Page 20 of His Prize

He turned around. “Yep?”

I pointed. “You forgot your recording device.”

He held my stare. “My bad.”

“I’m sure.”

I watched him come back in and pick it up before disappearing out into the hallway. Then, I relaxed against the pillows of my hospital bed. Israel patted the top of my hand as Ash sat back down, picking up her book from where she had left off. And as my anger toward my uncle filled the marrow of my bones, I understood where he was coming from. He was a desperate man who had gotten backed into a corner after a lifetime of climbing to the top. Of course, he’d do anything to keep his position, no matter where he was.

But, that didn’t mean he was going to win this war.

It’s time to take matters into my own hands.

And once I got out of this hospital, that was exactly what I would do.

7

Bonnie

“Miss Bonnie?”

“Yes?”

“Can I get you anything while I’m in the kitchen? It’ll save you a trip.”

I sighed. “No, thank you, Miss Rankoff. I’m all right.”

“Are you sure? I don’t mind bringing you something. You haven’t eaten since lunch anyway.”

“I can get myself something when I get hungry.”

“Miss Bonnie, I’m not sure that’s a good idea. The doctor said you need to be resting.”

I danced my fingertips against my cheekbone. “I’ll get it myself when I’m ready. Thank you.”

I blocked out the rest of what the caretaker was saying as I stared at myself in the mirror. Coming home from the hospital yesterday had been such a blessing. But now? Everyone kept treating me as if I were an invalid. Like I couldn't do anything for myself or walk on my own or venture out of this damned bedroom to get myself anything. And now that I was back in Israel’s bedroom—again—I had to prove to people that getting up and down the steps wasn’t going to be an issue.

When really, it hurt like a bitch.

“No wonder he won’t stick around,” I murmured.

I ran my fingertips along the bruises on my face and sighed. Bruises mired my once-pristine cheekbones. My sparkling eyes were almost swollen shut. My wonderfully plump lower lip had a split in it that cracked open and made my teeth turn red every time I tried to smile. I couldn't even fucking grin, I was so hideous.

“He’ll never want me this way,” I whispered.

I was lost. I was angry. But, most of all, I was confused. A few days ago, I knew what it meant to have absolute power. I knew what it meant for people to regard me with respect instead of disdain. I knew what it meant for Israel to look at me with lust—and finally give in—rather than pushing me away. I knew what it felt like to feel on top of the world. Unstoppable. Completely in control.

And now, I was right back at the beginning.

“Here you are, Miss Bonnie. I went ahead and brought you some—goodness gracious! What are you doing out of bed?!”

I sighed. “I can get out of bed whenever I please, Miss Rankoff.”

“Oh, no, no, no. This isn’t going to do. Here, let me help you back into bed.”

I tried to fight off the woman, but my entire body was stiff. I couldn’t move my shoulders, much less throw a punch. I couldn’t bend down without groaning, much less sweep my leg beneath hers to knock her over. Moving felt like such a chore, and everyone kept doting on me as if I were some sort of cripple.

I hate all of this.

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