Her compliment must have kick-started Regan’s mojo, because when he spoke next, that smug, velvety confidence was back. It wasn’t raw or feral, but calculating and methodical.
Some submissives like that sort of thing, but it wasn’tBryson’s style. He ignored the jealous feeling that crept up when his inner voice suggested that maybe Adria liked Regan’s style better.
“Number two, you also earned some punishments.”
Bryson would have paid his inheritance to see the look on Kaydon’s face when this yahoo threatened to punish him. “Number one, secure number three’s hands.”
Bryson’s body shook. Not from fear.
It was the war inside him, tearing him apart.
A relentless vibration thrummed beneath his skin, rage and duty colliding in his chest, each battling for control.
Seth’s touch pulled him back.
His brother stood close, holding the leather cuffs in his hand, but he didn’t move to fasten them. Despite his submissive nature, Seth wasn’t about to force him.
Bryson had to choose this.
And God, that made it so much worse.
His breath stuttered. His muscles tightened. He needed to be strong.
Because soon, this wouldn’t be Adria’s game.
It would be real.
At the auction, they would be expected to follow orders—to submit—without question.
If he broke now, what would happen to Seth? To Kaydon?
Bryson lifted his chin and gave a sharp nod.
Seth met his gaze, uncertainty flickering behind his stormy eyes, but with permission granted, he moved.
Leather wrapped against his skin, and the cuffs tightened.
Before Seth finished securing him, she appeared.
Adria.
His breath hitched. The anger inside him swelled—but so did something else.
Because for once, her face wasn’t a mask.
Her light was on.
The warm glow of it tangling with his own fire, and he couldn’t look away.
She gave Seth a quiet nod of approval, patting his shoulder before sending him away.
Then she filled the space Seth had vacated.
Her scent wrapping around him.
“You’re doing so well,” she murmured, her voice stroking against his raw edges. “Better than I thought you would.”
Her eyes searched his. Seeing too much.