"Jesus. I..." He palmed my back, digging his fingers in, his actions more manic. "Fuck. Yes. Yes!"
I could feel the warm gush as he erupted and couldn't contain my smile. Everything about this was perfect.
The man I now called my hero gathered me into his arms, easing us onto the pillows and pulling the covers over our heated and exhausted bodies. He held me close, aimlessly fingering my face and chest.
"Do you think your father is going to be all right?" I asked the question, uncertain if I wanted the answer.
"I honestly don't know."
"And if he isn't?"
Michael sighed. "Then I take over the family business."
He said the words so casually, as if he would be responsible for a dry-cleaning business or a family restaurant. "Then what?"
"Then I secure the holdings and move forward."
"What about us?" I lifted my head, gazing into his eyes.
He pinched my chin, trying his best to give me a smile. "I already told you. You're mine. We work it out."
I buried my head on his chest, savoring the warmth. I wanted to believe in fairy tales, but if I was a princess, I was the dark one, incapable of having a normal life. We remained huddled together, stroking and caressing, finding no further need to discuss the inevitable. But soon we'd have no choice. I'd have to face my father, determining what I needed to do in order to gain control of my trust. I wasn't certain if doing so even mattered but it had become painfully obvious that I needed to initiate a swift and permanent change.
As far as the money?
I didn't give a shit.
It was blood money.
We both heard his phone ring, a reminder that what we were doing was playtime. Reality was so much worse.
"I have to get that. Business needs to go on, especially now."
"I understand." I pressed a kiss against his chest before rolling onto my back.
"Why don't you order room service?" He gave me a sultry stare before tweaking my nipple. "We could have fun playing with food."
"Ouch."
His laugh was meant to be comforting but instead, the sound terrified me. A sickening feeling had never left my mind, as if my past was going to sneak up on me. I reached for the phone on the nightstand as he answered his. All I could think about was champagne and strawberries, although I had no idea what we were actually celebrating.
My life?
Death?
Danger?
After placing the order, I rolled over, checking the clock. It was after two in the morning. Time seemed to stand still, no longer my friend. I was so damn tired, unable to keep my eyes open. Another series of images filtered into my mind, crushing my very soul.
"You're coming with me," he snarled as he tossed several hundred-dollar bills on the table, attempting to drag me outside of the restaurant.
"I am not. Let go of me!" I jerked with all my might, but he was too strong, able to pull me out of the restaurant.
And not a single person seemed to give a shit.
When I screamed, he slapped his hand around my throat, shoving me hard against the side of the building. "You're going to obey me, little girl. Shut your fucking trap and remain quiet. I'll deal with your punishment."
I was too scared to react, my body shaking. I was helpless and while people on the street glanced in our direction, I could see fear in their eyes. They knew who he was and what he could do.
And I was his possession.
The moment he managed to jerk me into the backseat of the car, he whipped off his belt, tossing me onto my stomach and ripping off my panties.
I kicked out, managing to claw his face, scrambling as I screamed, "Get away from me or my father will kill you!" I'd never seen such rage on his face, blackness in his eyes. "He. Will. Kill. You."
He seemed to be debating his odds, his hand squeezing the thick leather. "You're such a little bitch. Boring and useless."
When he turned away from me, I huddled in the corner, praying as I'd never done before.
"I have to go out for a little while."
"What? No. No!" I jerked up, gasping for air, trying to focus. "What?" You're safe. Everything is okay.
"Whoa. What is going on?" Michael sat on the bed, pulling me into his arms.
The vision faded away almost instantly, but the pain of the torment the asshole had put me through would never leave. "Just a dream. I'm sorry." I had a weak smile even though I continued to shake.
"Are you certain?"