CHAPTER ELEVEN

I stood in the VIP area, my gaze fixed on the chaotic scene unfolding below. The entire club was a whirlwind of lights, sounds, and twisted fantasies come to life. From up here, I had a perfect view of everything, but it didn't bring me the satisfaction it usually would. My mind was elsewhere.

I hadn't wanted to leave the penthouse earlier, and now I was barely holding myself back from going to get Sunshine myself. Even though we were in the same building, the distance between us gnawed at me. I'd already spent too much time away from her, agreeing to a game of pool just to keep my head straight.

Balancing my time between my brothers and my purpose was something I knew I had to do, but being near her felt more important than anything else.

Maverick and Charon were finally satisfied, having gotten their hands on the liquor they'd been after—special reserves from Kinks' own stash. Their masks hid everything but their mouths, which were currently occupied with sipping from crystal glasses alongside Eryx. Candlelight flickered over the red velvet of the booth, casting dancing shadows along the walls.

I couldn't help but smirk when Hael patted Dion's back after he turned away from the spectacle that had Ciaran and Brody captivated. Two motorcycles raced within a steel cage, their riders defying gravity while a naked girl hung upside down in the center, chains binding her and twisting her in every direction, cutting into her flesh. She would be in pieces soon.

It was the kind of scene that only existed in Cirque—a blend of madness and precision. People beyond the cage jeered, dancing to the music. This was more than just a nightclub; it was a sanctuary for those like us. The carnival and circus theme is a tribute to my baby sister. Kinks took great pride in running it, molding it into this twisted haven where the sadistic and the bizarre could thrive.

The people who assisted her and kept it going night after night, the ones who stayed loyal to her, were as much a part of the spectacle as the performers themselves. Pride swelled in me as I thought of Kinks and all we'd built, but it was hard to fully appreciate it with the absence of Sunshine weighing on me. She grounded me and made this chaotic world make sense. Without her, all of this was just noise. My grip tightened on the glass in my hand as I scanned the room, looking for any sign of her.

The anticipation gnawed at me, but I forced myself to stay put, to wait. I'd given my word to Kinks that I'd let the girls have their moment, that I'd let them come to me. But the second I saw her, all bets were off. Ciaran's sudden shift in demeanor alerted me that they had arrived. I turned and immediately felt the need to start counting backward to maintain control.

She looked like a manifestation of my deepest, darkest fantasies, wrapped in the perfect package of sweetness and danger. She was without a doubt, that she was the most beautiful woman in the entire damn club. Seeing her in that white outfit, with the pink mask, felt like a punch to the gut. The mask might have hidden her face, but I knew it was her. My Sunshine. My Grace. The girl who had been taken from me. The one who had carved sunflowers into her skin, a permanent mark of a memory she couldn't fully grasp.

The sight of that tattoo, partially visible just above her thigh-high stockings, stirred something deep within me—an ache that had never really gone away.

She moved towards me, like a moth drawn to a flame, though what we shared was far darker and more dangerous than any simple attraction. My body reacted before my mind could catch up, standing to meet her halfway. The world fell away as I pulled her into my arms, her warmth grounding me in a way nothing else could. For a moment, everything else—this twisted game, the club, the people—ceased to exist. There was only her, only us, and the lingering hope that maybe, just maybe, we could find our way back to each other.

She was showing far too much skin for my liking. I couldn't help but run my hands up and down her arms, feeling the warmth of her skin beneath my fingertips.

My hands trailed down her back, tracing every curve until they reached the back of her thighs. I gripped her lower cheeks, pulling her closer to me, staking my claim without saying a word.

Kinks stood nearby, practically beaming, waiting to be praised for her handiwork. Mel had already taken a seat between Charon and Brody, snatching the glass from Brody's hand with a mischievous grin. Hayven let out a laugh, only to abruptly stop when Charon pulled her onto his lap, making it clear she wasn't going anywhere. Ciaran held Lana from behind, her back pressed to his chest, as if he were anchoring her in place. They were a mirror of my own possessiveness.

"You did good, Kenzie," Maverick said, finally breaking the silence.

