“I always manage to get what I want. This time it might mean I have to reach out and take what I need, but that might only be more satisfying.” He dropped down on the gold satin tufted couch and crossed his ankles on the matching hassock. “And you’re being very disrespectful of my beautiful castle. I spent two years having it built to my exact specifications. Even Reardon is impressed by it. He once offered to buy it for an enormous amount, but I couldn’t bear to let it go. It was worth it to me just to know I had something that he wanted.” He glanced around the suite. “But you’re right, it does resemble a harem in both appearance and purpose. I intended it to have this exotic Arabic ambience. Using it to keep you locked up and secure is only an additional advantage. I have three suites like this that I use once a year to entertain very important guests who are allowed to sample sexual partners of every description. You can see the locks are necessary. Naturally, one would want to make sure the women and men brought here for that service were confined and available at all times. Of course, the races are the most important entertainment to be provided, but for some people sexual stimulation seems to add to the pleasure.”

“I’m sure you’re among them,” she said jerkily. “I remember Jeanne Palsan.”

“And others,” he said softly. “I knew you hated knowing what I was doing to those students. It made the pleasure all the more exciting for me. It was a game I enjoyed.” His lips thinned. “Until you spoiled it for me. You believe you’ve not only beaten me but made a fool of me. I have to change that. You have to learn that if I choose, I could let you be used as one of the whores who occupy this suite.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “Yes, I suppose you could do that. But you told me it would be counterproductive.”

“And it might be. But I might not be able to resist. You’ve made me very angry. I’ll have to see what method of control I should use on you. Let’s see…” He tilted his head. “The oldest subjugation known to man?” He paused. “Or bringing in Alisa Flynn to make you come to heel.”

She inhaled sharply, her body tensing.

“No answer?” he asked mockingly. “Of course I know her name now. After the humiliation I went through, did you think I wouldn’t immediately find out everything connected to the sons of bitches who were responsible? What do you believe I’ve been doing for the last two days?”