Raeylin eyed her father, toying with the hems of her sleeves and glancing at Layt every moment or so. She bit her lip while she waited for her father to do something or to say anything. But the portly old man remained unresponsive for long moments. Her lower lip trembled. She caught Layt looking at her with hints of what he wanted to do with her gleaming in his dark eyes, and she looked away, her eyes tearing up.

Her father's face was becoming progressively redder, and finally, the top of the volcano blew. He lit into her with a vengeance. "What were you thinking? Do you know the amount of trouble I've gone to keeping you safe and unharmed? And all for what? So, you could let this icareth seduce you!" He waved vehemently at Layt. "You've made yourself less than trash in this house, woman! Is this the gratitude you show me for raising you and trying to do what any good father would?"

Her fingers trembled against her thighs, and she fought for control of her voice. After a moment, she managed to weakly respond to her father's accusations. "I am... I am sorry, Father. Forgive m-me." She couldn't hold her voice steady, and she burst into tears. "All you ever d-did was protect me, but I threw it back in your f-face. Please f-forgive me."

"Never! You've sold yourself to Icareth, so he can have you. I hope you enjoy the pleasures of your folly while they last because you are no daughter of mine. The only way you'll return here is in disgrace to let other men have you exactly as he did."

Her father slammed a fist down on his desk. "If you'd only sold your body, you fool, I might've forgiven. But your soul?" His voice cracked. "I didn't raise you to be so foolish, Raeylin. I can't forgive this, you understand?"

Raeylin choked back her sobs and wrapped her arms around herself. "I understand," she whispered.

"Why, Raeylin? Just answer me that." Her father sagged into his chair, his rheumy eyes glazing over more than usual.

"I just wanted to have a chance to live a little. To have a little freedom." Her throat constricted. "And before you say it, I know. I've sold what little freedom I had for a worse bondage. I just hope it's worth it since I'm no longer welcome here." Turning on her heel, she fled the room.

The whispers of the women in the brothel—who had by now heard about what happened not even hurs after Layt left her sleeping in her room—followed her down the hall and into the basement. She wanted to sink into the floor and die of embarrassment. Everyone and his dog knew about Layt's claim to her now, and the snickering of the women who said that she couldn't possibly have bedded Prince Aamon's General stung. I didn't know he was anyone special. Just that he had an in with Father. Stupid, stupid, stupid!

She stormed into her room and yanked a travel bag out of the closet, rummaging through what little clothing she owned for suitable things to take. In the end, however, she ended up stuffing everything into the various nooks and crannies of the bag because her tears so blinded her that she could barely see what she was doing.

When it became clear that she would make no headway in this manner, she sunk to her knees on the shag rug beside her bed and wept bitterly. Her chest constricted, and her heart ached when she remembered her father's unwavering resolve to refuse her forgiveness. She was well and truly in Layt's hands now. Her life would depend upon his whims and whether she pleased him, not whether her father wanted to protect her.

Her stomach churned. She fought down the bile and curled into a ball on the floor.

That was how Layt found her when he came to fetch her for the journey back to his home. She'd fallen asleep, but she stirred drowsily when he came in. Her eyes drifted back shut, and she was vaguely aware that strong arms encased her and lulled her back to sleep as they ascended the stairs to head for the world beyond the walls of this compound. Perhaps it won't be so bad, she thought as she drifted back into the world of dreams and nightmares.

***

Layt's home was unlike anything Raeylin had ever seen. She woke in a large, circular bed with black gauze curtains flowing from the ceiling to conceal the bed from prying eyes. The curtains rippled in a slight breeze from somewhere, and firelight just made it through the dark curtains to warm the enclosure. Her fingers ran over the fluffy surface of the grey comforter lying over her.

Sliding into a seated position, she found that whoever had placed her in the room had removed her clothing from home and dressed her in a silk nightgown that left nothing to the imagination. She clutched the coverlet to her chest and then used her free hand to sweep aside the curtain to look around the room.

Her gaze fell first on Layt, who sat by the fireplace in a large leather armchair. She quickly looked away, her heart pounding. In an effort to distract herself from his presence, she examined the rest of the room. Animal fur rugs covered the stone floors, and firelight danced off everything in the room, making it seem cozy. Or, at least, it would've been if it weren't for his presence.