"About time someone thanked me," Kinks replied with a playful pout. "I couldn't have done it without my beautiful bestie slash assistant," she added, motioning to Aisha, who gave a small bow. Her lilac wig looked so natural it was easy to forget it wasn't her real hair. "And of course, the most beautiful hosts," she gestured to the girls, who were now the center of attention. Then, she turned her attention to Eryx, "Why didn't you hype me?" she asked, her tone teasing.

Eryx responded without missing a beat, "Because I don't look at other women."

"Oh, right. Good boy," she quipped. "Where is Rafe?"

"He went to get your prop for tonight," Hael answered, stepping closer to her.

Kinks locked eyes with me, her smile widening as she looked at each of us. "The plan is to be seen, right? Well, I've got something epic just for tonight."

Dion, ever the quick one, caught on immediately. "What's the catch?"

Kinks tilted her head as if just noticing him, her grin widening mischievously.

"Gosh, you're cute. Do you wanna play with me later?"

"Kenzie," Eryx and Charon both warned, Hael's voice a low growl.

She waved them both off with a playful hand. "Oh, don't get all growly, it was a joke. Sorta," she added with a wink. "Anyways, I need to borrow my new friends for a little bit."

Brody opened his mouth, ready to argue, but Kinks wasn't having it. "Don't you dare tell me no. It'll be fun, and what better way to show the Syndicate they're here than to open up with them on stage?"

"What stage?" Lana asked, skepticism clear in her voice.

Kinks gave her a sly smile. "Wait and see. So, do we have an agreement?"

She had a point. This would send a clear message that we were here, and with Kinks running the show, it wasn't like a free-for-all.

As long as the girls kept their masks on and played along, no one would dare touch them if they wanted to keep breathing.

I leaned down to Sunshine, speaking close to her ear. "Are you sure you want to do this?"

She reached up, fingers tangling in my hair, holding me close. "If it's what I need to do, I will."

My grip on her waist tightened, the possessiveness in me surging. I didn't like the idea of her being in that ring, but this was a calculated risk we had to take. I glanced at my brothers, exchanging a silent message. Ciaran gave a curt nod, understanding the stakes. "We're taking them to the ring," he said to Kinks. "Get it ready."

Kinks punched the air with a little cheer. She turned to Hael, and he knew what to do.

"I'm on it." He squeezed her hand before heading off to prepare.

"So, what stage?" Mel asked again, curiosity laced in her tone.

"Is it big?" Hayven followed up, her eyes scanning the club.

None of us answered. It was better for them to see it for themselves.

The lights in the club shifted, casting shadows and spotlighting certain areas. The carousel in the center began to turn, the horses now moving forward in unison. The platform lowered into the floor, leaving behind a circular barrier as a circus top descended from the ceiling. The crowd's reaction was instant cheers erupted as they realized what was happening.

"Oh, that stage," Lana drawled, awe in her voice as she took in the spectacle.

Outside the barrier, clowns and mimes that served as the ring's guards took their positions, making it clear no one would be allowed to approach.

"I'll call you in," Kinks exclaimed before she, Eryx, and Aisha left the VIP area.

We talked amongst ourselves, tension and anticipation hanging thick in the air. When the time came, we escorted the girls to the ring, keeping them close and protected from anyone daring enough to even think about getting too close. As the music lowered, Kinks' voice came over the speakers, her tone commanding as she addressed the crowd. She greeted the Cirque guests with a dramatic flair, the crowd roaring in response.

When she mentioned a night of misfortune, those in the know cheered even louder. I felt Sunshine's grip tighten around my hand. I knew she was nervous, but I kept her close, my thumb brushing soothing circles against her skin. She had nothing to fear tonight, except maybe what I'd do to her after this was over.

Aisha wheeled out a giant spin wheel, painted in garish yellow and black, adorned with various depictions of death and torment. The Wheel of Misfortune. From another entrance, Rafe led the masked guy from the rooftop into the ring, his face now fully exposed. He was collared and muzzled like a dog. And behind him… Juno. She was wheeling in a girl, gagged and sobbing, bound to a dolly.

Kinks grinned like the cat that caught the canary. "And now, I've got some special helpers for tonight," she announced, signaling for the girls to enter the ring.

I squeezed Sunshine's hand reassuringly. I would be waiting right here, not moving until she was back by my side. Lana turned to look at her, Mel, and Hayven. "You guys sure about this?" she asked them.

