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Paige
I slowly back away from the bed as if my father will rise from it and chase me. My eyes stay on him as my hand feels for the doorknob, and in a swift move, I’m back in the empty hallway. My whole body starts to shake as I collect my scattered thoughts.
“Paige?”
Andrei’s voice makes me jump, and I can’t conceal my shaken nerves quickly. He takes my hand and tries to pull me close, but I pull away. Leaning against the wall, I lean my forehead against the hard wall.
“Sorry, but I feel claustrophobic,” I explain.
Andrei frowns with concern. “I was worried about you seeing your father alone.” He wipes the tears off my face with his thumbs, holding my face gently. I feel so numb. I can walk out the front door, but I’m still caught in a trap.
I look up into Andrei’s face and don’t know what to think. He’s an expert at masking his emotions, so for him to look concerned, he must care, but about what? Is all this for the money? Or is he concerned about his heir? Did he ever love me?
Did any of them?
Andrei cracks the door open. And as we stand there, the music from Dad’s room drifts into the hallway. We’re lost inside this lonely game we play. We’re lost in a masquerade.
I reach past him and pull the door closed, shutting out the music. I don’t want to know where that money is. It took my mother’s life, and now, it’s ruining mine. Will I end up leaving my child to save it as she did? Overwhelmed by my suspicions, I sob into my hands.
Andrei holds me, and I don’t resist him this time. His handsome face exudes a strong presence, with an expression that conveys both confidence and kindness. Or is that pity? Closing my eyes, I melt into his strong body. He smells like a mixture of cologne and the warmth of his skin, a soothing combination that eases the ache in my head. His body is strong, and his suit is expensive and smooth against my cheek. His shoulders are like steel beneath my fingertips as I reach up and touch his thick hair.
I sob harder. Why Andrei? Why did I fall in love with him? I knew from the start what he was, but I let myself fall anyway. Am I shallow and greedy like my father to have the things I never had but secretly wanted? Desperate to find anyone to take care of me?
You fucking gold-digging whore.My father’s bitter words echo in my head.
Andrei lifts me in his arms, holding me tenderly. I bury my tearstained face into the crook of his neck and let him have me. For a moment, I give up trying to be the righteous one and doing the respectable thing. I can’t leave here. I can’t leave him. Once I wanted to, but now, I’ll always belong.
“Maybe you should lie down,” he says. “Have you eaten today?”
“I’ll be okay.” My voice cracks. “It will be okay.”
“Yes, after you get some rest.” Andrei doesn’t understand what I mean as he carries me upstairs to our suite. Gently, he lays me on the bed as if I’m one of the Dresden figurines Eva keeps in her rooms.
I grab hold of his jacket, stopping him from going. “Make me forget,” I whisper. “Lie down with me.”
He shakes his head. “Paige, you need rest.”
“No!” I shake my head. “I need you. I need you to help me forget.”
“Forget what?” he asks solemnly. “Forget what I’ve done to you?”
I hold onto his jacket tighter, but I can’t say it. I can’t tell Andrei the truth. Instead, I pull him close to me, whispering.
“Use me,” I beg. “Make me feel something again.”
Just one special word from Andrei would make me feel in control again. Instead, his mouth presses against mine, and I respond greedily, pulling him down on top of me.
Chapter 27
Andrei
I’ve never seen Paige this haunted before, not even when she was my prisoner locked in a room. I’m not sure what happened with her father. By the time the nurse told me Paige had sent her out, it was too late to intervene. Too late to protect her.
Gerald must’ve told her something he shouldn’t. Should I demand to know what he said? Not now. I can look at her and know Paige has suffered enough. How much more can she stand?
She kisses me hungrily, not letting me off the bed. I return her kisses, the intensity heightening with each one. I know she needs rest, but my desire clouds my judgment as I hover near her.
“Don’t hold back,” she murmurs.