The door to the wash room stood open, letting her see that Layt had a pool in the bathing area, not the usual standing tub. She bit her lip, thinking how nice it must be to have that sort of luxury. Then she recalled what she'd had to do to gain this kind of luxury, and she dropped the curtain. Her stomach swirled dangerously, and she curled underneath the covers again.

A book clapped shut, and she tensed.

"I know you're awake, love. You may as well come sit by the fire." Layt's voice was low and soothing again.

Is he bipolar? Raeylin bit her lip. It would be just my luck. Or maybe he has split personality disorder. If he does, is the other side of him violent? That would've made her laugh if the question hadn't been so serious. Who are you kidding? Even the "nice" side of him is harsh.

"Raeylin, I won't ask you again. Come sit by the fire with me."

A tremor ran down her spine, and she threw her legs over the side of the bed. Just before she slipped the curtains aside, she remembered her state of dress and hesitated.

Layt rose and turned to her. "What's the matter?"

She clutched the sheets to her chest. "May I dress first?"

"Why?" Layt crossed the room and swept the curtains aside, hovering over her.

"B-because I'd feel more comfortable. Please, Layt." Chills washed over her body as he continued to stare.

He settled onto the bed beside her. "Please?"

She lowered her gaze and wrapped her arms around herself. The sheets slipped, but she left it be. It'll just draw more attention to me right now.

"It matters that much to you?" Layt's fingers twined in her hair.

Raeylin closed her eyes and nodded.

"I don't have spare clothes, and you can't wear your old clothes."

Her eyes flew open, and she stared at him. "I can't? What about what I packed from home?"

"I didn't bring them."

"Didn't bring them!" Heat suffused her cheeks. "Why?"

"I just told you. You can't wear your old clothes." Layt raised a brow. "Are you always like this in the morning?"

She glared at him, gritting her teeth. "Then what am I going to wear, Layt?"

"That?" He smirked.

"Not if I'm ever going to go anywhere," she snapped.

"What if you aren't?"

She threw her hands up, forgetting about the sheets until it was too late. "What is wrong with you? Can't you even give me freedom to leave this cage? It's not as if I have anywhere else to go."

His gaze darkened. "It was said in jest. Of course, you can leave the room. I'm having a seamstress work on clothes you can wear around here. Your old clothes weren't suitable," he repeated.

She flushed. "Oh. I see."

"Yes, I suppose you do. Now, perhaps you should come sit by the fire." His tone brooked no argument, and he took her hand, tugging her to her feet.

"Isn't there anything more appropriate I can have in the meantime?" She had already budged on so much. She wouldn't give in on this too.

He rolled his eyes. "If you insist." In a fluid motion, he snatched an extra blanket from the bottom of the bed and shoved it into her arms.

The tension in her shoulders bled away, and she wrapped the warm blanket around herself with a sigh. Layt cast her an odd look, but he didn't say anything. She followed him to the seats in front of the fire and settled down in the leather armchair across from him.

"What is expected of me here?" Raeylin slumped in the chair, curling her feet under her.

He picked up his book, flipping it open to where he'd left off. "I thought that was obvious."

She shook her head, and her gaze became distant as she stared at the dancing flames. Her heart rate sped up, and she swallowed back the lump in her throat. Tears prickled at the corners of her eyes, but she held them back. I can guess though.

His dark brown eyes sucked her in when she glanced up at him, her hands trembling in her lap. "You've already figured it out though."

Her mouth was dust dry, and a copper-iron taste filled it. Her bottom lip wobbled, but she held back the tears by digging her fingernails into her palms. The pain focused her, gave her the ability to continue on. I won't say it. He'll have to spell it out... She ducked her head, shying away from his gaze.

He exhaled slowly. "You're going to make me spell it out, aren't you?"

Her hair fell in a curtain to cover her face. Raeylin wished she could have some ice water to cool her body, which felt as though it was bursting into flames. She curled tighter into herself. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Yes, you do." He slammed the book shut and stood. "Would you like to tell me why you're here, or would you like me to demonstrate?"

She flinched, sucking in a breath. His fingers grasped her chin, and she stiffened when she saw the threat in his dark gaze. "I... I'm here to do whatever you ask of me."

