I was covered head to toe in soot and grime, so the idea of bathing didn’t bother me. It was almost felt like he gave me what I needed—indirectly, of course—while pretending it was punishment.
Was I crazy for thinking how the Dark One handled me was…strange?
He wanted me to bathe.
Not scream. Not beg.Bathe.
Did he honestly expect that getting naked in front of someone who couldn’t evenfeeldesire would scare me?
Of all the terrible, twisted things he could do, he wanted me to take a bath. In front of him.
A giddy sensation bubbled in my chest, and I had to bite the inside of my cheek to suppress the grin that tried to break free. Suddenly, Iwantedto tease the monster. Everything that spilled from his mouth was absurd—especially when he made it sound like I was some kind of hideous thing.
I didn’t need praise from anyone to know my worth. But the idea of making animpotentdevil squirm? That had its own kind of appeal.
No matter what he said, his actions never matched his words.
He called me repulsive—but touched me constantly.
He claimed to despise me—but wrapped me in his arms, watched over me, protected me.
His punishments? His tail. His eyes on me. His breath on my neck.
Every so-called consequence was just another excuse to get closer.
So fine.
I’d give him exactly what he asked for.
And I’d make sure he realized the power hegaveme.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Kara
It was showtime.
I unhooked my bra and let it fall to the floor. Cool air hit my chest, and my nipples pebbled instantly. The burns had faded to a tender pink. I cupped my left breast, squeezing gently as I met the Dark One’s stare.
His shoulders dropped slightly. It was obvious he was watching. Devouring.
I searched for his tail. I’d learned that thing was the most honest part of him, writhing and twitching when his voice and face betrayed nothing. But I didn’t see it. Not even a flicker. That appendage was massive. There was no way it could easily hide.
“You hid your tail,” I murmured, lowering my hand. So, he’d changed his appearance again.For me?Had he altered himself because I once said I hated it?
Interesting.
He leaned forward. “Do you need help undressing?”
Ah. So, he wouldn’t address it.
Fine.
I turned around slowly, giving him my back—and the perfect view. My fingers slipped beneath the edge of my panties. I tugged them down, shaking my hips for good measure. When I bent over to step out of them, I knew exactly what I was offering him: a full view of my ass and the tease of more.
The chair creaked behind me.
Peeking between my legs, I ran my palms down the backs of my thighs and watched him.
