Dinner is ready.” He placed a hand on my low back again and led me down the stairs. I felt myself deflate as we walked.

Why had I expected a compliment from him? I wasn’t his girlfriend. I was a toy he’d bought. I needed to remember what this was. I needed to find a way to take control back. To keep myself from falling into this trap.

24

Kincaid

Iwatched the fork shake in my hand as I sat next to Maddox at his dining room table. It was the anxiety. The worry of not knowing what was expected of me. Of not knowing what was coming next. I needed to figure this out. I couldn’t keep living in this confusion.

“Can we talk about this situation?” I asked. His eyes had never left me once since I sat down, but I tried not to meet them. Tried not to look at him.

“I told you. I want your company.” I could feel him smiling beside me.

“Bullshit.” I finally looked at him. I could feel my body shaking with anger now. “You’ve already told me what you want, so don’t try and lie to me now.”

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