His lips curved up in a sinister smile. "Exactly. Do you understand what you promised me that night?"

"I do now," she muttered.

He pulled her to her feet and dropped a kiss on her lips, his teeth grazing her bottom lip. "Good. So, when I ask you go accompany me to various events, your response would be..."

If I want to have a life worth living for the rest of my life, then I'd better act in whatever way I'm asked to. "Yes." She wrapped her arms around his neck, dropping the blanket from her shoulders.

His hands went to her hips, and he chuckled at her sudden cooperation. "And if I want you to spend your evening with me?"

"It would be a pleasure."

Layt grinned. "Good. You'll acclimate to this place perfectly, I think."

I hope so. "And if I do?" She leaned her forehead against his chest.

"If you do, I have the ability to make you a very wealthy and happy woman. Believe me, a life of carnality can be great fun."

If I can become accustomed to being a slave, then sure. She contemplated everything she'd been through so far. The truth was that, although he hadn't been the gentlest with her, Layt would treat her exactly as he said he would if she held up her end of the bargain. She would have more freedom in some ways than she had at home. Truth be told, she'd only traded one kind of bondage for another, and Layt would give her everything she could ask for.

Still, she couldn't get past the night they'd spent, and if she was being honest, she was frightened of repeating the experience.

Layt must've sensed the reticence. "Raey, look at me."

I wish I knew how he can always tell when I'm scared or upset. She blinked back tears and looked up at him.

"I'm sorry I was rough with you. Your father had to be taught a lesson, but it won't always be like that."

She stiffened, eyes widening. He's apologizing? Wait... He used me just to punish my father for something. She shook her head, choosing to focus on his last statement. "Not always?" She toyed with the fringes of his hair to let off the nervous energy.

"Yes, not always. Sometimes it will, but not until you're accustomed to this. You know, some women enjoy that."

"What if I never do?"

Layt remained silent.

"It doesn't matter does it?" A tear slipped down her cheek. "No matter how scared I am, I have to comply, don't I?"

"You never have to, but there will always be consequences you can't control for every choice you make." Layt's fingers massaged her sides.

She sniffled, fighting to shut the negative emotions back into the box inside her soul. "So, I have to comply."

Layt's hands moved to her lower back, working out the knots there. "If it makes you feel any better, I'll do my best to ensure you're satisfied to. Despite what you may think, I'm not trying to torture you."

"But I still have to obey without questioning." She whimpered when his skillful hands hit a particularly sore muscle.

"I never said that. You have a right to question when we're in private." He scooped her up in his arms suddenly, carrying her toward the wash room.

She tensed in his arms. Why is he carrying me toward the wash room?

"Relax," he muttered. "There's a hot tub and massage table in here, and you have more knots than an old tree."

"Thanks," she griped.

"I'm so glad you're grateful to me for taking time out of my day to work the knots out of you." Layt's arms tightened around her.

She ignored him and looked around the room. Off the main room where she'd caught a glimpse of the pool earlier, there was a smaller room with steam rolling out the crack between the door and door jam. Layt nudged the door open with his foot.

A blast of warm, wet air hit her in the face, and she sighed, relaxing in Layt's arms. The warmth seeped into her, and she could already feel the steam relieving some of the tension in her frame. Layt set her on a cloth-covered table in the center of the white-tiled floor.

"Better?" He massaged her shoulders.

She could feel the tension bleeding away with each knot and kink he worked out of her sore muscles. "Much, actually."

"I didn't bring you here to hurt you, you know." Layt's supple fingers continued massaging the sore points in her back and shoulders.

"Why did you make that offer, Layt?" Raeylin leaned her head back against his shoulder, and his hands stilled against her lower back.

"Truthfully?"

"Yes. For once."

His fingers went back to their skillful ministrations against her lower back. "Your father chose to disrespect me. And you're pretty."

She huffed. "You used me to take revenge on my father?" Her eyes closed, and she continued to rest her head against his shoulder. "Why am I not surprised?"

"Well, that's what it was at first. Though, I confess, the more I talked to you, the more I wanted you." Layt shifted away from her and encouraged her to lie down on her stomach with a nudge.

"Why?"

"You're innocent." He rubbed circles against her lower back.

"Not anymore." She bit back a groan when he hit a particularly sore spot.

