The Reveal

The blindfold made of silk encircled my face. It was difficult for me to think clearly, let alone breathe through my nose. Above me, my arms were chained, my shirt was open, and the candlelight was searing my skin.

She was above me. She pressed in close. My throat was ghosted by her lips. Her deep, delicious scent clouded my judgment.

"You're stunning," I said. “Now, Belle, untie me. Permit me to touch you.”

She gave a quiet, low laugh. "Not just yet."

Her hands went slowly, almost affectionately, down my chest.

"All right," I chuckled. "You prevail. As hot as this is, but really—

Then she spoke in a different tone.

Deeper.

It's lower, but still smooth. Masculine.

"Crane, I told you. My game is this.”

I felt sick to my stomach.

"What?" I said.

My arms were bound securely, so I attempted to sit up. No, she stood up, and the mattress sank.

The blindfold loosened as I felt fingers on it.

For a moment, the light made me blind.

Then I caught sight of him.

He was holding a blonde wig. Red lipstick was smudged. His jawline was sharper and stronger, but his eyes were the same intense blue as Belle's photos.

He was a man.

I went cold. I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

"No." With a cracked voice, I whispered. "What the devil is this? No, no, no!"

The man smiled.

"Hello, Crane," he said quietly. "Do you miss me?"

With hurting wrists, I wrenched at the silk ties. "Give me a break! What on earth is the matter with you? Who are you?”

He took a step backward. "Elias is my name."

I was struck hard by the name.

Elias. The brother of Grace.

My stomach turned over.

"You"

With a composed smile, he nodded and used a white handkerchief to remove the lipstick.

“Indeed. You cheated on the same Grace. Told a lie. Embarrassed.”

I exerted more effort. "So what? What did she send you to? Do you fear me? You're crazy!”

Elias laughed quietly.

"No, Crane. She didn't think of this. She isn't even aware of it. She would not be pleased.”

His look grew gloomy.

“However, I agree. She cried over you, and I saw it. Night after night. As if she were nothing, you destroyed her. You gave her the impression that she had no value.”

I tightened my jaw. "That was years ago."

Elias stated icily, "Three years, four months, and thirteen days." "You can't recall. However, I do.”

His fingertips brushed my jaw as he drew in closer.

"I witnessed your treatment of her. And now, I want you to experience a small portion of it.”

I attempted to back away, but he softly grabbed my face.

"If you wish, you can scream. You won't be heard.”

"Now, Elias, untie me," I ordered firmly. "This isn't amusing."

He tilted his head and added, "I'm not laughing."

Slowly, his hand moved down my chest. I winced.

"What are you up to?"

He smiled. "Calm down, Crane. You are not a prisoner of mine. You are simply the lesson.”

"You're ill." He bent closer. I felt his breath on my cheek. "Perhaps. However, I have never been near a man who is more deserving of it.

He lowered his hand and teased the edge of my belt.

My body responded with bewilderment. My muscles tensed. Something... strange surged in my gut, despite my head screaming nay.

"You're afraid," Elias said. But you're also interested. It's visible in your eyes.”

"You're not correct!"

He chuckled softly. "Am I?"

I detested his composure. How kind.

He wasn't aggressive. He wasn't mean.

He was under control. Be cautious. Dangerous in the most subdued sense.

I spat, "This is retaliation." "You're attempting to make me look bad."

"I need not try," Elias said. "You're already falling apart."

He got up and walked around the bed. Similar to a lion.

With my heart beating, I followed him with my look.

He remarked, "I've been watching you for weeks." "I am aware of your personality type. I am aware of your routine. Your preferred beverages. The way you treat women as though they are toys.”

I gave a headshake. "This is a mess."

At the foot of the bed, he paused.

"Crane, Belle was never real. She was merely a reflection of your desires. I'm going to teach you what it means to be wanted the wrong way now," he said with a languid smile.

My breath became labored. I started to perspire on my forehead.

This cannot be taking place.

I yelled, "You can't just trap someone like this." "You can't play with such people."

Elias's eyes sparkled. "Can't I? You do that, don't you?”

Once more, his hands moved slowly and deliberately. My skin burned at the thought of him touching me where it mattered most.

I said, "Stop it." “Just—stop. Give me a break.”

However, my voice sounded weaker now.

It sounded feeble. Not sure.

Beside me on the bed was Elias.

"Isn't it funny?" He said quietly. As the hunter, you believed yourself to be. But here you are, breathless, half-naked, and bound. It only takes a whisper to shatter.”

I shut my eyes.

I detested the trembling sensation in my body.

I didn't even know if I wanted him to stop, which I detested.

Was I afraid? Indeed.

However, was I also something else?

Elias pressed his lips to my cheek as he bent down. I shuddered at the warmth of his skin.

"You believe that this is the penalty?" he said.

My eyes popped open.

His lips were centi

meters from mine as he smiled.

Elias whispered, "Crane, this is just foreplay," his voice like velvet encircling a dagger.

"Your punishment hasn't even begun yet.”