“What’s wrong?” Cyrus sat up and tried to slip his arm around me for support.

I pushed him away. “I can’t do this.”

His face contorted in anger, but he covered it quickly. “Why not?”

Quivering, I tried to pull down my skirt. “I can see his thoughts. I can feel his emotions.”

“Oh, is that all?” With a laugh that sounded more condescending than comforting, he pulled me into his arms. “Darling, that’s the best part.”

“I didn’t like it.” I tensed a little, testing the strength of his hold.

His arms tightened around me solidly enough to prevent me from running. He licked the shell of my ear, and I felt some of my forgotten desire return. “There, there, dearest. You did very well, for your first time.” His hand fell to my lap, seeking the hem of my skewed gown. “And the night is still young. There are plenty of other exciting things we can do.”

The touch of his cold hand, separated from my flesh only by the thin material of my panties, sucked the breath from my lungs. I opened my legs for him and reached back to loop an arm around his neck.

When I heard Ziggy make another soft groan, I snapped back to reality. “Wait, wait.”

“Now what’s wrong?” His annoyance was unmistakable this time. Cyrus swung his legs over the side of the bed and stood, pulling his shirt off in one agitated motion. “Do we need scented candles and Barry White? How about mirrors on the ceiling?”

“Don’t be angry,” I said, a little tearfully, and I insisted to myself it was nerves and exhaustion that made me react in such a way. “This is just so…new.”

With a deep sigh, he removed his belt and dropped it to the floor, kicking it aside. “I know. And I know I come across as a tad impatient. But I want you, Carrie. I’m not used to waiting for gratification.”

“I’m tired,” I admitted, not caring if it upset him. “Let me sleep today, and I promise we’ll…you know, tomorrow.”

He smiled. “I suppose I can wait one more day.”

Biting my lip, I looked to Ziggy, who still lay paralyzed on the bed. “But you have to do something for me.”

I’d expected him to be insulted, possibly enraged, but he seemed pleasantly surprised. “You want to make a deal with me? Fine. For what price will I buy a night of sin with you, my princess?”

I wished he wouldn’t call me that, but now was not the time to argue. I pointed at Ziggy. “I want to keep him.”

Cyrus arched an eyebrow. “Keep him?”

“As a pet. He was my first victim. I want a souvenir.”

I held my breath as I waited for his reply. After a long moment, he finally spoke. “I don’t see why not. You may have your trophy.”

“Thank you.” I kept my eyes downcast and let him kiss me on the forehead to seal our agreement. As I walked toward the door, I heard the rustle of the mattress sinking under his weight.