Page 109 of Shadowman
The Ivory is wearing a pleased expression as he pulls out two cans, cracking them both open and sliding one over to me. He sits back down in his fancy desk chair, sipping from his drink, eyeing me as he does.
Swallowing a fizzy gulp myself, I rumble, “Also, let me just say, thank you so much for that… basket. It really was quite the gift.”
He beams. “I can’t imagine you’ve already finished it?”
“No, no,” I huff. “It’s enough food to last a month. But those chocolate-covered cherries… DearGod.”
He laughs softly. “I hoped you’d enjoy those.”
My smile is only partially forced. It’s not that I’m ungrateful, because surely, he doesn’tneedto give me anything. Still, I’m finding it difficult not to gawk at him like a dog walking on its hind legs.
I mean, he’s theWardenofAlabaster Penitentiary. I barely know anything about him, and he scares the panties off me. I can only imagine the things he’s done…The stuff of nightmares, I’m sure.
And yet, here he is…Smilingat me. Offering me drinks and discussing sweet treats, as if we’re old friends getting together for a long overdue lunch in between our busy schedules.
It’s bizarre, to say the least. I just can’t get a proper read on what it is hewants; why he’s plying me with gifts and inviting me up to his office to chat.
I’m an inmate here, not his pal.
What is your agenda, Mr. Ivory?
“So, how are you settling in?” he asks, leaning back in his seat. “I trust that Kent’s been accommodating when he can?”
Kent, of course, being the bloke he’s tasked with babysitting me.
He seems like a nice enough fellow. And he has a Daddy Dom vibe about him that’s rather titillating. I wonder what his official position is…
Top or bottom.
Jesting, of course. I mean his job.
I know he works directly for The Ivory… What is he, a butler? Personal security and gift basket delivery?
This place seems tragically understaffed.
“Kent is a stand-up lad,” I reply. “Of course, it’sprison… There’s a certain level of discomfort to be expected.”
He stares at me until I begin to cower.
“But I do greatly appreciate your hospitality, sir.”
The Warden’s lips curve, his eyes still lingering on my face. “What happened?”
I balk, instantly stiff. “Beg your pardon?”
“To yourmouth, Trevel.” He speaks more insistently. “You have a cut on your lip. Where is that from? Have any inmates been hassling you? If so, simply give me their names and I’ll see to it that they’re dealt with.”
My mind instantly drifts to the other night, in the basement. Though if we’re being honest, the memories haven’t gone far since it happened…
The hottest fight ever with the sexiest, broodiest, mostdeliciousfighter I can’t seem to stop thinking about.
Byron Kang.
Fucking hell… Even just hearing his name in my head has me squirming and trying to hide it.
That boy is something else…I would let him kick my ass a hundred more times if it meant feeling that mixture of wanton rage and restless desire he keeps tucked away inside his perfectlymouthwateringbody.
Remembering myself, I clear my throat. “Oh, no. Nothing like that. I… slipped in the shower. I can be a right clumsy thing sometimes.”
