Chapter Three #2
I pull my head back, wincing as I nearly tug out the hair still wrapped around his finger, and glare up at him. “I see you still have a sick sense of humor.”
“If I knew you were innocent, I’d have never put you in that cell or harmed you, Scarlett. You know that.”
“What I know is that I begged and pleaded, tried to tell you the truth, which only resulted in you hurting me.”
He wraps his fingers around my neck. The pressure is minimal, but the warning is clear, and the gesture plasters my attention to him. “I want to see if you remember anything from our time together.”
“Monster,” I breathe, shaking my head. “I remember everything. The drowning. The stabbing. The helplessness, the fear—”
“The pleasure. The connection. If you remember everything, I have to assume you remember that, as well.” Irritation bleeds through his tone.
“Those are figments of your imagination, not reality,” I respond harshly.
“Then explain to me why you woke me up with your sweet pussy rubbing over my cock. Help me understand that interlude, Scarlett, if there was no connection.”
His words are like a slap to my face. That’s one instance I have tried and failed desperately to forget. I’ve gone over my decision, my impulse, countless times… and only come to one conclusion.
“I knew I could never have sex again after what you did to me. I also knew I was going to kill you that day. I figured I might as well know what it felt like to choose, just once, before I either forfeited my life or got away.” I inhale a shuddering breath.
“I wanted to want it, if only a single time.”
“But you didn’t kill me,” Monster counters. “Which is why you failed to permanently escape me.” He strokes over my hair again, not reacting when I once again flinch. “Why?”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” I say harshly. “It’s not because I cared about you. It’s because I cared about me. Because killing you, after what you proclaimed, would’ve turned me into my father.”
I seal my lips as soon as the words are out. I always avoided telling Monster about myself; I kept my life and my past thoroughly shielded from him. As much as I could, anyway—I did let slip that I had a brother.
“Hmm,” Monster says. “How old were you when your father killed your mother?”
I don’t respond.
“I suppose you don’t have to tell me right now.
” His grip on my neck loosens, and he gently strokes his thumb over my pulse.
The dichotomy between his gentle touches and harsh, cruel words is dizzying.
The fact that I couldn’t end this once and for all is devastating.
I’m a ball of roiling, tumultuous emotions—I want to kill Monster, or kill myself. Anything to end this.
“Back to the matter at hand. I can leave your cat here or drop him off at an animal shelter nearby… or I can bring him with us. I imagine he’ll be a comfort while you and I get reacquainted.
” He fists my hair and angles my head back, forcing me to meet his eyes.
They’re hardened with resolve and challenge. “Would you like that, Flower?”
To have a slice of comfort in the coming storm… yes. I’d give anything to have that. But I don’t trust that Monster won’t hurt Lucifer. Not when he hurts everything he touches.
He must sense the direction of my thoughts, because he says, “I’ll give the cat to Max. You might not trust me, but I’m sure he’ll give you his word that he’d never harm an animal. Would that be sufficient?”
It’s a risk, but… it’s a risk I’m willing to take.
I’ll be devastated beyond the point of no return if Luci gets hurt because of me, because he’s not just my best friend—he’s a symbol of the progress I’ve made.
He’s unconditional love and hope. But if I can trust he’s safe with Max, yes, I’ll take that. Any opportunity to see him.
I nod, and Monster smiles. It’s not a kind smile; it’s malicious and eager, as if he can’t wait for what comes next.
“Good. You’ll have to earn it. You understand that, yes?”
“Do whatever it is you’ll do.” I swallow. “You made me see just how high my pain tolerance is in that cell.”
“Sweet, precious Scarlett,” Monster says softly.
He strokes his thumb over my cheek. “You won’t get off that easily.
I’ll still stick to my word; I will not hurt you physically, ever again.
Ever. Again. But I’d like to see what you remember from our time together.
I’m going to have lots of fun exploring your body, so I think it’s only fair if I give you the same opportunity.
” He releases me and leans back. “Undo my pants.”
I squeeze my eyes shut for several moments.
I know I have to do this—I don’t have another choice, not if I want a slice of comfort in the misery I’m about to be thrown into.
My hands shake as I open my eyes and reach for his belt.
I slowly undo it, trying to hold back the tears that threaten to start falling again.
“Take out my cock,” Monster says once his boxers are exposed.
Nausea turns my stomach as I comply with his cruel command.
“Good.” He slides a hand into my hair, cupping the base of my skull.
“Remember the night when I had you on your knees in front of me, with a vibrator in your pussy and your mouth on my cock? You learned exactly what I enjoyed… and I realized that you’re a phenomenally fast learner when motivated.
Now, I didn’t have the foresight to bring toys—I was rather preoccupied with getting to you—but nevertheless, I want you to wrap those gorgeous lips around my cock and make me come. ”