“So, seeing as I guarantee to uphold my end of the bargain, how about you indulge me in a simple question?” Looking around Master A, Mr. Prest caught my gaze. “Tell me.”

Shit!

I’d looked up, forgetting myself.

The moment we made eye contact, my breath evaporated, and every vein attached to my heart popped free like a hose, spraying heated blood in scattered rivers in my chest.

“Tell me how she hurt her hand.” His jaw hardened, his eyes like onyx gemstones, far more priceless than any penny he could give. “Lie to me about why she’s black and fucking blue.”

His rage grew until his face darkened and forehead furrowed into furious lines.

He intoxicated me.

His fury was a hot blanket, reminding me briefly what it was like to be looked at with worth rather than bankruptcy.

My chin tilted higher, my mouth parted as we stared and stared.

He licked his lips as something unspoken and unrecognised arched from his body to mine. I had no choice but to let its corrupting electricity spark through my veins before shattering from my chest back to him.

The longer we watched, the thicker the connection grew until every cell hummed for something bigger than me, something stronger, scarier, safer than I’d ever been given.

Look away…

Look away!

I’d stared too long. I’d jeopardised my pain for too little.

My neck argued as I forced my eyes to drop.

It was as hard as pulling out a fingernail, but I did it.

Just in time, as Master A swivelled on the spot, glowering at me meek and behaving behind him. “Her hand? It’s nothing. Like I said, she did it to herself.”

I would never do such a thing…

“How?” Mr. Prest’s bark was sharp and snappy.

Stupid man. You’ll never get the truth. Leave before you make me slip again.

Staring at him had somehow overridden my hatred for what I’d endured, removed my blame off his shoulders, and begged him to stay.

He was the only one with unique power over Master A. What could I do to make him free me rather than destroy me?

Master A sneered. “She fell down the stairs.”

Seriously?

God, what a cliché.

I didn’t move, waiting for Mr. Prest’s follow-up question. How did she fall? What did you do? Why should I believe your lies?

Only, there were none.

Slowly, he grunted in understanding, and that was it.

Moving around the couch, Mr. Prest balled his hands. “In that case, our deal is complete.”

What? No!

How dare he prickle with questions he already knew the answers to?

Damn you. Curse you!

Leave! And never come back!

I trembled on the floor. Filling with rage so thick and violent, I bit my tongue.

Master A laughed, instantly relaxing, sensing victory while I wallowed in defeat. “Excellent.” Striding forward, he held out his hand. “You’ll get in touch in eight months once delivery can be made?”

“That’s right.” Mr. Prest accepted the handshake, his eyes carrying the weight of Hades and heaven as he looked at me, lingering on my dress-hidden body.

I managed to keep my gaze downcast even as my mind filled with curses and slurs at his awful sport. He’d made me think he felt whatever it was that sprouted between us. He made me believe I was worth someone’s piqued attention.

Stupid, Pim.

Stupid, stupid, stupid!

He felt nothing.

Nothing!

My vision turned glassy as furious tears came unbidden. I wanted this entire thing forgotten. Master A was right. I had wanted Mr. Prest more than I wanted my owner—not sexually, not emotionally, hell, I didn’t know how I wanted him.

But I had.

And now, I was cured. I knew my place. I would never be allowed to stray from it.

Sighing with all the disappointment and despair I had left, I hugged myself, resting my forehead on my knees.

I didn’t care anymore.

I just wanted to be alone.

Mr. Prest’s regal, deep voice tore through my depression. “Does she still have my jacket?”

Yes.

And you can’t have it back.

Because I’m going to burn it while thinking of you.

Master A nodded. “She does. She’ll fetch it if you want.”

I huddled deeper into my crouch.

Don’t make me, you bastard. That’s mine to do whatever the hell I want with.

“No. It was a gift.” Running a hand over his chin, Mr. Prest added quietly, “However, before this deal is one hundred percent concluded, I have an extra term to add.”

Master A didn’t tense, believing it was something he would willingly agree to. He thought he’d won. “Oh?”

I knew better.

My spine stiffened as I stopped breathing…waiting.

Mr. Prest chuckled under his breath, dragging out the anticipation. “This clause should be easy for you. Something you will have no problem with seeing as you offered such a thing when I was last here.”

No.

I dared look up, my head rising while the rest of my body sank deeper into the icy tiles.

Don’t.

“I did?” Master A asked.

Stop.

Mr. Prest made eye contact with me, knowing full well I knew what he was about to request. I had no say in this. I would have to obey, and by obeying, I would kill myself.

Why did that terrify me so?

I’d spent the past few days thinking about his death, my death, everyone’s death.

I should be glad knowing that after tonight, Master A would kill me himself. I just had to hope it was quick rather than drawn out and agonising.