Page 158 of Chandelier Sin
I looked up at him but refused to take his hands in mine. “Let me go.”
“Not yet.”
“If you can’t see how despicable this—”
“I imagine you won’t defy me again. Actions have consequences.”
“That’s what this is?”About Ben.I swallowed hard. “I told you how sorry I was.”
“This is how we ensure you remember.”
I pleaded for mercy with my eyes.
“You’ve been elusive,” he said. “Inattentive. Distracted.”
Because of Atticus, the man who’d swept me up into his life, and now no part of me wanted to leave behind that delicious delusion that we could be more.
“What kind of man does this to someone he’s meant to care about?”
“No one gets to fuck around without facing the punishment,” snapped Aemon.
“I’m your wife.”
“If I break Pendulum’s law what will that say about me?”
“Law?”
“The rules are there to protect members.”
“You’re enjoying this,” I bit out.
“You belong to me. Yet here I am sharing you. My pledge to Pendulum is proven in the quiet moments.”
Studying his eyes, I saw the lie, saw his lust for seeing me violated.
“You can stop this,” I pleaded.
“You’ll enjoy this,” he snarled. “You know you will.”
If this was the cost for trying to save his life, so be it. Ben lost that battle and all this time I’d believed I’d gotten away with my scheming. My attempt to reach out to the only person in my life I’d ever loved:her.
“I refuse to play your filthy games,” I muttered.
“Don’t make a scene.”
Or worse might happen.
With my hands trembling, I glanced over at the long table filled with instruments, tools made ready. They’d been chosen by him, perhaps, or Jewel, but what did it matter?
There was no escape.
This was his way of convincing me that what I’d done had not been forgiven. He’d been fond of Ben. The man was useful.
I’d taken him away.
A haunting piano piece rose out of hidden speakers.
I glared up at him. “Do you do this to our submissives? Force them into doing things against their will?”
