And now, as I look around the empty, unfamiliar room, I shiver.
I’m alone again.
I pat the spot next to me—it’s cold. Elias must’ve left during the night. Slowly, I get out of bed and slip on one of his shirts, relishing his scent, which gives me butterflies.
My God, what’s wrong with me?
This changes nothing. He still killed all those people. He nearly killed Maxwell. Am I supposed to be okay with this just because I got a few orgasms?
I should be repulsed and terrified. Elias’s world is nothing like the one I was raised in.
But strangely, or perhaps righteously, I’m not afraid of him. It’s a gut feeling. Or my heart. Because deep down, I know my Kian would never hurt me.
Someone knocks and opens the door.
“Lana, dear, ready for your lunch?” Hannah pops her head in.
“Lunch? What time is it?”
“It’s eleven-thirty.”
“Holy crap. I’ve never slept that long.”
I blush when I remember my state of undress. “Where is he?”
“Mr. Kent left last night. Had to go on a trip.”
“For how long?” I tug at the hem of his shirt.
“Did he have a message for me?” I hate the wobble in my voice.
“He didn’t say,” she says softly, her sympathy crawling up my spine like ice.
So this is it? Use me and dump me? Does he really think he owns me like a piece of meat?
I don’t think so.
“Thank you, Hannah. I’ll be right down.” I strain a smile.
That’s when I see it—a small box sitting on the dresser.
I read the note taped on top.
To my devious wife,
Next week, you will attend the Benefaction with me. Sofia will brief you. Don’t forget why you and your family are still alive.
Don’t disappoint me.
E.
P.S. John’s been reprimanded for your little adventure. Don’t try it again. Or his death will be on your hands.
Asshole. Grinding my teeth, I pick up the box. It’s heavy, slightly bigger than the size of my palm.
The polished wood exterior is inlaid with intricate geometricyosegipatterns.
It’s a JapaneseHitmitsu-Bako—a Japanese secret box!
