Chapter 4

The people present knew Kenny, so when they saw him bringing a woman in, they all knew that she was Thomas' new lover. However, Thomas seemed insistent on denying them even a look by having her put on a mask, though that certainly fit his domineering and forceful personality. "Come here," he demanded in a throaty voice. Iris withstood her fear and went to him. Her heels were too high and it didn’t fit her properly. She had to walk gingerly in fear that she would fall. And when she reached him, he promptly grabbed her wrist, causing her to get flustered and wobble… but he caught her square around her waist. She was already on his lap when she came to her senses, and his imposing presence seemed to envelop her. Terror washed over her, and she struggled to get up. However, she had no guts to move at all upon hearing Thomas’ snort. A few feet away, another man—Gary Jones—was obviously sizing her up. She was dainty and not tall. He could tell that she just came of age not long ago. "Thomas, what’s there to hide from here, huh?" Gary chuckled. "Come on, show her to the rest of us since you've brought her here anyway." Thomas shot him a glare. "I would if you deserve the honor." "Haha!" Another man who looked in his thirties laughed carefreely as he took a puff of his cigarette. "You really don't know Tom, do you, Gary? He'd rather destroy what belongs to him than let others covet them, especially not a woman—he'd just kill her when he gets sick of her." Iris listened as the men talked about her playfully when Thomas held a glass of liquor by her lips. He leaned in to whisper into her ear in a throaty voice, "Drink, or you'll drink it from my lips." Terrified, Iris promptly took a sip. It was the first time she had even taken a sip of alcohol, and it was a stifling taste, leaving her coughing violently. "Oh, where's the chivalry, Thomas?" Gary grinned. Thomas simply put down the glass and asked coolly, "You want her?" Iris gaped—he was going to give her away… like a present?! She was immediately tugging at Thomas' sleeve in fright, uttering, "No, Thomas…" Gary laughed at her choked voice and said, "I'd never dare lay a finger on your girl. But her voice is music to the ears, though—you're a lucky man." Iris, however, was distracted as she was staring at a man reaching underneath the skirt of his female companion. Further away, a couple was kissing. It was an unfamiliar place of moral debauchery, and she was exceedingly uncomfortable. She wanted to leave, but before she could speak, Gary said, "Let's get started then, Thomas." Iris wondered what he was talking about. She then saw several dice cups in front of the men, and they each took theirs. Thomas' fingers tapped on the cup, while the others made their bet, adding to her confusion as they were just calling out numbers. One, two, seven? Did they mean money? After everyone threw theirs, Iris watched as the woman on the other man's lap played the woman, saying, "Oh, you're terrible, Mr. Park." Stephen Park grinned broadly as he teased her. "Should I help you?" Iris watched as the woman pouted while blushing. "No, I'll do it myself." Then she reached behind her back and took off her bra. Iris' face turned pale—the men were playing a strip game?! Thomas caught sight of the pain in her gaze. He grabbed her chin, forcing her to turn to look into his eyes. He then asked in a magnetic voice, "How many pieces of clothing are you wearing?" Iris struggled to break free from his arms, while Stephen chuckled and said, "Oh, she's scared now, Tom… but you've never lost this game before, have you?" Those words were meant for Iris—victory or defeat was up to Thomas. He was the boss! Gary in turn picked up his dice and said, "Alright, next round." When Thomas reached for his, Iris said in a choked voice, "Please… stop!" However, the man still picked up his dice and shook them in the cup, and each rattle sent chill down Iris’ spine. At this time, Thomas leaned in to whisper into her ear then, "Come over tonight." The words left her trembling as she teared up—he was coercing her! However, she stayed silent, and Thomas glowered as he slammed his dice cup on the marble table with a loud thud! Everyone was surprised—angry outbursts were not uncommon with Thomas, but this was the first time he lost it because of a woman! He barked icily, "Open!" Everyone watched as he opened the cup—all his dice were ones. The ladies gasped—they thought he didn’t let Iris show her face because he held Iris dear. And yet, he also rolled his dice precisely for that result… so that she would be stripped bare! At the same time, Thomas coolly pushed Iris off his lap and picked up his cigarette, lighting it as he rose to his feet. There was no warmth in his gaze as he uttered nonchalantly, "You guys can have her."