“What the hell did you call me?”
He grinned. The bastard thought this was funny. “My little liar. Now, you’re going to be a very good girl because I know how much you want to see your dog again.”
“You’re threatening my baby? You fucking horrible man.”
“I’m not threatening to hurt Indiana, Josette. No matter what you believe, I’m not a monster.”
“I beg to differ.” While I backed away, I was completely aware there was nowhere to go. I couldn’t think straight.
“What I was saying is that being able to see your dog again will be an earned privilege. As long as you obey me and tell me what I need to know, you will be reunited in a matter of hours. If not, he’ll spend some time with me.”
“You son of a bitch.”
“Yes, I am. Now, prove to me that you’re going to do as I say. Remove your clothes.”
“I beg your pardon? How dare you!” I folded my arms across my chest, backing away.
“Come here.” His words weren’t a request, but a harsh demand.
I took a decided step away, debating whether I should attempt to run out of the room for a second time. But I had to think about Indiana. While I didn’t honestly believe he’d hurt my baby boy, I couldn’t take that chance.
“I said, come here. Do not make me ask you again.”
“Just leave me alone. Don’t you dare touch me.” I was surprised at the rebellion in my voice, but anger and frustration had swirled together to form some kind of backbone. I wasn’t going to allow this man to do anything to me.
His look of defiance, his strong jaw kept my attention. Why was he doing this? With his chest rising and falling, I sensed his anger was just below the surface. There was nothing else I could do but to obey him.
With my fingers fumbling, I yanked at my shirt. He’d seen me naked yet the heat covering most of my face indicated how embarrassed I was. This was crazy. How had I gotten here?
He took a deep breath, remaining where he was, yet the predatory sense about him was so strong, much like the scent of his power.
I turned away, fighting with my jeans. When I finally managed to pull my legs free, I took a deep breath.
“Your thong and bra as well.”
With a hard snap of my head, I glared at him with all the hatred I could feel. Every memory of the passion we’d shared faded completely away, leaving nothing but rage.
But I did as he asked, trying my best to hold my head high.
“Now, come here.” The way he beckoned me was as if he already had gained full control over me. To hell with him.
I slowly shook my head.
His sigh was heavy. Then I was shocked by his force and speed as he wrapped his hand around my hair, his fingers digging into my scalp.
I yelped, stars floating in front of my eyes, all the struggle crumbling away as I was forced to realize I had no ability to fight him. The pain was biting and when he twisted his hand, dragging me onto my toes, I let out a series of whimpers.
But I refused to beg.
“I can see that you clearly have no understanding of what kind of predicament you’re in. I’m the only man keeping you alive.”
When I hissed, he tossed me onto my stomach on the bed.
Something from deep within my psyche kicked in, my will to survive refusing to be taken by a monstrous man like Sinclair Prince.
At least not without a final fight.
I fought like hell, clawing the bedding and kicking first one leg then the other. No. No. No! This wasn’t going to happen. A whimper erupted from my throat, but the solid thud as my foot connected gave me enough energy to pounce forward, almost managing to tumble off the bed.
