“You are my business, whether you like it or not. And if I want to throw all four of those boys into a torture chamber, I will.”
My body goes still at the threat. Anger coats my skin like a blanket. He’s every bit the asshole I was warned about.
“Sir. There’s an urgent matter that requires your immediate attention.” A sickly thin looking demon says, sweat pouring off his green face. He looks like you could snap his spine in half with just a hug and radiates a palpable anxiousness.
“We will continue this conversation later.” He says, pushing back from the table and throwing his napkin onto the table.
“Forget it. I heard you loud and clear.”
I watch as he leaves the room, feeling off kilter. I never could relate to my friends when they would complain about what a douche their dads were, but I definitely could now. He’s not going to keep Pierce, or any of my guys from me. And he won’t be using me for whatever plans he was cooking up. I would make sure of it.
* * *
I waituntil everyone seems caught up in their daily chores to slip out, too entranced in their dusting to notice me. I retrace the same steps that I took yesterday down into the dungeons. The way is full of twists and turns, but I made sure to memorize every single one when I was taken through this way to see Pierce. I have only a short period of time before someone notices I’m missing. My heart races up into my throat at the possibility of getting caught as sweat gathers on my palms. I look over my shoulder, my breathing erratic sure that I’ll be caught. I could feign ignorance, being new to the castle it’s plausible I would end up lost. It’s not like I’ve had a grand tour of the place. Usually, I’m much braver than I’m feeling right now, but with the uncertainty of how Hades could react and the recent disappearance of my magic, my gumption is feeling far lower than I’ve ever felt. I hate how vulnerable I am. I dig deep to find a shred of the girl I know myself to be, using that to make my feet continue down this treacherous dungeon path.
I peek my head around one of the corners and snap it back immediately, clocking the two formidable guards patrolling the area. I don’t think they saw me.
“You’ve got it wrong. She clearly said she’d seemelater. I saw the way her eyes twinkled.”
“Well, she winked atme,obviously addressing me.”
“You calling me a liar?”
I chance another peek, noticing that they’re facing each other in a standoff, chest plate pressed against chest plate. My heart thrums wildly as I decide to make a go for it. I move quickly, dodging their gaze as they come to blows. Even demon men get so distracted by their cocks I chuckle to myself, staying close to the wall. The sounds of their fighting echo along the walls, metal on metal getting quieter the further I go. As I continue my descent, distant cries of torture assault my ears. My heart plummets into my stomach, hoping that I’m not listening to the sounds of Pierce. I just hope he’s in his cell when I get there, or this will all be for nothing.
I finally reach the wing that holds Pierce’s cell and clock the keys hanging on the wall behind some guards. I’m tucked into the shadows, hiding from their line of vision, hoping that I have luck on my side. Getting down here was easy. Almost too easy. I have a feeling getting out will be a whole other story.
CHAPTER20
Chapter Twenty
PIERCE
SONG:HOLDING OUT FOR A HERO BY NOTHING BUT THIEVES
Blood drips down my flayed open back. The only thing getting me through this torture is knowing that Salem is here. Having her pressed against me just a handful of hours ago renews my spirit, no matter how much they try and wrench it from me. I can hold on a little longer with the hope of her before me. Seeing her in this space ignited an ember inside me that had long gone out.
The whip careens down onto my sliced up back, making me feel like nothing more than grated meat. I bite back the scream that’s lodged in my throat as tears leak from my eyes. “Had enough, Ledger?” The voice of Pride asks from behind. I’ve lost count of how many lashes I’ve endured this session. He seems to be relishing every single one more than the other days he’s been here to dish out my torture sessions. I miss the lull in time when I didn’t see him for days before he’d yanked me out of my cell one day. The girl who’d been coming to bring my food and water, nowhere to be seen. I wondered what lies he’d spun to end up here. My words against his. Obviously, my testimony I gave held no sway, and now I was stuck here until they let me go or my body gave out. I was betting the later would happen first.
“I should tell our girl all about how well you take your punishment. She quite enjoyed our time together last night.”
“Shut up.” Blood spits out of my mouth.
He chuckles darkly. “She tastes so sweet when she orgasms.” I writhe against my chains, pushing down the pain it takes to move, wishing I could clock him across the face. “You’re so easily manipulated. The both of you.” Another lash comes hacking down into my flesh making me wail. This endless torment day in and day out cannot be endured, and yet here I am refusing to break.
“Hades wants you punished for what you did. Ironic isn’t it, when it’s my fault you had to do any of the things you did. Trying to get rid of me.” He whips me again. “I’ll tell you a secret.” He crouches down, his dank breath wafts across my face. “You can’t get rid of me that easily. Many have come before you and failed. Better, more experienced men than you.” He stands up stretching his arms. “I’m tired of this whipping, perhaps we should start peeling your nails from you one by one. It’ll bring a new meaning to the word, ‘toe-curling’.” He lifts what looks like a pair of rusty pliers, opening and closing them in front of my face. “Maybe I’ll use these to twist your balls off so you can’t make any little Ledger babies. Won’t that just break Papa Douchebag’s heart? That legacy you’re so intent on preserving for him, cut off with one hard twist.” He demonstrates the twist in front of my eyes, his face wild with glee at how he’s affecting me.
My body tenses, wanting to shield myself. He can do anything he wants to me. I’m the epitome of vulnerable before him. Naked, and chained upright with my arms and legs spread wide. Dick and balls prime for the taking if he wanted to and I can’t do anything about it.
A knock comes at the door and a beautiful woman adorned in a dress made of black jewels sweeps in, clocking my nude form with disinterest. I’ve never felt more emasculated in my life. Not a shred of pride left.
“Hecate, how can I help you?” Pride takes a sweeping bow, pliers still in hand.
“You’re needed above. Leave me with this prisoner. I’ll make sure he gets back to his cell.” Her blonde hair is curled in perfect ringlets that sway as she talks.
Pride hesitates for a moment before discarding his tools of torture leaving with one last look back at me, angered to be interrupted of his fun. He reluctantly hands her the keys to which she twirls around her fingers, red nail polish gleaming in the flickering candlelight. “Did they say what they need me for?” He asks hesitating in the open doorway, leaning against the frame.
“I didn’t ask, but I would hurry if I were you. They seemed upset.” Her commanding presence must motivate him into listening because he doesn’t push the issue further, leaving the room in a huff.
