Page 21 of Chandelier Sin
I moved closer, close enough to inhale his cologne, reminding me of all the things I could never have. The truest passion, the truest satisfaction, and maybe, just maybe, my freedom.
“What do you do?” I asked. “For work?”
He gave a thin smile. “Why?
“I want to know if you have the skills to survive.”
“That’s pleasant.”
I drew in a sharp breath. “I can find out.”
“Then find out.”
“You’re sure of yourself, aren’t you?” I replied bitterly.
“Your cunt will be mine at some point, Eve. It’s inevitable. Give it up now and let’s find a room.”
“You’re despicable.”
“Let’s stop pretending you’re not willing to fall at my feet and beg for it.”
A jolt of electricity shot through me like a lightning bolt.
“Good girl.” His snarl turned into a smile.
“What?”
“You’re showing your natural hair color. As I ordered.”
My eyes went heavy with his addictive taunting, and I shuddered at the rush.
Atticus leaned in and whispered, “I would have you so immersed in pleasure you’d forget what day it is.”
It made my teeth clinch, the idea of it. The idea of him doing things…
Satisfaction flashed in his gaze.
I hated that he saw through me.
“You’re no one,” I snapped. “And I didn’t seek you out. I merely wanted a decent drink. Unlike that overpriced liquor you consume to drown out how much you hate yourself.”
Atticus’ expression became unreadable.
It was my turn to feel smug. I’d hurt him.
Even though it stungme.
“Your husband didn’t share his Dom Pérignonwith you?” he said flatly. “I can take a guess why.” He fixed his gaze on me. “Because he poured it over a few submissives’ titsbeforehe fucked them. Didn’t even consider you.”
His words rang true.
Atticus saw the truth even from where he stood. There was only one reason for it; he was no different than my husband. Aemon’s words from a decade ago had burrowed deep into my soul and still lived there.“You’re nothing more than chattel.”
Atticus blinked as though sensing my pain.
I despised his insight.
“Turn back before it’s too late,” I said, and then walked away from him.
