Page 60 of Prey Tell
“But… I guess I’m trying to understand what’s in it for you. You’re going toteachme and givemepleasure. You say you’re going to give me everything I want. But what about you? What doyouget out of all of this?”
Chase stops walking, and I realize a few paces too late. I turn around to find him watching me with an incredulous expression.
“Do you really not understand?” he asks. The way he asks is not mean, or cruel, or condescending. It’s more… disbelieving. “What do I get, Parker?” He steps closer. “I get you.”
“You could’ve had me at any point,” I blurt. “I was always here. Always a willing participant.”
He thumbs his lips as he takes another step closer. “Yes, but were you ever willing to give up the control you so badly crave? Until this week, would you have signed a contract like the one you signed this morning? You’re asking me what’s in it for me? Control. I get off on receiving that control from you so that you can let go. So that you cansubmit.Your pleasure is mine.”
Holy…
Fuck.
“Is that not why you’re here?” he asks, cocking his head. “To relinquish your control and to trust me to give you that pleasure no other man could give you?”
“Yes,” I whisper, suddenly hot again.
Why is it so fucking sexy when he talks like that? He’s not worried that he won’t be able to give me what I need, or the notion of failing. It’s like he alreadyknowshe’s won, alreadyknowshe’ll accomplish it. And I’m not sure if it’s confidence or something darker, something more demanding, but it comes from someplace deep inside of him. He doesn’t ever falter or lose control. Even before, pushing me up against the tree, he was listening tome, guiding me, showing me how to do it. Seeing him like this, seeing how much control he has over himself… it’s both terrifying and exciting.
Except, he did lose control.
Twice.
With me.
Once at his party, and once in the elevator.
But I know he’s still holding himself back. I can feel the power, the domination, rolling off him in waves.
When will you snap, Ravage?
“Okay. Then let me take care of you, Parker. Would you still like to move forward with the Hunt?”
“Yes.”
He nods once, his expression closed again. “Good. Let’s get back.”
The rest of the walk is silent as I think over his words. If I’d relinquished control years ago… could I have had him? All those nights I thought aboutwhat if…and all I had to do was sign over my control? But no. Dylan. I’d been distracted. I’d been playing by the rules. I’d been studying, working, and being a doting girlfriend and sister. And he’d been… doing this.
I spare a glance at Chase as we get back into the lobby. His jaw is set, but not in an angry way. He’s wearing hisPresident of Ravage Consulting Firmface. Serious, determined, commanding. I’m about to ask if we have any further plans today when he reaches into his back pocket and pulls out his key. It’s identical to mine, but it has a gold disc accompanying it. I glance down at the words.
VIP.
“This will get you into the east wing. I’ve already let the staff know you are with me. Please head back to the room. I’ll meet you there in a couple of hours.” I take the key from him and open my mouth to argue, but he continues, looking over my shoulder, before I can respond. “Order some food. You can contact any of the staff, including my personal chef, using the iPad by the door. The passcode for it is 1124. Help yourself to anything.” His eyes finally land on mine. “Understood?”
I take in all of the information he’s throwing at me—VIP, iPad with a code, personal chef, and then—
My heart stills.
1124.
November 24th.
My birthday.
I suck in a few mouthfuls of air. I’m still reeling from what we did, and this is… it’s almost like my brain is shutting down. For so long, he was inaccessible. Unattainable. And now he’s throwing keys, and contracts, and private access, and passcodes my way like he hardly gives a damn.
And his room… is it a part of the game? Am I supposed to go andwaitfor him? Is this what he expects of me this week? I’m about to ask when he reaches out and places a hand on the side of my face. It’s oddly gentle. Romantic, even.
