I need his obsession to be my leverage.
“Julian,” I murmur, summoning my acting skills. “I’m just... I’m so tired of being afraid of everyone.”
He pauses, the spoon hovering over the bowl.
He doesn’t respond.
“Ah—I, I need you to talk to me.” I use the softest voice I could muster without throwing up and plead. “I’m so afraid.”
He settles the bowl down on the floor and reaches for my face.
“You don’t have to be afraid of me.” He murmurs, his eyes locking into mine.
I lock my eyes with his and cry. Leaning my head into his hand as he reaches out. I look up at him through my lashes, letting tears track down my cheeks.
“Everyone lied to me. Damiano... he never meant anything he said. But you’ve always been there. And you, you lied to me… and you’re the only one I had left.” I stutter in between sobs, trying to look as pathetic as I can.
I see his throat work as he swallows. He wants to believe it so badly, but he’s not completely sold.
“Are you going to hurt me, too?” I say in a breathy voice, showing how fragile I am, and press my lips to his palm.
His eyes glistened in the candlelit room, and I knew I did it.
He’s hooked.
He leans in, his breathing turning shallow, but he hesitates.
I know what I had to do. I press my lips to his. Immediately, I feel disgusted with myself. But he breaks. He leans into me, his hands harsh as he strokes my hair.
He deepens the kiss, his tongue forcing entry to my lips.
“I love you, Kat,” he gasps against my mouth. “You have to learn how to love me back. I’m your best chance at survival.”
His words send a chill down my spine, but I don’t break character.
“Then untie me, please,” I plead, my heart hammering against my ribs. “I can’t breathe like this. I want to touch you.”
He pulls back, eyes flying to my wrists above my head. For a heartbeat, he seems to reach for his pocket. Then, he stops, shaking his head.
“No. Not yet. I don’t trust you.”
My heart drops thinking he’ll leave again.
Instead, he kneels on one knee on the side of the cot, leaning down, his mouth finding the sensitive skin of my neck, hiskisses turning frantic. I feel his hands move to the hem of my nightdress, hiking the fabric up to my waist, and the revulsion I’ve been burying surges up like acid.
“Julian,” I say, my eyes bulging.
He doesn’t listen.
He’s lost in his own world, his weight crushing the air from my lungs as he positions himself on top of me.
“Julian, don’t.” I plead, unable to hide the panic in my voice anymore.
The man I thought I knew is gone, replaced by a panting stranger. He ignores my pleas, his movements turning violent as he wrenches the fabric of my dress. I hear the silk scream before it gives way.
I gasp as the dress’s strap tears and falls off my shoulder, exposing my breasts to his predatory gaze. I try to twist away, to hide myself, but the ropes keep me restrained, bared for him.
“You’re so perfect,” he mutters, his voice thick and unrecognizable. “I’ve waited so long for this.” His eyes skim down my chest.
