Total pages in book: 78
Estimated words: 72340 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 72340 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 362(@200wpm)___ 289(@250wpm)___ 241(@300wpm)
I wonder if I actually get to stay in this room or if he is just bringing me here for sex and then putting me in the servant quarters or maybe a dungeon of some sort.
Shaking that unpleasant thought away, I concentrate on the amazing view. It’s something you would find on a postcard or in a travel guide. Stepping closer to the window, I soak in the beauty and let the motion of the waves calm me.
“Beautiful, isn’t it?” I turn around, startled, completely forgetting where I am for a moment. That is the thing about beautiful things—they can distract you for a short time, but then everything eventually turns ugly and real again.
“Yes, very,” I reply shyly. I watch him as he heads over to his desk. He grabs a crystal bottle that is filled with a dark liquid. Two glasses clink together in his hand as I realize he is going to pour me a drink.
“No, thank you,” I mutter before he can drop a splash of what I assume is bourbon. I’m not much of a drinker, not that I’ve had many chances to do so. I’m not even old enough to legally drink.
He turns, peering up at me. His eyes are beautiful in the setting sun. His body is lickable in so many ways, and if it’s this great looking covered by his clothes, I wonder what it will look like without.
“If you insist.” Lorenzo pours himself a large glass and slams most of it back. A dribble escapes his mouth, landing on his full bottom lip.
A brief image of me licking away the sweet-smelling alcohol flashes through my mind, but I quickly push it to the darkest corner of my brain. He’s attractive, but he is a monster. I can’t let my physical attraction to him distract me.
Watching him more closely, I can tell he is of Italian descent, which explains why he used the word ‘piccolo.’ His dark complexion, along with his dark hair and eyes, tells me he is. His body and hands are large, his whole presence is large.
“I hope you think of this place as a home, not a prison.” His words are gentle, and his eyes are soft as he looks at me. Either he is trying to comfort me or give me a false sense of safety. I’m guessing the latter. He probably wants me to let my guard down so his attack will be more vicious.
“I hope you treat me like a person and not a prisoner,” I retort, taking a seat on the sofa and folding my hands in my lap. I don’t know what else to do or where I am supposed to go. I have been given no directions or purpose yet.
“I will treat you as I see fit and no less.” I gaze up into Lorenzo’s eyes. I don’t know what to think or how to feel anymore. My mind is still reeling. In less than twenty-four hours, my life has changed so much. “No need to frown. As long as you behave, I will not treat you too badly.”
I didn’t realize I was frowning until he pointed it out. “I’ll keep that in mind,” I reply, averting my eyes to the floor. He is intense, unlike anyone I have ever met. Looking at him causes my heart to beat abnormally fast, but not looking at him makes me feel like I am missing something.
“The rules are pretty simple.” He purses his lips, taking the seat next to me. “Do as I say. Don’t disobey, and of course, you’re not to run. Ever. If you do, the deal is off, and your father is dead.” My heart is beating out of my chest.
“I won’t run, I promise.”
“You cannot wander around our home either; I will let you know what rooms you are allowed into. You do not speak to any of my men, but I will introduce you to the staff with whom you may converse. You will only wear the clothes I provide and will wear what I select for special occasions. Furthermore, you’re to stay in my quarters unless I say otherwise. You do not leave this room without my permission. You’re mine to play with, to keep, and to possess.”
His words leave me breathless. “Play with? Possess? You are talking about me like I’m a toy.”
I’ve been told many times in my life that my mouth will get me in trouble one day. I never really took that seriously until now. Much too often, I talk before I think, which is a terrible habit to have in my situation.
He leans into my body as if he is smelling me. “Yes, my personal toy. I will possess you in every single way possible,” he promises, his voice just above a whisper.
“What if I object to something you want me to do? What if I feel like I can’t handle what you ask of me?” I’m feeling very brave at the moment. I know asking this question will lead me to an answer that I don’t want to hear, but I have to hear it.