Page 151 of Captivated

Probably the wrong move, considering the rage that flooded his features when he pulled back with a bleeding lip. But it got him away from her for a spit second.

And then he was right back again.

With a closed fist.

His punch landed hard against the side of her head—right at her temple. For a split second, Liliana’s gaze blacked out as she saw stars. By the time she was able to regain some of her vision and focus again, Rich was pushing away from her, and getting up from the mattress on the floor.

“I see you still need more time in here,” he muttered, fixing his suit jacket.

No.

Not more time.

Not in here.

She needed to figure something out, and fast. She needed to get the hell out of this room today.

“I’ll be good,” Liliana heard herself say, “Please.”

He hesitated at the door.

She knew the begging would do it.

Predictable bastard.

“Fine,” Rich snapped, “then get dressed, fix your face, and find me downstairs. Don’t even think to pull some stunt, Liliana. It will not end well for you. I promise.”

“Are you just about finished?”

Liliana ignored the guard standing in the doorway of the bathroom. He hadn’t even left the spot when she stepped into the shower using only a towel to hide her nakedness. Now, she was fully dressed, and taking her sweet time to paint her lips a stark, bright red.

“I know you are not deaf,” the man spat.

Liliana rolled her eyes. “No, I’m not done yet.”

And she wouldn’t be for a few more minutes.

At least.

The longer she could stay out of Rich’s sight, the better. Even if that meant taking extra time and care to get ready. She usually wouldn’t put this much effort into her makeup and clothes, but hell, a good face could take an hour to put on.

She used that to her advantage.

It was almost fucking creepy the time and effort Rich had put into getting this place ready for her, and making sure she had everything she might want or need. Including jewelry, and makeup. Clothes, shoes, bags, and more. Anything and everything that she might need to look beautiful and appropriate for Rich was in the bedroom, connecting walk-in closet, and attached master bathroom.

Right down to the right shade of foundation.

Yeah, creepy.

“All right, that’s enough,” the man at the door grumbled. “You’re just fucking around now, and the boss won’t appreciate it.”

The boss?

Liliana couldn’t contain her scoff as she moved past the man. “Yeah, sure.”

“Excuse me?”

“Rich doesn’t know what being a boss is, but you know, he signs your paycheck, so.”