Page 33 of Total Obsession

"Needy little slut," he chuckled. His fingers wrapped low around my neck and collarbone, holding me into place. "You'll get what I give you when and only when I give it to you."

"Oh, please," I said.

He hummed his approval. "I do love hearing you beg," he said. "Maybe, just maybe, you've earned it."

ten

AXE

Soft chimes sounded through the apartment again, and I turned my head towards the door. I let my demeanor relax back into the one Zoey was familiar with. "Oh, that's a shame," I said, reaching behind her and untying her wrists. "The caterers are here."

She looked at me with absolutely pitiful eyes. I could understand her disappointment. I was enjoying myself, as well, but for a different purpose.

I wanted to see how far I could push Zoey Campbell. I wanted to see just how frenzied she was for me already.

Cruel?

Yes.

Did I care?

I tried to tell myself that I didn't.

I tried to tell myself that my plan for her was still very much worth it. Not only worth it but also something I still wanted.

"I don't want to stop," she breathed out, standing there, completely bared to me, but not appearing uncomfortable in any way.

It was a good sign. A sign that she was really starting to become truly enamored with me in a way that she wasn't even always cognizant of her surroundings. That or she was already becoming extremely comfortable around me. Either way, it worked to my benefit.

I stepped in close to her, letting my fingers comb through her hair gently, and she sighed. “Pretty girl," I said softly. "I will find time to continue this, don't you fret. Now," I said, walking to her closet and grabbing one of the robes I knew was hanging there. "Put this on. Hair and makeup will be here soon."

"Okay," she said immediately, reaching out for the robe.

"That a girl," I said to her with a wink. "I'm going to handle the caterer."

"Okay," she said again, and I left the room.

* * *

It was interesting to watch Zoey at the party. I'd invited some of the most exclusive names in the city to attend. Not only did she look absolutely stunning in the gown I'd bought for her, but her personality shined past the diamonds that were adorning her neck, also courtesy of me.

I found it interesting because when she was with me, she was extremely timid. I wasn't sure which was the real her.

Was the outgoing, bubbly, socialite the real Zoey Campbell?

Or, was that all just an act, and the soft-spoken, shy, insecure Zoey Campbell was her true nature?

At first, I thought it was surely the latter. Except, seeing her behaving this way so naturally was making me do a double take. I pulled my little black notebook out of my pocket and scratched down a reminder to think about this a little bit more. It might affect how I approached the rest of my interactions with her.

"You're always writing things in that little book," she said, a smile across her lips. She trailed her hands along my shoulders as she slowly circled to stand by my side.

I ignored the comment and instead turned the focus on her. "Are you enjoying yourself?" I asked.

"Am I?" she repeated with a laugh. "I don't understand how you organized such an amazing event. I mean, why some of these people would show up tomyhousewarming party is beyond me. I guess they're just here for you."

There it was. Another hint of insecurity. A hint of impostor syndrome. A clue that she felt as if she didn't belong.

"Nonsense," I said, building her up. "They're here for you because you are worth being here for. I see everyone coming up to you this evening. No one has seemed to notice little old me."