Page 21 of House of Crimson Cloak and Silver Teeth

Reality crashes back.

I’m still bound and blindfolded, completely at his mercy. He’s not letting me go.

“You came twice,” he observes. “That’s impressive.”

“Fuck you.”

“Maybe later.” He adjusts my pants, pulling them up and lacing them loosely. “Right now I’m going to get you some water.”

Water sounds good. My throat is dry, my voice wrecked.

I hear him step back. The sound of water pouring and cloth against skin. He’s cleaning himself up.

Footsteps move toward the door.

“The blindfold,” I say quickly. “At least take off the blindfold.”

Silence blankets us for a heartbeat. Then I hear footsteps approaching again. His fingers touch the fabric. I think he’s going to untie it.

Instead he tightens the knot.

“Not yet,” he says quietly. “I like you like this.”

The door opens then closes.

I’m alone in the dark.

Pain radiates through my shoulders from holding my weight for so long. The iron bites into my wrists, raw and burning. But the rest of me feels wrung out and used.

I’m confused about everything that just happened.

I hang there in the silence, heart still pounding.

And I wait for him to come back.

Chapter Three

Acup touches my lips. “Drink.”

It could be poisoned or drugged. But I’m already chained and helpless, so what difference does it make?

I drink.

It’s just plain water, cool and clean. It helps clear the last fog from my head.

“Thank you,” I say, and hate myself for the politeness. The bastard had his hand wrapped around my cock minutes ago and jerked me off until I came.

“You’re welcome.” He sets the cup aside with a gentle clink. “Now. Let’s try again. Who sent you?”

“I can’t say.” I pull against the chains reflexively, testing them again.

He goes quiet. I sense his eyes on me, measuring every breath I take. Cold air brushes across my bare skin. I try not to think about the humiliating position I’m in, chest bare from where he tore my suit open, breeches hanging loose on my hips. Every inch of me feels on display.

“You said my life isn’t in danger from you.” His tone turns thoughtful. “So what kind of contract involves following someone for days without making contact?”

I hesitate. There’s no real harm in this admission. “I was telling you the truth. I’m here to protect you.”

“Protect?” He actually sounds surprised. The word cuts off like he can’t quite believe it. “Someone hired the guild to protect me? That’s... unexpected. And insulting, honestly. I’ve won seventeen Tavas tournaments. I command the Valorian. I don’t need protection.”