Sunshine nodded. "Let's do it."

Ciaran gave a sharp nod to Kinks, who was practically bouncing on the balls of her feet with excitement.

"Welcome to the show, darlings!" she called out, and the crowd's applause grew thunderous as the girls stepped into the ring, the spotlight shifting to illuminate them fully.

"They look good out there," Ciaran commented, moving to stand beside me, his eyes on the girls as they stepped into the ring.

"You think they can do this?" Maverick asked, a hint of concern in his voice as he watched.

"They got this," Dion replied confidently, his usual easy-going demeanor tinged with a rare seriousness.

The Retriever was growing on me.

I grunted in agreement, watching as Kinks positioned the girls where she wanted them, her movements deliberate and precise.

She shot me a sly smile as she playfully grabbed both Lana and Sunshine by the ass, making sure they were exactly where she needed them.

"How much do we love her?" Ciaran questioned jokingly.

Charon was laughing along, clearly entertained, until Kinks moved behind Mel and then Hayven and did the same, her hands skimming over her chest, eliciting a laugh.

"Not so funny now, is it?" I taunted him, unable to resist taking the shot.

He flicked me off, but there was no real heat in it. We were all on edge, but moments like these—where we could still joke, still rib each other—kept us grounded. Once Kinks had the girls exactly where she wanted them, she turned her attention to the crowd, her voice commanding as she addressed them.

"Alright, lovely people! Who's ready for some fun?" she called out, her words met with enthusiastic cheers. "Let's start with a little game to decide who goes first—the guy or the girl?"

The crowd buzzed with anticipation, their energy tangible. Kinks had them eating out of the palm of her hand. She grinned, a wicked edge to her smile. "Since we're at the Cirque, how about something fitting? We'll play a little game called ‘Ring Toss.'" She gestured to a set of oversized rings that were brought out by two of her clowns, the rings painted in bright, garish colors. "The rules are simple," she explained, pacing around the girls. "We'll have volunteers from the audience try to toss these rings over those poles," she pointed to several tall, thin poles set up.

"If the ring lands on a pole, we count the points. The highest score gets to choose who's up first—our lovely lady or the not-so-lovely gentleman here."

The crowd loved it, voices rising in excitement as volunteers eagerly stepped forward. I watched the girls carefully, noting the way Sunshine stood tall, her posture steady despite the obvious nerves she must be feeling. She was tough—tougher than she knew. I felt a surge of pride mixed with the ever-present possessiveness that simmered beneath the surface. As the game began, I could see the girls exchanging glances, a silent communication passing between them.

They were in this together, and that gave me some comfort. We'd trained for worse and faced down threats that made this look like child's play. Still, this was different. This was a show, a twisted spectacle and they'd never been so in the spotlight.

I laughed to myself, knowing the Syndicate was scrambling again right about now.

One by one, the rings were tossed, some landing, some missing. The crowd roared with each success and booed with every miss. It was almost too much—too loud, too chaotic—but this was Kinks' world, and in her world, chaos was king. Finally, the last ring landed, and the scores were tallied. Kinks, ever the showman, milked the moment for all it was worth before finally announcing the winner.

"And it looks like… our lady is up first! Chivalry for the win," she declared, her voice cutting through the noise. The crowd erupted into cheers once more, the anticipation hitting a fever pitch.

As Kinks gestured to the ominous Wheel of Misfortune, the energy in the room shifted, anticipation hanging heavy in the air.

The crowd watched with bated breath as Juno, her long dark hair barely visible beneath the eerie clown mask she wore, wheeled the dolly over to the center of the ring.

"Let's have my lovely blonde on the right do the honors," Kinks called out.

Sunshine hesitated for the briefest of moments, but then, with a determined set to her shoulders, she stepped out of her spot and moved to where Kinks stood beside the wheel. I could see the nerves in her posture, but she kept her head high, her mask hiding any signs of the fear she might have been feeling. Kinks leaned in, her voice carrying as she explained how the Wheel of Misfortune worked for those unfamiliar with the twisted game. "Each stop on this wheel represents a unique form of death or torment, each one themed to match our beloved Cirque. Think of it as a circus act, but with a bit more… finality."

