Total pages in book: 39
Estimated words: 36216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 36216 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 181(@200wpm)___ 145(@250wpm)___ 121(@300wpm)
“Well, require it now!” Bozz slammed his fist down onto the arm of the chair across from where Atlas and I sat. “Dutch wants answers.”
“I gave him an answer.”
“I need to hear it from her.”
“Even if I give her permission, she’s not going to talk. She doesn’t speak. Rarely even to me.” When the other man growled his frustration, Atlas continued. “Look at it this way. If she doesn’t talk to anyone, she can’t repeat anything she sees or hears.”
“How do you know she won’t turn on you?”
“Because I’m her master.” Atlas delivered that punch with an evil grin. I glanced up at him before clutching his shirt and turning against his shoulder once more. All I had to do was keep my mouth closed.
Bozz snorted. “Lots of men think they’re masters over their women. In my experience women are more wily than you realize. She could snap. Stab you in your sleep. Any number of things. I’m gonna need more than that.”
“She’s completely loyal to me. Wouldn’t have taken her as my woman if she wasn’t.”
“Never met a woman that loyal.”
“Of course not. As I said. She’d been properly trained. She doesn’t speak in front of others. She doesn’t defy me. She’d die for me if I required it. I take care of her. Protect her. She behaves as she knows I require, even when pressured.”
“This isn’t what you discussed with Dutch. He said I could question her as long as you were with her.”
Atlas shrugged. “I said that almost exactly. Didn’t say she’d answer any questions. Just that no one got to be alone with her.”
“You’re on thin ice.” Bozz stabbed a finger at Atlas. “Dutch ain’t gonna like this.”
“He doesn’t have to. But he better fuckin’ accept it.”
Dutch picked up something he’d sat on the floor. I realized it was my purse when he tossed it to the couch beside Atlas. “Got it out of her car. Ain’t much in there. Now.” Bozz flashed a grin at Atlas. It wasn’t a pleasant look. “Expect to be watched from now until Dutch is satisfied you’re not a threat to him.”
“Oh, make no mistake, Bozz. I’m a fuckin’ threat. You tell him that’s your takeaway from this meeting. Now get the fuck outta my space.”
With a disgruntled snort, Bozz did as he was told. I got the feeling that wouldn’t be the end of it, though. Bozz didn’t bother to shut the door as he left. Atlas rose and crossed the short distance to the door to shut and lock it, then pulled out his phone and watched the screen.
Several seconds later, he held up the phone, then pointed outside. He crossed to the radio and, once again, turned it up with that obnoxious music. I grimaced but understood the need. Any listening devices would be seriously hampered by the plethora of frequencies and sounds.
The cabin was small, and the only separate room off the main room was the tiny bathroom. It was surprisingly clean, though slightly messy. The small, unmade bed was shoved up against a wall out of the main area in a corner. It allowed for some privacy, but not much. Then again, with only one man living here he had all the privacy he needed, I guess.
He took my hand and led me away from the couch to the bed, where we sat. Then he leaned in to me, kissing my neck and collarbone. I couldn’t help but shiver. I was scared, but the danger combined with the potent, charismatic man turned me on more than it should have. Way the fuck more than it should have. He urged me onto the bed, then lay beside me on his side, away from the couch where we’d just sat and pulled me close. Once again, he put his lips by my ear, and I knew this was all for show.
“You did good. That’s what you do from now on. Always stay close to me and don’t say a word, no matter what.” I nodded, and he rolled over to wedge his hips between my legs before taking my mouth in another scorching kiss.
I whimpered in both fear and arousal. The combination was a conundrum I couldn’t reconcile in my head. I was terrified this man would take something from me I wasn’t willing to give, but his kisses were so intoxicating I wasn’t sure I’d really put up a fight if he did. Then he spoke to me, his lips still against mine. Again, his voice was so soft I could barely catch the words, but it was clear he thought we were being monitored.
“I’m sorry, little Rose.” Everyone always called me Bella, but I liked that he’d shortened my name to Rose instead. “I know I said no more kissing, but I’m not going to hurt you, and I’ll never take anything but a few kisses.” He stroked my hair off my cheek as he took another kiss. “But Bozz planted a camera on the chair over there. It’s small and not noticeable unless you’re looking for it, but it’s there. I’ll show you in a bit. He and Dutch have to believe we’re together, or we’re both in trouble.”