Chapter Seven

Helena’s POV

I leaned against the kitchen counter, watching Hunter from across the room. He was quiet tonight. Too quiet. The moment I heard Grace had gone out with Max, I knew exactly why.

Hunter sat in the living room, staring at the whiskey in his glass instead of drinking it. He swirled it absently, lost in his thoughts. Thoughts I could guess weren’t about me. No, they were about my sister.

Pathetic. I was sure he was worried about Max sleeping with little Grace. Poor, innocent Grace. The bitch was still a virgin. And I knew exactly who she had been saving herself for.

Well, tough shit. Hunter was mine. It wasn’t my fault that Grace never made a move, was it? I wanted the life Hunter could give me. Grace thought I didn’t know, but I wasn’t stupid. I kept it all to myself. It wouldn’t do for others to find out. Mom knew enough about why I married Hunter…the lifestyle. But that was it. I never let anyone see the real me.

Just the thought of the control I had over people turned me on. People were rats, and I was the Pied Piper. So easily manipulated, so easily controlled. It wasn’t just my looks, I could read people. I was smart, and I used every tool I had to get what I wanted. Life was short, and mine was going to be fucking perfect.

The power sent a shiver through me. I glanced at Hunter again. Sex was my drug, and I needed it. It was never as good when I did it myself, and my husband was right here, ready to serve me.

I smoothed my silk robe over my thighs and walked toward him, letting my bare feet make the softest sound against the marble floor. I slid onto the couch beside him, tucking my legs under me, watching him like a predator watching prey.

“Grace went out with Max tonight,” I murmured, testing the waters.

Hunter’s jaw tensed. His grip tightened around the crystal glass, his knuckles paling. He didn’t respond, which was as good as a confession. He was worried about Max sleeping with Grace. I smirked in my head. As if Max could crack little Miss Goody Two Shoes after one date. I wasn’t going to tell Hunter that. I needed him to agree with me, and I wasn’t about to set his mind at ease.

“You don’t like it, do you?” I cooed, brushing my fingers over his arm. “Seeing as she could be carrying our baby.”

His eyes snapped to mine, sharp and irritated. “What are you trying to say, Helena?”

I smiled sweetly, leaning in as if sharing a secret. “Nothing at all. Just that she’s vulnerable right now. And Max? Well, he’s exactly the kind of man who knows how to take advantage of that.”

Max was gorgeous. Just thinking of him naked helped fuel the little sexual buzz already humming through me. I leaned forward to take Hunter’s ear into my mouth, imagining it was Max instead.

Hunter didn’t react. He was too distracted. That meant I was going to get my way.

He exhaled sharply, looking away, but I saw the flicker of doubt in his eyes. Good. I needed him off balance, worried about Grace.

“I think we should have Grace move in with us,” I said, keeping my voice casual. “It would be safer for her. For the baby.”

His head jerked toward me. “Move in?”

“Of course.” I tilted my head, the picture of sisterly concern. “She could be carrying our child, Hunter. Wouldn’t it be easier if she were here where we could watch over her? Make sure she’s eating right, staying away from stress?”

Hunter hesitated. I could see the war in his head. The more uncertain he was, the better it was for me.

“You know I’m right,” I pressed, my voice softening. “Grace is too easily swayed. She’s so naive. With Max in the picture now, who knows what ideas he might put in her head?” I let my voice tremble, added, “You do want our baby, don’t you?”

I fought the urge to gag. Pregnancy disgusted me. That’s what nannies were for. Hunter wanted an heir, and to keep him sweet, I made sure he’d get one, without ruining my body. He thought I was unable to carry the parasite. Little did he know.

Hunter’s lips pressed into a firm line. “Max isn’t a bad guy.”

I nearly laughed. The irony. Hunter defending Max while looking like he wanted to strangle him for daring to take an interest in Grace. Hunter had always been protective of his younger sister Maya, so I shouldn’t be surprised. Grace had that innocent vibe men loved. I barely resisted the urge to roll my eyes.

“I never said he was,” I said smoothly. “But she’s fragile. Hormones. Anxiety. You wouldn’t want her making decisions that could harm the baby, would you?”

That did it. I saw the shift in him. His posture straightened. His jaw clenched.

“I’ll talk to her,” he muttered, scrubbing a hand down his face.

I smiled, victorious. “Let’s talk to her together. She needs stability. She needs us.”

No, she needs to be where I can control her.

I leaned back. Let Grace have her little taste of freedom tonight. Let her think she could escape me.

Because soon enough, she’d be right where I wanted her.

And now that was sorted, I had needs of my own.

I straddled Hunter’s lap without warning, pressing my body to his. His hands automatically caught my waist, but I could tell his mind was still somewhere else. That wouldn’t do.

“You’re thinking about Max again, aren’t you?” I whispered, grinding my hips slowly against him. “I love how protective you are of my sister. But your wife needs you here with me.”

Hunter let out a low groan, his fingers tightening.

“He doesn’t do long-term,” he said finally. “I don’t want her getting hurt.”

I hummed, sliding my hands over his chest, popping open the buttons one by one. “You think you’re the big brother now?” I nipped at his jaw. “Think she’s too naive to handle a man like Max?”

He didn’t answer.

I rolled my hips again, slow and deliberate. “Men like Max crave girls like Grace. Sweet. Unmarked. They make the best toys.”

Hunter stilled beneath me.

I didn’t care.

I leaned in and bit his neck, just hard enough to sting. Then his mouth crushed mine.

His hands pushed my robe aside, fingers digging into my thighs as he lifted me and carried me toward the bedroom.

I smiled against his lips, knowing I had won.

Hunter was mine.

And Grace? She’d be under my roof soon enough.