Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 20816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 20816 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 104(@200wpm)___ 83(@250wpm)___ 69(@300wpm)
“You don’t need to worry about him.” She sets her fork down.
“What’s that supposed to mean? Do you think that because I want you that I’ll just give up my family?”
“Watch your tone,” I snarl. I’m doing my best to hold back the truth from her because it’s going to hurt.
“Why? Are you going to hurt me?”
“What’s your obsession with that? Did your stepfather ever abuse you or your mother?” I asked, needing to understand this fear of men other than the abduction.
“No, goodness no, but I know what you’re capable of.”
I push myself away from the table. “Enough. I’ve done nothing but protect and care for you. I can’t change the man I’ve been or what I’m forced to do, but I’m not even close to the most dangerous man you know.”
“What’s that supposed to mean?”
“It means your stepfather was here today…in your hotel room.” Pulling out my cell phone, I opened the gallery and then handed it to her.
“Oh my God. What happened to my room?”
“He was looking for you and got pissed when you weren’t there.”
“What? But…he shouldn’t have gotten in.” She lifts a hand to her mouth and shakes her head back and forth. “I can’t believe this.”
“Do you know he has a life insurance policy on you?” I ask her pointedly.
“Um…yes. He thought it was best after my mother died, but it’s nothing. It’s only like twenty thousand.” She slides my phone away from her.
“I’m sorry, sweetheart, but it’s not that low. According to the information I had Mikhail look into, you’re valued at a cool million dead.”
“I can’t believe this.”
“It’s true. I wouldn’t lie to you.” She breaks down, sobbing violently. “Hell, I knew I shouldn’t have said a thing.”
“You weren’t going to tell me?”
“Not yet. I didn’t want to hurt you, but I can’t let you talk to him.”
“Did you kill him?”
“No. I didn’t. Although I don’t believe he’ll last that long after all the money he owes and all the enemies he’s making.”
“I’m not hungry anymore. I just want to go to sleep.”
“Goodnight then. I need to speak with Mikhail as it is.” She huffs but stands and doesn’t say a word or even bother to look back at me. Anger clearly shoots off her body as she leaves the dining room. I leave my plate as well, and see Mikhail looking confused by the encounter. “Ah, please drop this off outside the bedroom and then come meet me in my office. There is much to discuss.”
“Of course.” He takes the luggage and disappears up the stairs.
Two minutes later, Mikhail is back, his expression grim. “I’m not saying that you’re wrong to push her away, but if you want the girl, it might not be smart. She’s pissed.”
“Listen, Mikhail. Trust me when I say that I want her, and she wants me. Cora bends to my touch easily, but we have the problem with her stepfather. I crave her like my next breath. If she doesn’t believe that I’d do anything to protect and care for her… well, fucking hell. I don’t just want her body.” Most would think I’m crazy for not taking advantage of her desire, but I need more, so much more.
Chapter Six
Cora
I sneak back into the bedroom after hearing that, letting the tears dry up. So, he’s pushing me away because of my stepfather and my apprehension. It’s not like it’s easy to surrender to his will, but then again, my body easily gives into him. Can I trust him with more than my body?
Yes. My heart and future are his.
Stripping down to just my underwear, I dig through his drawers and find a shirt. I had a feeling this was Dmitri’s room when he held me in his arms and his scent enveloped me. The room is masculine and nearly bare, if not for the furnishings.
I slid under the covers and rolled my face on his pillow, breathing him in before with a sigh of contentment. Time. We need time. I don’t even know the man. For all I know he could be working with the other man to kidnap me, and the call had been just a way to make me compliant.
As soon as his hands are on me, I’m completely compliant. It’s terrible and yet, I want to bend to his will, be possessed. Perhaps, it’s the thrill of this place and being in this faraway country.
Shortly the door opens, and he enters. “I see you’re ready for bed. I won’t be long.” He slips off his jacket, then frees his tie before taking off his shoes. Without a word to me, he goes into the bathroom.
I huff, petulance taking over me. I want to slam that door open and demand that he forgets my trust issues and kiss me like we both desire. Still, I don’t have the courage, so I lay my head on the pillow and try to sleep. It doesn’t work, so I pull the book I grabbed earlier and read.