The crowd murmured, some of them likely already familiar with the horrors that awaited. Kinks turned back to the audience, her voice rising with excitement. "On the count of three, our lovely friend will spin the wheel, and we'll see what fate has in store for our lucky contestant!"

The crowd began to count, voices blending into a singular, ominous chant. "One… two… three!"

Sunshine took a deep breath and spun the wheel with all her strength. The crowd went silent, the only sound being the ticking of the wheel as it spun round and round, each click bringing it closer to its final stop. The wheel slowed, the ticking growing louder as the crowd seemed to lean forward, eyes glued to the macabre game. Finally, it clicked into place, the pointer hovering over a section labeled The Human Marionette .

Kinks clapped her hands together, her grin wide and unsettling beneath her mask.

"Ah, The Human Marionette ! A crowd favorite!"

Gasps of excitement rippled through the audience. "Oh, this will be a show to remember!" Another cheer went up from the crowd. She turned to Sunshine, placing a hand on her shoulder in a gesture of genuine comfort. "You did well, darling. Now, let's see how our contestant handles this… delicate situation."

My eyes tracked every movement as Hael operated a handheld switchboard, a sense of ownership over this macabre scene clear in his posture. The rigging for the Human Marionette emerged from the ring with eerie grace, as if the very ring was bending to Hael's will. Steel arms and pulleys extended from the floor, gleaming in the low light, ready to transform the ring into a spectacle of horror. The sight of it all—the efficiency, the cold, calculated design—had my blood thrumming with dark satisfaction.

Juno pushed the dolly with the terrified woman strapped to it toward the center of the ring. The woman's eyes were wide with terror, her sobs muffled by the gag in her mouth. Her arms and legs were bound tightly, leaving her utterly helpless. Kinks gestured to the four Mel, Hayven, Lana, and Sunshine. "Time to earn your keep, girls," she called out, her voice chipper. "You'll be helping me with the setup."

They stepped forward, moving under her direction. Each was assigned a different part of the rigging, securing the ropes and preparing the hooks that went to the ends of them. Sunshine passed a sharp, glinting hook to Lana, who attached it without delay. Hayven adjusted the ropes, ensuring they were taut, while Mel locked in the base. Eryx and Rafe loosened the restraints on the dolly, but not enough for the woman to run away, removing her gag last after they positioned her where she needed to be for the rigging to work. Kinks took her place next to Hael at the control station, a twisted smile on her lips. The crowd's cheers grew louder as they realized what was about to happen. The masked acrobats descended from above, their bodies twisting and contorting on silks that appeared as if from nowhere, adding an eerie elegance to the scene.

"This is going to be a real treat," Kinks announced.

Sweet Dreams by Eurythmics—slowed down, distorted, and remixed to give it an even more haunting quality began to play, the deep bass reverberating through the ring, the melody winding through the twisted atmosphere of the circus. The masked acrobats started their descent, intertwining with the silks, moving in sync with the rhythm, their bodies a testament to control and elegance.

They took control of the rigging ropes, the first tug landing with a hook through the woman's shoulder. She screamed, her body jerking upward as the rope pulled taut, slightly lifting her into the air. Another yank and a second hook tore through her thigh. The crowd was in a frenzy, feeding off the pain that echoed around the ring.

The dance began in earnest as the acrobats manipulated the ropes. It took three times before the hooks were embedded enough to force the woman to twist and turn in the air, her limbs flailing in agony as each movement sent the hooks deeper or tearing through her flesh as she was wrapped in the ropes that held them. The acrobats mirrored a ballet, their silks flowing as they spun and twisted, their movements graceful and sinister.

The woman's body arched backward as another pull brought her higher into the air, her screams drowned out by the growing fervor of the crowd. Kinks reveled in it, moving her hands with the precision of a maestro conducting a symphony of suffering.

But the dance was not yet over.

Kinks leaned forward, and the acrobats' movements became sharper, overextending the ropes. The hooks dug deeper into flesh, tearing muscle from bone as the woman's body contorted in ways it was never meant to. There was a sickening crack as bones snapped, her body twisting into an unnatural shape.

The acrobats spun faster, their silks swirling like blood-soaked ribbons as the music built to a crescendo. The woman's final scream pierced the air, a chilling sound that echoed long after her voice had given out. And then, with one last violent tug, the ropes gave way.

