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I clasp my hands together in front of my mouth, the sequins around the neckline and sleeves scratching against my skin, but I don’t have the energy to take it off.
Instead, I let my eyes slide closed.
I made sure the doors were locked when I got home. I even dragged the couch across the living room, positioning it against the front door. But I’m not really that worried about Nero coming to me tonight, it’s his birthday and he’s celebrating.
No, it won’t be tonight, but it’ll be soon. Which is why I’ll leave before morning.
I just need to rest my eyes for a few minutes.
CHAPTER56
Nero
My tires screechas I slam on the brakes, stopping right in front of Payton’s apartment.
I’m done hiding in the shadows.
And she’s done living here.
The anger coursing through my blood has only grown in its intensity since I locked eyes with my girl tonight. Anger at her. Anger at Mikhail. Anger at myself.
I climb out of my car, striding straight for the front door, using my key to enter the building.
My footsteps pound up the steps to the second floor, her apartment key already in my hand.
It’s not yet midnight, and the sounds of life and tv sets filter into the hallway from other apartments.
Good, background noise to drown out what’s to come.
Twisting the key, I feel the click, then turn the knob.
There’s some resistance as I push the door open, making my lip curl into a sinister grin.
If Payton wants to play in my world, then we’ll fucking play.
CHAPTER57
Payton
“Wha––”My question turns into a scream when my body is harshly dragged down the mattress.
There’s a large hand gripping my ankle, pulling me to the end of the bed. Causing my sequined covered back to catch on the sheets.
When I try to kick out with my free leg, another large hand grips that ankle, holding me still.
Even without seeing him, I know it’s Nero, but that doesn’t stop the fear from coming.
“Don’t!” I cry, struggling against his grip.
I blink rapidly against the brightness, I don’t know how long it’s been since I laid down; I fell asleep with the lights on, and now they’re blinding me as I try to make sense of what’s happening.
“Please!” I sob. “I’m sorry.”
My vision is blurry, but I can see the outline of Nero standing at the foot of the bed, imposing in his all-black, while he drags me toward him.
His dark laugh ripples over my skin. “Not yet, you’re not. But you will be.”
My lungs struggle to pull in air.
