Page 98 of Elicit (Decadence After Dark)

“I don’t like the way that sounds, Jett.”

“And you shouldn’t.” The truth can go either way. It could set them free, or it could destroy them forever. Ellie swallows hard, a sudden upshot of fear grabbing her.

“He keeps telling me things are going to change. Is he going to sell me?”

My eyes bulge. “Where did you get a ridiculous idea like that?”

She shrugs, all out of sorts. “I’m a slave. Slaves get sold.”

I shake my head emphatically. “No more erotic suspense novels for you. And I can say with absolute certainty he would never sell you. But he is afraid he won’t be able to keep you.”

“I don’t understand.”

“You don’t have to. All will be revealed in time.” It’s all I can say at the moment.

I walk over to the bed and pick up Ellie’s collar. We need to get moving.

“Final accessories.” I fasten it around her neck then move to the armoire, opening one side of the double doors. I return with rhinestone wrist cuffs attached to several strings of thick crystals. One string I fasten to the D-ring on the front of her collar before I clamp each of her wrists. She’s a dolled-up pet. A kitten on an ultra-extravagant leash.

“Perfect.” I admire my handiwork. “It’s time, sweet thing.”

“Time for what?” Poor Ellie is just about to explode from all the secrecy.

“Your unveiling. This party is important. Be on your best behavior. Listen to Kayne. Stay by his side no matter what,” I instruct.

“He has me on a leash. Where do you think I’m going to go?”

I snicker. “I’ve become quite fond of you, little one. And that snarky mouth.”

“It’s all I have left. My snark.”

I can’t hide my melancholy expression as I lead her toward the door by her shiny new leash. She still has everything and just doesn’t know it yet.

“Where are we going?” Ellie asks like the curious kitten she is. “Kayne is the only one who takes me for walks.”

“Kayne’s room.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re his birthday surprise.”

“It’s his birthday? Is that what the party is for?”

“Not really. He’ll probably decapitate me for telling you. But I don’t give a fuck.” I look back and wink at her. Ellie follows me through the dark hallway with the deep purple carpet and hand-blown chandeliers toward the sweeping staircase. We can hear music playing faintly from the first floor as we walk down one flight of stairs to the second level.

“Wait till you see this party. It’s my best yet. Going to be a real bang.” I widen my eyes excitedly. I stop at a huge wooden door where two very large men are exiting.

“Everything set up?” I ask.

“Done,” the tall, brawny blond responds.

“Excellent.”

I usher Ellie inside Kayne’s room, which has a very masculine feel. In the center of the understated décor is a giant birdcage I had set aside just for them. Its gold bars compliment the dark cherry furniture and glossy wood floors. I notice Ellie spying the impressive canopy bed with maroon bedding against the back wall.See something that interests you, kitten?It’s very majestic, very commanding, very magisterial. Just like Ellie’s owner.

“We have to hurry. Kayne takes a long shower, but I don’t want to run the risk of him walking out and ruining the surprise.”

“What surprise?”

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