Her body fell to the ground in a broken heap, some of the hooks ripping free and clattering against the floor. The acrobats descended gracefully, landing in perfect synchrony as the music faded to silence. The crowd erupted into thunderous applause, their cheers and whistles a grotesque celebration of the beautiful show they'd just witnessed.

The sight of it all—the efficiency, the cold, calculated design—had my blood thrumming. But it wasn't the rigging or the spectacle that truly held my attention. No, it was her—my Sunshine. There she was, front and center, wearing that white dress now streaked with splatters of red, like some twisted angel drenched in blood. She was perfection in chaos, and the sight of her sent a primal surge of desire coursing through me. My hands itched to pull her close, to run over every inch of her skin, to mark her as mine right there in front of everyone.

For now, I had to settle for watching, knowing she was performing for me, even if she didn't realize it.

Kinks stepped forward, raising her arms to soak in the adulation, and then smiled at the girls, a twisted expression of approval. "You did well," she said, her voice dripping with delight. "Now, let's see if the next round can top that, shall we? But first, can I have my cleanup crew on the scene?" She called for her trusted clowns to clean up the mess. They swarmed the ring, their exaggerated movements turning the removal of blood and body parts into a parody.

The crowd loved it, their laughter and cheers filling the tent, but my eyes never left Sunshine. I was still thinking of how I could have her all to myself, away from this crowd.

Once the ring was cleared and the rigging retracted, Kinks turned her attention to the next part of the night.

"Melantha, darling, it's your turn to have some fun! Care to give the Wheel another spin?"

She stepped forward without hesitation, her movements deliberate as she approached the Wheel of Misfortune. The anticipation in the air was thick, and I couldn't help but admire her courage. As she reached out to spin the wheel, my gaze drifted back to Sunshine. The way she stood there, so poised yet so exposed, was driving me insane. I wanted to cross the distance between us, wanted to touch her, taste her, claim her in a way that left no doubt she was mine.

"One… two… three!" Kinks' voice rang out, and the crowd counted along as Mel spun the wheel. The clatter of the spinning segments echoed in the tent, but I barely registered it. I was too focused on the way Sunshine's chest rose and fell with each breath, the curve of her hips, the slight tremble in her hands.

The wheel slowed, the segments clicking past each option, until it finally stopped. The wedge read: The Iron Maiden Waltz. The crowd's cheers rose again, a fresh wave of excitement coursing through them. Kinks' eyes lit up with delight as she turned to the crowd. "Oh, this will be divine! Prepare yourselves for a dance of death like no other!"

Hael was already moving, activating the mechanism that brought up the next setup. The Iron Maiden rose from the floor, its spiked doors ominously open, mounted on a rotating platform. This was no ordinary execution device—it was meant to perform, to turn the act of killing into a dark, seductive dance.

Eryx and Rafe moved with their usual precision, dragging the hunter—a man who had chosen the wrong side—toward the flawless machine.

His struggles were fierce, a desperate attempt to escape the inevitable, but they were futile. Eryx and Rafe had done this too many times before, their strength and skill rendering the hunter's resistance meaningless. With a final push, they forced him inside the spiked chamber, the sharp metal pressing ominously against his flesh.

Kinks' voice echoed across the club, cutting through the murmurs and anticipation. "Now how about our Serpine beauty—would you do us the honors of sealing the door?"

A ripple went through the crowd at the mention of her surname. The name "Serpine" carried weight, and those who hadn't yet realized they were in the presence of Pandora Serpines daughter, which meant the women with her were more than likely the only ones she'd ever been linked to.

The excitement in the air grew palpable, a mix of confusion and admiration fueling the whispers that spread like wildfire.

Lana didn't flinch, not even at the murmurs or the sudden intensity of the gazes now fixed on her. She stepped forward with the same quiet confidence that had always defined her, moving toward the Iron Maiden. The crowd watched as she placed her hands on the heavy doors, her touch as steady as it was deliberate.

"Think Pandora witnessing her legacy is alive and well makes up for me stealing her daughter away?" Ciaran asked jokingly from beside me.

