Page 104 of Lord of Vice

I couldn’t say I blamed him. How could I? I mean, it wasn’t every day that more than one person in your life decided to betray you, which should have meant your death. I still couldn’t believe what we’d been through. It was all too surreal, as if I was standing on the outskirts watching a very vivid television, flipping channels every so often.

Only this was Kraven’s real life, a man who proved he could easily adapt to any situation, every horror.

Me? Not so much.

I was angry and confused, wanting so many things and fearing others. Hell, he’d even asked me questions about Jake, and I’d answered in a perfunctory manner, as if I was no longertraumatized by what he’d done. It was funny that the scars on my arms no longer itched. Maybe I was over the asshole.

Another laugh threatened to make me look like I was certifiably insane.

He’d actually asked me what I wished for the most and I’d been so angry, so terrified and in shock that they’d come easily, two whimsical wishes and one proving I was out of my ever-loving mind.

One: A long vacation on a secluded island.

Two: A family with at least three children and two dogs.

Three: Being able to snap Jake’s neck and getting away with it.

Right. It was apparent Kraven’s methods of doing business had rubbed off on me. The worst thing of all? I’d meant what I’d said. What did that make me? What had I turned into?

Suddenly, a heated shudder rushed down my spine and that meant one thing.

He was in the room.

The larger-than-life man who’d captured more than just my body.

While I didn’t move at all, Remington not only announced the man’s entrance, but his happy noises and wiggling backside had returned. I was almost brought to tears. My pup would be okay. I was now certain of it. And thankful.

We were all alone, just the three of us. I was no longer surprised how Kraven enjoyed cooing and whispering to Remington, showing off his soft little underbelly, which I had no doubt I alone had seen.

That made me adore him that much more.

Which is also what made what I’d decided that much harder. I only hoped he would understand and accept my decision, which remained to be seen. With a man like Kraven, you never knew how he was going to react.

I’d envisioned being locked in the cage that had slipped into my mind from almost minute one. God, that seemed like forever ago, not six days. I felt like I’d aged ten years. I know my psyche had.

“Such a good boy,” Kraven said before returning to a standing position.

“He adores you, which confused me at first.”

“Eh. He tolerates me.”

“Just like I do.”

He chuckled as he walked closer, easing a cup of something over my shoulder. “Drink this.”

“What is it?”

“Do what I say, little girl.”

“Yes,Daddy,” I teased, accepting the cup. Coffee. I wasn’t certain I could handle another chicory-flavored cup from the cafeteria. But I opened the lid because I knew he was staring at me. The aroma was unlike any of the coffee I’d had recently.

“Oh, gosh. That smells amazing,” I told him.

“Take a sip.”

I did what he said, shocked at what I tasted. “Oh, my. Hazelnut with a little real Irish cream?” I tipped my head toward him, noticing the slight sparkle in his eyes even though they held exhaustion in them as well.

“Very good. Nothing but the best for my lady.”