Like a ghost, he vanishes. The door slamming shut signifies his exit, making my entire body shudder. I turn off the light and give in to my sadness. Gut-wrenching sobs leave me as I wonder what the hell I’m supposed to do right now. I feel so . . . used. I feel dirty. I’m so tired. I’ve only known Winston a few days, and he’s drained me of everything while he fills my bank account up. I’m not sure the tradeoff is even worth it.
I’m almost asleep when the door creaks open. Soft footsteps pad into the bedroom. The covers pull back and then his large body sinks into the bed with me.
“Come here,” he instructs. “I can’t sleep with all that crying.”
I hate him right now.
I hate myself even more for rolling toward him and curling my naked body around his almost naked one. His strong arm wraps around me, hugging me to him. As I breathe in his masculine scent, I relax in his hold. He lazily teases at my hair.
“Tomorrow, I need to leave,” I whisper. “I can’t do this.”
“I wanted you because you’re tough, Ash. Don’t grow soft on me now.”
More tears leak out. “I’m not as tough as I look.”
“What do you need, love? Kind words? Those won’t come for free. It’s another piece of this game we can negotiate though.”
“I have to pay you to be nice to me?” I scoff. “Asshole.”
“There’s my fiery girl. Come to work with me tomorrow as my personal assistant. Be prepared to do actual business. Promise me this, and I’ll give you what you want.”
I hold my breath wondering if I can do this. Finally, I exhale and nod. “Okay.”
“Good girl,” he croons. “Such a dutiful, sweet girl.”
His stupid praise that I basically had to pay for washes over me like a cleansing rain. He rolls me onto my back, and then his urgent lips are on mine. Each kiss is sweet and gentle. I hate how it thaws my heart toward him. It’s all a stupid game to him, and yet I need it every bit as much as he needs to humiliate me. We both have our kinks.
“So pretty. So perfect. So mine,” he murmurs between kisses. “I want to keep you forever.”
We kiss for what feels like hours as he whispers assurances that somehow make me forget every horrible thing he said and did to me. When I’m relaxed and content, he pulls away, kisses my forehead, and then leaves the bed once more.
This time, rather than crying, I fall asleep with his kisses lingering on my mind.
Halcyon is incredible. Seeing it bustling with activity rather than alone at night while having to clean it is something else. I always resented the people who worked here as I emptied their trash and dusted their offices, but seeing them in action has me gaining respect for each of them.
Especially Winston.
I have mixed feelings about last night. On one hand, I want to leave while I’m ahead. I’m more than capable of paying for my first year of college now. It’s a great start, and I can relax. I’ll be able to apply for loans for the next year. There’ll be no reason to play his crazy-ass games anymore.
But another part of me realizes I was just being emotional last night. Winston is a cold, calculating bastard, but he’s not heartless. He’s come to my rescue on more than one occasion. Whether he’ll admit it or not, he cares. His kink is fucked up and borderline cruel, but he never physically hurt me, and I agreed to it all.
He chose me because I’m strong.
Because I can endure his wicked games.
A worthy opponent.
As I walk from the copy room back toward Winston’s office, I feel empowered. Yes, Winston Constantine wants to play horrible games, but I played a round with him and survived.
I can do this.
Each of the secretaries are friendly, but Deborah is frigid toward me. When she sees me, her lips press together, and she looks away from me.
“Hi, Deborah,” I say, forcing a smile.
“Mr. Constantine is in a meeting now.” She purses her lips. “You may have a seat and wait until he’s done.”
“But he asked me to make these copies for his meeting—”
“He’s asked to not be interrupted,” she snaps. “Take a seat, miss.”
Someone whistles, and I lift my gaze to see Perry waving at me from inside an office. I grit my teeth to keep from mouthing off at Deborah. Without letting her know how much she pisses me off, I walk over to Perry’s office.
“Shut the door,” he murmurs.
I close it behind me and have a seat across from his desk. “Is she always a bitch?”
“Always,” he confirms with a grin. “It’s just Nate in his office. Deborah is on a power trip. Trust me, Winny will have her ass for that little stunt.”