House of Immortal PleasuresCopyright © 2010 by Katie SalidasThis book is for ADULT AUDIENCES ONLY. It contains substantialsexually explicit scenes and graphic language which may be considered offensive by some readers.
Drumming his fingers on the wooden
banister, Connor waited for Alexander to ascend the stairs. Having eavesdropped
on the conversation below, he was overcome with pride, knowing he had pleased
Daphne—and that she was more than satisfied.
He’d accomplished not only his goal
of the evening, but also managed to carry out his final task. All Connor needed
to do now was obtain the key to his restraints and he would be free. He smiled
inside, formulating a plan to celebrate his impending freedom. An image of
Daphne’s naked body flashed into his mind.
He sighed, remembering the softness
of her skin and the delicious warmth of her body. Her scent still lingered in
the air; sweet with just a hint of honey. His body hardened with need at just
the idea of having her again. His fingers ached to find her warmth.
Alexander’s dark, greasy head appeared at the
bottom of the stairs.
The smile fell from Connor’s face
as he looked down at his master. “I trust you are satisfied with my performance
tonight.”
Alexander didn’t meet Connor’s gaze
and his stiff posture held no hint of approval. His feet hardly made a sound
against the wood of the steps as he ascended. He pushed past Connor as he
reached the top stair. “The young lady seemed pleased so you must have been
adequate.”
“I’ve completed my sentence. Now
you need to keep your end of the bargain. Release me.” Connor made no attempt
to hide his contempt.
Alexander held up his hand, and
shook a finger in the air. “I am the one to judge whether or not your sentence
is complete. The council left you in my keeping.”
A flood of anger washed through
Connor’s body. “I’ve done all that was required of me.” He sensed that
Alexander would find some reason to force him to stay.
“You’ve served my customer, but I
require more,” he said with a hint of mocking.
Connor’s lip curled and a low growl
rumbled up from his chest.
“Temper, temper,” Alexander
cautioned.
Connor spoke in a low, monotone
voice, “I’ve done my time and paid my debt.”
“That is the beauty of being your
warden. It is up to me to decide when you are let off for good behavior.” He
chuckled. “I think your sentence should be extended … indefinitely.”
“You wouldn’t!” Connor tensed with
rage, balling his fists at his side, waiting for the right moment to strike. He
was not going to be made to stay here any longer.
“You are a profitable commodity.
One I am not ready to part with.” Alexander walked down the hallway, toward his
office. He waved for Connor to follow. “This is, how do they say it … not
personal. It’s business.”
Connor hesitated for a moment,
contemplating his future, before following Alexander into the office. He had
already chosen to meet the dawn if Alexander didn’t release him. That was
before he had met Daphne. Now, it seemed he couldn’t allow that to be his fate.
He wanted to see her, to be with her—if she would have him. No. He wouldn’t
meet the dawn. And he wouldn’t stay here either. He had to leave, and try his
chances with Daphne.
Connor walked into Alexander’s
office, a large and comfortable room decorated in rich dark woods and black
leather chairs. He paused at the bookshelves, pretending to peruse the various
old tomes while carefully choosing his words. “I don’t see how profitable I
will be if I refuse to serve your customers. We had a deal. I served my
allotted time. I’m done.”
“Done, are you?” A wicked smile crept across
Alexander’s face. He stood before a large mahogany desk and patted one of the
leather chairs, inviting Connor to sit. “You think I would just let you go
because you say you are done. That’s the problem with you pretty boys. You have
all the looks, but no brains.”
Connor’s lip curled into a sneer.
Silently refusing Alexander’s request to sit, he remained where he stood.
“Those of us not endowed with such
beauty must rely on our wits. You think I cannot keep you here, working as my
slave?”
“There is nothing you can say or do
that will make me stay here any longer.”
“Nothing I can do, eh?” Alexander
burst into a fit of roaring laughter. “You are such a simple boy. I can have
you on your knees, begging me to let you stay here if I want.”
Connor’s eyes narrowed. Anger and
confusion held his tongue. He knew Alexander was crafty and manipulative but
didn’t understand the arrogance behind his taunting. There was nothing to hold
over him. Connor had served his sentence without fail. He had done no wrong.
Nothing in Connor’s opinion would have him cowering to Alexander for mercy.
“Why don’t I bring your new little
friend here for a drink?” Alexander’s eyebrow arched. “That pretty little thing
who kept you so occupied all night.”
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