Page 85 of 12 Days

She must think I hate her, when in reality it is exactly the opposite.

“I don’t want to hurt any of you. I don’t know what to do. All I can say is, I … like you. All of you, and I am truly sorry.” Her voice catches on the word like, and my heart thrills.

I can’t help but think her stumble means something more. I want to finish that sentence for her. Love, I feel it, and I’m sure the others agree.

Whatever happens next, I think we can get through it.

Alyssa looks small and vulnerable standing before us. The men who stood have taken their seats again. I turn my chair slowly and look at my friends.

A whole range of emotions is displayed around this table, but under it all is passion. We love Alyssa. We want Alyssa.

Whatever happens with the formula, we will deal with it. Right now, I want to bring her back to us. And looking around the table, the other eleven agree with me.

I catch Owen’s eye. He called this meeting; protocol calls for him to deal with this, but I want it.

I have the copy of the formula, she is standing closest to me, and I have a wicked idea. I raise an eyebrow at him and he nods. He will let me have my fun.

“Gentlemen,” I begin, not turning my chair. I can’t look at her right now. It would give away the surprise. “We have been betrayed. I call for a vote. To forgive or not. Take a moment to consider.”

I turn my chair to Alyssa. She hasn’t moved, and her breath is coming quickly. Her eyes widen when I catch her eye. I can see a flush come across her chest, and my cock hardens and aches for her.

“Alyssa, you hurt me. You have hurt all of us. We are powerful men, and we wanted to give you everything. I cannot speak for everyone, but I would forgive you. In a moment we will see what the group decides.”

She sets her jaw in a stubborn line. God, she is beautiful when she is being stubborn. Her eyes glow, and her breath comes faster. I don’t think she can be in a room with all of us without being turned on. And to be honest, I can’t be near her without getting hard either.

She is getting ready to argue, but she won’t have to. She should prepare for something much different.

I turn back to the table. I can feel her eyes on my back. She has no idea what will happen next.

“Ready?” I ask the table. As one, they all nod. “Vote.”

Without a moment's hesitation, twelve hands are extended, thumbs up.

“The vote passes.” I confirm.

Chairs begin sliding out from the table. I turn around to face Alyssa again. I stand up, but I don’t move any closer to her.

“We are disappointed in you, but we can forgive you,” I say to her, my voice softening.

I knew the others would see what I was doing, but for a second I did question if my little vote thing was going to work.

Alyssa smiles and opens her mouth to speak. I raise my hand, interrupting her.

“Forgiveness comes at a price. If you want to be with us, you will need to learn there are consequences for your actions.” I slide my jacket from my shoulders and drop it on my chair.

Alyssa looks confused. I continue, “You will need to be punished for your actions. We need to be sure you understand the weight of your betrayal. Do you understand, Alyssa?”

A light comes to her face. She understands what I am saying. I smile.

She nods. I raise an eyebrow at her. I want to hear her say that she understands.

I need the others to hear.

“I understand, Tate,” she finally says.

“Good,” I say, and I smile even bigger.

I quickly pull my silk tie from around my neck. I take a step closer to her and take a deep breath. She smells divine.

“Close your eyes.”

She does as I say. I wrap the tie around her eyes and tie it tightly behind her head. I take a step back and admire how sweet and ready she looks.

“Ready, baby?” I ask. She nods.

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