He hadn’t protected me from the man who’d tried to suffocate me right in front of him, so why would he try to save me from his cousin? It didn’t make sense to me.
I spent over an hour in that bathroom, washing, making sure I was clean as a wound stitched closed. Once done, I stepped out, a white towel wrapped around me. Steam swirled around my skin as I made my way to the room, fingers combing through my damp hair.
Nial’s protectiveness still lingered on my mind, confusing and unwanted. Yet despite all attempts to brush off any thoughts of him, I failed. As I settled into the chair at the vanity, I reminded myself that he was a monster. One that I must escape from.
I dried my hair, strolled to the wardrobe, and picked out the first pair of pajamas I spotted. A black nightgown. After slipping into it, I headed back to the king-sized bed and slid under the duvet.
It was so comfy and super cozy, a stark contrast to the floor I’d been lying on for days. My body ached, my joints hurt, and I was exhausted. The second I closed my eyes, I fell asleep.
I didn’t wake up until a strange noise pulled me out of the dream world. My eyelids yanked open, and I sat upright, my gaze darting toward the door. I wasn’t exactly sure what I’d heard, but my curiosity was piqued.
“Stay in bed, Kiera,” I murmured under my breath. “Stay in bed.” I glanced at the wall clock and realized it was half past midnight.
This was enough reason to lie back, close my eyes, and doze off again. But my mind couldn’t stop wondering what had made that thudding noise. I wanted to see for myself.
The maids had assured me that I was safe here. But why should I trust any of them? I was the stranger here, the prisoner.
Slowly, I got out of bed and began heading toward the door with cautious steps. I grabbed the handle and pulled the door open. The hallway was dark, but I could hear voices downstairs. It sounded like two men were discussing something in Russian.
Get back inside,a voice whispered to me.
I didn’t listen; I took that bold step and closed the door gently behind me. In my defense, I just wanted to know what was happening. What were those men discussing at this time of night?
Kiera Emily Jane, get back inside this instant.
I was almost halfway through the dark corridor when I heard that familiar husky voice.
“Going somewhere?”
“Jesus Christ!” I exclaimed softly, my hand flying to my chest.
The lights came back on, the chandelier’s warm glow illuminating the hallway. When I turned around, I spotted him leaning against the wall, shirtless.
Tousled strands framed his face as he stared at me in silence, his storm-gray eyes catching mine. His body was rigid, shoulders broad and unmoving. His abs were firm, chiseled—sculpted to perfection.
Hot.
Attractive.
But it was the scars that caught my attention. Knife cuts marked his ribs and shoulders alongside longer, harsher lines that looked like welts from a whip. The lashes crisscrossed his body, a testament of how unkind life had been to him.
Each mark hinted at a rough childhood, one evidently filled with pain and torment. No wonder he had ice in his veins.He’d been to hell and back—maybe even more times than I could fathom.
He straightened and began approaching me with his usual slow, measured steps. I tried to stay focused, but his ridiculously attractive body kept distracting me.
“What’re you doing up at this time of night?” he asked, that smooth voice carrying a hint of something I was yet to name.
I blinked, trying to anchor myself to reality. “I could ask you the same thing.”
He halted in front of me. Close. Too close. The scent of his cologne filled the air around me and invaded my senses. I swallowed hard while looking up at his face, my heart drumming at our proximity.
His lips twisted into a faint grin. “Do you ever answer a question like a normal person?”
I raised my brows. “Does anything about me seem normal to you?”
Silence.
His smirk remained.
