For the first time, I get the feeling that maybe we’re in this together, somehow. Like this isn’t exactly his idea, either, and he would rather not go through this. Maybe it’s better if I don’t think too much about it. Thinking only leads to more questions, which inevitably leads to more anger and outrage. Outrage over this whole thing happening to begin with.

When I’m finished, he takes the plate. “I can bring you lunch later if you want?”

“That would be nice. Thank you.” He nods, quickly turning away and disappearing from the room so suddenly it’s almost like he was never here at all.

I wish I could understand him. I wish I could understand any of this.

But what good has wishing ever done me?

CHAPTER 28

I guess this is going to be a daily thing. I guess I’m supposed to expect to be summoned around the same time every evening, brought down to the basement, and ordered to strip down. Tonight, at least, there was no instruction beyond the demand that I remove my clothes. He didn’t try to direct me through it this time.

And I’m still standing here, just as naked, just as cold and full of dread as before. What is it going to be this time? What has he come up with in that sick brain of his?

He doesn’t keep me waiting long, settling in on one couch while Colt sits down on the one facing it. There’s less space between them now, like James pushed them closer together. I guess he wants to get a good look at what’s happening.

“Are you ready to get that pretty pussy filled again?” There’s an edge to James’s voice tonight that wasn’t there before. Is it because he couldn’t get into my room? I didn’t have anything to do with that, but I get the feeling I’ll be the one who ends up being punished for it. I can’t win either way. I can only hope one of them will come to my aid the way Nix did last night. But what are the chances of that happening? I’m not fooling myself.

James turns to Colt while Nix waits off to the side, staring at my body but not yet making a move to touch me. “You know what to do.” Colt lifts his hips to lower his jeans and his shorts. He isn’t quite hard yet, I see.

“Look at that body,” James murmurs, almost crooning the words as he turns his gaze on me. “Think of all the things you want to do to her. How you want to break her on your cock and make her sob out your name. And she wants to ride it, too. Just like the little slut she is, always hungry for more.”