I jerked my hand through my hair as a ragged breath escaped my lips. “Regardless of what I might feel about Sarah, I know what my d-duty is.”
It felt even worse saying it out loud as it did floating around in my mind. At the end of the day, I needed to remember my duty to the Korolov Bratva. Even if she ever dared to give me a chance, there was no place for Sarah in my life.
CHAPTER TWELVE: SARAH
One moment I was floating along the waves of unconsciousness like a fluffy cloud against a cornflower blue sky. And then I was free falling through the air only to jerk awake with a gasp before I crashed into the ground.
The delicious aroma of breakfast filled the air around me. As I shifted in the bed, an ache burned between my thighs. At my thoughts of my night with the Beast, a warm flush echoed through me. Apparently being fucked thoroughly by him had the same effect as being drugged.
Or maybe the headache beating like a heavy metal drummer in my head was because of all the champagne I’d consumed last night. With a groan, I slapped my hand to my head.
My eyelashes fluttered maddeningly as I tried to clear my eyes. Although the curtains were drawn, sunlight partially lit some parts of the room. As I stared around the unfamiliar contents, an icy fear crept up my spine.
This wasn’t my room.
Turning my head, I peered into the dark to see if there was another bed, and somehow I’d passed out in Hudson and Archie’s room. But there was only the bed I was in.
“Ouch,” I murmured as I rubbed an aching spot on my upper arm. Frowning, I felt the raised spot that felt like the size of a pinprick.
Then a memory rocketed through me.
The Beast had given me the kindest and most considerate aftercare. He’d ensure I was tucked into bed. He told me goodnight at my bedside.
Things became hazy then.
There was the sting of a needle entering my skin. Slipping beneath consciousness like the surface of water.
And before I went under, an automated voice cut through my fear and panic.
Bile shot up my throat, and I clamped my hand over my mouth.No, no, no!It couldn’t have been him.
In the corner of the room, a lamp flicked on. As my eyes adjusted to the light, I tried making out the figure in the shadows.
“Good morning, Sarah.”
Every molecule in my body shuddered to a stop at the sound of the familiar automated voice.
No.
This wasn’t happening.
The man who had given me such pleasure couldn’t have drugged me. As my heart threatened to beat out of my chest, I narrowed my eyes.
When the familiar skull mask gleamed back at me, the last of my breath whooshed out in a panicked scream.
This had to be a nightmare.
I hadn’t truly woken up. If I just waited a few more minutes, I would jolt awake and find myself in one of the guest bedrooms at the manor house.
Wake up. Wake up. WAKE UP!
As the world around me spun in a dizzying flurry, I pinched my eyes shut. My chest rose and fell in harsh pants as I tried to catch my breath.
It was then that a familiar woodsy smell first invaded my nostrils and then my senses. Even with my eyes closed, I knew the beast was looming over me.
“Breathe, Sarah,” his voice purred.
It was him.
