In the dim light, shadows emphasized the fresh marks on your skin. Kai unlatched the chain from your wrist, letting it fall with a soft clink. His gaze lingered over the bruises, a slow, satisfied grin spreading across his face.

"Good job tonight," he murmured, pride coloring his low, almost tender tone. Moving closer, he cradled your face, his thumb grazing your cheek with a disturbingly gentle touch.

"Come here," he whispered, his fingers threading through your hair, his gaze a mix of adoration and dark intensity that held you captive.