Chapter 3

For that, he even magnanimously allowed me to pick up documents at his house.

Oh, no thanks. I politely declined.

Being a good 'consensual subordinate' requires boundaries.

Back then, I cherished my position.

And the string of zeros on my paycheck.

Sometimes Ethan would go crazy and make all sorts of unreasonable demands, but for the sake of my bank balance, I could endure it.

Of course, enduring for too long without release would turn anyone into a lunatic.

That's when Liam crashed into my world.

I had just pulled two all-nighters working overtime with Ethan at the company. I was angrier than a pissed-off banshee.

It's a known fact that when people are angry, they do impulsive things.

My impulsive act was a 'weekend warrior' trip – an intense, last-minute climb up Mount Rainier.

To make sure I didn't get stuck, I hired eight college-aged guides, telling them if I couldn't make it, they'd have to carry me.

Liam was the most emotionally intelligent of the eight.

The other guys kept subtly hinting for more cash.

Only Liam didn't show such strong mercenary intentions. He was sweet-talker, actively bought water and snacks, and carried me up without asking for extra pay.

After reaching the summit and watching the sunrise, I spent half an hour venting my frustrations about Ethan. Liam just stayed by my side, not bothering with the other guys yelling at him to come down for more gigs.

He looked at me, his slightly downturned eyes gentle, like a puppy's.

On a whim, I stroked his chin, thinking, if it's a 'consensual adult relationship,' and Ethan can do it, why can't I?

Liam was quick to catch on, satisfying me completely. I praised his flexible tongue, and he practiced until his tongue could do incredible things.

Whenever Ethan got on my nerves, I'd go to Liam, and a smile would return to my face.

Liam was smart, always available, and didn't ask for a dime.

Handsome, clean, and free? There was no reason not to take advantage.

After a while, he even had the password to my place.

Before I could even put down my phone, a pair of mischievous hands wrapped around my waist.

Liam's chest pressed against my back, and a rather inappropriate part of him rubbed against my lower back.

The next second, a hot kiss landed on my lips, mixed with steamy breath that made my face flush.

"Sis, I'm all showered…"

His mouth asked for my permission, but his hands were anything but innocent.

"You've seen this month's physical report, Sis. I want…"

Tiny kisses trailed from my lips down my back, and with a gentle push, I was knocked onto the carpet.

Liam was the swimming team's star at his sports academy. Great core strength, incredible stamina.

If it weren't for that, his measly $8,000-a-month income plus stipend wouldn't even qualify him for my 'hunting' criteria.

The kisses on my back continued. This time, he unhooked my bra with his teeth, leaving a damp trail on my earlobe.

"Sis, please?"

His eyes were bloodshot, and he looked at me piteously. His tongue tied a knot in my pajama drawstring.

Seeing me momentarily stunned, a hint of triumph flashed in his puppy eyes, and he smiled, looking exceptionally goofy.

Tsk, little brat. He's quite the actor.

If I hadn't already seen his contact note for me: "97, June 13, Gemini. Big tits, easy to fool, and down for anything."

I might actually have fallen for it.

I gave a light pinch behind him.

His breathing hitched, hot air sprayed on the back of my neck, and with red eyes, he pinned me against the wall.

"Sis, I can't take it anymore, Sis, save me…"

I smiled without speaking, then choked his neck, making his eyes well up with tears. He hugged me tight, refusing to let go.

Men under twenty-five were the best. Young and fresh.

Plenty of strength and stamina.

And free.

Done and tossed.

Leaving a red handprint on his perfectly sculpted butt, I opened my phone to order takeout.

Another screen full of green messages.

Ethan had called at least ten times, and his messages were a saturated bombardment.

[Skylar, hiding won't help. There's no future for us.]

[Don't even think about using past events to threaten me. You know the difference between us.]

[Don't try to disrupt my engagement party.]

…

[?]

[Why aren't you replying?]

[Skylar, talk to me.]

I slowly typed a question mark.

He replied instantly.

[Skylar, playing dead won't work. We're over. You’ll…]

A flood of messages made my eyes swim.

Anyway, my current savings could easily buy me a sweet two-bedroom apartment in a prime city location, fully paid off. Whether this relationship continued or not didn't matter.

Taking a sip of the herbal tea Liam had brewed before he left, I replied with a single word: [Okay.]

The next second, I downloaded and secured all records of transfers, then blocked and deleted him.

The next day, I was pulled awake.

Half-asleep, I slowly came to, only to see Ethan standing by my bed, his dark circles rivaling a panda's.

His hollow eyes staring at me were like a snake's, chillingly menacing.

I screamed, my voice hoarse.

Ethan's eyes were bloodshot. He moved his lips, about to say something, when the door burst open and Liam rushed in.

"Sis, don't be scared, I'm here!"

He was wearing a basketball jersey, holding a bag of breakfast. My nail marks and a few suggestive bite marks were visible on his muscular chest.