Total pages in book: 158
Estimated words: 156392 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 782(@200wpm)___ 626(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 156392 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 782(@200wpm)___ 626(@250wpm)___ 521(@300wpm)
It’s wrong to get married because of blackmail. This is the most ominous start to a marriage and I can’t do it.
I have to run.
Now.
Before it’s too late.
Eli leans in and I stop breathing, my heart beating so loud, I’m sure everyone can hear it.
His hot breath skims my ear through the veil. “Don’t even think about running off on me, Ava.”
My fingers shake around the gorgeous bouquet of flowers. How does he know I plan to run? Still, I whisper, “I c-can’t do this.”
“You seem to believe you have a choice, but you don’t. Either you stay still and go through with the wedding, or you leave. If you choose the second option, I’ll find you and I’ll kidnap you to a place no one can find you. I’ll lock you the fuck up and you’ll never see your parents or friends ever again. And if you prove to be a hassle, I’ll slice your fucking throat and end your life as effortlessly as I did Oliver’s.”
I tremble as he steps back, still wearing the same sinister smile.
I’ve never been so terrified.
Yes, Eli has always been devious, but I never thought he could kill someone. But then I saw him punch a man to death, so I wouldn’t put anything past him.
So I believe him when he says he’ll kidnap, then kill me.
My legs are frozen in place as we go through fake vows with very real consequences.
No.
The part where we say, ‘Till death do us part’ doesn’t seem fake at all.
The priest announces us husband and wife and I realize with depressing finality that I’m truly trapped with Eli for life.
He lifts my veil and wraps an arm around my waist, then tugs me toward him. I gasp when his lips seal against mine in a savage claim. He shoves his tongue inside and then bites on mine. A metallic tang explodes in my mouth as he ravages me so savagely, pain and intense pleasure mix into one.
I remain limp in his arms as he kisses me with fortified ruthlessness and blind possessiveness.
As if he’s making a point of staking a claim in public.
The cheers, claps, and music fade into nothingness as my ears fill with a loud buzz. I was completely taken in by this man from the beginning and now, I can no longer stop it.
He releases my mouth and whispers in a rough word, “Mine.”
38
ELI
PRESENT
Lack of sleep is beginning to affect my productivity and, worse, my vigilance.
It’s no longer a rare occurrence or a fleeting occasion. I’m unable to sleep lately, whether by choice or design, and it’s all due to the very rational fear that Ava could sleepwalk into her fucking death.
It wouldn’t be the first time. I caught her standing at the edge of the balcony on Gran’s island, arms wide open as she smiled at the ground.
That smile still haunts me. Sadness and crushing relief brightened her dead blue eyes like a shooting star on a moonless night. That fleeting moment had the largest impact on me as she stood there in the night breeze, her nightgown flying with the wind, and I knew, I just knew that if I didn’t pull her back, she’d fall to her death.
She’d escape me forever.
As the car comes to a slow stop in front of the house, I pinch the bridge of my nose and mentally prepare myself for another sleepless, torturously paranoid night.
I down my fifth coffee for the day and get out.
Henderson follows me to the entrance, and instead of opening the door, he steps in front of it.
I raise a brow.
His deep-brown eyes appear black under the dim light as he throws tentative glances to either side of him.
“Spare me the suspense.” My voice sounds tired to my own ears. “If there’s anything you wish to say, say it or move out of the way.”
“This is not sustainable, sir.”
“And neither is keeping you in service when you don’t have your priorities straight, but here we are.”
“You know full well that you can’t survive on continuous lack of sleep. Your body will eventually shut down and the consequences will be unsalvageable.”
“I’m sure you and Sam will manage the estate’s affairs until I’m back on my feet again.”
“Just so you can shove yourself into this state again?”
“If need be. I have to be hands-on the entire time.”
“Then why don’t you quit your job and dedicate yourself to being her full-time carer?”
“I’ll think about it.”
“Sir!” Henderson grits his teeth, visibly vying for the patience he usually has in abundance. “If you give up everything for her, you’ll eventually despise her for forcing you down this path.”
“That’s where you’re wrong. I’d never despise her.”
“Even if she’s the reason you ruin the ambition you’ve harbored your entire life?”
“Even then.”
“You’ll be destructive without a purpose.”
“I have a purpose. It’s her.”