Chapter 19
JOSEPH
Iwas deliberately cruel for a reason. What happened in that room shocked me.
I hated it when she walked away from me with cold indifference.
I wanted her to want me, and kissing her was the only way I could dominate her.
Prove to myself that I am in control of her.
She will desire me. I need her attention, and I hate it.
I don’t need anyone, only Su Yin, and yet Tiffany is in my house and in my life, and I must learn to live with that.
She must want to stay, which shocks me. Why do I even care?
The kiss sparked possibilities. She pretends she is immune to me, but that kiss proved otherwise. She is playing a game much the same as the one I am playing, and my next move on the board is for the king to claim the queen.
We sit in silence; it’s awkward between us, and as the car rolls to a stop outside my home, I prepare to do battle.
Spencer opens the door, and I’m certain that by the time we have consummated our marriage, the proof of our wedding will be setting the internet alight.
It will be game over for the villains who believe they have the chance of claiming what’s mine.
They will know the prize has gone and I am the victorious one.
We head inside and Mrs. Harrington is waiting with a happy smile and makes to congratulate us.
I hold up my hand.
“We will take lunch in the dining room. Perhaps you can add a bottle of champagne to mark the occasion.”
Her face falls when she notes the anger on Tiffany’s face, and her shoulders slump as she nods respectfully.
“Of course, sir, madam.”
As she turns, I waste no time in gripping Tiffany’s hand and dragging her up the stairs, perfectly prepared to sling her over my shoulder if I must.
“What are you doing?”
She is struggling to keep up with me, and I snap, “Don’t worry. I’m not about to force myself on you, if that’s what you were hoping.”
“Hoping!” Her tone is angry. “The only thing I’m hoping for is a quick death if this is my life.”
I smile to myself and can’t resist adding, “That can be arranged, princess, just say the words.”
Her shocked gasp feeds the animal inside me, and as we stop outside the black room, she catches her breath.
“I don’t understand.”
“Humor me, honey.”
I fling the door open, and as we head inside, I close it behind us, plunging the room into darkness.
“Why are we in here?”
Her voice falters, but I don’t miss the curiosity, and I tear off my jacket, discarding it in a heap on the floor. Taking a moment to breathe in deeply while savoring the aroma of peace.
“We are here because it’s a safe space for both of us.”
“Why don’t I feel safe then?”
I chuckle inside because she’s not wrong there, and as I remove my clothes, I instruct her to do the same.
“Take off everything. I promise you’re safe from me.”
“You want me to get naked?”
“Of course.”
“Why?”
“Because only then will you be able to let go of your demons.”
“I don’t understand. What the freaking hell is happening?”
I move toward her, pulling her into my arms, noticing how she flinches as my naked body presses against her fully clothed one.
“You want to know what goes on inside this room. When you experience it, you will be as addicted as I am.”
I stroke her face, my tone low and soothing. “Empty your mind, free your body of chains and relax in oblivion where nobody can hear you scream.”
“Scream?”
Her tone is husky, giving me hope, and I kiss her lightly on the lips and whisper, “I cannot build your strength until we deal with your weakness, and you will need to be strong for the journey ahead.”
“What, marriage to you?”
“Of course, but not just that. We have a job to do first, and you will face your biggest fears. You must be mentally prepared for that.”
For a second she hesitates, and then nods slowly. “Okay.” Her breath hitches as she clears her throat. “Um, okay, but no weird kinky shit. Promise me that.”
“I promise.”
She steps away and removes her clothes. Every second deliberately slow, almost as if she is changing her mind several times over.
Finally, she stands before me naked, the shadows dancing across her skin, blurring her from full view. Her eyes sparkle in the light, hesitant, afraid, and yet curious.
“Lie down on the bench.”
She does as I say, and as her back hits the wood, I lift her wrist and slip it into the restraint that lies hidden underneath.
“What are you doing?”
She makes to sit, and I push her down, effectively securing the other wrist before doing the same to her ankles.
“Relax, angel. This is liberating.”
My cock is hard because of course I want her, but this isn’t about me. It’s all about her boundaries and setting mine.
On a ledge under the bench is a blindfold, and I slip it over her eyes and whisper, “What can you see?”
“Nothing.”
She is nervous and shivering despite the warm temperature in this room, and my tone is low, husky even. “Empty your mind. Forget I am here, forget who I am. Just respond to my voice.”
I’m aware I’m no Su Yin and don’t have the tools of her trade at my disposal, but they will come later when she is ready to let the pain go.
I stroke her hair, running my fingers through the silky strands and whisper, “Tell me your name.”
“Tiffany.”
“Are you happy, Tiffany?”
“No.”
A lone tear slides from under the blindfold, and I carry on stroking her head.
“Tell me why?”
“I, I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“Because I don’t want to.”
“Don’t want to or are ashamed to.”
She says nothing and turns her head away to the side. Her chest rising and I step back, giving her a moment, not saying anything, waiting for her to come to me instead.