"Shit, they're here," I gasp, reaching behind me to grasp his arm, still clinging to the desperate hope that he might help me escape.
Ryder's laugh cuts through my panic—low and amused, nothing like the concerned tone he'd used minutes earlier. His hands clamp down on my shoulders, holding me firmly in place.
"You were so gullible," he says, voice dripping with mock sweetness. "Did you really think I was the good guy in this story?"
The crush of betrayal hits me like a physical blow. Stupid. So stupid to have trusted him. I should’ve known better—a lifetime with my father should’ve taught me that men with charming smiles are the most dangerous kind.
“You son of a bitch,” I spit at Ryder, managing to twist from his grasp and turn to glare at him.
His eyes spark with excitement at my anger, which only infuriates me more. This is a game to him. To all of them.
Dominic steps forward, prowling toward me with deliberate, unhurried movements. His dark eyes never leave mine, tracking every micro-expression on my face.
“I think it’s time we stop playing, don’t you?” His voice drops lower, rougher. “Let’s have some real fun now.”
I back up until I hit something solid—the edge of a massive bed. “Go to hell.”
A smile spreads across Dominic’s face, slow and predatory. “Already there, baby. Might as well enjoy it.”
Before I can react, Liam’s hands clamp around my wrists from behind, yanking my arms back and holding them firmly at the small of my back. His chest presses against my shoulder blades, his breath hot against my neck.
“Careful with that mouth,” Liam murmurs, his lips brushing my ear. “Unless you’re offering to put it to better use.”
I struggle against his grip, but he’s surprisingly strong. “Let me go!”
Dominic continues his approach until he stands directly in front of me, close enough that I can smell his cologne—something woody and expensive. He reaches up, brushing a strand of hair from my face with mock tenderness.
“Your father should have taught you better manners,” he says.
I jerk my head away from his touch. “Don’t talk about my father.”
Across the room, Ryder leans against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, watching the scene unfold with obvious pleasure. I hate that I believed him, trusted him. His betrayal stings worse than the others because I’d let myself hope, however briefly.
“Enjoying the show you orchestrated?” I call out to him, trying to mask my hurt with venom.
Ryder smiles, not bothering to respond.
Dominic steps closer as Liam’s grip on my wrists tightens. I glare defiantly at Dominic, refusing to show fear despite my racing heart.
“Here’s what’s going to happen,” Dominic says, his voice dropping to that commanding tone that sends unwanted shivers down my spine. “Liam will hold you, but he won’t support your weight. I want to see how long the mayor’s precious daughter can stand on her own two feet.”
From a nearby table, he retrieves two items—a sleek black vibrator and a leather flogger with multiple tails. My stomach drops.
“What the hell is that for?” I demand, trying to mask my fear with anger.
Dominic’s smile is terrifying in its calmness. “Pleasure and pain, Cora. The oldest combination in the world.” He traces the flogger tails along my cheek. “Let’s see what breaks you first.”
Liam adjusts his grip, holding my wrists firmly but, as promised, providing no support for my body. Dominic circles behind me, and I flinch when the first strike of the flogger lands across my upper thighs. The pain is sharp but quickly blooms into heat.
“Count,” he commands.
“Go fuck yourself,” I spit back.
The next strike is harder. I bite my lip to keep from crying out.
“We can do this all night,” Dominic says. “Count.”
“One,” I finally whisper, hating myself for complying.