"True. But I just couldn't say no when you begged me to let you live a little." He snickered.

She rolled her eyes. "I'm such an idiot."

"Do you regret it?" His hands stilled against her shoulders.

She contemplated his question. Do I? True, it had hurt when he'd bedded her. But despite his rough treatment and her initial shock over it, he had seen to it that she'd enjoyed parts of it too. And he'd kept his promise to take her in regardless of what her father said. The only sour points were that she'd lost her only family and she couldn't quite get past the fear of the pain that he had inflicted that night. "I regret losing my father," she mumbled. "I don't know if I regret being bedded. You kept the promise to take me in no matter what my father said."

"But you're still scared."

What is with his uncanny ability to sense what I'm feeling? "How do you know that?"

"I can smell it on you." He poured something cool and fragrant onto her back, slipping the straps of her nightdress down to rub it into her entire back.

She stiffened, resisting the urge to move away and push him back. The smell of whatever herbs where in the oil was soothing, though, and she let it soothe her frazzled nerves. The oil warmed up as he rubbed it into her skin, and she sighed. "You can smell it?"

"Just like I can smell your desire, your pain, and your sadness. Any emotion, really."

She wrinkled her nose, pillowing her head on her arms.

"So, why are you scared?" His thumb traced down her spine.

Raeylin shivered. "For many reasons. I don't know you, so I don't know if you'll always be rough, despite your promises otherwise. I don't know if I can get past the fear that night has now instilled in me, but at the same time, the desire to do so is so great it's almost painful. I don't understand any of this. And most of all, I don't fully understand why you want me."

He tugged the straps of her nightgown back up, pressing a gentle kiss to her shoulder. "Come with me, Raeylin. We'll walk, and I will explain. But I can't promise it'll make you any less frightened."

Raeylin propped herself up on her elbows, watching him closely. He returned her regard with his own steady gaze, his dark eyes surprisingly lacking the usual spark of lust. She averted her gaze and rolled over, swinging her feet over the edge of the table. "At least I'll have some information. It's better than none."

He shrugged. "I'll let you decide that once I've given you the information I can." Turning, he grabbed a robe from another low table nearby. "And throw this on, would you? Even if it is just us in the house this time of day, I'd rather not risk anyone seeing you like that. I'm the only who should have that privilege."

She donned the warm, cotton overcoat and tied it shut. "Naturally. And do I have the right to say the same of you?"

He raised a brow. "Jealous?"

"No. But I hate double standards. If I'm required to have fidelity to you, shouldn't I be granted the same?"

Layt shrugged. "Difference is, I'm a scion of darkness. You're just corrupted like most humans are."

I think I've found the main reason he wanted me. "But you'd like to change that, wouldn't you?" She smirked.

He coughed, looking away. "How astute, my lady."

She slipped off the table. Well, I may as well make the best of this situation. I can either make this very easy on myself or very difficult. Waltzing up to him, she slid her arms around his torso. She had to stretch to reach him at first, and her lips missed his lips, brushing the corner of his mouth instead. A growl rumbled through his chest, and he dipped his head. Rewarding her efforts, he pressed his lips hungrily to hers.

Unlike the first night, his kiss wasn't bruising, but it did leave her breathless. She felt her pulse quicken, and her arms slid up his back to rest against his shoulders as her body pressed flush against his. His fingers tangled through her hair, pulling her closer to him. He nipped her bottom lip, drawing a whimper from her, but she gave him what he wanted, letting him take the lead.

When he pulled away, her chest heaved as she fought for breath. She clung to him, waiting for the world to stop spinning. "That..." She stopped, her breathing heavy.

"Glad to see you aren't too shy, love." He pressed a few chaste kisses to her lips before burying his face against her neck.

"Is that w-what it's supposed to be like?"

His laughter tickled against her skin. "Maybe."

"No wonder women are willing to give men everything they have. If it's always like that, I can only—" She cut herself off, her cheeks heating.

"Rethinking how you feel about your situation?" He pulled back, scooping her up in his arms and carrying her back to the room.

"Of course not." She refused to meet his gaze.

"Deceitful vixen," he whispered, his hand squeezing her thigh.

She shot him a wounded look, but her spirits didn't match the look. "You wound my honor, sir."

