Total pages in book: 188
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 182255 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 911(@200wpm)___ 729(@250wpm)___ 608(@300wpm)
The crunch of Beck’s boots against the packed earth mingled with Seth’s, drowning out the sounds of chirping crickets and humming cicadas as they charged through the wooden gate and burst into the open compound.
Beck scanned the area. No sign of Heavenly among the foliage, which suggested she’d already hidden somewhere. Smart girl.
“The cottage is dead-ahead, nearly against the far perimeter fence.” Seth led him along the path bisecting the hunting grounds.
Silent minutes later, they reached the Love-Shackled Cottage. Between the adrenaline and the run, Beck was already panting, his pulse kicking hard. She had to be here.
Together, they raced up the wide porch steps, dashing past the cozy bench swing and tearing off their goggles before they burst through the door. Their rapt stares combed the almost dreamlike interior for signs of Heavenly.
The place glowed warmly from a cozy fire crackling in the stone fireplace. Scented candles filled the air with vanilla and jasmine. A large four-poster bed dominated the center of the room, draped in flowing pale fabric and sprinkled in rose petals. Silk ties were attached to each corner of the frame. An innocent white, see-through lace camisole decorated with pink bows lay draped across the mattress like an invitation. Beck’s cock jerked at the sight.
Baskets lined the shelves along one wall, filled with condoms, lube, butt plugs, vibrators, and more. An ornate vanity against the opposite wall held more tiny bows, lace gloves, ornate masks, velvet cuffs, and flavored massage oil. Next to that, a bottle of champagne chilled in an ice bucket.
“Are you here, angel?” Seth yanked open the closet door and peeked inside.
“Come out, come out, wherever you are, little girl,” Beck taunted as he bent and checked under the bed.
They searched every nook and cranny—behind curtains, inside wardrobes, even the bathroom. She was nowhere to be found. Was she evading them? Toying with them?
Yes, and the idea of finding her, pinning her, claiming her made his blood kick harder.
Beck settled his specialized goggles back over his eyes as they stepped outside again. “Looks like she’s decided to be more adventurous.”
“Or more devious,” Seth drawled.
Either option shot thrill down Beck’s spine. “But it’s almost a shame she’s not here. The thought of violating our girl in that flimsy little nightie makes me fucking hard.”
“Your bow fetish is showing, doc.”
He shrugged. “Sue me.”
“Nah. I dig it, too.” Seth laughed, as they jogged the path through the clear, crystal night.
Minutes later, St. Merciless General came into view. They removed their eyewear again the moment they stepped inside. The space was well-lit, clinical, and sterile, lined with cabinets and one narrow closet. The sharp antiseptic scent hit Beck’s nostrils, so familiar he’d swear he was about to step into the operating room. A hospital gown was draped over a padded exam table complete with stirrups and cuffs. A metal stand held a tray containing condoms and lube, along with rubber gloves, a silver speculum, bottles of alcohol, cotton gauze, and a package of play-worthy needles.
“You hiding in here, little girl?” Beck called.
Total silence.
Seth checked the narrow closet near the door. “You know, I’m surprised you picked vascular surgery over gynecology.”
“I didn’t ever want pussy to get boring.” Beck, who had been methodically opening cabinets, slammed the last one shut. “She’s not here.”
Seth glanced around one final time. “You’re right. Let’s head out.”
Back under the moonlight, they donned their lenses again.
Unease crawled under Beck’s skin as they trekked to The Ministry of Sin. The moment they stepped inside the church-like structure, his stomach rolled.
Organ music played softly from overhead speakers. The massive space stretched before them—a long aisle bisecting rows of wooden pews. At the front, four stairs led to a wide altar where massive golden candelabras stood beside a slab of pristine marble, carved to cradle a body and draped in white silk. More pews encircled the slab for voyeuristic pleasure. Rolls of silk rope and a transparent gossamer gown waited on a golden tray alongside the obligatory condoms, lube, and anal plugs.
Memories of Zach recounting how, as a boy, their twisted father had forced him to watch while he violated his child bride Blessing—and Beck’s first crush—on their “wedding night.”
His stomach pitched violently. “I-I can’t stay here. If you find Heavenly, just…bring her out. We’ll decide where else to take her.”
On the front steps, Beck filled his lungs with cool night air and fought back the nausea. Through the open doorway, he watched Seth methodically search the pews.
“Heavenly, if you’re in here, show yourself.” Seth’s voice echoed in the vast space. “We can’t do this here.”
Nothing.
Seth gave the place one more cursory search before closing the door behind him. He met Beck’s stare and shook his head.
“Thank fuck.” Beck dragged a hand through his hair. “I’m sorry for freaking out. It’s just—”
“You don’t have to explain. I was having flashbacks, too. Not like yours. Mine were of every Sunday growing up, pulling at the tie strangling my neck and listening to a solid hour of mass in Latin while sitting, standing, kneeling, standing, sitting, kneeling, sitting, kneeling… You get the picture.”