AllFreeNovel
Share Us
CHAPTER TWELVE
Another day, anotherbathroom. Talia had seen three bathrooms in the past three days. However, this particular one surpassed them all. It felt like stepping into a dream.
The walls were adorned with a stunning mural depicting ancient mythology. As she walked across the floor, made of smooth, elegant white and grey marble, she wanted to give in to the sense of tranquility the room offered.
Right in the center of the room, sunk deep into the floor, an enormous bath that seemed more fitting for a luxurious spa than a simple bathroom. Way more grand than the basic bathroom in her apartment. Two raised basins with gleaming gold taps added a touch of opulence. And to her relief, a discreet door revealed a clean and modest toilet.
She had woken up in a massive four-poster bed, dressed in a silk nightgown with little recollection of putting it on. Disappointed yet unsurprised by the locked oak door of what she now assumed was her new prison, she had ventured towards the bathroom.
The bath was already filled. A thick scent of aromatic oils wafted through the air, blending with the smoky aroma of the crackling fireplace. The air was filled with a fragrant blend of floral notes and aged spices, creating an oasis from the chaos of the last few weeks.
It was simply too tempting to resist.
She closed her eyes and felt the silky smoothness of the oiled water enveloping her as she sank even deeper. She didn’t know who had filled it, leaving towels to warm for her use. But still sore and battered, she didn’t bother to care. The warmth was a balm to her body that she hadn’t known she needed.
If this was the silver lining to being kidnapped, she would take it. The gods knew she deserved it.
Her nightmares for the weeks leading up to Hyde kidnapping her had been filled with dungeons, violence, and strange voices. This was so much better than she had been expecting.
Reaching for the exquisite crystal jars that rested on small shelves built into the walls of the bath. Talia washed her hair. The last dregs of blood staining her blonde curls, finally washing clean as her hands scrubbed every inch of her scalp and skin.
Losing track of time, she let herself relax. Her eyes drifting closed, only opening at the sound of the bathroom door.
The sound of boots on stone making her sit up. Turning, she pressed her naked breasts against the stone sides of the tub. Her arms resting on the marble. Swallowing, her heart beat in the back of her throat. She looked up.
It wasn’t Hyde.
And even better, it wasn’t Draven.
Instead, a tall woman wearing knee-high boots and leather pants made her way over to her. Pausing only to pick up one of the towels by the fire.
“Its time to get dressed” her voice was gentle but firm as she passed the towel to Talia.
Talia sighed, taking it without comment. For a moment, she had allowed the warmth to cocoon her from what was truly waiting for her beyond these walls. Making her ways to the steps of the bath, she wrapped the soft towel around her.
Time to face whatever was waiting for her. Taking a deep breath, she refused to allow the fear and doubt to cross her face as she passed the woman.
Walking behind her, the woman followed as Talia stepped back into the bedroom.
Her eyes scanning the room made in the likeness of European stonework. It felt like she had woken up in another age. If she didn’t know, she was deep under a modern American city. It would be easy to believe that she was in a windowless castle.
Her gut twisting, Talia realised she had been expecting Hyde to be waiting for her. He had kidnapped her, drugged her, and left her. Yet she still wanted to see him. He hadn’t even turned around to acknowledge her softly spoken goodbye. He didn’t care. Yet his presence alone had made her feel safer. Secure.
Damn the man.
“Where’s Hyde?”
Closing the bathroom door, the dark-haired woman peeled her club jacket off.
