Page 137 of Delicious Surrender

“No, Master Dima, I promise you I’m not. It’s just that time of the month and don’t feel well.”

He stared down at her, his eyes narrowing. “If you are lying to me, Malishka, I will make you bleed from someplace other than your pizda.”

She shook her head vehemently. “I swear I’m not lying.”

“Crawl over to the bed.”

She remained rooted to the spot, fear clogging her throat. He started toward her when a knock sounded.

The servant hovered at the door until Dimitri directed him to set the vodka and glasses down. As he was leaving the cabin, the ugly henchman walked in and whispered something that set Dimitri off. He swore and started barking orders. The man nodded and bowed as he backed out of the room.

Dimitri poured a large glass of vodka. Brynne watched him take out his cell phone and punch the screen. He paced around the room, yelling in Russian. When he hung up, his complexion was scarlet, and he sneered at her. “Don’t you realize I could have a sniper take Gage out any time? My people are watchinghim, just like they were watching you.”

All the blood left her head. “You don’t need to. I’m here.”

“Yes, but it seems he doesn’t want to let you go. My team has just informed me he is in Stornoway. He came alone, which was quite stupid. But you’re going to convince him you are with me now. I don’t need him calling the police and claiming I kidnapped you.”

Brynne felt dizzy and sick. “Let me call him and tell him. I will do whatever you want. Just promise not to hurt him.”

“I have sent three of my crew to get him so you can tell him to his face that you don’t love him.”

God help her, she put him in danger! He must have found her note. What was to stop them from killing him?

Dimitri’s eyes had a feral gleam as he stared at her old sweatshirt and leggings. “I want you to change into that black dress and fix your face. You better look radiant when he gets here.”

He removed the handcuffs and left the cabin. She heard him speaking harshly to the guard stationed outside.

With shaking hands, Brynne did her makeup, using plenty of concealer to hide the bruises. She hated putting the special dress on when it held such amazing memories, but the most important thing was convincing Gage to walk away. She would do whatever it took to protect him.

To calm her rattled nerves, she drank a glass of vodka and sank into a chair.

The drink was a bad idea. She felt like she was no longer inher body, and her pulse pounded in her ears.

The sound of the helicopter several floors above signaled their return. She held out faint hope that Gage had eluded them, but when Dimitri burst through the door, she saw triumph in his eyes. She jumped out of the chair and wobbled in the high-heeled shoes. He stood for a long time, his possessive gaze raking over her from head to toe. Brynne mentally steeled herself for what was to come, her stomach churning with fear.

Dimitri stalked toward her, swinging a chain from one hand. “That dress shows off your figure to perfection.” His smile was malevolent as he attached the chain to the collar still locked around her neck. “If you want him to live, you will convince him you are my cherished pet.”

The lump in her throat threatened to choke her. “Yes sir, Master Dima.”

They went up to the main deck and, when the elevator door opened, Dimitri yanked her close. “You may walk behind me until we reach the lounge, then you’ll go to your knees.”

Fury replaced fear at his ill treatment. “Yes, sir,” she seethed.

When they reached the sumptuously decorated salon, Dimitri tugged the leash, and she dropped to her knees. When he moved aside, she saw Gage. A sob escaped before she could stop it. His face was battered. One eye was almost swollen shut and his shirt was spattered with blood. His good eye landed on her, and she saw unfathomable pain reflected there. It was like a knife to her heart. He was flanked by two armed men, with his bloodied hands cuffed in front. Gage must have fought them valiantly because they, too, were beaten and bruised.

If I don’t comply with Dimitri, they will kill him, she realized soberly. She would find some way out of this for herself—but right now she had to get Gage released first.

Dimitri stroked the top of her head like a dog. Brynne closed her eyes, so she didn’t see what it did to Gage.

“What would you like to say to him, my pet?” Dimitri’s overly sweet tone was like nails on a chalkboard.

She cleared her throat, which felt like she had swallowed sand. “I…I’ve decided to leave with Dimitri. He didn’t force me. I want a new life with him.”

Gage stared at her. A twitching muscle in his jaw was the only sign that he heard her.

“Go on.” Dimitri pulled on the leash to make his point.

“I used you.” Her head started pounding, and she felt nauseous. “I needed the money and the job, but I realize I want more. Dimitri can give that to me. So, you should go. You need to let me go.”

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