Page 24 of Redemption

If I push her too far, she might scream in horror when I show her my true self. I could lose everything I’ve worked so hard for these last fifteen years: my wealth, my reputation, my freedom.

The temptation to indulge in this most forbidden connection is almost enough to drive me to madness, but I can’t give in. I can’t take on that risk.

Yet.

Until I know for sure that Abigail won’t be repulsed by my crueler advances, I have to be patient. I can watch her. Study her.

And when it comes to my studies, I’ve always excelled. I have an eye for detail and an excellent memory.

Abigail will be my greatest conquest, and I’ll devote the time and effort necessary to get what I want: her, in my bed, screaming my name.

I’ve never faced such a thrilling challenge in my life, and the prospect makes intense pleasure gather at the base of my spine. The temptation of her sensual painting is almost enough to make me come undone without the touch of her delicate hand.

I take a breath and master the bizarre urge to surrender to the insistent pleasure. I’m not going to come in my pants when Abigail is out of my reach.

She’s not in control of this seduction. I am.

She just doesn’t know it yet.

7

ABIGAIL

Now

You’re perfect for me.

I press my lips together to hold back the defiant words that burn my tongue. Or maybe that’s the bile that’s creeping up my throat.

I swallow hard against my rising nausea and wrench my gaze from his burning green stare. The possessiveness in his eyes is terrifyingly potent, and I can’t bear to maintain the intense connection for one second longer. He truly believes what he’s saying. I’m not sure if it’ll be possible to convince him that he’s completely delusional.

He’s decided that I belong to him.

When I look into his fiercely handsome face, I see the man I fell in love with. It’s beyond horrific to know that man was never real. Everything moment we’ve shared has been a manipulation.

I hug my arms around my aching chest, as though I can hold the shattered pieces of my heart together.

“You must be hungry,” he says, voice warm with concern.

I can’t trust in that warmth. I’ve seen his cold, merciless soul now. Any display of tenderness must be just another lie to lure me in.

I’ve always known that Dane is wickedly intelligent. I just didn’t realize that he was using that razor sharp mind against me. He’s a convincing enough actor that he tricked me into falling in love with him.

If I hadn’t gone into the powder blue house and found out what he really is, I would still be in love with him. I’d be in his bed back in Charleston, calling himMasterand giving my body to him eagerly.

I shudder at the thought. Because part of me wishes I could be that version of me—ignorant to Dane’s true nature. His crimes against me.

“I don’t feel like eating anything,” I say truthfully.

I’m not sure if I can keep food down when my gut is churning so violently.

“You haven’t eaten in nearly twenty-four hours.” His voice is heavy with admonishment now. “Come with me.”

He reaches for me, and I recoil. His hand clenches to a fist, then withdraws.

“You’ll feel better once you’ve had food.” He says it like I’m being unreasonable and providing me with sustenance will make me less cranky. “You will eat, Abigail.”

I bristle at the command, and I keep my eyes trained on the black and white tiles beneath my feet. After a tense moment, I manage to force my head to dip in a jerky nod.

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