I glanced at him, then back at Lana. He was right; the crowd's excitement had reached a fever pitch, the knowledge of who stood before them adding a new level of thrill to the proceedings.

But my focus was still on Sunshine, her presence a constant pull at the edges of my mind. Lana, now fully aware of the crowd's eyes on her, gave the Iron Maiden's doors a final push. The spikes pressed into the hunter's flesh, drawing a choked gasp that carried from the mic planted within. The sound of the doors locking into place reverberated through the ring, a finality that sent a fresh wave of excitement through the audience.

The lights dimmed as the haunting melody of a waltz filled the air. The Iron Maiden began to rotate on its platform, the spikes inside retracting slightly only to extend again with each spin, slicing deeper into the hunter's body. The device was more than just a method of execution—it was a macabre dance, a performance designed to entertain as much as it was to kill. The waltz continued, each note synchronized with the grinding of the Iron Maiden's gears and the hunter's increasingly faint screams.

Blood seeped from the cracks in the device, pooling beneath the rotating platform in a grotesque display that captivated the crowd. The Iron Maiden spun faster, the spikes doing their lethal work with precision until the hunter's struggles finally ceased. The music faded, the Iron Maiden slowing to a stop.

The clowns rushed back into the ring and unlocked the doors, revealing the mutilated remains of the man inside. The lifeless body was quickly removed, organs pulled off the spikes and tossed into a bucket, the remnants of the hunter's final moments carried away like they were nothing more than trash. The audience erupted in applause, their cheers echoing through the tent, but my mind was elsewhere—already on what I needed to do next.

Kinks thanked her volunteers, her voice dripping with satisfaction, and dismissed them to enjoy the rest of their night. But I was already moving, not wasting a second. I kept close behind the others as they began to disperse.

Ciaran was the first to act, grabbing Lana and hoisting her over his shoulder as if she weighed nothing, his hand firmly holding her skirt down as he carried her away into the crowd, ignoring her protests. There was a determined set to his jaw, and I knew that, like me, he had waited long enough.

Mel passed by next, and I caught a glimpse of Dion, Brody, and Maverick sweeping her away from the mass of bodies. Hayven trailed right behind her, trying to avoid Charon, who was hot on her heels.

And then, there was Sunshine. The moment our eyes met, there was no need for words. I took her hand in mine, the connection between us electric, and guided her out of the ring, positioning her in front of me so I could keep a protective eye on her from behind. I needed her close, needed to feel her against me, especially after what we'd just witnessed.

We took the lift back to the penthouse, the others all crammed in with us. I ran my hands up and down Sunshine's arms, feeling her slight trembling, the adrenaline still coursing through her veins. It was driving me insane, that she was so close, so vulnerable, and yet, I had to wait.

When the lift doors slid open, we heard a loud crash—something shattering, followed by Brody's laughter.

"Didn't waste any time," Brody chuckled, clearly referring to Ciaran and Lana. I smirked, knowing exactly what he meant. Ciaran was never one to delay gratification, especially not with Lana.

I agreed, my own patience wearing thin.

Without another word, I scooped Sunshine into my arms, lifting her bridal style.

It felt right, even though the sight of her white dress splattered with blood was an ironic contrast to the purity it once symbolized. The iron grip I had on my control was slipping, but I still managed to carry her with care.

We entered the room I always used when we were here, a familiar space that provided both privacy and luxury. I headed straight to the bathroom, knowing that she needed to be cleansed of the night's horrors. The bathroom itself was an expansive, modern design—a glass-enclosed shower dominating the space, lit by soft, ambient red lighting that cast an almost otherworldly glow. The rainfall showerhead hung high, the controls for temperature and water pressure sleek and discreetly embedded in the wall.

Steam was already beginning to swirl inside, the warm mist promising a momentary escape from the brutal reality outside.

I gently set her down inside the shower, out of the spray of water until it warmed. The moment her feet touched the cool, smooth tiles, I could see the tension easing from her body. My hands found the front of her corset, gripping the delicate fabric before tearing it down the center with a swift motion. The sound of the fabric giving way was followed by a small gasp from her lips—a sound that sent a surge of heat straight through me.

"No bra," I growled, my voice roughened by the mask I still wore.

"Not with this top," she replied, her voice soft.

