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A cherished companion a lover, even a friend, Kris clarified. It is a bond much deeper than your
human marriage vows for it cannot be broken without a great deal of pain on both sides. A concubine is
to be treated with respect and affection. While you are here you will be attended every moment. Either
by myself, or a servant if I am not available. Get used to it, Lauren.
There didn t seem to be a correct answer without getting into another verbal sparring match so she
simply picked up the spoon and began eating. It was some kind of broth with noodles in it, definitely not
Atkins-approved, but she was so hungry she didn t protest.
She could be allowed a few extra carbs, she told herself. She hadn t had a bite to eat since the bloody
lamb two days ago. Possibly, she might even be approaching a size twelve. The thought cheered her
considerably, though being kidnapped and taken to a vampire sex club where you were tied up for two
days seemed like an extreme way to lose a few pounds.
Kris watched with approval as she ate the soup. Good, you were becoming rather too thin,Solnyshko
.
Lauren frowned at him and put the last spoonful back untouched. There was that strange nickname
again, what had he said it meant? Little sun? I don t think there s much danger of me wasting away just
yet, she said, pushing the tray to one side.
That depends on your idea of wasting away . He frowned at her. I suppose you are one of these
tiresome modern women, determined to make yourself into an emaciated skeleton.
Well, she said defensively. I m not naturally a size six like some women so I have to work on it.
A size six? Kris made a face that conveyed distaste. I should hope not.
His reaction amused Lauren. I promise you, I m nowhere near it. No need to start breaking out the Ho
Hos just yet.
Kris gave her a quizzical stare and Lauren reflected that as a bona fide vampire he had probably never
sank fangs into a Ho Ho. He shook his head and rose from the bed, taking her tray with him. He pulled a
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long, silken cord that hung from the ceiling and she heard a brisk tinkling. Honestly, everything about this
place was like something out of an old movie.
Presently, a light rapping sounded at the door and Kris opened it. He thrust the tray out into the hall and
someone Lauren couldn t see took it away without comment.
Now what? she said as he came back to sit on the side of the bed. She felt like some sort of a
convalescent, which she supposed in a way she was, if everything he d said about the Taint was true.
She glanced at her bruised arm again and saw Kris eyes follow her own.
How does it feel? he asked, not answering her question which was typical for him. Without asking
permission, he took her arm in both of his large, capable hands and studied it like a scientist looking at a
particularly interesting specimen under a microscope.
Do you mind? Lauren tried to snatch her arm away but he clamped down on it with a grip that felt like
flexible iron. She had a sudden understanding of his strength, which made her mouth go dry. She would
have a better chance of pulling her humeral head out of its socket if she kept yanking than of freeing her
arm from that grip.
Are you done? he asked quietly when she had stopped struggling. His tone was soft but there was
steel buried in the deep voice. The ice blue eyes regarded her with chilling anger.
Yes, she said, feeling angry with him for being so frightening and herself for sounding like a sullen child.
Good. Once and for all, Lauren, you will have to get used to being touched, to having my hands on
your body. Is it really so distasteful?
Actually it wasn t, which why she objected so strongly. The feel of those large, warm hands sent a
shimmer of pure heat through her body when he touched her. And the way he spoke, in that soft yet
masterful voice it was exactly like her fantasies. But that was all they were just fantasies. She didn t
actually want to submit her will and surrender her body to a stern but loving master, did she?
She became aware that Kris was still staring at her, waiting for her answer. No, she said at last. But
that still doesn t mean I like it.
Well, like it or not it is a necessity here at The House of Pain. He went back to his leisurely exam of
her arm, a small, thoughtful frown on his smooth features. There are still traces of the Taint in your
system, which is probably one reason for your weakness. I ll have to tend to that before you rest tonight.
If you start to feel weak or ill during the banquet you are to tell me immediately, do you understand?
Banquet? Lauren said blankly. Are you telling me we re going out somewhere tonight?
No, the banquet will be held here in Simon s private dining hall. He is our host and he has made it
abundantly clear that he expects us to attend. Again he made a face of disgust. You must be on your
best behavior at all times. Do I make myself perfectly clear?
I m quite able to mind my manners in company, thank you so much, Kris, she snapped, fed up with his
domineering tone. Are you ever going to give me back my arm?
Kris frowned at her and released her arm. If you really were my concubine you d have to pay for
taking such a tone with me, Lauren, he said, his voice low and dangerous.
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Ha. She kept her voice low as well but couldn t resist taunting him. What would you do, spank me?
Maybe. Those ice blue eyes were suddenly predatory, causing a tightness in her chest and a shortness
in her breathing. Or possibly, I could devise a more suitable punishment. Based, perhaps, on one of
your own fantasies. Hmm?
Lauren felt her cheeks heat in a sudden flush of embarrassment and she looked away quickly, unable to
meet his gaze any longer. Damn him for reminding her that he had read the contents of the Mac and knew
all of her most secret fantasies. Then she had a sudden thought. My Mac, where& ?
In a safe place, he said, in that cool, infuriating tone. Don t worry,Solnyshko , no one but myself will
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