The Foxling Soldati (Soldati Hearts #2)(27)

Toka was sad for Pavoni’s servants. Looking at them now, they were all young, about Toka’s age, and pretty, but there was a deadness in their eyes. These young men had lost their hope some time ago, resigned to their fates at the hands of an egotistical madman.

Once Toka was clean, dried, and dressed, he was escorted into a bedchamber that could only be Pavoni’s, judging by its extravagant décor. Toka had never seen so much gold in all his life. One would think Pavoni was a dragon instead of a bear, with the way he hoarded the precious metal. The room was also a testament to the man’s ego. There was nothing that was not gilded, embroidered, or engraved with Pavoni’s initials. The gold-and-iron four-poster bed was a monstrosity of velvet curtains and gold silk sheets, and more throw pillows than Toka had ever seen in his life, all embroidered with Pavoni’s initials, naturally.

Toka stood before a floor-to-ceiling mirror, frowning at his attire. The glittering gold sleeveless tunic was almost sheer, falling just low enough to cover Toka’s privates and backside. A gold rope served as a belt, tied loosely around his waist. His wrists were bound in gold fur-lined cuffs, the gold chain between them long enough for him to rest his arms at his sides.

Similar fur-lined gold cuffs were secured around his ankles, the chain’s length allowing him to walk, but not run. They’d placed gold sandals on his feet. He was almost naked and felt vulnerable and exposed, the heavy chains a constant reminder of the freedom he’d lost. Undoubtedly it was what Pavoni wanted. Toka looked every bit the part Pavoni wished him to play—prized pet to an Orso king.

Perhaps “prized” was too strong a word. Pavoni had plans for him, and all to hurt Rayner.

Rayner….

Toka’s heart splintered, knowing he would never again see Rayner’s smile, never feel his touch or experience his kisses. He would never feel the warmth of Rayner’s embrace, the strength of his arms, or hear his whispered promises. Toka dropped to his knees and then his backside. He hung his head and covered his face with his hands, letting the tears fall. He was desperate to shift and crawl under the bed to curl up and hide beneath his brush. There was no one to see him or to hear his cries of agony. Or so he thought.

“Toka?”

His head shot up, and he met the princess’s gaze through the mirror. He was surprised by the hurt he saw in her delicate features. How could someone so beautiful and kind share the blood of someone so vile? She approached him and kneeled by his side, tears welling in her bright amber eyes.

“I’m so sorry,” she whispered, cupping his face. She removed a handkerchief from her skirt’s pocket and wiped his cheeks dry. “Don’t let him see your tears. It would only bring him satisfaction. Be strong, for Rayner. You must be strong.”

Toka nodded. She was right. He would not allow Pavoni power over his heart. Gently she took his hands and helped him to his feet.

“I must leave you now. He’s on his way. I am so sorry.” She kissed his brow and fled to a panel below a painting of a large brown bear in battle. The panel pushed inward, and she disappeared into the darkness. A heartbeat later, the door to the bedchamber opened. Toka swallowed hard. He straightened and rounded his shoulders.

Pavoni’s lecherous grin made Toka’s skin crawl, but he remained silent and stoic as the large man approached. He stopped before Toka and opened the velvet box in his hand. Toka’s stomach turned at the sight of the gold collar. Its matching tag was engraved with Pavoni’s name, and a gold bell was fastened to it. Pavoni removed the collar from the box, tossed the box to one side, and then placed the collar around Toka’s neck.

“So that everyone will know you’re mine.” He fastened the clasp, then ran a finger up Toka’s neck. “I’ll have you begging at my feet soon enough. You’ll see.” He struck the bell with his finger, the shrill little ring grating on Toka. Lust filled Pavoni’s gaze, and he ran a hand down Toka’s arm. “You are truly beautiful.” He moved his hand beneath the tunic and squeezed Toka’s asscheek painfully hard. “Ask me to take you.”

“Never,” Toka replied through his teeth.

Pavoni slipped a finger between his cheeks and pushed at his entrance. Toka bared his teeth and snarled. He wanted nothing more than to tear Pavoni’s throat out, and he would, given the chance.

“Say it,” Pavoni roared.

“Never!”

Pavoni snatched hold of the chain securing his wrists and jerked Toka after him, leading him to the bed. He propelled Toka against it, bent him over, and forced his head down against the mattress. Toka closed his eyes and gritted his teeth against the cold hitting his ass when the back of his tunic was shoved up to his waist. His feet were kicked apart, and he heard the clinking of Pavoni’s belt, when a knock on the door resounded. Toka almost cried with relief.

“What the blasted hell is it? I’m busy!”

The door creaked open, and a voice spoke up. “Your Majesty, the lords are here as you requested before your trip to the Soldati Realm, remember?”

Pavoni cursed under his breath. “It slipped my mind. Have them wait outside the royal throne room. I’m on my way.”

“Yes, Your Majesty.”

Toka was jerked back by his hair, Pavoni growling in his ear. “Consider yourself fortunate. I will have you before this day is out. Now come. I want everyone to see my pretty new toy.” He took hold of Toka’s chain and all but dragged him out of the room and down the corridor. Toka did his best to keep up with Pavoni’s long strides. If he fell, Pavoni would undoubtedly drag him along the ground. They reached the throne room, and Pavoni marched down the red carpet to his throne. He sat, then jerked Toka to him, turned him so he faced away from Pavoni, and pulled Toka onto his leg, forcing Toka to straddle his thigh. He slipped his fingers into Toka’s hair, his free hand tweaking Toka’s nipple before moving under Toka’s tunic to cup him.