Page 53 of His Dark Cravings

But then, as quickly as it started, it's over. Xavier steps away, and the cold air hits my overheated skin. I shiver, my body feeling heavy, my mind spinning.

"Get up," he commands, his voice harsh.

I struggle to my knees, the cuffs biting into my skin, his come sliding down my back. I feel him behind me, jiggling the cuffs until they spring free, and I immediately rub my wrists, still coming down from the orgasm.

"Take off the blindfold," he says, his tone brooking no argument.

I reach up, my hands shaking, and pull the blindfold off. The dungeon comes into focus, the light harsh after the darkness of the blindfold.

When I look around, Xavier is standing a few feet away, his chest rising and falling as he catches his breath. His eyes are dark, angry.

"You came without permission," he says coldly.

I flinch, the words landing like a slap. "I—"

"You know the rules, Everly," he interrupts, his gaze hardening. "You broke them."

I lower my eyes, shame washing over me. "I know."

"And what do you think should be done about that?"

I bite my lip, my mind racing. "I-I don't know."

"You don't know?" He steps closer, his eyes narrowing. "You disobeyed me, Everly. There are consequences for that."

I swallow, my throat dry. "I'm sorry," I whisper, hating the weakness in my voice. "I'll do better."

He shakes his head, a muscle ticking in his jaw. "Not good enough."

I flinch, my heart pounding. "What—what do you want from me?"

"I want your submission," he says. "Your complete submission. But you're holding back. Why?"

The last word is a demand, but I have nothing to say.

"What are you holding onto? What do you think you're fighting for?"

I know the answers to his questions, but there's nothing he can do to get me to say it right now. This is all so wrong. I can still feel him inside me, his come marking me, and yet—

"Everly!" Xavier suddenly yells. "I'm talking to you! You really don't get it, do you?" He runs a hand over his face, the frustration radiating off of him. "Fine! You want me to fucking show you? Get yourself cleaned up."

"Xavier—"

"Now!" he roars.

Fuck. Now I've done it.

Chapter 17

Everly

The hum of the engine is the only sound in the oppressive stillness of the car. Xavier’s stoic profile is illuminated faintly by the passing city lights, his face tight with anger. My fingers twist in my lap, anxiety gnawing at my stomach like a relentless creature.

Where is he taking me?

The night stretches endlessly outside, a vast black canvas dotted with occasional streetlights that flicker by like fireflies in the darkness.

As the car turns a corner, the Ravenwood bursts into view, its grandeur and lights a beacon in the gloomy night. The casino’s exterior gleams with opulence, inviting and intimidating all at once. My breath hitches as I sit up straight, confusion and trepidation swirling in my chest.

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