Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 148397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 742(@200wpm)___ 594(@250wpm)___ 495(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 148397 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 742(@200wpm)___ 594(@250wpm)___ 495(@300wpm)
A pinch appeared between his eyebrows. “You’re saying you chose work over fucking? Oh no, no, Henri, that won’t do at all. All work and no play is not conducive to a happy environment. I myself work hard but still carve out time to play. It’s sacrilegious not to give in to our urges.”
Ily didn’t say a word.
Victor sniffed. “Of course, I’m happy you’ve had a chance to pursue other interests, but it pains me that you haven’t made better progress with our jewel or looked after yourself.”
Our?
I stiffened.
He wouldn’t…would he?
Icy water shot down my back at the thought of him asking for a turn with Ily now that he was home.
When I didn’t—couldn’t—reply, he added, “What happened to the ownership levels we spoke about? Are you ever going to instil good behaviour, or do I have to do it?”
I tried to come up with an answer that would satisfy him.
I couldn’t tell him the thought of her broken scared the living shit out of me.
How was I supposed to discipline and dominate her when I wanted to keep her as vibrant and violent as possible?
You don’t.
It would be an open pass to shatter her.
Glancing at the fading shades of yellow and green on her skin, I muttered, “It took a while for her to heal.” I shrugged. “Her bruises were extensive. My bicep also took a while to knit together, and my ribs still hurt. I figured a small time of abstinence would be a good thing.” Smiling, I squeezed her knee, making her jump. “But now that you’re back, the urge to play is returning quicker than I anticipated.”
I hated that was true.
It’d been a long month of no sex.
And now…my body had a hunger growling deep within it. Heat throbbed between my legs, and my stomach twisted with other sensations, not just sickness.
“That’s because you still don’t trust yourself.” Victor clucked his tongue. “I represent the freedom you’re still not brave enough to take. Come now, Henri. I would’ve expected you to be over that little obstacle of your subconscious.” He sighed almost sadly. “I don’t like the thought of you struggling. I don’t like the idea of you being lonely all on your own. Tell you what. We will spend the evening together, just the four of us. What do you say?” He smiled kindly. “We can catch up, have a few drinks, maybe a few fucks. I’m happy to be home but I’m not in any rush to hang out with those ingrates. I’m still annoyed at them, but you…” He bowed his chin. “You—the brother of my greatest enemy—have somehow become my friend.”
My eyebrows shot up. “Your friend?”
“I know. Shocking to me too.” He chuckled. “While I was away, I had time to think, and…my conclusions took me by surprise. I thought I was beyond the need of a genuine friend. Those with that label surround me. I have many acquaintances all around the world and some in very powerful positions that enable me to live the life I do, but…” He sighed. “Until you came along, I wasn’t aware how empty those relationships were.”
I blinked.
I had nothing to say.
My mind completely shut down, unsure how to play this.
“Here.” Victor snatched the black and silver bag he’d placed by his thigh. “I bought this for you.” He tossed it in my direction.
Catching it, I cocked my head. “Been shopping while hunting, Vic?” Catching his eyes and ignoring Ily beside me, I forced myself to ask, “Where have you been? Where did you find your new jewels?”
He shrugged with a secretive smile. “I will admit business has been good. And not just in my safari for new gems. It’s been a good month all round.”
“Care to share?”
He chuckled. “Always so curious.”
I did my best to remember how to play this game. I forced a chuckle. “I think you mean nosy.”
He laughed louder. “Yes, your nose is definitely rather large.”
“It seems your guests missed you.” I forced more small talk. “I overheard them taking bets last night on how many jewels you’d return with.”
“Oh? And what figure did you wager on?”
“I didn’t.”
“Shame.” He swiped a finger over his bottom lip. “You say my guests missed me, but did you?”
“Like one misses a root canal,” Ily quipped under her breath.
She flinched as if she hadn’t meant to say anything.
Rachel made a strangled noise.
Ily’s shock coupled with my brittle mood made a half grunt, half chuckle escape my lips.
Not funny, you idiot.
Fuck.
Ily shot me a look.
Something blistering, burning passed between us.
Victor sniffed. “If you missed me that much, Ilyana, perhaps I should reward your affection with a ride, hmm?”
She sucked in a breath.
My heart stopped.
Victor didn’t move, but his smile turned sharp. “I think you both got a tad too comfortable in my absence. All work and no play equals unruly, naughty jewels.”