Page 45 of Prey Tell
“Yes,” I answer nervously.
Please, please, please—
“Name?”
I swallow. “Juliet Parker.” For a second, I wonder if I should’ve used a pseudonym—
“Right.” He hands me a gold skeleton key. “This will grant you access to most of the castle for the weekend. The key is programmed electronically, so all you need to do is swipe it over any of the door handles. The east wing is off limits, but all other areas are open to guests for the weekend. Luna, our guest relations specialist, will greet you once inside.” He smiles as I take the key from him. “Have a great weekend, Ms. Parker.”
I nod as the iron gate begins to creak open, I debate turning around and going home. Forgetting I was ever here. Wasting away in orgasm-less existence. What am I doing here, anyway? Two weeks of research is nothing. Chase doesn’t know I’m here, and I have no idea what I’ll do if he says no. If he turns me down—again.I’m too curious to go home, yet everything hinges on himnotturning me down. That image keeps replaying in my mind—of Chase pinning me down with his strong hands. Of giving into my needs. Of letting him do whatever he wanted to me.
I wantthat.
I wanthim.
I’d been attracted to him my entire adult life, and while I don’t know him as well as I used to, he’s my brother’s best friend.
He’s not some stranger. He’sChase.
And that kiss two weeks ago… the way he described what would happen if Iplayed…
Suddenly, my lust-addled brain is convincing me to pull my heavy suitcase behind me to the front door of Ravage Castle. I’d packed way too many clothes for three days, but I had no idea what to expect. The invitation was vague, and I wasn’t sure what, exactly, I’d be expected to wear.IfI was allowed to stay.
I’d canceled my office hours on Monday and told Jackson that I had a sexuality convention to attend this weekend—which,technically, was not a lie. Taking a deep breath, I swipe the gold key in front of the handle on the large, arched front door. It clicks open, and I step inside.
I am suddenly intimidated. I am inside of Chase’s childhood home. I know Jackson had been here a few times, but Chase was over at our house ninety-nine percent of the time. He always cited preferring our house to his, which… I am now wondering why, because it might be the most beautiful foyer I’ve ever seen, made up of a tall, arched ceiling with mosaic tiling. The floor is pure, white marble. My eyes adjust to the glittering wealth as I walk further inside—a theater, several living areas, a study, a library… I’ll have to sneak off and explore it later. I bet the Ravage family has first editions of my favorite books.
“You must be Juliet?” I swing around to face a woman in a pencil skirt, blouse, and heels.
She’s small with long black hair. Her uptilted brown eyes are studying me apprehensively. “I’m Luna, the guest relations specialist,” she says warmly. “Would you please follow me into the Blanca study? We can get your room sorted now if you’d like.”
“Sure. Thank you,” I tell her. “I’m here by myself,” I blurt, unsure if she actually needs that information.
She smirks, her red lips quirking up. “Not for long. I’m sure someone will eat you right up. Figuratively and literally.”
I swallow. “How does that—I’m unsure of the protocol,” I admit, hoping I’m not being too obvious.
She lets out a light, lilting laugh as we walk toward a room toward the back of the castle. I guess a palace of this size would need two studies.
“Right. Pardon me, where are my manners? Since you’re here as a single submissive, we can look over your intake and limits form, securing a dominant match for the weekend.”
Nervous butterflies dance around in my stomach, and my palms are sweating so much that I’m afraid I’ll drop my purse.
“Sure, that all sounds good.”
Just as we arrive at an unmarked door, Luna turns to face me. “I promise that you’re safe here. We’re compliant with RACK—” Her eyes widen as they look at something over my shoulder. I turn and follow her wide eyes gaze to the other end of the ground floor.
Chase storming toward us.
And this time, he doesn’t look pissed. He looks downrightwrathful.
My pulse speeds up as he gets closer. He’s wearing a white button-down shirt and navy slacks. I wish I’d thought to wear something other than my old leggings and gray crew neck sweatshirt. I look down at the floor instinctively, and then he’s right in front of me, breathing heavily.
“Hi,” I say quietly.
His light-blue eyes are a dark, stormy navy now—and he glances at Luna briefly, nostrils flaring.
“Oh. Do you know Mr. Ravage?” Luna asks, though I hardly hear her. My heartbeat is whooshing in my ears.
