“What? You’re not fine.” I try to push my hand down between us, intending to take his dick in hand to finish him, but he grasps my wrist and fastens it to the floor.

“I’m fine, Michael.”

“Why?”

“You’re in a mild Haze. And I’m… It’s best this way.”

What was he going to say? “I’m not Hazing. I’m totally with it.” Mostly. I struggle against his grip. “Let me give you what you need.”

He looks into my eyes with a soft, desperate heat I can’t quite name. “What I need is for you to trust me. Don’t run away. I promise that you’re safe here. With me. Your circumstances will change, improve.”

What does he mean? It’s not like I have a choice. I search the emphatic sincerity in his expression. “I’m your prisoner, Flanagan. Chained. With a collar. I couldn’t leave if I wanted to.” I don’t succeed in repressing my scowl.

“That’s not—” A loud knock at the door cuts him off.

“I’m sorry, Commander.” Seonu’s clipped, Japanese accent travels from the corridor with ease. “There’s an emergency. It needs your immediate attention.”

Flanagan sighs, clasping my face to press a soft kiss to my brow. “Thank you.”

He pulls a cloth from his pocket and wipes my stomach, then peels himself away to yank up his trousers. I scramble to my feet and pull on my discarded clothes.

When I’m ready, he shouts, “Come in.”

I’m still fastening my fly as Seonu unlocks the door and steps into the room. Mason, Laasya, and a young soldier I don’t recognize follow behind her. Four sets of eyes take in the scenario. Their commander half-dressed, his hair ragged. My feet are bare, my shirt’s crumpled, and my hair must look like I’ve been sweeping the floor with it.

Seonu scowls. Mason pointedly ignores me. Laasya gives me a private smile with a quick brow raise. And the other soldier looks like he wants the ground to swallow him.

“What is it, Seonu,” Flanagan snaps. He remains as unruffled as ever.

“I’m sorry to disturb you, sir.” The captain’s sharp gaze flicks to me, accusation spearing me from across the room. “Prince Alexei is at the gate.”

Chapter 21

21

My stomach lurches, heart booming against my ribs. Now that I’m not distracted by Viking pecs, I realize I can feel Alexei’s pull on my blood—that magnetized sensation I felt at the steelworks.

Is he here for me?

When Flanagan glances at me, his eyes echo the same question.

Quinton steps into the room, silver cane in hand. “Captain Nelson asked me to report to you, Gabriel.”

“Alexei’s at the gate,” Seonu tells the councilor.

Quinton’s eyebrows rise to his hairline. “Aah. I see.” He shares a look with Flanagan.

“How many?” Flanagan asks Seonu.