Page 731 of Coal Hearts

Whatever Dr Belford had given me, it’d done exactly what she said it would.

I had the smallest amount of power. The faintest reprieve from everything that’d happened.

I deliberately slouched as I stepped past the guards and into the corridor.

I felt better, but no way would I let them know that.

“Come on.” The two guards ushered me forward with fierce looks and a quick slap to the back of my head.

Gritting my teeth, I didn’t retaliate.

I wouldn’t.

Not until I spied a chance to get the fuck out of here.

Going where they pushed me, I walked carefully down the stairs and clung onto the banister when my vision threatened to black out from lack of food. The towel around my waist threatened to come undone as we reached the foyer and they pointed for me to head toward the ballroom.

Faint smells of breakfast still lingered even though the buffet had been cleared away. My stomach snarled as I stepped into the cavernous room. Only a few tables were occupied by Masters and their jewels. The men enjoyed an early afternoon coffee in the spilling sunshine.

Scanning the impressive room with its arched painted ceilings and wide-open doors spilling onto the deck beyond, I searched for Ily and Peter.

A loud chuckle wrenched my eyes to a table by the podium. “They’re not here, I’m afraid. Just you, my dear friend.”

I couldn’t stop hate curdling through me as the guards marched me toward Victor. He sat like a king, reclining in his chair, his long legs kicked out, ankles crossed, and fingers toying with a couple of mini tarts on a flower-painted china plate. His charcoal suit glimmered with wealth while his skin glowed with vitality, highlighting my downfall in all the worst ways.

Rachel sucked in a sharp breath as our eyes met.

Instead of sitting on the floor by her Master’s feet, she rested in the chair beside him. A rich ruby robe draped her usually naked frame, hiding the baby bump slowly appearing beneath. She cupped her unborn child, her posture as calm as possible, all while her energy stabbed me with shards of fear.

I gave her a quick smile, grateful Victor hadn’t hurt her. That he’d stayed true to his word and treated her far better now that she carried his heir.

Victor looked me up and down. “I have to say, you smell a lot better than you did on my last visit.”

“It’s not for your benefit, believe me.”

“And yet, I’ll benefit anyway.” He chuckled. “Now that you’re presentable. Let’s test your obedience, shall we?”

“Where’s Ily? What have you done with her and Peter?”

“They’re safe. You’ll see them later.”

“Let them go.”

“Nope.” He laughed again. “Now kneel, mon ami. You have three seconds.”

I might be willing to put up with his torture so Ily wouldn’t be hurt.

I might be prepared to endure whatever nightmares he delivered.

But...that first request. That simple command to do something as demoralising as submitting to him...fuck, I couldn’t do it.

Standing to my full height, I looked directly into his awful eyes. “Go fuck yourself, Vic.”

He laughed and popped a lemon tart into his mouth. Chewing elegantly, he nodded with a gleeful grin. “I thought you’d say something like that. I’m so glad you didn’t disappoint me.” Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a very familiar, horribly recognisable device.

Waving it at me, he smacked his lips and leaned forward. “One last time.” His eyes flashed with pure evil. “Kneel.”

“I’d rather ram that china plate down your throat.”