**Chapter 16: Consequences of Desire**

Saki's eyes blazed with fury as she took a step closer to Rin, her voice low and menacing. "Rin, let her go," she repeated, her words dripping with venom. Rin hesitated, slowly releasing her grip on Nozomi. As she backed away, she saw the extent of the damage she had done. Nozomi's waist was covered in bruises, and her eyes were red from crying. Saki's gaze never left Rin's face, her expression a mask of fury and disappointment. With a sudden movement, she reached out and slapped Rin, her palm connecting with a loud crack. Rin jerked back, her head snapping to the side, and she fell off the bed, landing hard on the floor. "Why?" Saki yelled, her voice echoing through the room. "Why do you constantly do things like this to her?" Rin slowly got to her feet, her eyes avoiding Saki's. "I don't know," she mumbled, her voice barely audible. Saki's face twisted in anger, and she picked up the belt that lay coiled on the bed. With a swift motion, she cracked it across Rin's back. Rin jerked in pain as the leather bit into her skin. "I-" Rin tried to continue, but Saki cut her off, striking her again. "Give me a real answer," Saki demanded, her voice rising with each crack of the belt. Rin winced, her back stinging, but she knew she had to face the consequences of her actions. "I like it!" she finally cried out, her voice shaking. "I like to see her cry. I like hurting her. I'm sorry." Saki's hand paused, the belt hovering in mid-air. She looked at Rin, her expression a mixture of disgust and sadness. Then, with a sudden movement, she dropped the belt and sat down on the bed, her eyes fixed on Rin. For a moment, she just sat there, thinking. "If I let you do whatever you want to me, you have to keep your hands off Nozomi," Saki said finally, her voice calm and measured. Rin looked at her, a hint of excitement sparking in her eyes. She had never thought that Saki would offer herself as a substitute, but the idea was tantalizing. "Okay," Rin replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Saki's eyes narrowed, her gaze piercing. "You have to promise me," she said, her voice firm. "You have to promise that you'll leave Nozomi alone." Rin nodded, her heart racing with anticipation. She knew that she had just made a deal with Saki, one that would change the dynamics of their relationship forever. But she didn't care. She was willing to do whatever it took to indulge her desires, even if it meant using Saki as a substitute.