All I can do at that point is bite while baring my teeth.
The asshole smiles. “Good. I can’t have you dying of starvation before you break.” He scoops up a spoonful of soup and lifts it to my mouth.
I seal my lips together and lock my eyes on his as I chew the perfectly toasted sandwich.
Man, I’ve never had a better meal in my life.
Guess he has one redeeming quality. He can make a mean grilled cheese.
He leans closer, those arctic eyes boring into mine. The deep shadow of beard stubble creeps across his jaw. “After all, killing you ismyjob. Can’t let nature get in the way.”
I open my mouth to spew out the food I’ve already chewed.
He responds by covering my lips with his palm, his thumb and fingers pressing into my cheeks right in front of my ears. Not crushing or choking, only keeping my mouth closed and showing me how easily he can control even this.
“I wouldn’t if I were you. You don’t need a working jaw to eat. Smoothies go down just fine.”
The comment oozes with deadly promise, and I don’t doubt for a moment what would happen if I spit his food in his face.
Instead, I swallow.
Not because I’m scared. I’mnotafraid of Max Belov.
As much as I detest him, I don’t want to become any weaker. Dimitri would stay strong in this situation, so I will too.
Max removes his hand and waits, one expectant brow hopping up past the hair hanging over his forehead. My nails diginto my palms as I open my mouth just enough for him to slide the spoon in.
The tomato soup tastes silkier and more delicious than any I’ve ever eaten, carrying hints of basil, butter, and garlic. He must have jazzed it up.
As soon as I swallow, he’s ready with the sandwich.
He’s a little too fast, so the liquid spills onto my lips and chin. He pauses when he notices, so I at least know he’s not trying to humiliate me. Still, I must look like a wreck.
He tracks my swallow as I nearly choke on the next bite, gagging on both the meal and unwanted yet irrefutable desire.
Because my body doesn’t care about my pride. My mind resists, but my flesh responds, reminding me of how good last night felt with his hands on me.
As he feeds me another bite, his thumb brushes my lower lip, wiping away food while also lingering longer than necessary. My tongue darts out, licking the soup and him at the same time.
The touch is electric. Wrong. Terrifying in its gentleness.
I’m sure this was meant as a lesson in control. A demonstration of his power by taking over my sanctuary, then me.
The result is strangely intimate.
This is all his fault.
He’ll pay for messing up my safe place and invading my privacy. For breaking into my place, tying me up, destroying my things, touching me, and stirring up sensations I’d prefer to never acknowledge.
For now, I’m nearly helpless, dependent on him for food, warmth, and survival. Dimitri’s training echoes in my head. Think. Plan. Execute.
Assess the situation. Identify weaknesses. Wait for the right moment.
When that moment comes, I won’t hesitate.
Chapter 18
Nika
