I gulped as my mind went into overdrive. I had to remind myself he was looking to get a rise out of me. Why he got such a big kick out of embarrassing me was baffling.
“Maybe some other time. If that’s all, I think I’ll turn in. If I’m going to be any good tomorrow for self-defense classes and all.” I rose to leave.
“Not so fast. Sit.” Ivan pointed to the chair I’d just vacated.
“Look, I’m all talk, okay? Is that better? I’m the most vanilla person you’ll ever meet in your life. I sing in the church choir, for goodness’ sake.” I plopped back down in the chair.
“Yes, you’re such a good girl. You don’t drink, curse, or fornicate with men. Oh, wait.Fuckseems to be your favorite word, you were drunk the night of the fire, and well, Nik and I have seen you buck-ass naked,” Alek said.
“It’s a fine-looking ass, if you don’t mind me saying,” Nik remarked.
Nikolai King was a conundrum. He had a sense of confidence about him that I was drawn to. It was like he could read all my insecurities and fears with one look. And the way he teased, he knew exactly what he was doing. I ignored both of them, not taking the bait. It was going well until Ivan exploded.
“Enough with the bullshit. I’m going to caution you, young lady. The three of us vividly remember you in that dress with the whip at the club. Whips aren’t something everyday people have lying around. So answer my question. If you lie, you will feel the sting of that whip against your lily-white ass.” Ivan leaned back in his chair.
“So, is it safe to say you’ve already voted?” My heart thumped in my chest.
“Yes, we voted. Now answer the question,” Ivan growled.
Alek set his drink down. If this was going to happen, I needed it. I swiped it from the table, watching him shake his head as I downed it. “I’d like to go onrecord. I don’t believe I deserve to be disciplined.” I boldly looked at them. Alek told me I could plead my case, so it was worth a shot.
“Let’s hear it, then,” Ivan said, his fingers steepled under his chin.
“I needed personal items. We’re not family, and I don’t feel comfortable like that with any of you. So frankly, you insisting that I stay here, while I’m sure you feel you’re being very chivalrous, is overbearing and bordering on kidnapping.”
I paused for a minute to gauge them. “Although I don’t like using that word in this context because it’s not the same, just similar.” It was like comparing apples to oranges, and truth be told, if I was going to be kidnapped, I’d rather this be the scenario any day.
“You needed tampons. That’s what you told Marcus, if I’m not mistaken?” Aleksandr asked, trying to keep a straight face.
“Yes, I’m a woman. Each month like clockwork, I get a visit from Aunt Flow, endure the curse of Eve, shark week, whatever you’d like to call it, but yes, I needed supplies, asshat,” I snapped.
“That’s fifteen swats—five for language, five for disrespect, and five for disobeying and leaving,” Ivan said calmly.
“You can’t be serious.” I glared.
“Do you want another five for defiance?” Nikolai asked.
“I don’t want any of them. Crow, you wipe that grin off your face.”
“I don’t believe that statement at all. It’s getting late, malyshka. You were given sufficient warning yesterday after you left. The fact you are repeatedly putting yourself at risk will be addressed.”
My eyes grew wide.
“Young lady, stand up and come here.” Ivan’s booming voice had me on my feet immediately. I walked over to him, my feet having a mind of their own.
I presented myself while shaking with anticipation and fear. Nik was right. I knew the consequences, and I wanted this, as fucked up as that was. Ivan placed his fingers under my chin and forced me to look up. He searched my expression.
“In this house, there are three who make the rules. And you will follow them while we strive to keep you safe. There are things you don’t know and aren’t ready to hear. If I remember, your safeword is krasnyy?”
“Yes, Sir,” I whispered, trembling.
“And you understand that if you use it, we will stop all—”
“I do, I mean, I understand. I’d like to make the same request as game night, please.” Let the negotiating begin.
“Absolutely, and for the sake of clarification, repeat it for us.”
His eyes were wreaking havoc on my body. I wanted to fall into them. They were hypnotizing. A hint of curiosity flickered in his expression, as if he was testing me. And for once in my life, I was not failing epically. Another unspoken moment of understanding passed between us.
