25. Lily
Lily
The bed rocks violently, each thrust sending a jolt through the frame, rattling the headboard where my wrists are bound.
The air is thick, oppressive, heavy with the scent of sweat and sex. Her moans rise and fall, breathy and eager, weaving through the guttural grunts he makes as he takes his pleasure.
The rhythmic motion is relentless, each creak of the mattress springs scraping against my nerves like nails on glass. The sheets rustle, bodies shifting, and the damp heat of their exertion clings to my skin like an unwelcome touch.
I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to will myself away. But the bed jerks again, dragging me back into the present, my stomach lurching with every thump.
His low, satisfied chuckle reaches me, curling in my gut like sickness. The sound of skin slapping against skin drowns out my own ragged breaths, the cuffs biting into my wrists with each bang.
I want to disappear. I close my eyes, but I can’t block out the sounds or sensations.
When it’s finally over, I hear the rustle of clothing and soft giggles. Damian’s voice is smooth as silk as he guides her to the door. Then, the click of her heels fades down the hallway before the oak frame closes with finality.
“Look at me,” Damian commands as he returns.
I turn my head slowly. He’s already immaculate again, not a hair out of place. Only the flush on his neck betrays what just happened.
“What’s wrong?” He asks, mouth curving into that familiar smirk. “You used to love performing for an audience yourself,” he says, straightening his cuffs. “Remember that night at the Thompson’s party?”
The memory makes bile rise in my throat. “You mean when you made me give a private show to you and your friends?” The words taste like ash in my mouth.
“When I showed the world what was mine.” His voice drops, thick with arrogance. “Before you got these ridiculous ideas about independence.”
He shifts closer, the air between us suffocating.
“See, Lily, this little show was about reminding you who you are. You’re not some untouchable, Haven princess.
You’re mine. A puppet I can use and discard at my leisure.
” His fingers tighten around my throat as his eyes darken.
He presses me back, pinning me against the wall.
“You only exist in this world because I allow it.”
Something in me snaps. I gather what little moisture is left in my mouth and spit directly in his face. The glob lands just above his upper lip, and for a moment, his perfect composure cracks.
The backhand comes so fast I barely see it. My cheek explodes with pain as my head snaps to the side. He pulls out a silk handkerchief, deliberately wiping his face before tossing it in the trash.
“Still so spirited.” His voice is eerily calm. “We’ll work on that.”
I force myself to swallow my rage. To think. If I’m going to survive this, I need him to lower his guard.
“I’m sorry,” I whisper, making my voice small. “I just… I got scared.”
His expression shifts subtly. “Really?”
“Yes.” I let my lip tremble. “Everything’s so confusing. Maybe… maybe you’re right. Maybe I did love it.”
He studies me for a long moment. “You think I’m stupid enough to believe this sudden change of heart?”
“No, I—”
“But,” he cuts me off, “it’s a step in the right direction.” His fingers trace my stinging cheek. “Obedience doesn’t require sincerity, precious. Just compliance.”
He moves to the closet, pulling out a silk nightgown. “You should shower before bed. Everything you need is in the bathroom.” His smile is predatory.
I glance at the bathroom door, a flicker of hope sparkling in my eyes.
“Don’t bother trying to escape. We’re on the top floor, the main door is fingerprint-locked, and the walls are soundproofed. Your phone is in my safe, and there’s nothing in reach that could serve as a weapon. Not that anything other than a gun would help,” he adds with a chuckle.
“You’ve thought of everything,” I say, unable to keep the bitterness from my voice.
“I always do.” He reaches into his pocket, pulling out a small, gleaming key.
He twirls it between his fingers before unshackling the cuff from the bed.
“Be good tonight, and maybe tomorrow I’ll let you roam free in the penthouse…
we’ll start with the basics—you’ll sleep in my bed without giving me an attitude. ”
My stomach churns, my eyes widening in apprehension.
“Don’t worry,” he purrs, dragging a lazy finger down my arm. “I’m satisfied. For now.”
Then his voice dips lower, the amusement bleeding into something colder. “Though maybe I’ll change my mind. Maybe I’ll decide to wake you during the night and remind you what it means to be mine.”
I fight every instinct to break down. I force my muscles still, my face blank.
My only response is a stiff nod.
His smile widens as he steps closer.
My chest starts heaving.
Is he going to—
Instead, he unlocks the cuff on my wrist with a quiet click.
“There,” he murmurs, rubbing the indentation left on my skin. “Now, you look parched. Go drink something and shower.” He nods toward the bathroom. “Don’t make me wait too long.”