Page 759 of Coal Hearts

But I obeyed.

I obeyed even as that awful black hood that blocked everything out descended over my eyes and face.

I obeyed as someone took my hand and led me onto the stage.

I submitted as a nudge to my chest sent me tripping backward.

I grunted as the pain of my lashes exploded, cutting through the drugs Dr Belford gave me.

But only for a moment.

Then the pain was gone.

I sprawled backward on an overly stuffed bench.

Someone yanked my hands above my head and secured my cuffed wrists.

And then Victor’s voice feathered into my ear with a command that would kill me.

“You have five minutes to get hard, my pet. No Viagra this time. No Ilyana. Just my command. Obey, and you’ll be rewarded. Don’t, and—” He grabbed my balls and squeezed. “I’ll cut these off and eat them for my breakfast.”

Chapter Eleven

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Ily

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I FOUGHT MY COLLAR’S HOLD.

Tears streamed down my face as Victor backed away from Henri and purred, “You’re running out of minutes. I suggest you get to it. Tick-tock.”

The image of Henri with his arms splayed above his head, shackled on the cream chaise lounge placed in the centre of the stage, seared into my soul. One of his legs lay along the length of the chaise while another fell off, his foot planted heavily on the wooden floor.

His hollow belly flexed beneath his bandages and his cock...

I fought and struggled.

I sobbed and clawed.

I couldn’t take this anymore.

I couldn’t stand by and watch anymore.

I couldn’t be the reason why Henri suffered anymore.

I-I can’t do this!

“Ily...” Peter dared to speak from his position on the other side of the stage. “Don’t.”

Don’t what?

Fight?

Try to save him?

Tomorrow was Christmas, and it was too late.