I didn't hesitate. My hands found the edge of her tutu, and with another quick, clean motion, I ripped it off, leaving her gasping again, this time my name slipping from her lips.

Now she stood before me in nothing but her stockings, heels, and that mask—the image seared into my mind, claiming every last ounce of my self-control. With the water finally warm, steam at my back, I began unbuttoning the black button-down I had changed into earlier, tossing it carelessly out of the glass enclosure.

The sight of her, so exposed and vulnerable, only fueled the desire clawing at my insides. She leaned back against the wall, instinctively crossing her arms over her chest, trying to shield herself. I was on her in an instant, stepping forward and pulling her arms down, my grip firm but gentle. "Don't hide what's mine."

"What about the cameras?" she whispered; her voice barely audible over the sound of the water.

"I need to see your face," I murmured, reaching up to remove my mask. It dropped to the floor with a soft thud, my hands immediately moving to hers, lifting it off gently. "There are no cameras. No timers. No audience. It's just us."

The moment her mask was gone, I saw the raw emotion in her eyes, the vulnerability she never showed anyone else. I wasn't expecting the shuddering breath she took or the way she launched herself into my arms, burying her face against my chest. My arms closed around her, holding her tightly, protectively. I would never get tired of being the nightmare that made her feel safe. She had no idea what I was thinking, no clue how I would use this situation to get what I wanted—what I needed —and have her feeling the same by the time it was done.

My mind was already spinning with the possibilities, the ways I could make this moment go exactly where I wanted it to. "What do you need from me, Sunshine?" I asked, my voice low and deliberate, giving her the illusion of choice.

"I need you," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper drowned out by the multiple showerheads, tears trickling down her cheeks, leaving a trail on my chest.

"Oh, you have me." I captured her mouth in a fierce kiss, harsh, pressing her back against the wall. Her fingers dig into my skin, pulling me closer, her mouth opening beneath mine in a desperate plea for connection. Our bodies melded together; her breasts crushed against my chest.

I grasped them roughly and a low moan escaped her lips, mingling with the tears that still streaked down her flushed cheeks. The shower was filling with steam and the water was hot, beating down on our faces, mingling with our hands that clung to each other. I wanted to do this rough—splay her out beneath me and fuck her like the fragile, beautiful doll she was. I wanted her to bleed, marking me as I marked her.

I counted backward, knowing that time was soon, and slowly traced my fingers down her drenched body, my touch lingering at the small of her back, and then lower. She gasped and arched into me.

I ignored the discomfort of my wet pants and lifted my mask. I lowered myself to the ground. With careful movements, I lifted one of her legs over my shoulder, feeling the soft skin of her inner thigh against my cheek.

My kisses started slow and tender but soon turned into playful nips as I teased and explored her thigh with my lips and teeth.

As the water continued to beat down on us, her moans grew louder. I brushed my teeth against her skin, causing goosebumps to form all over her body. She was shaking yet trembling with desire, her body begging for more. Slowly, I moved higher, trailing my lips up her thigh until I reached her pussy. With one hand, I spread her open.

I traced the sensitive skin with my tongue, savoring the taste of her and the sounds she made. When she couldn't take it anymore, her hands gripping my hair, urging me deeper. I obeyed her plea, plunging my tongue inside, tasting her sweetness, and hearing her soft cries of pleasure. Her body undulated beneath me, her hips grinding against my face as her breath quickened. I licked and sucked, faster and harder, until I felt her muscles clench and release. Her moans reached a fever pitch as she arched her back and cried out my name.

I had no intention of stopping now.

"Ky, please," she rasped, her voice trembling with desperation.

That was all I needed to hear. Without another word, I scooped her up from the shower, the water cascading off her as I carried her back into the room.

Her skin was warm and slick against mine, and the air felt electric with everything unspoken between us. I didn't hesitate as I reached the bed, tossing her onto the sheets with just enough force to make her gasp again. She landed in a tangle of limbs, her golden hair splayed out around her like a halo, her beautiful eyes wide with a mix of fear and anticipation.

I stood at the edge of the bed, towering over her, every nerve in my body thrumming with the need to claim what was mine. And she was mine—whether she realized it or not, she'd always been mine. Now, it was time to make sure she understood that too.