Page 115 of Risks of Temptation
21
Emilia
Malin hasn't touchedor seen me in two weeks. Bernadette is the only one. Even the maid is hidden from me. Bernadette allows her inside the suite while I'm showering then moves me to the sitting room before allowing her to clean the bathroom.
I've never felt so helpless. My fears of being alone and in the dark are at an all-time high. Nightmares I've had about Zaka that I had under control before my kidnapping and never surfaced when I was with Malin reappear. Since I sleep on the couch most of the time, the scent of leather mixes with Zaka's. Every day, Bernadette brings me a new picture of Malin. He's working out, shirtless, and my body aches for him.
Then she brings me a photo of a beautiful black woman cupping Malin's face. My heart breaks all over again. I set it next to the picture of the blonde woman, obsessed and unable to tear my eyes away from them, even though it hurts. I try to convince myself whatever he's doing is for us and necessary, but I fall back into feeling a deep hatred toward him.
I lie on the couch, sniffing leather, the ache for Malin stirring in my veins, and staring at the picture of him working out.
Tonight, I will see him. All this will be worth it.
Bernadette comes in and hands me a recording. "This is for you. Take a shower and get ready. We have two hours to be downstairs."
My chest tightens. "It's nighttime?"
"Yes."
My sense of time is screwed up. The curtains and shades stayed closed since the first time Bernadette kept me awake all night. I was instructed not to touch them, or there would be consequences.
"I'll be back later." She leaves.
What is this?
I hit the play button.
Malin's voice comes on. "You won't ever have her. I own her. Do you underestimate my threat of a bullet to your head?"
A man's voice comes on the recording. It's so sinister, I shudder. "I won't come in her. I'll allow you to do that."
"No. You will not touch her," Malin growls.
"Then let me have her ass."
Oh God.
In a slow, vicious voice, Malin barks, "If you touch her, I will kill you. In front of everyone, you will bleed to death."
"I have the power to make anything on earth happen. Every man has a price. I will increase my offer. Three favors, along with double what you bought her for. Surely that is worth more to you than your whore." His voice is evil and powerful. But I also hear desperation, which scares me more.
"I own her. You do not. You will never own her."
"Then give me a taste. Let me have her in my mouth."
There's a slam. "I said no."
I jump, and my heart races.
Gustave's voice cuts in. "This conversation is over. You will obey the rules. Every man in the room has to follow them. You are no exception. Do not forget it."
"She is not your property. I own her. I will break her and continue to for the remainder of her life, not you."
There's a moment of silence and the blood pounds in my ears, making me dizzy. The air in my lungs becomes thick.
I'm property.
Malin owns me.