"You have none to wound because I already took all of it," he pointed out.

Her ears heated. "Well, my pride then."

"Ah. I suppose I've actually inflated that, haven't I?" He dropped her onto the bed, and she squealed in surprise.

"Don't drop me!" She tossed a spare pillow at him.

He dodged it and tackled her to the bed in the same movement. "So, you want to play like that, do you?" His fingers tickled her sides.

She giggled. "No, no! I surrender. You said we would talk."

He rolled off her, settling back against the wall.

Would he mind if I snuggled? Or is that not allowable with him? He's not the most affectionate sort. She bit her lip, narrowing her eyes as she stared at the blanket beneath her.

A rumble of laughter tumbled from his lips. "Something frustrating you?"

I'm an independent woman. No matter how he kisses, he's still evil incarnate. I don't need affection. Especially since he kisses like that. Ugh! Stop this now, Raeylin. You aren't going to act like a stupid school girl. That's what got you here. Be a mature woman. "No."

"Lies. It's practically rolling off you in waves." He laced his hands behind his head and smirked at her.

She gritted her teeth. "I said there's nothing frustrating me."

He rolled his eyes. "Suit yourself. But realize that you're stuck with me for a long time, so you're not always going to be able to lie and get yourself off the hook."

"Whatever. Just start talking. Why am I here?" She shifted to face him and crossed her arms.

"Ah, yes. Several reasons. I think you already know the first one." He closed his eyes, and the tension that usually tightened his face faded slightly.

"Yes. You want to corrupt me the same way you wanted to corrupt the women at my father's brothel." She wrinkled her nose.

"Wanted. I already corrupted you, Raeylin. Now, the extent to which I managed that has yet to be determined. But give it a month, and I guarantee you'll fit right in with my society." The corner of his mouth twitched up.

"Pretty sure you'll figure out how to do it in less," she muttered.

"Of course. Any suggestions?"

She snickered. "No. If you want to win me to your side, you'll have to do better than a few kisses, bedding me, and nice words."

"Playing hard to get?" He opened his eyes to examine her for a moment.

She shrugged.

"Just makes the victory that much sweeter."

Raeylin ignored him and the shiver his words sent through her. "But that's not your only reason, is it?"

"No. My master has a..." Layt paused. "A friend who could use someone to encourage her and advise her."

"And you chose me?"

He let his eyes drift shut again. "Why not? Likeable. Fairly affable. But you've got the backbone to nudge her in the right direction."

"Nudge her in the right direction? So, you want me to convince her to agree to whatever your master is asking of her." Raeylin narrowed her eyes.

"Using your head now, are you? Good. You'll stay alive longer that way." Layt slid down the wall to lie down on the bed. He laid his in her lap, and she stiffened, eyes widening.

"Umm... Thanks, I guess?"

He snorted. "It wasn't necessarily a compliment. But regardless, that's what I want you to do. I also need you to help with my mission in Ashteft."

"Which is?"

"You know that new Healer who showed up in town?" His arm wrapped around her hips, playing with her long hair, which pooled on the bed behind her.

"Everyone does." Raeylin let herself run her fingers through his hair and was rewarded with an appreciative sigh from Layt.

"He and my master have a history. The Healer is... A less than wonderful person. Worse than me or my master."

Raeylin frowned. "I've only heard good things about him."

Layt stiffened, hissing. "That's because he's fooled everyone in that naïve little town."

"Why is he so bad?" She ran a hand across his chest, trying to soothe him.

He caught her hand in his, his eyes opening languidly. "Because he's keeping the people from experiencing the wonders of being gods themselves."

Raeylin laced her fingers with hers. "No one can be a god, Layt."

"That's not true. He's the human incarnation of Kadek, and he's here to trick them all into serving him. They could be gods themselves, but he denies them the knowledge. So, that's why I say he's worse than we are. At least we don't deny others the joys of living life to its fullest and reaching their full potential." His body radiated heat.

She bit her lip. "That does sound terrible."

"Now you see why you're so important, Raey." He gazed up at her, his dark brown eyes looking so vulnerable. "I need you to help us bring him down, starting in Ashteft."

Raeylin went back to lacing her hands through his unruly mop of black hair. "Put that way, how could I say no?"