Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 131455 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 657(@200wpm)___ 526(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 131455 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 657(@200wpm)___ 526(@250wpm)___ 438(@300wpm)
Why does it have to be him?
“Is this not the funniest thing in the world? I bet you never guessed you would find yourself in this position?” His cruel cackle rings in my ears. “Wouldn't it have been easier to be friendly during that dinner? It's sad how unforgiving the world can be. Look where it got you. Practically marinating in your own shit.”
There's nothing for me to say, not that I could say anything that would be understandable with the tape over my mouth.
He goes to the window and tests it, cursing quietly when he finds the frame painted shut. “That can't be safe, but then again, we can't have you trying to escape, now can we?” When he turns his attention back to me he lets out a snort. “What am I saying? You're not going anywhere, not like that, at least.”
I want to scream, to let out all my rage, but the best I can do is grumble internally to myself.
Dominic shakes his head, “Not that it matters but you'll be glad to know my father sent me to check up on you and remove your restraints, only if you've decided to behave yourself?” Shooting a knowing expression toward the partly open door, he says, “I don't think he trusts those guys.”
I wouldn't believe he cared regardless, but the almost giddy tone of his voice tells me everything I need to know. It wouldn't bother him in the least bit if every single one of them took advantage of me—for all I know, he might watch as they do so. Nausea twists my empty stomach, and it only worsens the closer he comes to me.
I try not to recoil, knowing that's exactly what he wants, but it's hard not to when your body wants to override your brain. “Relax,” he murmurs, pretending to be concerned when it's obvious he's getting off on my fear. “I'm a friend in all this. Frankly, I think my father took things too far. He's old school, though, while I believe there's always a way to work things out peacefully.”
What is the point of this? If he's trying to sweet-talk me into complying, it's not working. Not when I know that every word coming out of his mouth is a blatant lie.
“Let's free your arms,” he suggests, wincing in a mockery of sympathy. “I'm sure you can't be comfortable.” He shakes his head, “It's a shame they left you like this all night? These men are savages. I can't believe they'd let you suffer like this.”
He's not wrong about that, but I'm not fooled by his charade of sympathy. He doesn't feel a lick of empathy for me. Part of me wonders if Jack sent him to play the good cop. It's almost degrading that they'd assume I'm stupid enough to believe that.
“To think, this all could've been avoided.” He leans over me, crouching, and again my stomach threatens to revolt. This time it's thanks to the proximity of his crotch to my face. “I apologize for all of this. My father is a bit of a hothead. Not surprising since he doesn't take well to insults. Callum made a fool out of him. That kind of thing isn't so easily forgiven in our world.”
I'm barely paying attention to a word he says since the acidic touch of his hands on my skin is so off-putting. No amount of soap or water will remove the dirtiness of his fingers from my skin.
“Just looking for the top layer of tape,” he murmurs, a false attempt at explaining why it's taking so long. I avert my gaze from his crotch and look at the dirty brick out of the corner of my eye. This nightmare can end at any point and time.
“You know, now that I think about it, I do have a knife. I guess I could use that instead.” Without rising, he reaches into his back pocket and flicks the knife open, the steel of the blade coming within inches of my cheek. My heart lurches out of my chest, and I choke on a gasp. Asshole. He gives me a little grin as if to say he knows I'm terrified of him.
Now I'm grateful for the tape covering my mouth, since I'm not sure I could keep my thoughts to myself. This fucking coward. I hope he's having fun, making sure I know who's in charge because when this is all over and it's time for revenge, the only person laughing will be me. Callum would eat him alive if he were here.
But he isn't here, is he? He still hasn't come. I blink back the stupid tears in my eyes at the thought. Now is not the time to let my fear screw with my head. I don't know what's taking so long, but I can't give up hope.