Page 143 of Bride By Initiation

Valentina spins me toward the men. She murmurs in my ear, "She was a traitor. You did well. Now, let's move on and enjoy the ceremony. This is one you'll remember, trust me."

I gape at her, my stomach flipping.

She leads Maria over to stand in front of the men.

A wall behind them opens. The largest bed I've ever seen, along with sex furniture, chains, handcuffs, and other tools, fills the area.

Maria slowly blows air out of her mouth.

Valentina asks, "Do you wish to switch to the Ceremony of Water and Flames?"

Maria scoffs. "Don't say such vile things."

Valentina's lips curve. She motions to two of the men.

They step forward and take Maria's hands. They lead her to the bed, with the others following.

Valentina states, "Follow me."

I obey, and she moves toward the others. As soon as we step past the wall, it slides shut behind us.

A reclining movie theater chair rises from the floor.

Valentina beams, pointing at it, ordering, "Sit down, dear cousin. The night's just beginning."

I do as she says, and she walks toward the door.

I call out, "Wait! Where are you going?"

She smirks. "This isn't my reward, it's yours. Enjoy." She disappears behind the door, leaving me bewildered and unable to look away from what's about to happen in front of me.

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23

Sean

"Zara," I call out as I enter the apartment.

She hasn't returned my text messages, and it's irritating me. I know she's upset. I shouldn't have texted her what I did earlier, but now she's just being immature.

"Zara," I call out again, but it's dead silent. My heart races faster. I dial her number, and it rings several times.

Her voice chirps, "You've reached Zara Marino. Please leave me a message, and I'll get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks!" A beep follows the message.

"Zara, call me," I say, then hang up. Then I pull up my texts.

Me: Zara, message me back. Sorry I was a dick. Let me know you're okay.

I wait with my heart slamming against my chest. Nothing comes across my phone.

I text my sister.

Me: I know you're pissed at me, but have you seen Zara?

A minute goes by, then I get a response.

Fiona: She was here hours ago. We got into a fight, and she left. Why?

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