Elian felt a wave of panic wash over him. He had always known that any man who visited the Pavilion was likely to be lecherous, but the thought of being alone with Lord Cedric, this man who had once been so close to his family, who had always looked at him with such lust, was more than he could bear.
But there was no escape. Lord Cedric reached out and took Elian's hand, his grip firm and possessive. "Come," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We have a lot to catch up on."
Elian swallowed hard, his body moving automatically as Lord Cedric led him off the stage. The crowd parted for them, the lords watching with a mix of jealousy and curiosity as the young Ferre was led away to the private chambers where he would spend the night with the highest bidder.
As they walked, Lord Cedric leaned in close, his breath hot against Elian's ear. "You're mine now," he whispered, a hint of a smirk in his voice. "And I intend to make the most of our time together."
