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“Don’t turn your head from me.” His voice is cruel, the threat in what would happen clear.
I wince when his hand moves to the back of my head, and he pullshardto get me to turn toward him.
“Please,” I say, swallowing. “You’re scaring me.”
“You should be scared,printessa. How I treat you is a direct reflection of your behavior.“ He releases his grip, pushing my head away with force. “You want nice Vlad? Show me some respect and look at me.”
I nod, forcing myself to make eye contact. “I’m sorry, sir.”
He nods, a flash of approval crossing his face before disappearing into a hardened, emotionless person. “Good. Now, let’s discuss the terms of this arrangement.”
Frozen in place, I try to focus on steadying my breaths. “What are your plans?”
“To marry you, of course,” he says, a condescending tone evident.
“Then what? Then we pretend this was consensual? Do you think you’ll get my brother’s blessing? Do you think this will stand up in the eyes of anyone? You kidnapped me, Vlad.”
A sharp sting spreads out across my cheek. He slaps me so hard, it draws blood on my lip.
“And there she goes, talking back. Is that anyway to speak to your husband, Sasha?”
I cringe at the way he’s butchered my name.
His fingers dig into my cheeks, jerking my head back to him. The sharp pinching causes my teeth to dig into the soft flesh on the inside of my mouth. I don’t try to fight, though. It’s what he’s looking for.
“I asked you a question. Answer before I teach you some manners.”
I blink hard, summoning the quiet, pleasant girl that strives to please others. “If I’ve offended you, I’m sorry. I’m just trying to understand it all.” My tongue rolls along the roof of my mouth while I try not to say more, act more, be more. Survival mode, not sass mode.
Vlad gives me a curt nod, then releases my face. “We will be married once that horrible swelling goes down and we can cover the bruising.”
“Until then?” I ask.
“You’ll be staying here. With me.”
I nod. “Great. Can I be shown to my room? I’m exhausted, and I could use a shower.”
Vladimir nods, standing. He extends a hand, and I take it. He squeezes too hard, yanking me from my seat. The entire room spins with the rushed movement. I definitely have a concussion. My eye has its own pulse, pushing pain with each beat it makes.
Vladimir barks more Russian at Fyodor, then leads me out of the dining room. He leads me to the foyer, where a grand steel staircase is, and I follow him up the stairs. The lights flicker. There’s dust and cobwebs.
This house is definitely not lived in, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we’re in upstate New York or Connecticut. Abandoned, rural, away from the trenches of the city and the Irish. It’s where I’d bring me. I just pray the guys are smart enough to figure it out.
Vlad takes me down a hall, toward a room, and pushes open the door. He steps in first, spinning around with his arms out to showcase the suite. It’s bland, no decorations. Just a bed, a night stand, and a seating area. To the right is the bathroom, the door open.
“Welcome to our love nest, darling,” Vlad says, a dark grin placed as he stares at me.
It causes a shiver down my spine. “Our?” I repeat.
His evil grin spreads, clearly satisfied with my reaction. “You thought you’d have your own room?”
I shift on my bare feet. “We’re not married yet, Vlad. Please. I don’t want …” I let the sentence hang in the air.I don’t want you to touch me, be near me, rape me.
He waves a dismissive hand. “It’s to make sure you don’t run, Sasha. I’ll be on my best behavior, so long as you are.”
“Fine. May I please shower?”
Vlad dips his head in acknowledgement, spreading his arm toward the bathroom door. I head for it, and he follows. The tile is cold against my feet, not helping the goosebumps on my arms. Vlad reaches into a cabinet and pulls out a towel. He sets it on the hook beside the shower stall, and reaches in to turn on the water.
