The room is dimly lit—red and gold, scented with heat and sweat.
Aster is already kneeling, mouth stuffed, wrists tied prettily behind her back.
Naya's sprawled across the couch, panting, lips swollen, her thighs trembling from Mirabel's soft, cruel teasing.
Kade… is trying to behave.
He's kneeling where Mistress told him to. Silent. Naked. Tense.
But then—
A knock.
Janelle raises an eyebrow.
> "I told them we're not to be disturbed—"
The door creaks open, and he walks in.
Tall. Dark. Smiling with lips like poison.
> "Sorry, Janelle. I brought what you asked for," he says, eyes not on her, but on Mirabel.
He hands her a velvet case. Their fingers brush. He doesn't pull back.
And Mirabel… smiles at him.
Not politely. Not coldly.
Warm. Inviting.
Kade's entire body stiffens.
He watches Mirabel lean forward. Watches her lips part. Watches her thank the stranger with that soft voice she normally reserves for only one person: Janelle.
"Who. Is. That?" Kade's voice is quiet. Controlled.
Janelle doesn't answer.
The man walks past him like he's furniture, and Kade's fists clench on his knees.
Then—Mirabel speaks.
"He's just the delivery boy, sweet thing."
But she doesn't stop smiling at him.
That's when Kade snaps.
He stands.
Fast.
Everyone freezes.
Mirabel tilts her head, amused.
Janelle steps back, curious.
And Kade?
He storms over, grabs the man by the collar, and slams him into the wall.
"Don't smile at her."
"Don't talk to her."
"Don't. Look. At her."
The man just laughs.
"You jealous? You're just a toy, pretty boy. I've seen dozens like you."
Before another word can be spoken—
Kade punches him.
Hard.
Blood splatters. The man crumples. Janelle laughs—delighted.
"Oh, my sweet jealous boy," she purrs.
She walks over, wrapping an arm around Kade's trembling shoulders.
"You need to be punished… or rewarded. I haven't decided yet."
---
To be continued