William’s heart thumped fiercely. He wasn’t sure what he was doing anymore, only that he didn’t want this to stop.
And Adathan was right—he hadn’t been treating him like a person. If anyone else in the world were currently sitting in his lap and grinding against him, would he be doubting the validity of their consent? No, he would not.
Would he deny how much he wanted it?
No, he would not.
“We’ve both had such a stressful day,” Adathan whispered as he rocked his hips. “I was so nervous as I watched the competition. I was worried sick I’d be at Richard’s mercy. Can you imagine how it felt?”
Anger surged through William. Before he knew it, he was wrapping his arms protectively around Adathan.
Adathan looked at him and smiled. “But you... I know you’re different.”
I’ll never hurt you, William’s heart sang fiercely as he gazed into Adathan’s mesmerizing eyes. It would become his life’s mission to make Adathan feel nothing but safety, comfort, and happiness. Now and forever. No matter what it took.
“William,” Adathan whispered, cupping William’s cheek with his most injured hand. “Show me what it’s like to be with someone who wishes me no harm.”
CHAPTER 9
Purity
The morning sun seeped through the crisp white curtains, pricking William’s bleary eyes. On the pillow next to him, a halo of gold gleamed across Adathan’s hair, framing milky skin, rosy cheeks, and a serene smile. None of it had been a dream—William still owned a person.
William watched Adathan sleep, resisting the all-consuming urge to hold him. How could a man who’d suffered so much abuse still be full of love for a world bent on breaking him? And why did he have to be the first person William felt a strong connection with in... almost forever? What did it say about him that he was developing feelings for someone who would never be allowed to leave?
He wasn’t sure what to make of that, except that there was something deeply wrong with him.
William’s heart sank. He didn’t want to step back into reality. He just wanted to sleep until the situation resolved itself.
Except it wouldn’t.
He rolled onto his back, careful not to wake Adathan. He glanced at the nightstand, a rush of nausea rising in his stomach at the sight of the lube Eden Serviteurs had included as part of Adathan’sdeluxe accessories.
Oliver would have known better. He would have found the right words to kindly turn Adathan down and make him understand that his worth wasn’t tied to what he could give. William had done the complete opposite. He’d caved in and let his attraction win.
He let out a quiet sigh and sat slowly. He took the manual from the nightstand and checked the table of contents, scanning for sex-related chapters and stupidly hoping for guidance on what to do next.
Introduction to Your Serviteur’s Sexuality
William jumped to page forty-three.
Sex is a natural part of life.
He curled his lip.
As such, Serviteurs are conditioned to match their master’s libido and preferences, making them the perfect sexual partners. Our rigorous training program ensures that they are adept at giving and receiving pleasure in all its forms. Rest assured, however, your brand-new Serviteur has never had sexual relations with another person before. Its purity is guaranteed upon delivery.
William put the manual away as Adathan stirred in his sleep, his pulse quickening at the implications. Adathan hadn’t been raped after all. But then, how had he been trained? Books? Videos? Life-size dummies?
Oliver probably knew the answer, but William didn’t have the strength to be on the receiving end of his disappointment.It would be another stressful day; he needed to preserve his energy.
Adathan let out a faint whine as William lay back down. He no longer had a serene smile on his face—his brow had furrowed, and his lips curled into a grimace. His body twitched, his breathing quickening into whimpers.
“Hey,” William whispered as he placed his hand on Adathan’s shoulder. “Hey.”
Adathan woke up with a jolt, but his breathing continued to quicken. He stared at William, his eyes wide with heartbreaking terror.
“Just a nightmare,” William said softly, struggling not to feel like the monster Adathan appeared to be seeing. “You’re safe.”
