Eighty Days Blue by Vina Jackson Read Free Book Online Page B

We met at a party and he offered to help me set up some scenes. He recognised that streak of aggression in me, I guess. He’s a dangerous man, you know. He uses people. There’s a powerful core of vindictiveness in him . . . But he is well connected. And experienced.’
    â€˜And Summer?’
    â€˜Only the once after the special concert in the crypt when you had her play naked. I found her – how can I put it? – interesting.’
    â€˜You and her?’ Dominik enquired. ‘Anything happen?’
    â€˜Sadly, no,’ Lauralynn confessed. ‘I don’t think she’s that way inclined. Maybe some no-strings play, but nothing serious. I know her type, though. Like a moth attracted by the flame. Also dangerous. She thinks she’s in control, but is sometimes quite mistaken. She can’t see the forest for the trees and doesn’t realise what is motivating her. Hasn’t quite yet reconciled herself with her cravings. She thinks she is modern and assertive, but it’s so easy to lie to oneself. Isn’t it, Dominik?’
    Once again the malice in her eyes was both overt and complicit.
    She took two plastic cups and carefully poured out coffee from the thermos flask she had carried along with her to the park in a wicker basket. Dominik had brought the sandwiches. A stone’s throw away from where they were sitting, along the road that bisected the park, files of noisy kids were being led towards the nearby zoo.
    â€˜What happened? When she met up with you?’
    â€˜We played. I summoned one of my playthings, a sub, a guy. I think she enjoyed it, opened her eyes to some new variations.’
    â€˜I see.’
    â€˜But as I said, I know her sort. I’ve come across others like her before. They are their own worst enemy. Left to their own devices, they have a talent for getting drawn in by all sorts of temptations. Their pride leads them by the nose.’
    â€˜Really?’ Dominik remarked, partly annoyed at the way Lauralynn was articulating feelings about Summer’s psychological make-up he was still confusingly attempting to get to grips with himself.
    She took a bite from an egg mayonnaise and cress sandwich.
    â€˜If you’re so attached to her,’ Lauralynn pointed out, ‘I wouldn’t leave her at a loose end in New York, or for that matter anywhere. You’ll lose her.’
    â€˜Victor?’
    â€˜Possibly. But he’s not the only wolf in the pack. She is just the sort of sub some of our kind would take a shine to, would want to break.’
    â€˜Break?’
    â€˜Her spirit. She’s strong, I grant you that, but no one is immune to certain pressures. I get the feeling Summer is pretty relaxed about the way she uses or allows her body to be used, so the alphas will go straight for her mind. That’s where they will try and bend her to their will. And once broken, you can never put the pieces together again. She doesn’t realise, I don’t think, that beyond a certain point, there is no return.’
    â€˜Very melodramatic, Lauralynn.’
    â€˜Maybe . . . But domination comes in many colours, Dominik . For some, it’s the exercise of power. For others, it’s merely a game—’
    He interrupted her, wishing to make his case. ‘I’m not concerned by power, and I reckon with Summer it’s more than just a game. I want her to be strong. I have no wish to break her, as you put it. I want to see her grow, assume her nature. That’s what gives me pleasure, not the control. The acceptance of her feelings . . .’
    â€˜Dangerous ground, Dominik. Some would use a pesky four-letter-word for all that.’
    â€˜And you?’ he asked. ‘With those you play with, control, whatever, what is it you seek?’
    â€˜It’s a game of wills. Sometimes a cruel game, but a game all the same. See, I thought we were in the same camp, but there is a softness in you, Dominik. I see