Page 18 of Sold to Her Enemy

I close my eyes tightly, remembering when I submitted my application for vet school. I was in the tiny office nobody used, where I often studied because the offices were closer to the vet clinic I was working at.

“When you have your veterinarian license, I’m going to take you to Hawaii, and we’ll celebrate.”

My belly tingled with nerves because I liked Adrian, too. He had gotten through Harvard, and even though he hated biology, he took classes to better understand my father’s work.

“It’s a deal,” I said.

I remember thinking, finally.

Because by the time I was a vet, I was determined not to let Ava ruin my life.

I never thought it would be her brother who shattered my life.

Stepping out of the warm spray, I grab the black and rough towel that’s left for me. I dry off every part of me before wrapping my hair in the towel and wringing it out.

I hang the towel to dry and step out of the bathroom.

My stomach rolls, and I really do think I am going to spew all over the place.

There is a bright tilling of notes coming down the hall. It’s music I haven’t heard in years, and I had hoped not to hear it because it brings back bad memories.

I make my way down the hall and enter a large, opulent bedroom.

Adrian is sitting in a burgundy leather club chair. He smiles at me as I force my body to move closer to him.

“Very nice. Turn.”

The music crescendo rises and falls, and I stop myself from curling my hands into fists.

Beside him, on a table, is a pair of gloves, a magnifying glass, and a crop. I can also see a dildo, a bundle of rope, and something glass. “How did you find the shower?”

“It was nice, thank you, Sir.”

“Mckenna, I want to tell you again that as angry as I am with you, as much as I plan on using your body to exact my vengeance, I will not cross your boundaries, and I will honor your safeword.”

Adrian could be ruthless in business, following in his father’s footsteps, but he was never cruel.

“Yes, Sir. I know.” I glance at him, and there is something softer in his expression.

As if he’s looking at me with fondness, rather than anger, but then he smiles, and it’s a wolfish grin, like he is thoroughly prepared to eat me.

He stands up, waves his hand, and the music stops.

He lifts an eyebrow. “Motion detection sensors are my favorite.”

I let out a nervous giggle. His black eyebrows shoot to his hairline. “What’s funny, my unwilling hellion?”

He slaps the side of my right breast, and it takes an effort not to hunch my shoulders forward. “Nothing, Sir. Sorry, Sir. I’m nervous.”

“Yes, that’s obvious.” He slaps my left breast in the same way, this time with more force. I can’t hold back the surprised cry.

“Ow!” I lick my lips but force myself to stand as still as I can.

“You look thinner, Mckenna, and not in a pleasant way. Are you not taking care of yourself?” He grabs my chin, jerks my head to look at him, and forces my chin up.

I close my eyes tightly. “Not my usual exercise.”

“A pity. For years, all I could think of was getting my hands on you, even after you always coldly rejected me. And now? Well, it’s a different time, isn’t it?” Adrian pushes his palm against my face, spreading his fingers out.

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