Page 34 of Blissful Devotion

I don’t know what made me ask, but something tells me that Sofía and I will be seeing a lot of each other. Not that I’m complaining; I much prefer her to Lorenzo, though I’m not sure that says much.

I’d probably prefer most people to him, Carter included. He’d no doubt been crazy and desperate, but Lorenzo has nothing to lose and much more power than Carter ever did.

Where he was just a boy playing, Lorenzo is a man with connections. He’s dangerous in a way Carter could have only dreamed of.

I move toward the door, fighting the urge to run and hide, when fingers wrap around my wrist and pull me to a stop. As quickly as she grabbed me, she released me, stepping back and once again looking down at the ground.

“I would suggest you change, ma’am.” Her voice is quiet, but it does the job as I look down and see I’m still wearing the same dress I went down to dinner in.

I honestly don’t care much, but given the goal is to survive until they come for me, I should probably at least pretend to be compliant.

Turning back around, I hesitate before looking at myself in the mirror. I’m not surprised my eyes are red and puffy, my face pale, and while there isn’t much I can do about that, I can fix up the rest of me. I make quick work of brushing my teeth, then splash some water on my face and hair before I go change.

I opt for another dress that nearly touches the floor when I can't find sweatpants or leggings. I intend to cover as much of myself as I can, which is why, despite the temperature being warm enough yesterday, I still throw on a thin sweater.

This time Sofia doesn’t stop me as we make our way out the door and downstairs. I lead the way, hating that I know it now, hating every wooden rail and high ceiling of the glittering dungeon.

Today, Lorenzo already sits at the head of the table. He’s dressed as if he’s about to go to a business meeting, not eat eggs and toast. Not a hair out of place; his suit is probably custom-made and cost more than my car did.

He pushes to his feet, a small smile tugging at his lips that leaves me fighting the urge to shiver.

“Good morning.” He reaches for me, and it takes everything in me to stay where I am, keeping the disgust I feel in my gut from showing on my face. “I trust you slept well.”

He leans down, pressing his lips to the corner of my mouth, and this time I can’t stop myself from shrinking away.

I watch his eyes harden a second before his fingers dig into my arm, yanking me back toward him‌ with a gasp.

“You’re welcome to go back to the basement; I’m sure my men would love your company,” he hisses through clenched teeth, his grip tightening with every second.

Tears well in my eyes, and I shake my head, unable to make myself respond properly.

“I didn’t think so.” He releases me with a shove that sends me stumbling back a step as he turns to the table and falls into his seat.

“Sit, and be grateful I’ve given you so much, including a future that isn’t in a box.”

His words hang heavy in the air, the threat clear.

No, looking at him, I know it’s not a threat but a promise of what will happen should I keep pushing back.

I take a deep breath, willing my hammering heart to settle as I force myself forward, dropping into the chair beside him.

“Eat,” he orders, and I do. My hands shake as I reach for my fork, feeling his gaze burning a hole into the side of my head.

His fingers are icy as they brush down my cheek, making me freeze.

“Good girl.” His thumb runs the length of my bottom lip, and I hear the sick twist of his lips. Unwilling to look up and see the cruel gleam in his eyes that I know will be there, I stare at my plate, biting the inside of my cheek until I taste the sharp, metallic flavor of blood.

I eat the rest of breakfast in silence, but even without him speaking, I feel his presence like a weight on my chest, threatening to suffocate me.

I manage to choke down a few bites, but my stomach protests, and I’m honestly not sure if it's the food or him, but I don’t push it.

“Sofia will help you find anything that you might need. I have some work to get done today, but I expect you to be here for dinner.” He stands, and I do the same, ready to be anywhere that isn’t here with him.

I sneak a glance at him and instantly regret it when I find his gaze already fixed on me, his smile predatory as he moves toward me. His fingers grip my cheeks, holding my head still and demanding my gaze.

“Behave. I have a surprise for you tonight.”

This time, when he leans in, I can’t pull away; that doesn’t stop me from trying before I remember his words and freeze.