Page 11 of To Keep A Wolf
Will he be here? When the time comes, does he have a plan to avoid this horrific outcome Jadick’s so intent on? Or will he sit by and watch it happen?
Do you trust me?
I want to. When I got his letter, I did. But now… standing here in front of Jadick, I’m not quite sure if I can.
“Your heart is racing,” Jadick comments.
I can feel his eyes on me, searching. He’s enjoying whatever he sees there.
I force my gaze to his. “Marriage is a big step,” I say.
“Would you like to practice?”
“Practice?” I repeat, wary now.
“The ceremony. The end is my favorite,” he whispers, crowding me until I’m forced to back up or subject myself to his kiss. Again.
“No,” I say, grimacing when my hips hit the low wall bordering the next section of gardens.
Jadick leans close. “You may now kiss the bride.”
I place my hands on his chest, pushing him away. He bears down harder, clearly warming to the idea of a fight. It’s his favorite way to have me, and I’ve played right into it.
His head dips lower. Closing the distance.
I cringe, shoving him, but it’s no use. He’s stronger than I am. I hate that.
I hate him.
Movement over his shoulder distracts me. My gaze flicks that way and lands on a face so familiar and heart-stopping I forget to fight back at all.
Jadick’s mouth lands on mine just as, beyond the hedge rows, Levi’s face contorts with understanding. Then Jadick’s closeness eclipses my view. His lips shove harshly against my own.
I shriek, bringing my knee into Jadick’s groin before I can think it through.
He doubles over with a grunt then stumbles back.
My unobstructed view is a victory. But when I look again, Levi is gone.
Maybe he was never there at all.
Jadick snarls, straightening and pinning me with a look I know I should fear.
“You will show me some respect,” he spits.
“I respect those who deserve it,” I snap back.
He grabs my arm, squeezing until I have to bite back a cry. Dragging me toward the house, he doesn’t stop until we’re back in his office. Then he shoves me across the room, letting go so that I careen into the book shelf. I catch myself and whirl just as he slams the French doors shut, sealing us inside.
Alone.
I brace myself for whatever punishment he intends to dole out. Backing away, I feel for anything on the shelf behind me that might help. My fingers close around a cylinder-shaped object. I grip it and plant my feet.
Jadick saunters forward. He’s not hurrying, not now that he knows we won’t be disturbed. When he reaches me, he leans in close and inhales deeply against my jaw.
“You smell good enough to make me want to forget, you know.”
I remain still, heart pumping with the need to attack.
