Sasha
I slapped my hand over my mouth to keep from gasping as I walked in, my fingers trailing over the various tubes and cans. He’d spared no expense in his selections, opting for the most opulent. A series of flutters caught in my stomach, sliding immediately into my heart. “Why? Why bother, August?”
“Because you asked.”
“That’s not why and you know it.” I dared give him a hard look before continuing to explore, running the tips of my fingers across brushes that I could have only dreamed of owning before. A chill raced down my spine at the thought of the pictures I could create, the fantastic stories my paintings could tell.
“I…” he started. “I wanted to make you happy.”
The words seemed odd coming from a man like him, but the quiver shifted from my stomach to my pussy, lingering for several seconds. “Thank you.”
“You can spend as much time here as you would like.”
“I will,” I breathed, pulling one of the tubes of paint into my fingers. I knew the single vial, the color, let alone the brand was at least two hundred dollars. I salivated at the thoughts of what I could create.
“As long as you obey.”
The ultimate goal. As soon as the beautiful gift had been given, he’d ceremoniously stripped away its value. I dropped the tube, not giving a shit that it tumbled to the floor. “Of course. As it should be.” Glaring at him, I wanted nothing more than to toss every jar and can, every tube and vial toward the window, hoping everything shattered, but I controlled my urges, the raging anger. My retaliation was better served at another time. I jerked back, glaring in his direction.
He yanked me even closer, until our lips were almost touching. “There will come a time that you hunger for my touch, enough so you crave no one else.”
“I don’t think so. In fact, I know for certain that will never happen.”
His glare softened as he captured my mouth, holding me in place as he moved his lips up and down across mine. He slipped his tongue inside, darting his back and forth, his actions fueled by annoyance as much as desire.
As before, the taste of him was breathtaking, my heart beating rapidly. I slapped my hands against his chest, struggling to push him away, but within seconds, my body betrayed me, melting in his arms. The taste of him was too sweet.
The kiss continued, softer in nature than he’d done before, but just as soon as the intimacy had begun, he ended it, releasing me completely.
“I’m glad we have an understanding.” August cleared his throat, walking further into the room. I couldn’t understand his audacity, as if he couldn’t figure out I was pissed. “I have another gift for you.”
What is it this time, a key to condo in which I’ll still be a prisoner? The thought was on the tip of my tongue. “I don’t want another gift from you, August.”
“But I insist.” He closed the distance and the scent of his exotic cologne immediately filled my nostrils, sliding into every cell and crevice in my body like the most intoxicating drug. I could no longer think clearly or even breathe as he towered over me.
“No.”
His chuckle was dark, laced with the same sensuous evil I’d heard so many times, as if my refusal was nothing more than an annoyance. “You will learn to accept everything I have to give you.”
I was lightheaded as he reached into his pocket and for some crazy reason and a split second, I thought he was going to force an engagement ring on my finger. After blinking, I could see the box was slightly larger but no less impressive when he opened the lid.
The diamonds sparkled in the dim lighting, the sapphires and rubies perfectly accentuating the necklace. I was taken aback before calculating the dollars in my mind. The gorgeous bauble was worth a fortune. “I don’t understand.”
August simply removed the piece, tossing the box to the side as if it didn’t mean anything. He walked behind me, his fingers brushing against my skin. I was frozen yet tingling, breathless yet reeling. There were no additional words that came to mind, even though I was in full realization that the necklace was little more than a bargaining chip. The thought was disgusting to my core but riveting in every way. Just how far would he go to make this unholy union plausible in his mind?
“This is perfect for you, simply adding to your magnificence.” He placed the piece around my neck, taking his time as he fastened with care, his heated breath skipping over my skin.
I couldn’t stop shaking, the excitement of such an incredible gift outweighing the horror of the provider. The weight of the necklace was stimulating in ways I’d never be able to describe.
Exhaling, he took several steps back. “Allow me to see.”
I grimaced before turning around, my hand already pressing against the jewels.
“Utterly magnificent.” His eyes were twinkling, but not in the same fashion as before. Admiration. Ownership.
I was his prized possession and he couldn’t wait to show off his gleaming trophy. But I could swear there was more.
“They are beautiful,” I whispered.
“Not as beautiful as the woman wearing them. We should go.”
I nodded, a little more accepting of the night ahead.