Surrender: Keeping Her in the Dark Vol. 4 by Leslie Sansom Page A

bone.
    “Not at the moment,” I shook my head. Which was the truth.
    “What does that mean?” he asked.
    “What do you want it to mean?” I replied. He leaned forward and grabbed my hands to pull me closer to him.
    “Don’t play games with me Norah. You know exactly what I want it to mean. Is Liam out of your life? Are you two over?” he leaned back and gave me one of his cocky smiles. “Are you on the prowl?” I gave him the best smile I could.
    “Well let’s get one thing straight, I don’t prowl. Second, you just said you like games and as for Liam and I, I guess we’re on a break.” Just saying the words hurt me. Liam and I were not on a break.
    “On a break?” he repeated.
    “Yes. We had a disagreement about where our relationship was going and what we both want from it.” I started tapping my fingers against my desk. I didn’t like talking about Liam and me as if we weren’t together.
    “It seems he wants to buy another woman and I don’t want him to. So there it is.” I held out my hands as if that was the whole truth. I didn’t know I could lie this good. I just hoped I was believable.
    “I had heard he was among the guests at a sex party. I was told there was going to be a private auction as well.” He unbuttoned his jacket and leaned back in the chair crossing his ankle over his knee. “I myself, could not attend.” He put his thumbs against his lips and waited for me to say something.
    “But you wanted to attend didn’t you?” I narrowed my eyes at him trying to show my disgust.
    “Norah, I just told you that I have been on a quest to recreate what you and Liam have together…or should I say had together,” he paused for reaction but I didn’t give him one.
    “If I couldn’t have the real thing, I was willing to settle for a knock off,” he chuckled. I rolled my eyes, again trying to show my disgust.
    “I know you don’t approve of the whole buying women for companionship thing, Norah, but I can say it is well worth it." His smile reminded me of slime.
    “It isn’t as fun being on the other end of the auction side, I assure you.” I tried to remain calm. This man was actually trying to defend kidnapping and selling women. Even Liam in his lowest of lows knew this behavior was wrong. How did this point escape this asshole?
    Why didn’t he see that it wasn’t Liam buying me that I loved most about him, it was trusting me, loving me, showing me respect and showing me how sorry he was for what I had been through that made me love him.
    Nick was still caught up in the force tactic. He was sure that Liam had broken me, forced me to love him by beating me into submission. I could only imagine what this poor girl was going through right now. She was probably tied in his basement getting his electric shock therapy. I closed my eyes thinking of what could be happening to her at this very moment. I needed to work faster.
    “Look Nick, I’m not good at being coy. It isn’t a good color on me. I’m direct.” I stood up to make my point clearer.
    “Yes, Liam and I are on a break. I don’t know what’s going on. He left me to handle some business and I haven’t heard from him.” That part was true. “I know you aren’t as big of a dick as you pretend to be. I would like to get to know you better. As you know, I have a huge capacity for forgiveness.” I softened my eyes at him and rubbed my hands over my scarred wrists. He looked down.
    “Are those from me?” he asked. I nodded. “I’m glad you have a reminder of our time together,” he said. What an ass. He marked me in many ways, and he was proud of it.
    If Liam left a little mark he freaked out and didn’t touch me for days.
    “Are you free for dinner?” he asked. I nodded again. “Good. I’ll send a car for you at 7pm.” He held out his hand and I held out mine so he could kiss it. His lips were warm and wet against my skin.
    “Until then my lady,” he winked and then walked out. I immediately did the