“What?” There’s confusion written across her face while her eyes search mine. “What do you mean, you have to check on her? She’s fine. She’s safe and sound. Why would you let her get in the way of this?”
“She could still hurt herself to make a point. Or worse.” Would she? I don’t know.
“That’s not your problem.” She scoffs, tipping her head to the side, folding her arms. I’ve known her long enough to know she’s getting good and pissed. “You don’t even need her anymore, Liam.”
“You know I do. The contract with Gabriel Russo is already signed, and he expects me to hand her over when the time comes. Besides, it would be very suspicious if Donovan Blackwell’s daughter happened to die the day after he did—and the day after we signed the marriage license, and I took controlof her father’s accounts,” I add. Her face falls and some of her attitude drains away because she knows I’m right.
She juts her chin and rolls her eyes, though, because she can’t admit it. Stubbornness is a trait we share. “So long as that’s all it is,” she grumbles, getting to her feet after holding my gaze for a beat.
I can only shake my head, disappointed in her. “I’m sorry you were expecting more out of tonight, but I need to turn in—I need to have a semi-clear head when I wake up.”
“Come on,” Ethan coaxes, slinging an arm around her shoulders and steering her out of the room. “We’ll see if we can get into a little trouble elsewhere.”
The way I’m feeling, imagining my wife lying in bed, waiting for me… I might be in the mood to get into a little trouble myself.
9
AURORA
Islide the last closet drawer shut, annoyed that I didn’t find anything useful within the bedroom. Liam left me a while ago, and I have spent every minute of it searching the space I’m confined to. I came up with absolutely nothing. No weapons I could use, and no information that would tell me more about my brand-new husband.
Tiptoeing to the door, I press my ear against the smooth wood and listen. Voices and laughter carry down the hall, but it’s not loud enough to make out anything in particular.
I should be used to being left out and locked up, but the bitterness and feeling of resentment doesn’t lessen. As I make my way to the bed, I tell myself I should be glad that he at least didn’t chain me up before he left. Another plus was finding the silky pajama set in the closet. It’s nothing more than shorts and a tank top, but I feel much better with this compared to being naked.
Climbing into bed, I pull the blanket up to cover my body before reaching over to flip the bedside lamp off. The room descends into darkness, and I curl up until I’m comfortable.Well, as comfortable as I can get being locked up by a man who has total control of my life.
Letting my eyes fall shut, I try my best not to think about the situation I’m in, and pretend I’m safe so I can put myself to sleep quickly. Unfortunately, my brain has other ideas, and I spend the next while analyzing and processing everything I experienced today.
When I finally do manage to doze off, I’m not asleep for long. I startle awake to a loud knocking sound followed by a string of hushed curse words. I lift my head up and scan my dark surroundings. The only faint light in the room is coming from the window, and it’s just enough to make out Liam’s large body moving away from the dresser, which I think he just ran into, toward his side of the bed. He flips on the lamp, making me squint my eyes against the sudden light.
Liam, who has already undressed down to his boxers, is swaying on his feet. “Sorry to wake you, princess,” he slurs, his eyes glassy. “But I still need to tie you up.”
My heart sinks. “Is that really necessary? I did everything you asked of me.”
He tilts his head to the side. “It’s going to take more than a day to gain my trust.”
“What could I possibly do to you in your sleep?” I argue. “You can keep the door locked, and there is nothing in here I can use as a weapon.”
“How do you know that?” he questions with a knowing grin. “Did you snoop around while I was gone?”
I don’t bother denying it. “Did you really expect me not to?”
“Of course not.” He chuckles. “I did, however, expect you to lie about it.”
“Well, sorry to disappoint you.” I frown.
“I wouldn’t say I’m disappointed, but I’m still going to chain you to the bed.”
He climbs onto the mattress and crawls to my feet. I instinctively pull my legs toward my body.
“What if we make a deal?” I blurt out without thinking.
Liam pauses, his slightly unfocused gaze scanning my face with piqued interest. “What kind of deal do you have in mind?”
Shit. I didn’t think this through. “I could… maybe I…”
His hungry eyes lower to my mouth as a mischievous grin spreads across his face. “You could wrap your lips around my cock,” he offers point-blank. “That could definitely persuade me not to tie you up.”
