Micah stumbles back, staring at me with confusion. “No?”
“I said, no,” I repeat, loudly, fisting his shirt at his chest and pulling him closer.
Gazing down at me with confusion, his eyes immediately narrow. “Quinn—”
“Stop!”
Micah jumps back, leaning his back against the counter and staring at me with horror.
Damien steps closer. “Tell us what you want from us, Quinn,” he softly says.
“I want to feel empowered,” I explain, trying my best to make them understand. “Instead of feeling helpless and ashamed.”
“What can we do for you?” he asks.
“I don’t want to feel like a victim anymore.”
“You want to act it out with us,” Jensen lets out, attempting to wrap his head around it. “Except this time, you know that you have every ounce of control.”
“Am I crazy?” I ask, my voice cracking.
“No,” Damien rushes out. “This is really what you want?”
“Yes.”
“We need a safe word,” he firmly states. “What will it be?”
“Mistletoe.”
“Are you sure about this?” he asks again.
“Yes,” I answer.
“Do you have any limits?”
I shake my head. “No.”
They take a moment, exchanging silent stares. Finally, they nod in acceptance.
“Okay, Quinn. This time, you’re in control,” Damien says, before his eyes darken. “Run.”
CHAPTER 5
DAMIEN
Quinn takes off, pushing off the doorway and disappearing down the dark hall. Clenching my jaw tight, anger cripples me. My teeth feel as if they’re seconds away from shattering. There’s only one thing I’m sure of at this moment.
I’ll hunt this guy down.
I’ll find him.
And I’ll rip his fucking throat out with my teeth.
“What is this?” Micah harshly asks me. “Why do you want her to live through this again?”
“Her being taken advantage of once isn’t good enough for you?” Jensen angrily demands. “She has to experience it twice?”
“You don’t get it,” I shoot back. “This is what she wants. You heard her.”
Jensen steps back, uncertainty claiming his face. “I’m out.”
Micah’s eyes narrow. “She chose a safe word,” he breathes, running his hand through his hair. “That was her way of giving consent.”
“We need to find this guy,” Jensen states.
“We will,” I state.
“Do we even know his name?” Micah questions.
“Not yet. But we will.”
Jensen strides toward the doorway.
“You’re bailing?” I call out.
“Grabbing us masks,” he responds. “You know I’d never bail on her.”
Micah remains motionless in the kitchen, his gaze fixated on the hardwood floor beneath our feet.
“You good?” I ask, gripping his shoulder. “You don’t have to do this.”