HIS MADNESS

At some point, Nicholas paused, setting the flogger aside. Liam didn't dare open his eyes, unsure of what new torture was coming.

"Look at me," Nicholas's voice was low, commanding.

Slowly, Liam obeyed, blinking through the haze of pain.

Nicholas was leaning over him, his eyes dark and intense. "You're holding up better than I expected," he murmured. "But we're not done yet. Not even close."

Liam tried to shake his head, to beg, but the gag prevented any coherent words. Nicholas just smiled.

"I know," he said softly. "But you don't have a choice. Neither of us do."

He reached for the knife again, turning it so the blade caught the light. "This might sting a bit," he warned.

The knife pressed against Liam's skin, just below his collarbone. He felt a sharp sting, then a trickle of warmth as blood seeped from the shallow cut.

Nicholas watched, fascinated, as a thin line of red bloomed across Liam's chest. "Beautiful," he breathed.

He made another cut, parallel to the first, then another,