“I know. Be ready by six. Right?” I turn, not waiting for his answer as I walk up the stairs to my door. When I turn back around, he’s gone, and in my hand is another expensive dress.
After stepping inside, I take my time opening this one. I have a few hours to kill before he’ll be back to collect me, to take me to God only knows where.
Atlas is slowly removing my power, and I don’t like it.
Pulling out the designer Chanel dress, I almost weep at the sight of it. It has an all-black skirt. The top is made in a flesh-colored mesh with black velvet flowers covering the right parts to give it the look of a top when, in reality, it’s basically skin with strategically placed decorations.
It’s beautiful.
And my absolute favorite so far.
Getting dressed is easy, and it fits like it was made for my body. My nipples are covered by the black velvet flowers, and a few are scattered over my belly, with a few on the back too. But mostly, I am bare from the waist up. A dress like this deserves a great hairstyle, so I have put my hair up with loose curls and a black flower to the side. I paired the ensemble with black heels.
Once I am completely dressed, I pour myself a wine, because if previous events are anything to go by, I will not be drinking. And I really need a damn drink. Wine in hand, a knock comes on the door, so I drink it fast until it’s empty, before I open it, knowing it is going to be Atlas.
As soon as I see him dressed again in a black suit, I have to remember to not stare. Atlas’s eyes flick to my wine glass, then back to my face, assessing me.
“How many?”
“One,” I say, telling him the truth.
He nods, then walks to his car. I place my wine glass down on the nearby table and follow him out, making sure I have my purse and keys.
Atlas holds the car door open for me. I slide in, and he watches the way my body moves. I can feel his eyes glued to me. Fuck! I was glued to my body too when I looked in the mirror. This dress would make a six look like a ten, that’s the kind of magic it holds.
“Do you plan to give me instructions for tonight?” I ask when he gets in.
The car takes off, and I turn to look at him. His head is down, looking at his cell phone.
“The plans I had for you aren’t really working out. So change of plans,” he says, not looking up.
“What were the plans?” I ask.
Turning to look at me, he says, “You were to do a lot of things you more than likely wouldn’t be comfortable with.”
“You play me like a chess piece, and now you’re pulling me off the board and calling what? Checkmate? I’m confused.” I shake my head. “What was it you would have had me doing?” The car comes to a stop, and he turns to get out. “Tell me, Atlas. What would you have had me do?”
He turns to look at me, leans over and grabs hold of my face, gripping it hard between his fingers. “I would have used and abused you in ways you can only imagine.”
“How?” I manage to speak, though I am shocked by his words.
“You would have been a pawn. I would have made you suck the cock of my enemy to get what I wanted, just like that girl did to me. I would throw you to the wolves and wouldn’t care what they did to you, as long as you came out with valuable information, if that’s what was needed.” His breath is heavy on my face with his closeness. Atlas squeezes my face just a second longer before he drops his hands and pulls back. “Now stop questioning me before I decide to make you pay your sister’s debt back by getting on your knees for me.” He leaves the car as I sit there, more than a little shocked. My cheeks now hurting from his firm grip, and wondering if I should have thrown meat at the tiger like that and not have expected him to bite me back. Because if I am not careful, soon he may just feed me to the wolves.
My door opens, and the driver stands there with Atlas in front of him, his elbow extended, waiting for me. Blowing out a breath, I slide out and take his waiting arm. He doesn’t even glance at me before he starts walking.
We enter a ballroom, and the minute we do, I know we are rubbing elbows with the elite. I spot a public figure straight away. He offers a small head nod to Atlas who gives one back in return.