Chapter 6

Cove’s grip on Eli’s jaw stayed firm, their faces so close that Eli could feel the other man’s steady breath against his skin. The wall pressed cold and hard into Eli’s back.

“You’ve got a mouth on you,” Cove said quietly. “That’s going to get you in trouble.”

Eli stared straight into those gray eyes, refusing to look away. “Let go of me. Now.”

Cove held him there for a few more seconds, then slowly released his jaw. He stepped back just enough for Eli to breathe, but not enough to feel free.

“You smell like fear and dried blood,” Cove said. “You’re going to shower.”

Eli wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. “I’m not doing anything you tell me to do.”

“You will,” Cove replied. “Or I’ll drag you in there myself. Your choice.”

Eli glared at him. “You really love this, don’t you? Bossing people around. Making them feel small.”

Cove tilted his head slightly. “I don’t need to make you feel small, Eli. You already are. Now move.”

Eli stayed pressed against the wall. “What if I say no?”

“Then I carry you. And I promise you won’t like how that goes.”

Eli clenched his fists. He knew he couldn’t win a physical fight. Not right now. “Fine. But I’m showering alone.”

Cove gave a small, cold smile. “There are cameras in the bathroom. I’ll be watching.”

Eli’s stomach dropped. “You’re disgusting.”

“Call it what you want,” Cove said. “You’re under my roof. My rules. Walk.”

Eli pushed off the wall and walked toward the open bathroom door, shoulders stiff with anger. The bathroom was huge — black marble everywhere, a massive glass shower, and lights that made everything look too clean and expensive.

Eli stopped at the entrance. “Turn the cameras off.”

“No,” Cove answered simply. “Strip and get in.”

Eli turned around. “You expect me to just take my clothes off while you watch like some creep?”

Cove leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed. “I’ve already seen you scared in the dark. This is nothing. Clothes off.”

Eli’s face burned with humiliation and rage. “I hate you. I really fucking hate you.”

“Good,” Cove said. “Hate me while you wash the blood off. I don’t care how you feel as long as you obey.”

Eli pulled his torn hoodie over his head and threw it at Cove’s feet. “Happy now?”

“Keep going.”

Eli unbuttoned his jeans, shoving them down along with his boxers. He stood there naked, fists clenched at his sides. “There. You got what you wanted. Now get out.”

Cove’s eyes moved over him slowly, taking in every bruise and mark. “Get in the shower, Eli.”

Eli stepped into the large glass enclosure and turned the water on. Hot water poured down over his sore body. He kept his back to the glass, trying to hide as much as he could.

“You don’t have to watch this,” Eli said over the sound of the water. “I’m not going to kill myself or anything.”

“I watch because I want to,” Cove replied. “Turn around.”

Eli stayed facing the marble wall. “Fuck off.”

“Turn around, Eli. I won’t ask again.”

Eli spun around, water running down his face. “You like this? Seeing me like this? Naked and trapped? Does it turn you on?”

Cove didn’t answer right away. He just watched.

“You’re sick,” Eli continued. “You kidnap me, lock me up, and now you’re staring at me in the shower. What kind of person does that?”

“The kind who owns you,” Cove said calmly. “Soap up. I want you clean.”

Eli grabbed the body wash aggressively and started scrubbing his skin. “I’m not your property. I’m a person. You can’t just decide to own someone because my brother is a piece of shit.”

“I already did,” Cove said. “And you’re handling this better than most would. Most men would be crying by now.”

“I’m not most men,” Eli snapped. “And I’m not going to cry for you.”

Cove stepped closer to the glass. “No? Even after last night in the dark? You were close to breaking.”

“That was different,” Eli said, scrubbing harder at the dirt on his arms. “That was fear. This is just anger. I’m angry, Cove. Really fucking angry.”

“Good. Anger keeps you alive,” Cove replied. “Rinse off.”

Eli tilted his head back under the water. “You talk like you’ve done this before. How many people have you kept locked up here?”

“You’re the first I’ve wanted to keep this long,” Cove said.

Eli laughed bitterly. “Wow. I should feel special?”

“You should feel careful,” Cove warned. “Keep running that mouth and I’ll come in there with you.”

Eli froze under the water. “You wouldn’t.”

“Try me.”

Eli stared at him through the glass. “You’re bluffing. You just want to scare me.”

Cove’s expression didn’t change. “I don’t bluff.”

Eli turned off the water and grabbed a towel, wrapping it tightly around his waist. “There. I showered. Happy? Now leave me alone.”

Cove pushed off the doorframe and walked into the bathroom. His shoes clicked on the marble floor.

Eli backed up a step. “What are you doing?”

Cove kept coming until he stood right outside the shower door. His

eyes locked onto Eli’s.

Eli’s heart pounded. “Stay out there.”

Cove reached for the shower door handle.