Total pages in book: 68
Estimated words: 67324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 224(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 67324 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 337(@200wpm)___ 269(@250wpm)___ 224(@300wpm)
He confirms he’s received the message.
God, I hope this goes to plan.
I really, really need this to go right.
There’s only so much more I can take.
“THIS IS INCREDIBLE,” I say, staring around the beautiful big hotel room that Dax has booked.
He’s gone above and beyond, picking the nicest room I’ve ever seen. It’s huge, with a big bed, a spa bath, and a patio that overlooks the city. It’s modern and sleek, and everything smells clean and fresh. It’s lovely, and if I was with anyone else, I could most certainly enjoy my time here.
“Only the best for you,” he murmurs, seemingly distracted as he closes the door behind us.
We just had a great meal at the new Italian restaurant, and while the company wasn’t great, I couldn’t fault the food. It was perfect and I have to admit I enjoyed every bite. Now we’re back here, though, the anxiety is building in my chest. This is where I have to distract him. This is where I have to keep him from getting concerned that someone is at his place. This is where I have to do the biggest part of my job to date.
“What do you say I run the spa bath for you, and you get yourself relaxed for the evening?” Dax asks me.
I glance at him, and he’s looking at me in a way that puts me on edge. I’m not sure what it is about his expression, but I feel a little uneasy. Maybe it’s just because I’m about to do something terrible, and it’s weighing on me. Still, I put on a smile and say, “Sure.”
He walks past me and into the bathroom to run a bath, and I quickly remove my phone and text Alarick with an update. He tells me they’re out there now and he’ll let me know when it’s safe to return.
My stomach twists with nerves, and while Dax is in the bathroom, I pull out my gun and stuff it into my purse along with my phone. I don’t need him seeing those things. I turn and walk into the bathroom, and the spa is filling with beautiful fluffy bubbles. Dax stands and hands me a robe, a towel and some soap, and tells me he has to make a call but will be back soon.
I feel a little concerned at that thought, and when he’s gone, I rub my arms and try to shake away the horrible feeling in the pit of my stomach. I don’t want to get in a spa with him, but at the same time, I know I have no other choice. I only pray he’s not checking the cameras while he’s out there.
I get undressed, tie my hair into a bun on the top of my head, and sink into the spa bath. It’s deep, and the bubbles cover me right up, which makes me feel a little better. When it’s full enough, I turn it off. Dax comes in a moment later, and sits on the side of the tub, staring down at me. His expression is still concerning, and I wonder if he knows what I’ve done. Did he see me turning those cameras off?
I feel sick.
“Are you okay?” I ask him, smiling.
He runs a finger down my cheek, staring at me almost blankly. “Are you okay, angel?”
Huh?
“I’m perfect. You seem distracted.”
“Do I?”
“Yes.”
“Does it bother you?”
What is going on with him? “No, I just wanted to enjoy the night with you...”
“Is that the truth?”
Sweet Jesus. “Yes,” I say, swallowing.
“You wouldn’t lie to me, my pretty angel, would you?” His finger trails down over my jaw and down to my neck.
“No,” I whisper, feeling nervous.
“Do you trust me?”
What is going on? “Yes.”
“Good.”
With a sudden movement, his hand is around my throat and he’s shoving me under the water. It happens so fast, I don’t even get a split second to fight. Hot water swirls around my face and up my nose. I squirm and fight. I claw at his arm, my heart races and fear swells in my chest. I’ve never been so scared in my life, and at the realization that he’s trying to drown me, I start fighting harder than I’ve ever fought.
I kick, claw, bite, scratch, and do anything I can to get him to let me up. Black spots appear in my vision, and I know that I’m going to pass out soon. I’m going to die. I start to scream and water fills my lungs, and before I can think a second more, Dax launches me up and out of the water. He releases my neck and his hand curls into my hair as he pulls me close to his face. He’s panting and angry, nostrils flaring, eyes wide and terrifying. I’m coughing, trying to get the water from my lungs.