I unplugged the hairdryer and wrapped the cable neatly around the handle, my movements were careful. I placed it back in the drawer and closed it softly, as if noise itself might provoke something. I stood there for a moment longer than necessary, drawing in a slow breath, steadying myself.
Then I turned and moved toward the bed, keeping my eyes lowered.
I climbed up onto the mattress, folding my knees beneath me, settling into the position without being told. Waiting.
There was no shame left in me. No fight, either.
It was easier this way—to let the current carry me forward rather than be torn apart by it.
And I stayed very still.
“Do you know before you came along what we missed the most?”
Rowan’s voice cut through the silence.
I glanced up.
That was when I saw the two black loops fastened to the silver pole at the top of the headboard. Too high. The straps too short for my hands.
“Ella?”
I forced myself to look away.
That was all Alec.
I shook my head once.
“We were sick to death of condoms,” Rowan continued evenly.“So tonight, as a little celebration, we’d like to focus on that pretty tight little cunt of yours.”
“You can take the day off tomorrow,” Alec added as he moved beside me, fingers hooking under my strap and tugging it down. He pressed a kiss to my shoulder.“To recover.”
And there it was.
I nodded—but the motion was more for myself than for them.
I could handle this.
Then my eyes landed on Nick.
My breath caught halfway in.
His eyes were hyper-focused.
On me.
He didn't move.
Didn't blink.
It was much worse.
He smiled.
Alec’s hand rested on my throat before he brushed my hair over my shoulder, deliberately distracting me. Rowan shifted in front of me and began to peel the lace down. Alec’s lips grazed my nape. Rowan bared me to my belly, then hauled me against his naked chest and laid me back on top of him.
“Take it off,” he murmured.
Someone tugged the soft material down my body, stripping me of the nightdress.
