Page 86 of Masked Sins
THE ENTICEMENT
Orion
I’m still smiling as I throw a black T-shirt over my head and run my hands through my wet hair. The gray sweatpants sit low on my hips, and my situation is very obvious because I didn’t bother wearing boxer briefs. Layla retweeted a picture of gray sweatpants last year that had this caption:Have you been harassed during gray sweatpants season? You might be entitled to some compensation.
So I went out and bought five pairs.
I thought messing with her as Starboy was fun, but this? Tempting her as Orion? Making her realize what she’s missing, what’s right in front of her? She has no idea what or who she’s dealing with. Online, she thinks she’s getting close to someone she can trust, someone who understands her. As Starboy, I’ve become her confidant, her secretobsession. She spills her heart out, thinking she’s safe behind the screen, completely unaware that I’m the same person standing in front of her now.
Layla’s always had this naive charm, thinking she can handle anything and anyone. But I’m a storm she can’t outrun, ashadow she can’t escape. Not seven years ago, and not now. Her composure is bound to shatter. What happened in my bathroom a few minutes ago is proof that I—Orion, her stepbrother—is her one weakness.
The jealousy.
The lingering gazes.
How long has she had feelings for me? Has she always denied them to herself, tucking them away somewhere in the back of her mind?
And why did I want to use those feelings to my advantage?
I read dark romance because I always fall for the villains. I want someone whose intentions are good, but instead of buying me flowers, he cuts off my ex’s hands. Nice guys are just that—they’renice. But I want someone who will be all-consumed by me no matter what.
You don’t become a sadistic Dominant without learning the art of manipulation, turning hearts and minds into my playthings. Layla is no different. The question is, am I willing to do this? Am I willing to draw her into my life like this? The allure, the danger, the promise of something she can’t quite grasp?
And when she realizes she’s in too deep, when she understands she’s fallen into a trap she can’t claw her way out of, it’ll be too late.
Just like my father.
I feel a twinge of guilt at that thought, but not enough to stop.
There are so many boundaries I’m willing to cross when it comes to her.
I want someone who will be all-consumed by me no matter what.
Well, Little Dancer… you got your wish.
Walking out of my bedroom, I glance at the closed door of one of my guest rooms, jaw grinding when I think of how she’s probably in the shower.
Is she obeying Starboy’sorders?
Or is she being a bad girl and touching herself?
I decide to find out.
Once I’m in the kitchen, I pull my burner phone out of my pocket and text her.
The rules still apply, even now. Remember, I’m here for you, but I need you to keep me informed if anything changes.
She doesn’t answer right away, so I start pulling ingredients out to make us a late breakfast. I assume she still loves waffles, so I pull out the waffle maker to warm up while I mix the batter. Just as I crack an egg into the bowl, a text comes through on my phone.
LittleDancer
Don’t worry. As hard as it’s been these last few days, I’m being a good girl.
I smile as I lock and pocket my phone. She’ll obey me, and it’ll just make it more entertaining for me as Orion to try to break her. Who knew I’d ever be in competition with myself in this way? Certainly not me.
I finish the batter and begin ladling it into the waffle maker. While it cooks, I pull the fresh strawberries out of my fridge and macerate them in sugar while I wait for the waffles to brown.
I’m distracted, whistling a Sleep Token song as I finish washing my hands, when I catch movement behind me.
