Total pages in book: 79
Estimated words: 76820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 76820 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 384(@200wpm)___ 307(@250wpm)___ 256(@300wpm)
Day by day, it’s getting harder staying cooped up in the room. I miss interacting with people.
I miss my grandfather and Uncle Ricco.
God, I even miss school. How sad is that?
Being alone is starting to wear me down much sooner than I thought it would. I’m even contemplating wandering out into the garden in the hopes of seeing one of the women.
My pride and grief keep me from leaving the room, though.
The wounds are still too raw, and it feels like I’ll betray my family by interacting with any of the people on this property.
Movement draws my attention away from the water feature, and when I see Viktor, my heartbeat instantly speeds up, and my mouth dries out. He always wears black cargo pants and a shirt for work, so seeing him in a gray suit has my stomach doing cartwheels. The way he walks makes him look hot and powerful.
Even the devil is beautiful, Rosalie. The man is a monster and rotten on the inside. He killed your grandfather and uncle. Don’t forget your grief for one second.
I turn away from the window and glance around the room that doesn’t offer any entertainment. I’m so bored I wash my hair on a daily basis and even stick to a skincare routine, which I never used to do. I pack and unpack my closet and move the furniture around just to stay busy.
I wish I had my kindle so I could lose myself in my books.
Letting out a sigh, I take a seat on the chair by the vanity table and scowl at my reflection.
Don’t give in.
These people are your enemies.
You’re a prisoner, not a guest.
A knock at the door has my head snapping up.
Viktor only calls me for lunch and dinner, so the unscheduled visit at this early hour has my heart going crazy in my chest.
God, please don’t let this turn into the worst day of my life. Don’t let him rape me.
The door opens, and I’m instantly dizzy with fear. Standing up, my legs tremble and threaten to give way beneath me.
It’s on the tip of my tongue to start begging when Viktor’s eyes narrow on my face. “What’s wrong?”
I suck in desperate breaths.
Realization flashes over his features. “Jesus, Rosalie. Calm down. I’m a man of my word. I’ll never force myself on you.”
His promises mean nothing to me.
To my utter surprise, he places a gift on the bed and says, “Get ready. We’re going out.”
What?
I gape at him, which makes him chuckle. “I’m taking you out for the day.”
“I get to leave the property?” I ask, wondering if this is some kind of trick.
He nods toward the black box that’s tied with a silver ribbon. “Put on the dress, birthday girl. I’ll wait downstairs.”
I watch as he leaves, still not sure what’s going on, but the promise of getting out of the house is too much to ignore. I quickly walk to the bed, and with trembling fingers, I pull the ribbon loose. Lifting the lid off, I move the silver paper out of the way and stare at the pale blue fabric.
When I take it out, I gasp at how pretty the summer dress is. It’s my favorite color, and half my clothes are in the same shade.
Unable to stop myself, a smile slowly curves my lips. The gift shouldn’t mean anything to me.
I shake my head and quickly step out of my jeans and t-shirt so I can slip on the dress. I grab a pair of pumps for my feet and take a couple of seconds to look at my reflection in the mirror.
The dress fits perfectly.
I turn my gaze to the doorway, and with the overwhelming temptation of being among other people, I leave the bedroom.
When I come down the stairs, Viktor tucks his phone into the breast pocket of his suit jacket and glances up at me. He looks so striking in the formal wear I lose my ability to breathe for a moment.
Lifting his arm, he holds his hand out to me.
Not wanting to be difficult and risk my chance at freedom, I place my palm in his. My cheeks flush when his strong fingers wrap around mine, and I’m pulled to stand in front of him.
His eyes drift over my face, and his voice is low and deep as he says, “You look breathtaking, Little Rose.”
Before I can stop the words, my manners push them over my lips. “Thank you.”
A pleased smile transforms his face from brutal to so damn attractive, I have to look away.
When he weaves his fingers with mine, I feel uncomfortable being so close to him, and at the same time, attraction. The latter emotion makes guilt rear up in my chest.
Viktor leads me to the front door, and when we step out of the house, I’m met with a large paved driveway and a yellow Lamborgini.